Cypher Arts
Our Philosophy & Purpose
Cypher Arts believes that all students, regardless of their financial resources or accessibility, should have the freedom to explore, expect, and pursue their higher education aspirations. We are committed to removing the barriers imposed by money and limited access, empowering our students to rise above challenges and emerge as leaders in their communities and the world. We wholeheartedly believe that education is the ultimate equalizer, offering students the transformative power to shape and mold their own futures.
Quality education & inspiration for every kid
- Mural Projects
- Visual Art Workshops
- Dance Workshops, Classes, and Academies
- Mental Health/Physical Fitness Course: Allergic I|
Average.
- Poetry/Literary Arts Classes
- Motivational School Assemblies
Programs
We offer a range of programs to meet the particular needs of your students & your budget.
Interested in joining the team?
ApplyThe Team
Our instructors are a team of professional artists, educators, youth leaders and mentors with decades of experience.
Victor Lucero
Founder | CEO | Dance Choreographer | Visual Artist
Growing up with multiple challenges such as Dyslexia, social anxiety, and an abusive father, Victor attributes most of his success as a professional artist to an elementary school teacher who mentored and encouraged him to continue to grow as an artist despite his adversities. She taught him basic life skills as tools to achieve goals and to dream bigger. Mrs. Wester gave him a lead part in a school play. As a result, Victor overcame multiple fears the evening after the performance. He received a standing ovation.
Because of that one pivotal moment, Victor’s life took a drastic turn for the better, which eventually lead him to Los Angeles where he started a career in the Entertainment Industry.
Victor attests that his life would definitely not be the same without his teacher/mentor and he desires to make the same difference in young lives by recreating similar moments through art education, performances, and mentoring. Victor now uses his life story to inspire and empower students everywhere. This multi-talented artist has been drawing and painting on-and-off for years as a hobby, but until recently (COVID 19, 2020) he jumped headfirst into the world of professional painting. Victor has always been creative and has utilized several artistic outlets to communicate positive messages of hope through music, dance, performing, directing, motivational speaking, and DJing. Victor Lucero has been inspiring youth through his programs and jobs for over 20 years now and is passionate about the arts being used to teach younger generations in need of positive messaging by way of expression and the practical life skills associated with artistic development. Victor has committed his life to educating and gearing youth towards productive lifestyles and developing ways that empowering them by showcasing their talents in positive outlets. Mr.
Lucero’s commitment to youth is clearly documented in his past job titles as High School Teacher, Youth Leader, After School Program Manager, Drug Prevention Specialist, Arts Director, Youth Mentor Coordinator, Curriculum Developer, Motivational Speaker, and Business Owner/Entrepreneur.
Victor is now residing in the North Monterey County after relocating from San Antonio, TX, in order to plant roots and raise his 2 kids here on the beautiful Central Coast of California where his grandparents used to follow the crops as fieldworkers. Although he has been working in the Central Coast area off and on for years, Victor has recently discovered that the Salinas Valley area is one of his grandparent’s old stomping grounds, which makes him especially excited about working with local students.
Nathan Rainey
Literary Arts Director | Poet | Spoken Word Artist
When the raw truth, a passion to impart wisdom, and skillful penmanship collide you get the artistry of Nathan Rainy a.k.a. “Froetic”, lyrical inspiration. After
acknowledging his talents from freestyle poetry slams in high school, Nathan found himself at a halt in order to begin his studies and career in I.T. work. The work fell short of fulfillment. With a passion for words and a passion for helping/counseling youth, he realized something had to be done with his gifts.
Nathan got involved with a local nonprofit organization called City Life that allowed him to combine the two. It was through this organization that he got involved with the Cypher Arts where he began performing in schools, community organizations, and various special events. Nathan has had the opportunity to speak for various organizations from Texas to California and he’s just getting started. Froetic has begun to simultaneously work on a book, an album, and the “Speak Responsibly” podcast, all while on tour and going to school online.
He’s spent the past 13 years working at his craft and engaging with kids. He continues to emphasize the deadliness of silence. As the developer of Cypher Speaks, he is currently in the process of accumulating data in order to make it evidence based. Nathan has dedicated his years to speak life into a broken generation.
Charlene Alsip
Lead Muralist
Charlene Diane Alsip is a professional Mural Artist from San Antonio Texas. Charlene has been painting Murals since February 6th, 2011 at 18 years old when she happened to discover her gift out of chance. Over the past 13 years of painting, she has created a multitude of worlds for numerous clients within their restaurants, businesses, and private residences all ranging in a variety of categories- from scenic murals, to logos and lettering, hyper realism, family portraits on canvas, sea life, Italian Garden Scenery, Fantasy Worlds, vector art, Wildlife Murals, custom designs/requests etc and have found there is absolutely no limitation of a style or category to what she is able to create.
Charlene’s ambition in life is to be a vessel in utilizing the gift she was blessed with to be of service to all others in a positive light, aspiring to give back some sort of inspiration and healing to all people of every walk of life whom may encounter her work through the worlds she is able to paint to life.
David Alfaro
Fitness & Wellness Director
David Alfaro has more than 20 years of leadership experience leading people and guiding top-tier leadership groups. David has obtained his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership MS and is currently pursuing a LPC program at Webster University David has worked as a teacher, adjunct professor, director of After School Programs and more currently Director of Advising for various Community Colleges. Mr. Alfaro has over 20 years of educational experience as college admissions and high school instructor. Prior to his education career, he worked in government programs and operated after school programs for the After- school All-stars (formally known as Inner City games). Mr. Alfaro has developed relationships with high schools, youth organizations, churches, colleges and universities, foundations, businesses, and community leaders. David is known for offering a rare blend of creative and operational training strengths. David has achieved exciting company and program turnarounds and is recognized for his success in growing and motivating young people to reach their full potential.
Contact Us
Drop us an email to schedule an in-person or virtual discovery meeting. Our team will work together with you to build a plan which fits your programming schedule and budget.