"My experience at NOCCA had a tremendous influence on my development as an artist, educator and community culture bearer. The firm, encouraging and rigorous environment established by my instructors -- faculty members Lula Elzy, Denise Oustalet, Alton Geno, Caroline Franklin, and guest artists Miguel Lopez and Teresa Torkanowsky -- was the foundation that provided me with the growth and leadership skills that would support me throughout my career.
"As I currently serve as NOCCA’s Director of the Arts as well as Dance Department Chair, I understand the importance of encouraging our future leaders to be creative critical thinkers, lead investigations with curiosity, and practice with rigor. I know that NOCCA was a catalyst in my trajectory as a professional artist, and I will continue to allow the impact and influence of this experience to permeate my work as an educator and performing artist.
"Art is an essential part of our existence and will always play an important role in our history and personal experiences. I use my artistic practice as a means of healing, relationship building, elevating the stories and values of African American people, and educating young aspiring artists. So I encourage you to support us in giving young artists the opportunity to impact our history."
--Kesha McKey
