The Shift Catalyst – Healthy, Happy Gut Summit

By Stephen Dinan, founder and CEO of The Shift Network

Many of you already know that maintaining a healthy gut and microbiome (intestinal bacteria) plays a central role in every aspect of your health.

In fact, recent discoveries have revealed that your gastrointestinal (GI) tract has a bigger, more complex job to do than most of us are aware of…

So if you have any health challenges that your healthcare providers haven’t been able to diagnose or heal, an unhealthy gut just may be the culprit.

After all, it can be the root cause of many serious health concerns — from autoimmunity to anxiety... from insomnia to sexual dysfunction... and many chronic conditions, including thyroid imbalances and arthritis.

That’s why I’m so pleased to invite you to our first-ever online Healthy, Happy Gut Summit, taking place January 14-16.

You’ll hear from a powerful lineup of today’s leading integrative and functional medicine practitioners, researchers, teachers, and authors, including Holly Tse, Dr. Trupti Gokani, Jeffery M. Smith, Summer Bock, Dr. Tom O’Bryan, McCall McPherson, Dr. Marc Halpern, and many more.

They’ll share the most effective, leading-edge holistic approaches for tapping into the mind-body-microbiome connection, healing your microbiome, and cultivating a healthy gut.

It all starts in two days, so register here now for free to ensure you receive the information that just may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

IN MEMORIAM: RAM DASS
4/06/31 - 12/22/19


Ram Dass with Stephen, Devaa, and Sienna Rose in Hawaii

Few people have impacted the course of our world more than Ram Dass. From controversial psychedelic pioneer to humble transmitter of love, Ram Dass blazed a trail of awakening and offered a powerful example of transparency and grace.

We were blessed to work with Ram Dass on a few projects for Shift, and when we were on Maui three months after the birth of Sienna Rose, we wanted to meet him in person. Even with stroke-twisted hands, he held her with delight and said, "Wow!" conveying so much with that simple word. There was something magical about how his speech patterns had been slowed by his stroke such that every single word had to carry that much power and beauty. So a word or two would lead to great laughter and a wide open heart.

One of the things that touched me most was the picture on his altar of Donald Trump that had written across the forehead, "Who could not have compassion for this soul?" I had heard the story of how he kept a picture of George W. Bush on his altar to practice really extending love but for me, it was more of a stretch to have Donald Trump there. What I appreciated about it is that he saw it as his sacred spiritual duty to love everyone, and his altar was not just for the easy candidates but the hard ones as well.

Ram Dass became ever more luminous as his body became ever more frail, a great testament to the power of the spirit to transcend and transfigure the body. While pain racked his body, he still emitted the grace of what he called "Soul-land," the place of residing in divine consciousness and blessing the world.

What a blessing to meet him and receive a taste of the grace pouring through his life — and also to meet his spiritual teacher Maharaji through his words and deeds. The ripples from his life will be with us for a long time.

— Stephen Dinan

EDITOR’S NOTE: “The Master Key” by Robert Peng, a featured speaker in The Shift Network’s 2019 Qigong Global Summit, is one of the most profoundly important books I’ve ever read. I can say that it’s life-changing with complete confidence, because it changed my life before I even finished reading it. I was so impressed with this book that we are serializing the section called “One Hundred Days of Darkness and Light” in future issues of Catalyst. You can read the fifth installment (as well as the previous ones) here.
— Phil Bolsta

As I see it, every day you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself.
— Adele Davis

The stories in this issue’s “The Nicest Thing” section come from Mona Delfino, a quantum shaman and Energy Medicine practitioner whose first course with Shift, Sound as Medicine, is just getting underway... Philip Goldberg, author of The Life of Yogananda and American Veda… and author, peacemaker, and humanitarian Le Ly Hayslip,whose bestselling memoir was made into the 1993 movie, Heaven and Earth, by Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone.

You’ll also hear from Shashi Tusken, Senior Production Manager for Summits for The Shift Network. Look for stories from other members of the Shift Team in future issues. We look forward to having you get to know us better!

Finally, we’d love to hear your answer to the question, What remedy, dietary adjustment, or lifestyle change has most improved your digestive health? To share your thoughts in our Facebook Page community, click here.

