Sia Kyriakakos is the daughter of economic immigrants pursuing the illusion of the American dream. It is this journey between merging and opposing cultures that inform her practice as an international artist and urban educator. Twice the Fulbrighter, Kyriakakos has operated as a bridge between peoples, fusing cultures and ideas while developing common understandings. She uses art as the medium to build community and trust in the gallery, the public space and in the classroom. Kyriakakos’ educational practice is linked directly with how she lives and makes art. With intent, she taps in the essence of the basic humanity of each person she interacts with extending the boundaries of “her family” proposing we are all “of” each other. Athanasia Kyriakakos earned her MFA degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2000, her teaching certification from Central Connecticut State University in 1995 and her BFA degree from The Maryland Institute, College of Art in 1991. While working in Baltimore City Public Schools she is a fierce advocate for her students and colleagues, as a political and union activist, mentor for young teachers, curriculum and art advisor, shaping Educational policy at the state level. Because of her commitment and impact in the areas of social equity, education and arts, she was nominated for National Teacher of the year and became Maryland State teacher of the Year in 2017. As a world-renowned artist, Sia Kyriakakos represented Greece in the 50th Venice Biennale; created artwork for the XXVIII Olympic Games in Athens, Greece received awards from the Deste Foundation in Greece and from the UNESCO Foundation. In 2018 she was awarded The Teachers for Global Classrooms fellowship from the State Department and The Fulbright for Distinguished Teachers Award, both awards seek to promote global competencies in education and world peace.