My name is Carlos Luquin, and I am a 4th grade teacher at Mill School and Technology Academy. This past fall my class participated in the Upward Together art program. For 8 weeks, our students worked on many different art projects taught by two amazing teachers, Mr. Jasser and Ms. Bridgette. The students created self-portraits, collages, cubism, puppets, and paintings, using different types of media. In addition, the students learned about different artists and the history behind certain styles of art. My class was very engaged in the many projects they worked on and really loved the program. I would definitely recommend the Upward Together art program. - Fall 2023

Working with Sya Warfield in 2016 on the photo project for underprivileged kids was a rewarding experience. Capturing moments of joy and creating lasting memories through photography was not only fulfilling but also impactful in making a positive difference in the lives of these children. Sya’s commitment to this project inspired a sense of purpose, and together, we contributed to creating a meaningful and heartwarming initiative. - Mina Santiago-Boyer

My name is Michael Klubock, Founder and Executive Director of the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education and Kids Ocean Day in Los Angeles, CA. I have 30 years of experience working as an educator and non-profit organizer. I have seen many professionals’ come and go. Sya is one individual I have worked with who uniquely stands out. She has contributed tremendously to our arts initiative. It is my pleasure to strongly recommend Sya. She has the ability to manage and inspire communities through the arts. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with her artwork. During our time together in 2019, Sya developed a 2-week program at Will Rogers Elementary School in the LA school district.  While working with a group of 12 elementary school students, she consistently encouraged students to go above and beyond the expectations. She takes a proactive approach to her teaching with an amazingly positive attitude. She possesses the ability to reach youth on all levels, helping to encourage and empower them to be mature and responsible adults. I strongly recommend Sya for any art education position that becomes available to her.  

Sya contributed tremendously to our summer enrichment program as an Art Consultant in 2017 at Shonto Preparatory Schools in Arizona. I strongly believe that Sya has the ability to manage and inspire communities through the arts. While working with a group of 15 Navajo middle school students, she consistently encouraged students to go above and beyond the expectations and standards established for her specific project design.

I observed Sya as she worked with our students. She introduced photography techniques, publication using mixed media and wheat pasting that students found enjoyable yet enforced their learning. Students learned the importance of creating quality artwork through developing, or experimenting with different mediums and techniques involving the use of digital cameras.

After students developed a level of mastery using the techniques taught, they applied them creatively to share their artwork within the school and in a public setting. Sya’s artistic mastery of the art mediums and techniques taught proved to be invaluable, as the students' artwork was outstanding. 

They produced a wheat pasting project within the school by spelling “BELIEVE” using their photography in one of the main hallways which remains inspirational to the entire school to this day. Additionally, they also put another project titled “LOVE” on the side of the community store which continues to be admired as well.

Sya exhibits a strong knowledge of art, and is passionate about sharing and instructing her expertise with young people. She possesses the ability to reach youth on all levels, helping to encourage and empower them to be mature and responsible adults. - Oleta Slick/Shonto Preportory School/2017