A Personal Invitation to the January 14-16 Healthy, Happy Gut Summit From Your Host, Steph Jackson

Hello. My name is Steph Jackson and I would like to invite you to join me in the Happy, Healthy Gut Summit. In this event, we're going to take a holistic but hardcore deep dive into digestive health. Did you know that our gut bacteria thrive on the colorful Polyphenols and fruits and vegetables? Did you know that the Lactobacillus bacteria that we can take in probiotics might make up 1 to 2 percent of our gut flora if we're doing well? Let's talk about the microbiome and how it affects the thyroid, the brain, detoxification, retoxification. We're going to learn dozens of simple strategies that you can implement at home right away.

To watch this 1-minute video and read the rest of the text, click here.

The Master Key
By Robert Peng, a featured speaker in The Shift Network’s 2019 Qigong Global Summit

It's 1972 in the industrial city of Xiangtan, China. A frail child with a heart condition sneaks into a hotel boiler room and befriends the elderly yet vibrant attendant, who eventually reveals his true identity as a revered Qigong master. He heals the boy and, for the next 13 years, secretly teaches him the keys to unlocking the spiritual and healing dimensions of the Life Force.

It sounds like a modern-day fable, but the story is true. And with The Master Key, that grateful student, Robert Peng, invites all of us to enter the next chapter of this empowering path. Here, Master Peng brings together the unique insights of his teacher with the moving account of his own journey.

Click here to read the fifth installment (as well as the first four installments) of this profoundly moving book.

The Neurologist Who Found Ayurveda to Heal:
The Art of Blending Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science
By Trupti Gokani, MD, a featured speaker in the Healthy, Happy Gut Summit

I was struggling in my early 20s, challenged by nights of insomnia. My issues sleeping were initially quite mild, with an occasional restless night here or there. Soon enough, the restless nights became more persistent. Eventually, I found myself not sleeping at all. This went on for weeks and then eventually into months. I sought the help of a therapist who asked if I was stressed. I told her I was not. My family life was going well. I had healthy friendships along with a significant other who was supportive and loving. Little did I know, at that time, how stress could manifest in our minds and bodies in ways we are unlikely to recognize.

To read more, click here.

In this special video series, prominent authors, speakers, thought leaders, and others answer the question, “What is the nicest thing a non-family member has ever done for you?”

Mona Delfino’s Story
Quantum shaman, energy healer, and Shift faculty

EXCERPT: “However, he's going to want to say something's wrong with it, so in order for you to sell it as fast as you want for cash, you need to tell this man, when he comes to look at it, and he will come to look at it..." I said, "... is that there's a little leak in the sink, you're going to hear a little drip once in a while, or you're going to see the closet door's going to squeak a little bit. Tell him something is the matter with it and he will buy it on the spot.”

To watch the video and read the transcript of Mona’s mind-blowing 7-minute story, click here.

You can still join Mona’s brand-new 7-week live video training, Sound as Medicine: Clear Blocks & Heal Illnesses Through the Power of Your Voice, Sound, Vibration & More, in time for her second class this Thursday. (Plus, you’ll get instant access to the complete audio and video recordings from the first class session.) For more details — and to enroll — click here.

Philip Goldberg’s Story
Award-winning author

EXCERPT: I ended up with a tiny book contract to write what turned out to be my first book. It was one of the early books on TM. And I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Because suddenly I was under contract to write a book, and I remembered Bill Gibson and what he said, and I thought, My God, this isn't four short stories. It's a couple hundred pages I have to turn out. Can I do it? I panicked and I was nervous and I thought of backing out, but I didn't.

To watch the video and read the transcript of Philip’s 14-minute story of gratitude, click here.

Le Ly Hayslip’s Story
Author and subject of Oliver Stone’s 1993 film, Heaven and Earth

EXCERPT: And so I come home, I don't know what to do, and I just get down on my knees and I pray and I cry, and then here she is, she walked in and she asked, “What are you doing?” And I say, “I am praying. I just so much want to sell this book to the publisher.” And then she gets down on her knees and both we pray. We say a prayer and she said a prayer for me, and we both pray to get my book sold. And guess what happened?

To watch the video and read the transcript of Le Ly’s 6-minute story of friendship and answered prayers, click here.

Explore Vietnam with author and humanitarian Le Ly Hayslip on the “Heaven and Earth Pilgrimage” from March 30 to April 13, 2020. Raised during a time of great conflict in her country, Le Ly has lived in the U.S. since 1970. She has made it her life’s mission to build bridges between the two countries and by rebuilding her motherland and ancestral village.

Click here for more information on this 2-week tour.

