Our Staff
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Tiffiney Davis, Executive Director
Tiffiney Davis, a resilient Black community leader, co-founded Red Hook Art Project (RHAP) in 2009 to provide underserved youth with artistic opportunities. As Executive Director, she secured $1 million in federal funding and expanded RHAP's free art and wellness programs. During the pandemic, she transitioned RHAP online, hosting 100+ classes and addressing food insecurity. Honored with the 2023 Woman of Distinction Award, Davis's work emphasizes arts education, community development, and inclusive spaces, earning her recognition on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
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Jacqui Painter, Artistic Director
Jacqui Painter, a proud Red Hook native, is passionate about art and civic engagement. She has been involved with the Red Hook Art Project for several years, first as a volunteer and now as an instructor for the Emerging Art Council. As District Leader for Assembly District 51, she promotes RHAP’s mission and connects with the community to support young artists.
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Justin Ruffin, Studio Manager
Justin Ruffin, 27, is a freelance concept artist and studio manager at RHAP in Red Hook. He was RHAP’s second-ever student, maintaining a lifelong passion for art. RHAP equipped him for success, guiding him through art school and launching his career. Justin now sells art professionally, giving back by nurturing young artists at RHAP, where he found his start.
Our Teachers
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Rachel Schapira
Rachel Schapira is a working artist living in Brooklyn. She makes theater, puppets, books, drawings, fiber art, prints, poetry. She is a member of the arts collective Eat Drink Tell Your Friends and of Monster Trux
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Massah
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Kate Stec
Kat Stec is a Product Designer in Brooklyn with a background in Interior Design. She enjoys experiencing the cultures and creativity of others, whether that is through the fine arts, food, or architecture. As a native to Queens, an alumnus of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and the Fashion Institute of Technology, she has first-hand experience with the value of accessible art education. RHAP is a place of shared discovery, expression, and celebration of each other - and she is so grateful to be a part of each student's creative journey
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Tevina Willis
Tevina Willis is a lifelong Brooklynite, community organizer, educator, Local Leader, and resident of Red Hook Houses. Tevina participated in the first cohort of Local Leaders five years ago and today runs the English-speaking program. Shortly after graduating from the Local Leaders program, Tevina founded her own non-profit organization which trains residents in community organizing and builds capacity of local non-profits. “I really enjoyed working with my friends. I think people are more inclined to come when they see we’re the ones leading. We see them out in the community and we can hold them accountable. People have a different level of respect when it’s their neighbors up there.” Tevina is very passionate about helping her community to be able to advocate for themselves and work together and make positive change for themselves and their neighborhood.
Our Emerging Artist Council
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Angelly Suero-Perez
Angelly Suero-Perez, a 20-year-old from Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn. Her passion for the arts started in childhood and was ignited when an art teacher showcased her work in a Manhattan museum. Eight years ago, she joined Red Hook Art Project, where she is now an intern, mentor, and co-facilitate, continually exploring new artistic techniques.
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Jaden Ruffin
Jaden, a 23-year-old artist from Red Hook, Brooklyn, found his passion for art in elementary school. Despite early self-doubt, a supportive middle school guitar teacher reignited his creative expression. After working with nonprofits like Good Shepherd, Jaden joined RHAP in 2022, where he gained confidence and showcased his art. Now part of the Emerging Art Council, he has contributed to community murals and learned diverse art forms like silk screening and sewing. Jaden's work reflects his love for Red Hook and aims to inspire others.
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Aspen Villar (He/They)
Aspen, a 23-year-old transgender male, dreams of becoming an animator. A furry and digital artist, Aspen has honed his skills over the years. His journey with the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP) began in his youth, transforming him from a shy student to an outgoing artist. Aspen cherishes his role at RHAP, finding it a safe and supportive space to grow creatively, engage in diverse projects, and be himself.
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Paige Thomas
Paige Thomas, an 18-year-old from Brooklyn, NY, is passionate about the arts. After graduating from Brooklyn High School of the Arts in June 2023, she briefly attended Nova Southeastern University for Art and Design but transferred due to waning interest and financial constraints. Currently interning at Red Hook Initiative and Red Hook Art Project, Paige leads activities like homework assistance and art classes. Her artistic journey began in childhood through drawing and painting, flourishing at RHAP since 2017 and continuing through high school, specializing in Drama and contributing to theatrical productions.
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Jayshawn Melvin
Jayshawn, a 19-year-old aspiring artist from Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY, discovered his passion for art through childhood influences like anime and cartoons. Enrolling at the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP), he honed his skills and served as a Studio Intern, inspired by his cousin Justin's artistic dedication. Jayshawn is committed to artistic growth, eager to explore new techniques and share his unique perspective with the world.
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Rosana Zapata
Rosana Zapata, an 18-year-old high school student from Miami, relocated to Red Hook in childhood. Passionate about the arts from a young age, she joined RHAP influenced by her cousin. Embracing RHAP's impact on her artistic journey, from student to intern, it has fostered personal growth and community engagement. Raised in NYCHA Red Hook Houses, her debut solo exhibition at Basin Gallery in 2023 showcased RHAP's role in her artistic and personal development.