Semilla Sanchez (she/her) has been a teaching artist at BAAY since the spring of 2024. An artist with a wide range of creative experiences, she teaches visual arts with a strong focus on creativity, self-expression, and social-emotional learning.
“A third of my activities offer chances for kids to try different emotions,” Semilla said. “It offers a language to try on.”
One of her favorite BAAY memories came after leading an activity where students used colors and shapes to represent different feelings. The next day, one of her kindergarteners proudly showed her several watercolor paintings inspired by her lesson.
“The student said, ‘Here’s happy, here’s sad, here’s angry’ [and] my heart just burst a little bit because she had taken what we explored together and made it her own,” said Semilla.
For Semilla, moments like these are a reminder that art is about so much more than learning techniques. She hopes that students leave BAAY with confidence, meaningful connection, and a greater understanding of both their own emotions and the feelings of others.
“I’d much rather have 20 kids create 20 different pieces than have everyone make the same thing,” Semilla said. “I really want to see what your flavor is.”
Semilla describes BAAY as a warm and welcoming community where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and be themselves. She said the BAAY community genuinely cares about helping every young person feel supported and inspired, which makes BAAY a place where creativity and connection go hand in hand.
Written by Grace Aukschun