Oakwood Arts

Maya Jackson is an image based artist and photographer who was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She earned her BFA from VCUarts in 2019 and is currently pursuing her MFA degree at the University of Arizona. Her work focuses on challenging photography as documentation, “truthful” imagery, and introspection through self portraiture as a form of meditation. While focusing on making primarily image-based art, her practice also includes poetry, sculptural installation, and video. An active participant in her local arts community, she has been a lead mentor and class instructor at Oakwood Arts since 2017, a nonprofit whose goal is to make art and careers in creative industries accessible to everyone. In addition to creating personal work, Jackson is also an Adjunct Studio Instructor at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Studio Manager and photographer at Dementi Studio, Richmond’s oldest photographic studio.

Chioke I'Anson, PhD, is a lecturer in the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture. He is also one of the voices of NPR's sponsorship messages. Since 2016, he has tracked and delivered underwriting copy for newscasts and digital downloads.

He is also a professor of African American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and is the Director of Community Media at VPM + ICA Community Media Center, which provides free workshops and training to anyone who wants to get into podcasts. His current work focuses on podcast and media education for the public. As a philosopher, he is focused on the intersection of critical thought and media literacy.

Dr. I'Anson serves on the board of the Association for Independents in Radio. He received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and religion from Florida A&M University and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of South Florida.