Shashi Tusken’s Story
Senior Production Manager for Summits for The Shift Network

EXCERPT: And I went and we sat there, and of course after about three sips of delicious soup, I fell apart and just shared all of what was going right and wrong. And I didn't... I hardly knew her, I had met her at three events over the course of the summer. And she looked at me and she took a deep breath and she said...

To watch the video and read the transcript of Shashi’s heartwarming 5-minute story, click here.

If you missed any “Nicest Thing” stories, you can catch up on all of them here.

“The Client Attraction Code” Facebook Live Q&A with Sharla Jacobs

Discover how to create your unique “What Do You Do?” Statement that has potential clients saying, “I need to work with you!” Sharla Jacobs, co-founder of Thrive Academy, will be leading a special Facebook Live Q&A call on Tuesday, January 14, at Noon Pacific to share how you can apply a practical, ease-filled process that will allow your business to thrive. Click here to get a Facebook Messenger reminder when the event goes live.

“Deeper Dimensions of Medical Qigong” Facebook Live Q&A with Dr. Roger Jahnke

Would you like to activate your own “inner elixir” to deepen into radical and unexpected inner healing — in the moment, anytime, and anywhere? Qigong and Tai Chi master teacher and author Dr. Roger Jahnke will be leading a special Facebook Live Q&A call on Wednesday, January 22, at Noon Pacific to share how you can integrate movement, intention, and breath to unlock the healing power of your Qi. Click here to get a Facebook Messenger reminder when the event goes live.

“Transform Grief & Pain Into Purpose & Joy” Facebook Live Q&A with Uma Girish

Would you like to be welcomed into a safe, compassionate container for opening to your pain and your soul’s truest desires — with healing practices that move you through grief and into joy? Grief guide, life purpose coach, and award-winning author Uma Girish will be leading a special Facebook Live Q&A call on Thursday, January 23, at Noon Pacific to share how you can explore the 4 most common areas of “unfinished business” — guilt, regret, unexpressed sadness, and untapped love — to enjoy a lighter, more authentic, and fulfilling life. Click here to get a Facebook Messenger reminder when the event goes live.

Your Voice:

We want to know: What remedy, dietary adjustment, or lifestyle change has most improved your digestive health? To share your thoughts in our Facebook Page community, click here.

Holiday Spices to Soothe and Strengthen the Digestive System
By Holly Tse, a featured speaker in the Healthy, Happy Gut Summit

Discover how holiday spices have amazing healing powers. Many of the spices in your kitchen pantry are powerful medicinal herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Be amazed at how festive flavors are not only tasty, but also incredibly beneficial for your digestive health and overall wellbeing.

To read more, click here.

Confessions Of A Dairy Addict: How I Detoxed My Way To Vegan
By Bianca Alexander, a featured speaker in the Healthy, Happy Gut Summit

There I was, addicted to dairy. Fortunately, everyone else around me was addicted too, which made indulging in my habit even easier. Whenever speaking to vegan friends, I often justified my diet due to the “need for protein.” Even as a vegetarian eating a balanced diet, I was convinced I needed to eat eggs and cheese in order to get “enough” protein to survive and feel energized. Many doctors and plant-based nutritionists call this the “protein myth.”

To read more, and learn how to just say no to the Dairy Fairy, click here.

The Lesser-Known Benefits of Yoga & Meditation
By Kelly Barnes

Both yoga and meditation provide a different level of concentration and relaxation to our mind and body that helps us equip ourselves better to get through our busy lives. While most people started doing yoga and meditation because of their more famous benefits such as improving flexibility, building core strength, and relaxing the mind, some of yoga’s lesser-known benefits might surprise you.

To read more, click here.

The House on the Lake
A Free Literary Immersion

Do you like ghost stories? The House on the Lake by Erin Harris (who also writes for The Shift Network) is an otherworldly tale told in the classic style. It’s the story of a shy and bookish young bachelor who’s captivated by the beauty of an abandoned mansion… and aching to reclaim a lost love. As the veil thins on a thunderous autumn night, a mysterious apparition opens him to an urgent chance to change the course of his life. The first installments are available for free online… click here to immerse yourself in The House on the Lake!

Healthy, Happy Gut Summit
A free online summit – January 14-16

If you’re experiencing digestive issues — or other health challenges — that your healthcare providers haven’t been able to diagnose or heal, The Shift Network’s Healthy, Happy Gut Summit was designed with you in mind.

