
The Digital Learning Program at Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Turning knowledge into action with creative, digital solutions for learners
During my time at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, I focused on advancing digital literacy by creating accessible and engaging educational resources for the community. I produced a series of instructional videos—several featured in the playlist above—that guide users through essential technology skills, such as helpful but easily overlooked features available on Apple’s iPhones. These videos were crafted to be accessible to the libraries’ patrons, thus empowering them with the necessary information to truly take advantage of these features while also improving their overall familiarity with their device.
In addition to video content, I collaborated with a team to design and lead interactive workshops, both virtually and in person, on a range of technology literacy topics. From helping patrons navigate smartphones and tablets to introducing tools for managing information and online resources, these sessions provided hands-on learning opportunities tailored to the needs of the community. By combining multimedia instruction with practical, workshop-based learning, I aimed to bridge the digital divide and equip individuals with the confidence to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Diane Slade's art is a reflection of the beauty and mysticism she finds in the world around her. Inspired by mythology, nature, and the extraordinary moments that often go unnoticed, Diane’s work invites viewers into a world of magic and storytelling. Whether it’s a neighbor’s cat becoming the subject of a series of paintings, a rare encounter with wildlife, or a quiet moment in the wetlands, each piece captures the essence of the natural world and the strange events that make life fascinating. Through her art, Diane brings to life the stories hidden in the ordinary and celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things.
Frank Trozzo is an award-winning Napa Valley artist and designer, renowned for his work in painting, sculpture, jewelry, and digital design. His artistic journey began early, with a passion for painting and drawing nurtured by his parents and further developed through his studies in art college and Europe. Inspired by nature, history, and the human psyche, Frank draws on the works of Carl Jung and various iconic artists like Fuseli, Blake, Magritte, and Folon to create pieces that explore the subconscious.
A self-proclaimed symbolist, Frank’s mission is to bring the inner world to life through archetypes, myths, metaphors, and metaphysics—concepts that both unite and transform us. With a background in design and business, Frank has had galleries in San Francisco, founded a successful multimedia company, and dabbled in real estate. But his true passion lies in his art, and after a transformative health experience in 2014, Frank fully embraced his creative path, painting every day since. His work is a visual exploration of the unseen, making the intangible tangible for all who engage with it.
BJ Tharaikill’s artistic journey began in rural Maryland in the 1950s and ’60s, where an accomplished neighbor introduced her to the world of painting and sketching at a young age. Under the guidance of this talented artist, BJ painted with oils and sketched outdoors with charcoal, sparking a lifelong passion for art. Though she took breaks from painting over the years, BJ returned to her craft in earnest once her children were grown, studying at the College of Marin and focusing primarily on oils.
BJ finds beauty in the ordinary, often framing everyday objects into compositions that capture fleeting moments—a glance, a snapshot of life. Her art leans toward a peculiar realism, straying slightly from full representation to highlight the unique aspects of her subjects. Drawing inspiration from objects like crows, sinks, and branches, BJ often works in series, revisiting themes that continue to fascinate her. Each piece reflects her satisfaction in breathing life into the simple, turning the mundane into something extraordinary.
Beverly Wilson has a remarkable ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary works of art. Her oil paintings, inspired by the ever-changing seasons, light, and temperature, capture the essence of rural life through bold compositions, distinctive strokes, and a carefully curated palette of colors. Her art reflects a deep connection to the land and the relationship between man and nature, themes that are central to her work.
In the early 1970s, Beverly studied under the guidance of Richard Diebenkorn at UCLA, where she was drawn to the expressive qualities of the colorists and expressionists. This influence sparked an evolution in her artistic journey, leading her to develop a vibrant and unique style. After earning her BFA, Beverly spent a year in Italy, selling sketches as she traveled through the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria. It was there, immersed in the tranquility and beauty of rural life, that her love for the wine country blossomed.
In 1983, Beverly moved to the Napa Valley, where she continues to live and paint amidst the serene landscape that inspires much of her work. Her art captures the rhythms of the countryside, transforming her observations into vivid expressions of the land’s beauty.
Beverly’s works are held in private collections and have been commissioned by a variety of distinguished organizations, including AltaMed, Heritage Produce, Beringer Vineyards, Franzia Winery, and U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson, among others. Whether in the Napa Valley or on her travels, Beverly’s paintings are a testament to her love of nature and the quiet moments that make life extraordinary.
