Xuanlana is the chief art, mark, and mischief-maker of Xtory.
As a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and having studied art history at UC Berkeley, Xuanlana has over 20 years of experience as a professional creative and community advocate. In 2001, after working with Arnold Worldwide and the influential Truth anti-tobacco campaign at its national inception, Xuanlana experienced first-hand how effectively a brand narrative could provide sweeping benefit to the public.
Art Director
For over twenty years since, Xuanlana has managed art and creative for purpose-driven organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Maker Education, the Children’s Creativity Museum, the Kapor Center, and Earthjustice. She has collaborated with clients and partners on how best to engage audiences, worked with a diverse group of visionaries and artists, and helped develop ethical standards and best practices for organizations on creative partnership.
Arts Advocate
As a community advocate, she also has a deep history in arts education on the ground. She has worked with incarcerated youth in both Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area for over ten years within the system, as well as with several arts organizations like the Imagine Bus Project, A+CCT (Artists and Children Create Together), and Music Theater Workshop. Through this work, she has also seen how art and creativity give voice to those least heard.
Xtoryteller
Given this background, she is committed to creative partnership and its deep value to communities when done with sensitivity, intent, and respect. She has developed a keen understanding of how visual narrative can communicate meaning and engage the public more deeply—and that is the guiding ethos of Xtory.