This inspiring and potentially life-changing online summit will equip you to make informed choices about your diet and supplement intake that can ease uncomfortable digestive symptoms, boost immunity, improve sleep and mental clarity, fend off and help heal illnesses, and enable you to live with increased energy, vitality, and joy.

The amazing lineup of expert speakers includes Holly Tse, Jeffery M. Smith, Summer Bock, Dr. Tom O’Bryan, McCall McPherson, Dr. Marc Halpern, Dr. Trupti Gokani, and many more.

Over the course of this free 3-day summit, you’ll receive empowering, easy-to-implement diet, lifestyle, supplement — and even mindset — tips and practices to help you heal and nourish your microbiome, and restore your digestive health as well as your physical and emotional wellbeing.

You’ll join a global community of wellness seekers who are ready to cut through the mass-market noise, and spend three days with a carefully vetted panel of leaders in the healthy gut movement.

See our full list of dynamic speakers and find out everything you need to know by clicking here.

Thrive Academy Client Attraction Summit
January 17-19 in San Francisco — or — May 29-31 in San Jose, California

Attention Coaches, Holistic Practitioners, Healers, and Lightworkers… Not enough clients? Let’s start 2020 off right by using the heart-based client attraction method that’s created over $100 million in sales for those who have learned it. Learn from the power couple Stephen Dinan called, “The #1 source for turning Coaches and Holistic Practitioners into 6-figure transformational leaders.”

This is our holiday gift to you! Join Jesse Koren and Sharla Jacobs at the Thrive Academy Client Attraction Summit and you’ll get the skills, confidence, and inspiration you need to attract more clients, earn more money, and have a much greater impact in the world.

Claim Your Full Scholarship Now!

International Yoga Festival — Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India — March 1-7, 2020

Join us March 1-7 for the world-famous annual International Yoga Festival on the banks of the holy Ganges river, in the lap of the sacred Himalayas, at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Receive the darshan and inspiring, uplifting wisdom of revered saints, the teaching and touch of renowned yoga teachers from a wide variety of lineages, plus ecstatic kirtan, divine Ganga Aarti, and much more! The International Yoga Festival is a truly unique event bringing together so many masters from so many traditions, cultures, and countries in one sacred, beautiful place — the birthplace of yoga! For more information, click here.

To watch the video trailer, click here.

Detox Your Way to Optimal Gut Health with the Conscious Living 10-Day Detox
Ebook by Michael and Bianca Alexander, featured speakers in the Healthy, Happy Gut Summit

Holistic doctors recommend gently cleansing each season to maintain optimal health. Jump-start your 2020 health goals with the Conscious Living 10-Day Detox, created by Michael and Bianca Alexander, plant-based nutritionists and hosts of Conscious Living TV on Amazon Prime. In just 10 days, you can feel happier, healthier, and clearer while losing weight and gaining control over those pesky junk food cravings. In their simple but powerful ebook, you’ll receive a proven 10-day cleanse protocol, a food lovers’ plant-based shopping guide, inspiring detox tips and tools, delicious comfort food recipes, and access to pre- and post-detox coaching calls to maximize your results! Register for free for the Healthy, Happy Gut Summit to receive a special Shift Network discount on the Conscious Living 10-Day Detox.

The Miler
By Hap Cawood

In Hap Cawood’s novel, “The Miler,” a high school runner is coached to use subtle but profound spiritual techniques to improve his performance. Set in small-town Kentucky in 1955, Hap’s beautiful writing and eye for detail makes this bygone era come alive! Spiritual seekers will find lots of Easter eggs throughout, from a mention of one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s 1928 talks to astrological bangles to 20-20-20 breathing to focusing on the Third Eye to meditating — all of which will only be recognized by knowledgeable spiritual aspirants because Hap presents all this in the language of the times without specifically mentioning names, methods, or organizations. Click here to order your copy. You can learn more about “The Miler” by clicking here. And you can read an interview with Hap about the book by clicking here. Highly recommended!

Through God’s Eyes: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Troubled World by Phil Bolsta of The Shift Network. Through God’s Eyes is a road map for living a more peaceful, beautiful life. It’s the only book that shows you how dozens of spiritual principles interact, how to weave them together into a cohesive worldview, and how to practically apply this spiritual wisdom to bring joy and vitality to your daily life. For more information and to order your copy, click here. To request a free sample chapter from the author, email Phil at GodsEyes@me.com.