Carl Ciliax’s path to becoming a renowned western sculptor is deeply intertwined with his rich family history in the Arizona Territory. With three generations of roots in the West, Carl’s heritage is woven into the very fabric of his artistry. His studio proudly displays a silver star once worn by his grandfather, Jim Kelley, who served as under sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, alongside a branding iron—crafted by his step-grandfather, Ira Proud of Goodsprings, Nevada. This iron, which now marks Carl’s bronzes with the iconic CX brand, symbolizes a legacy that shaped both his life and work.
Born in southern Nevada, Carl developed a passion for the outdoors and wildlife early on, becoming an expert in Desert Bighorn Sheep and a skilled guide by his twenties. His deep connection to the land and animals led to a successful outfitting business, followed by nearly a decade spent in the horse business, living the cowboy life. But life’s changing tides, including marriage and fatherhood, eventually nudged him toward a more traditional career.
In 1993, a pivotal moment came when Carl spent time with his father in a care facility. Through their conversations, Carl discovered the man behind the expectations—a man who had never pursued his own dreams. That moment became both an ending and a beginning for Carl. Encouraged by this newfound understanding, he made the bold decision to change his life. In 1999, at the age of 60, Carl left his career in plumbing supplies and embarked on a journey to discover the artist within.
Carl honed his skills through workshops at the Scottsdale Artists School, studying under the guidance of renowned sculptors Stanley Bleifield and Mehl Lawson. It was Stanley who recognized that Carl had likely been sculpting in his mind for years, shaping his future with every experience.
Now living in Napa Valley with his life partner and fellow artist Beverly Wilson, Carl’s artistry continues to evolve. In 2013, he received a prestigious commission to sculpt "Sagebrush and Silence," a monument dedicated in the historic city of Orland, California—marking Orland’s first public art installation.
Carl’s work today reflects his journey: a powerful three-dimensional storytelling that honors the western heritage he holds dear. Each piece, rich with detail, form, and movement, is a testament to Carl’s unwavering commitment to preserve and respect the past, while showcasing the creative spirit that defines him as an artist.
For Juliet Spalding, art has always been a driving force in her life. Twenty-five years ago, she began creating canework fimo beads and jewelry, sparking a lifelong passion for craftsmanship. Fifteen years ago, Juliet discovered the magic of glass and her obsession with creating glass beads was born. Starting with a small kiln for annealing, she gradually upgraded to larger kilns, now running three at full capacity.
After taking a fusing class with Bullseye glass, Juliet embarked on a journey of experimentation, which led to the development of her unique style. Today, she creates multi-media jewelry and accessories, blending materials like fabric, leather, feathers, lace, ribbon, buttons, repurposed vintage fur, stones, and a variety of beads. Inspired by organic elements, earth tones, and texture, her work is constantly evolving, with Juliet always seeking new ways to push the boundaries of her craft.
Trish Danby’s journey as a ceramic artist began with a spark of inspiration and has since blossomed into a decade-long passion for creating hand-crafted pottery. Each of her pieces, while functional, is also a work of exquisite beauty, blending form, texture, and color in perfect harmony. Trish's undeniable need to create shines through in every item she crafts, from platters and plates to functional pieces in various shapes and sizes. Her work brings a touch of elegance to any home, showcasing her dedication to both craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. Driven by a love for the medium, Trish’s pottery transforms everyday objects into something extraordinary.
Theresa Lawless, an artist residing in the Napa Valley, blends her lifelong passion for art and nature in her breathtaking floral paintings. With a background in botany, Theresa began her artistic journey by studying drawing while pursuing her degree. Though she took a more practical route in business for many years, art was always a constant pull. Her dedication to her craft led her to continue her art education through various classes and workshops, eventually discovering her artistic voice through large, vibrant flower paintings.
Theresa’s floral works offer a unique “bee’s eye” view, capturing the beauty of her subjects in a way that makes them feel alive. Whether gathered from her garden, hikes, or even flower shops, each painting is born from photographs taken at multiple angles to capture the dramatic play of light and shadow. Working in a photo-realistic style, Theresa brings each petal, each detail, to life—so much so that you can almost feel the texture and catch the sweet scent of the blooms. Through her work, Theresa invites us into a world of vibrant nature, where flowers are not just seen, but experienced.