Cultural Arts Commission

Alisa Sargsyan, D.A.

Alisa is an award-winning composer, classical pianist, and music educator who has called Kirkland home since 2013. An alumna of the University of Washington, she holds a Doctor of Arts degree from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, as well as a Master of Music degree in Composition and a Master of Arts degree in Piano Performance from the Yerevan State Conservatory of Music.

Alisa's career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. A prominent artist in the area, Alisa frequently performs at notable local venues such as the Meydenbauer Theater, Kirkland Performance Center, Schneebeck Concert Hall, and Brechemin Auditorium. She is constantly engaged as a composer, with her works being commissioned and performed across the USA and abroad. A great advocate for Interdisciplinary Arts, Alisa frequently collaborates with visual artists, dancers, and writers. A shining example of such a collaboration is the ballet "The Little Prince," which she composed for a Kirkland dance company. This production successfully premiered at the Meydenbauer Theater in Bellevue, showcasing Alisa's ability to blend storytelling with performing Arts to create an enchanting experience for audiences. 

Alisa is also a dedicated community member. Besides serving on the Board of the Cultural Arts Commission, she is working as a volunteer Director for the Lakeview Elementary School PTSA, serving on the Board of Directors of Gallery Concerts chamber music organization, and is a co-founder of the GALA Violin and Piano Duo, striving to make the Arts and Culture more accessible to our community.

With over 20 years of experience in the field of Arts and Culture, Alisa is deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging in Kirkland. She dedicates herself to connecting artists from various backgrounds, ages, and disciplines, creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural scene that celebrates and preserves our diverse cultural heritage, ensuring that everyone in the community feels valued and represented.

Prashant Walia  

Prashant is passionate about his community and the sustainability of the planet. When he is not working with his teams globally to solve business challenges for his clients, he is usually thinking about how we can ensure that the environment is protected and sustained for future generations. Through his travels, he has been fortunate enough to experience cultures and people from all over the world, witnessing their hospitality firsthand. This global perspective has strengthened his belief system that people yearn for the same good stewardship and community vitality, regardless of the country or continent they call home. He is inspired by the Kirkland City Council's vision and has volunteered for the Cultural Arts Commission to help foster a culture that realizes that vision.

Council vision: “Kirkland is one of the most livable cities in America. We are a vibrant, attractive, green and welcoming place to live, work and play. Civic engagement, innovation, and diversity are highly valued. We are respectful, fair, and inclusive. We honor our rich heritage while embracing the future. Kirkland strives to be a model, sustainable city that values preserving and enhancing our natural environment for our enjoyment and future generations.”

Ana Aguirre

Ana Aguirre is a printmaker, visual artist, and art educator living in Kirkland, WA. Her artistic skills have been nurtured by her formal education in Visual Arts and her professional background in graphic design. She is a full-time artist committed to using natural materials and environmentally friendly inks, continually experimenting with hand printing and press methods, particularly in calligraphy. Her work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions, including those held at galleries in Kirkland and Seattle. Her work has also been featured in OPB Art Beat Oregon and art publications.

As a curator, she believes in the power of art to bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures, and she works as a liaison for underrepresented and young artists, celebrating their diversity and unique perspectives. Beyond her art, Ana is passionate about giving back and serving the beautiful and diverse Kirkland community. 

Vivian Liu

Growing up in China, Vivian discovered her interest in traditional Chinese art. With each brushstroke, she breathed life into centuries-old techniques, infusing them with her own unique creativity. Art became not just a skill but a way of life, an ever-present source of inspiration, and a conduit for self-expression. Her passion for all things art-related knew no bounds, driving her to explore new mediums and styles continually. 

Vivian's journey took a transformative turn when she ventured into the realm of web design. This transition allowed her to blend her artistic prowess with the digital age, creating immersive online experiences that captivated and engaged users. As a web designer, she embraced the challenge of melding aesthetics and functionality, crafting websites that not only looked beautiful but also served their purpose seamlessly.

Seven years ago, Vivian embarked on a new chapter of her life when she made Kirkland, Washington, her second home. Immersing herself in the local culture, she developed a deep appreciation for the city's unique charm and character. Determined to share her love for Kirkland, she turned to her artistic talents as a means of expression. Through her art, she aimed to convey the joy and fulfillment she found in living and working in this vibrant community.

Luana Hancock

Luana is a longtime supporter of visual and performing arts. She discovered her own passion for singing, writing and language at an early age and nurtured her interests through various choral groups, musical theater productions, recitals, apprentice programs, competitions, and clubs over the years. She studied journalism and French at the University of Oregon, which included a year of academic and vocal music pursuits in Lyon, France. Such experiences shaped Luana’s fundamental belief that art transcends barriers to connect people in shared humanity. Her love of art of all kinds remains an anchor in Luana’s life, regularly inspiring her world travels, hobbies and work.

Over her more than 20 years as a communications professional, she has helped organizations foster public benefit and inclusion through creative storytelling, culture-building and engagement.  You are likely to see Luana admiring Kirkland’s public art while running with her dog through city parks and trails or dining on Park Lane with her husband. As Commissioner, she is proud to serve her community and support ongoing efforts to elevate artists, enhance the area’s natural beauty in unexpected ways, and reflect our rich cultural diversity so all feel welcome.

Sage Sommer

Sage, a dedicated leader in contemporary art logistics with nearly two decades of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission. With a strong background in fine art logistics, she has provided invaluable oversight in the handling, installation, and ongoing care of artworks in museum and public settings. As the Director of Exhibitions and Collections at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, Sage aligns departmental activities to fulfill strategic and artistic objectives, supervising all aspects of collections and exhibitions stewardship.

In previous roles both at the Henry and SITE Santa Fe, Sage managed substantial budgets for multiple exhibitions annually, collaborating with artists and curators to bring creative visions to life. Notably, Sage has organized large-scale public projects, including new commissions in Volunteer Park (Seattle, WA) and the Railyard Park (Santa Fe, NM). With a commitment to community engagement, Sage served on the Railyard Park Arts Committee for 8 years and co-curated a mutual aid exhibition that explored resilience, loss, and care during the pandemic lockdown.

Beyond professional accomplishments, Sage is driven by excitement and a deep passion for serving the community, creating inclusive public spaces, and contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of Kirkland. 

Maya Park-Weber  

Maya Park-Weber is a high school student who has been creating art since she was old enough to hold a pen. She believes art is an invaluable source of enrichment that deserves attention and celebration. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in the cultural arts of her community!