Through God’s Eyes is a superb book, a truly enlightened piece of work that is an essential read for all people who are truly devoted to the care and refinement of their soul. Phil is a contemporary mystic, a man whose life is a living commitment to spiritual service. I am honored to know him.
— Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Defy Gravity

One of the most important books I’ve ever read. An incredible compilation of spiritual wisdom and insight. It’s the owner’s manual God should give you when you’re born.
— Robert Peterson, author of Answers Within

For several years, The Shift Network has hosted Indigenous leaders from around the world and invited them to share their sacred knowledge, rituals, and practices to guide us in a way of living that is sustainable, healthy, and just. We’re thus delighted that the Global Indigenous Wisdom Library makes this “virtual council” of leaders and their wisdom available for everyone, everywhere for free. The Global Indigenous Wisdom Library is a collection of audio and video interviews featuring Indigenous leaders from around the world sharing prayers, sacred songs, prophecies, spiritual teachings, and pathways to healing, as well as concrete examples for birthing a new era — one in which all members of the human family are treated with respect, understanding, compassion, and justice. This sacred wisdom is important medicine for us all.

The production of The Global Indigenous Wisdom Library is a gift from The Shift Network, designed to inspire, inform, and involve you by highlighting the voices and important messages of Indigenous leaders from around the world. We want to give a heartfelt thanks to Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr. (“Brother Phil”) for his partnership in helping create this Indigenous Wisdom collection. And we thank all the speakers who have contributed to this body of knowledge. To discover more, click here.

World Peace Library. Designed for the layperson and professional peacebuilder alike, the World Peace Library has over 425 audio and video interviews with some of the most remarkable, inspiring peacebuilders in the world available to you at NO COST. You’ll find hundreds of hours of inspirational, peacebuilding, compassion-spreading talks and trainings at your fingertips with this FREE global resource. There’s no way you can’t come away from the World Peace Library deeply inspired, transformed — and part of the solution. Click here to find out how to take peace to the next level — and help co-create a global culture of peace that leaves a legacy of good for our children, our children’s children and all of humanity and life on earth.

BOOK BY STEPHEN DINAN: Sacred America, Sacred World. Infused with visionary power, Sacred America, Sacred World is a manifesto for our country’s evolution that is both political and deeply spiritual. It offers profound hope that America can grow beyond our current challenges and manifest our noblest destiny, which the book shows is rooted in sacred principles that transcend left or right political views. To order your copy, click here.

If you would like to submit something to The Catalyst, please see the submission guidelines: click here.

(#24, 12/15) (#23, 12/1) (#22, 11/17) (#21, 11/3)

2020 Issue 1 • Jan 12

The Shift Catalyst is a bi-weekly ezine for conscious change, powered by The Shift Network.

If you received this Catalyst from a friend, click here to subscribe.

• Shift Network Update
• Featured Media
• Featured Articles
• Profiles
• The Nicest Thing
• Movement News
• Action of the Week
• Shift Spotlight
• Shift Impact
• Partner Spotlight
• Featured Artist
• Allies of the Shift
• Back Issues

Like Us. Collaborate!

Invite your family and friends to participate in the Healthy, Happy Gut Summit, which takes place January 14-16. Health-changing and life-changing insights await! To discover more — and register for free — click here.

Discover the Deeper Dimensions of Medical Qigong — A free video event with Qigong and Tai Chi master teacher and author Dr. Roger Jahnke, OMD. Awaken and activate your own “inner elixir” and pave the way for unexpected inner healing — in the moment, anytime and anywhere. Wednesday, January 15, at 5:30pm Pacific

Heal Shame & Fear in Your Energy Body as an Intuitive or Empath — A free video event with author, trainer, and intuitive healer Wendy De Rosa. Discover how inherited shame impacts your physical, emotional, and energy body — and receive a healing practice to release unconscious wounding and ground deeply into your authentic power. Saturday, January 18, at 10:00am Pacific

Access Your Three Wisdom Centers With Celtic Shamanism, Qigong & the Enneagram — A free video event with author Sean Esbjörn-Hargens, the founder of MetaIntegral. Discover a powerful approach to wholeness that integrates your key sources of inner guidance — for greater ease, connection, and authenticity in your life… and relationships. Wednesday, January 22, at 5:30pm Pacific

