Heritage Days

Akiko Darcey, a Tokyo native, has lived in the DMV area for over 20 years, calling the DMV area her second home. Akiko’s work is deeply influenced by her Japanese heritage, particularly the themes of simplicity, balance, and meticulous detail. Her designs often incorporate symbols of Japan, such as cherry blossoms and wave patterns, which reflect the harmony and beauty found in nature. Akiko’s art captures a sense of peace and connection, exemplified in her design for the Japanese Heritage Logo, where she uses a traditional color palette to evoke both cultural authenticity and aesthetic harmony. Through her art, Akiko bridges her Japanese roots with her life in the U.S., creating work that connects with a global audience.

Ken Mendoza, a retired federal worker living in Northern Virginia for over 30 years, creates artwork for a nonprofit, FABA of Metropolitan DC, Inc., which fosters fellowship, athleticism, and fair play since 2001. His submission symbolizes a vibrant collaboration of Filipino and American cultures. The Philippine flag and icons like the jeepney and tricycle reflect teamwork and storytelling, while the eagle and water buffalo embody resilience and hard work. A small hut signifies simplicity, and ice cream reminds us to cherish life's sweetness. Known as the "Pearl of the Orient," the Philippines is celebrated for its rich resources, pristine waters, and unparalleled Filipino hospitality. Ken's art pays homage to the nation’s traditions, elders' contributions, and the enduring culture shared across generations.

Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann makes luxuriant paper paintings and installations that explore world-building, botanical excess, and a personal mythology informed by her identity as a biracial, second generation Taiwanese American living in DC. Her work has been shown at the Walters Art Museum, Kreeger Museum, Academy Art Museum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and American embassies in Younde, Cameroon; Lima, Peru; and Dubai, UAE.

Ruth Becker is a multidisciplinary Jewish-American artist best known for intricate, layered paper artworks and colorful, geometric graphic prints. Her style is innovative and contemporary, and also deeply-rooted in Jewish folk-craft traditions and techniques: She began papercutting as a teen and later established her practice designing ketubahs (Jewish wedding art,) creating over 2,500 works for couples worldwide. Ruth's work has since expanded to include abstract compositions in lasercut plexiglass, acrylic paint, and layered plywood. Through abstraction and material experimentation, Ruth explores how process shapes perception and how what we do impacts what we know, see, and understand.

Ruth’s background, like her art, is cross-disciplinary: She earned degrees in rhetoric and law and was a Fulbright fellow in Tel Aviv. Born and raised in the DMV, she lived in Israel for over fifteen years before returning home to Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she now lives and works.

Josue Martinez is a passionate multimedia artist and graphic designer with over thirty years of experience in creating original, inspired works of art. An alum of the prestigious Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Josue brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to his projects. A unique aspect of his work is Corinto Gallery, which he named after his birthplace, Corinto, El Salvador, as a tribute to his roots. The gallery serves as a creative hub, fostering artistic expression, community education, and engagement. Beyond his role as an artist, Josue has collaborated with various youth and change-making organizations, using his talents to educate, mentor, and contribute to the development and improvement of surrounding communities.