Artist Blogs
Active Blogs
Beto González's Apprenticeship Blog
Percussionist Beto González of Los Angeles is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master Candomblé artist Mestre Amen Santo.
This blog will follow the course of Beto's apprenticeship with Mestre Amen, as they work to improve Beto’s technique, as well as build his knowledge of the vast repertoire of rhythms within the Candomblé tradition.
William Harrison's Apprenticeship Blog
Mountain Maidu basketweaver William Harrison of Woodland is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master artist Ennis Peck.
This blog will follow the course of William's apprenticeship with Ennis, as they build upon William’s knowledge of traditional Maidu regalia, singing, and other ceremonial practice. Their work together will focus on harvesting and preparing raw materials for the construction of a large close-weaved storage basket.
Chris Low's Apprenticeship Blog
Chinese lion dancer and lion head maker Chris Low of Torrance is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master artist Corey Chan.
This blog will follow the course of Chris's apprenticeship with Corey, as they repair and restore an old lion head and choreograph a lion dance using traditional movements and elements.
Reaksmey Lath's Apprenticeship Blog
Cambodian classical dancer Reaksmey Lath of San Diego is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master artist Charya Burt.
This blog will follow the course of Reaksmey's apprenticeship with Charya, as they work to refine Reaksmey's presentation of two of the four main characters of the classical Cambodian repertoire and learn three new dance pieces over the course of the apprenticeship.
Beatriz Muñiz's Apprenticeship Blog
Afro-Cuban batá drummer Beatriz Muñiz of Sacramento is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master artist Harold Muñiz.
This blog will follow the course of Beatriz's apprenticeship with Harold, as they work to refine Beatriz's mastery of her "chair," or specific drum she plays within the batá ensemble.
Prumsodun Ok's Apprenticeship Blog
Master Cambodian classical dancer Prumsodun Ok of Los Angeles is a current master artist in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with his apprentice and sister Khannia Ok.
This blog will follow the course of their apprenticeship, as they focus on developing Khannia’s abilities as a solo performer through the intensive study of Robam Apsara and Robam Tiyae, two pieces of traditional choreography.
Inactive Blogs
Lance Zazueta's Apprenticeship Blog
Saddlemaker Lance Zazueta of Red Bluff was an apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program in 2010 with his grandfather, master artist Gaylerd Thissell.
This blog followed the course of Lance's apprenticeship with his grandfather, as he worked with Lance in the basics of building a saddle from start to finish. The apprenticeship involved Lance’s practice in using saddle-making tools, cutting leather, and customizing saddles with designs and stamps. The apprenticeship also included instruction on finishing the saddle with edging and oiling.
Linda Yamane's Apprenticeship Blog
Master Ohlone basketweaver Linda Yamane of Seaside was a master artist in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program in 2010 with apprentice Carol Bachmann.
This blog followed the course of Linda's apprenticeship with Carol, as she instructed her in the construction a feathered basket. Ohlone feathered baskets involve a labor-intensive three-rod coiling technique. In addition to the delicate work of incorporating fine mallard duck feathers throughout the outer basket wall, the baskets are adorned with quail topknot feathers and abalone shell dangles.
Thangka painter Paul Ferguson of Oakland, California, was an apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program in 2010 with master artist Ang Tsherin Sherpa. Western Wind will follow the course of Paul's apprenticeship as Tsherin instructs him in the nuances of Buddhist thangka paintings.