We had the good fortune of connecting with Cya TheCreator and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cya TheCreator, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be one of empowerment and connection, where I helped create spaces for communities of color to thrive and be heard. I hope my work sparks lasting change and inspires others to act for equity and justice.

I want people to remember me as someone who deeply cared about lifting others up and using creativity to make a difference. I hope they’ll recall my dedication to community and my passion for supporting meaningful change.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in community, culture, and the power of creative expression to drive social change. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating work that uplifts and reflects the diverse stories and experiences of marginalized communities, particularly communities of color. Through public art, I aim to bring attention to social issues, spark important conversations, and create spaces for healing and connection. Whether through murals, installations, or community-led art projects, I strive to amplify voices that are often overlooked.

I’m most proud of the work I’ve done with Kinship Arts Movement, an organization I co-founded that celebrates and advocates for communities of color through art and education. It’s been incredibly rewarding to create equitable opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about social justice through art. I’m also proud of my role as a community organizer, where I’ve had the opportunity to connect individuals to resources and help amplify their voices through creative and impactful initiatives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I could go on for a long time about the perfect week in Denver since I love planning down to the minute, but for simplicity, here’s how I’d break it down by neighborhoods and the days we’d explore. Monday would be all about the Highlands and Downtown — start by visiting Matter Print Shop and then head over to Confluence Park for a relaxing afternoon. Tuesday is for South Broadway, where I’d hit up Spudnick and go thrifting around the area. Wednesday, I’d spend the day in Sloans Lake, grabbing a drink at Odell Brewing, exploring the neighborhood, and ending the day by watching a beautiful sunset over the lake. On Thursday, I’d take a trip to Boulder, starting with a meal at Walnut Cafe before exploring the area and hiking a bit. Of course, I’d end the day with another gorgeous sunset. Friday is all about checking out the arts districts during the day and finding the best DJs playing that night. Saturday, I’d ride up Cherry Creek to check out all the murals and then finish off the day with a sunset view from my favorite parking garage. And finally, Sunday would be a museum day, soaking in all the culture Denver has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A person who truly deserves a BIG shoutout is Daisy Patton. She’s more than a mentor—she’s family. Daisy took me under her wing and had the tough conversations that most wouldn’t, always challenging me to grow. She gave me the confidence to say no when I needed to, and the wisdom to take risks when it was right. I can trace so much of where I am today back to the decision to ask her for advice and my willingness to listen. I am beyond grateful for her guidance, support, and unwavering belief in me.

Website: https://cyajonae.wixsite.com/my-site-6

Instagram: Kinshiparts_

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