The Next Level of Sacred Mediumship — with author, mystic and medium Suzanne Giesemann. Expand your connection to the Spirit World by learning to recognize and receive not only single facts, but in-depth stories during your readings.
New 15-Week Live Video Training Starts Wednesday, January 15

Experience the Feldenkrais Method® — with Body Language Expert and Guild-Certified Feldenkrais Teacher® Lavinia Plonka. Enjoy less pain, more confidence, and clear intentions by changing your physical posture — and rewiring your brain, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system.
New 7-Week Live Video Training Starts Thursday, January 16

The Client Attraction Code — with Sharla Jacobs, co-Founder of Thrive Academy — the #1 source for turning Coaches and Holistic practitioners into 6-figure transformational leaders. Discover how to create your unique “What Do You Do?” Statement that has potential clients saying, “I need to work with you!”
New 7-Week Live Video Training Starts Tuesday, January 21

Miraculous Life of Love — with internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and bestselling author Marianne Williamson. Embody intense, transformative love — which goes beyond feelings — into an operating system that guides you to live your true purpose.
8-Module Video Training Starts Tuesday, January 21

Upcoming Events (all subject to change):

January
• Uma Girish 7-week course

February
• Sandra Ingerman 7-week course
• Roger Jahnke 4-month course
• Wendy De Rosa 7-week course
• Trupti Gokani 7-week course
• HeatherAsh Amara 7-week course
• Sean Esbjörn-Hargens 7-week course
• Peace Ambassador Training
• KP Khalsa 7-week course

March
• Miranda Macpherson 7-week course
• Holly Tse 7-week course
• Oscar Miro-Quesada 7-week course
• Tirzah Firestone 7-week course

The Global Village Foundation

The Global Village Foundation (GVF) is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that serves the developing communities of rural SE Asia. We focus primarily on education, encouraging literacy and supporting local and regional arts and culture. We provide life lessons to local recipients and local and international volunteers through hands-on engagement at the grassroots level. GVF is a non-governmental, nonreligious, and nonpolitical 501(c)(3)organization based in California. It was founded by author, peacemaker, and humanitarian Le Ly Hayslip,whose bestselling memoir was made into the 1993 movie, Heaven and Earth, by Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone.

Click here to visit the website.
Click here to make a donation.

Geeks of Grandeur

Geeks of Grandeur enriches the lives of hospitalized children through gaming, cosplay, and pop culture by:

• Building portable, medical-grade video game carts and donate them to hospitals for children and their families to use during their time of healing.

• Offering cosplay opportunities where kids get the chance to meet their favorite superhero or heroine! The joy on a child’s face when they meet their costumed hero cannot be described.

• Hosting a variety of pop culture events including movie nights, gaming tournaments, and an annual Halloween fundraising party.

Click here to visit the Geeks of Grandeur website.
Click here to make a donation to brighten the lives of hospitalized children.

Wake Up World

Wake Up World offers articles on a range of topics, from consciousness and meditative practices to energetic healing and the exploration of our 5-dimensional reality… to articles on environmental issues and humanity’s relationship with our Mother Earth… to articles on love, life and loss, relationships, and self-discovery, to help you heal your heart, empower your spirit, and live a life of conscious gratitude… to articles on health, home, society, science and tech, and more. Click here to visit their website.

April Bey
Visual artist

April Bey grew up in the Caribbean and now resides and works in Los Angeles as a contemporary visual artist and art educator. Her interdisciplinary artwork is an introspective and social critique of American and Bahamian culture, contemporary pop culture feminism, generational theory, social media, AfroFuturism, and constructs of race.

April is in the permanent collection of The California African American Museum, The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, and The Current, Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. She has exhibited internationally in biennials NE7, NE8 and NE9 in The Bahamas, and has also exhibited internationally in Italy, Spain, and Accra Ghana, West Africa.

April has launched 3 solo exhibitions: Picky Head at Liquid Courage Gallery in Nassau, Bahamas, COMPLY at Coagula Curatorial in Chinatown, Los Angeles and most recently MADE IN SPACE at Band of Vices Gallery in West Adams.

April travels extensively to collect data for her work, having traveled to Canada, Iceland, London, Bali, Dubai, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana, West Africa. She is both a practicing contemporary artist and art educator, having taught a controversial course at Art Center College of Design called Pretty Hurts, analyzing process-based art and Beyoncé hashtag faux feminism.

Click here to explore April’s work.

Click here to watch April’s 14-minute video, “Ovaries of Steel.”

Click here to visit April’s website.