Anaya Ruiz

As a child, Anaya Ruiz, went into her grandmother’s room as she watched her paint ceramics. She always asked her grandmother “can I help you?” or “Oh grandma, you missed a spot. I can get it for you.” Her love of painting began to flourish. Around 10 years old Anaya moved to New Orleans where she continued to draw and paint. At 14, her art teacher told her to apply to a local artist organization-YAYA (Young Aspirations Young Artist). There she began creating her artistIdentity. Anaya was selected to be YAYA’s first Vice President of the Artist committee during her high school years. Her photography was displayed at the Photoville Festival in New York City (2019). Throughout the years, Anaya continued her work in acrylic painting. At YAYA, she transitioned from an art student to a counselor to a teaching artist. Now she works for the YAYA Teen Guild Program as a teacher and continues to inspire and elevate her students’ aspirations and work. She believes in teaching the youth in hopes of them finding their artistic voice and power.