What ART U

OpenedEyes’ Annual Youth Art Showcase

What is What ART U?

Meet Our Team

Ceasar Westbrook

Ceasar Westbrook

Coordinator

Visual Artist, Creative Educator, Muralist and Youth Arts Advocate

Ceasar Westbrook is a multidisciplinary artist, creative professional and art educator based in Erie Pa. With a focus on visual storytelling, mural design, youth engagement, he creates work that emphasizes culture and community innovation.

Ceasar has experience working in schools as an art educator. He also does a lot of work with community organizations and several galleries. He is known for his vibrant visual style, ability to connect with youth and having a strong community impact. Through his work, Ceasar aims to inspire creativity and bring art into everyday spaces.

Instagram / Socials: @C_West100

DeAngelo Dixon

DeAngelo Dixon

Team Member

DeAngelo is a Filmmaker | Acting Operations Manager of Community Access Media

Jasmine aka Jazzpoetictruth

Jasmine aka Jazzpoetictruth

Team Member

Born and raised in New York City, my journey has taken me through Charlotte and Texas before I found my way to Erie in August of 2022. I’m a spoken word artist, mural artist, self-published author, and acrylic-based visual artist whose work centers truth, healing, and community. Professionally, I serve as a behavior counselor and building representative, roles that reflect a lifelong commitment to working with youth. Shaped by my own experiences with trauma, I’ve dedicated my life to making sure no child ever feels unseen, unheard, or alone.

George Morgan III

George Morgan III

Team Member

Art means freedom to me. The freedom to explore your identity, challenge norms, and speak from the soul. It’s where vulnerability becomes strength and where personal stories turn into something eminent and collective.

Cameron Stewart

Cameron Stewart

Team Member

The team at Opened Eyes is such an incredible group of people, I jumped at the first opportunity to be apart of this wonderful event. I’ve been fortunate to witness the growth and the impact this event has on the community. The artwork these kids are submitting is truly astonishing and inspiring. I love seeing the event grow each year and always look forward to the next event.

Elly Vahey

Elly Vahey

Team Member

Elly Vahey is a mother of twins, (whom she refers to as “her angels,”) Kateri & Tobias, a kindergarten teacher in the Harborcreek School District, and a singer/songwriter, currently part of acoustic duo with Doug Phillips, as well as female acoustic trio, Savage Daughter. Elly is an active member of PSEA, serving as the Minority Affairs Committee Chairperson for PA’s Northwest region. Passionate about social justice, human rights, and lifelong learning, Elly appreciates even the smallest opportunities to be of any help in the great efforts to help curate and ensure a better and brighter future for ALL. She has proudly been affiliated with OpenedEyes since its early days, and will be a lifelong supporter and super fan of the great work done by and through the organization.

Brian Wojtkielewicz

Brian Wojtkielewicz

Team Member

What Art you event to me is a powerful form of self-expression that allows others to communicate emotions and ideas beyond words. It’s a space where one can explore, reflect, and connect with others on a deeper level, finding meaning and beauty in the unexpected.

Glen Conner, Jr.

Team Member

Art is important to me because it is such an amazing form of self-expression, and is only limited by your imagination. When I was presented with the opportunity to join Opened Eyes and the WhatArtU committee, I was immediately excited to help showcase the creativity and talent in our community.

Deonte Ford, LCSW

Team Member

The beautiful thing about art is there’s no “correct” way of doing things. Your work can be neat, messy, loud, big, detailed, or contain minimum detail. Each peace tells a story, and can mean something different to each viewer, allowing for several interpretations of a single piece. This is my favorite thing to witness at the art gallery event each year. Couldn’t be any more proud of every youth who shares their work with us!

Alex Carrasquillo

Team Member

Mark Lesniewski

Team Member

Davona Pacely

Team Member

Mark Petroff

Team Member

Jalysa Wojtkielewicz

Team Member

Thank You To Our Sponsors!