Cultural Arts Commission

Prashant Walia  

Prashant is passionate about his community and the sustainability of the planet. When he is not working with his teams globally to solve business challenges for his clients, he is usually thinking about how we can ensure that the environment is protected and sustained for future generations. Through his travels, he has been fortunate enough to experience cultures and people from all over the world, witnessing their hospitality firsthand. This global perspective has strengthened his belief system that people yearn for the same good stewardship and community vitality, regardless of the country or continent they call home. He is inspired by the Kirkland City Council's vision and has volunteered for the Cultural Arts Commission to help foster a culture that realizes that vision.

Council vision: “Kirkland is one of the most livable cities in America. We are a vibrant, attractive, green and welcoming place to live, work and play. Civic engagement, innovation, and diversity are highly valued. We are respectful, fair, and inclusive. We honor our rich heritage while embracing the future. Kirkland strives to be a model, sustainable city that values preserving and enhancing our natural environment for our enjoyment and future generations.”

Alisa Sargsyan

Alisa is an award-winning composer, classical pianist and music educator living in Kirkland since 2013. University of Washington alumna, Alisa holds a Master of Music degree in Composition and a Master of Arts degree in Piano Performance from Yerevan State Conservatory of Music. Alisa is constantly active as a pianist, accompanist, musicologist and composer. Her compositions have been commissioned and performed in the USA, UK, Finland, Netherlands, Russia, Armenia and Georgia. An experienced chamber musician, Alisa is also a co-founder of GALA Violin and Piano Duo, performing both classical and contemporary music. Recent performances include recitals at Schneebeck Concert Hall at the University of Puget Sound (Tacoma) and Brechemin Auditorium at the University of Washington (Seattle). With 20 years of experience working in the field of Arts, Alisa is committed to serving our local community, connecting artists of various backgrounds, ages, and disciplines in order to celebrate and preserve our diverse cultural heritage.

Star Hang Nga Rush

Star Hang Nga Rush has held faculty and administration appointments at colleges and university in Washington state, where she taught writing, American Literature, creative writing, and served as an award-winning educational administrator. Star formerly served as Acting President and Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cornish College of the Arts, the first queer woman of color to do so. Her photography has been exhibited and published in the United States, Paris, London, the Netherlands, and Italy. Star is currently Interim Executive Director and Director of Education at Kirkland Arts Center. She earned her Master’s Degree in English Studies, Nonfiction, from Western Washington University. Star serves on the Washington State Arts Commission. 

Ana Aguirre

Ana Aguirre is a printmaker, visual artist, and art educator living in Kirkland, WA. Her artistic skills have been nurtured by her formal education in Visual Arts and her professional background in graphic design. She is a full-time artist committed to using natural materials and environmentally friendly inks, continually experimenting with hand printing and press methods, particularly in collagraphy. Her work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions, including those held at galleries in Kirkland and Seattle. Her work has also been featured in OPB Art Beat Oregon and art publications.

As a curator, she believes in the power of art to bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures, and she works as a liaison for underrepresented and young artists, celebrating their diversity and unique perspectives. Beyond her art, Ana is passionate about giving back and serving the beautiful and diverse Kirkland community. 

Vivian Liu

Growing up in China, Vivian discovered her interest in traditional Chinese art. With each brushstroke, she breathed life into centuries-old techniques, infusing them with her own unique creativity. Art became not just a skill but a way of life, an ever-present source of inspiration, and a conduit for self-expression. Her passion for all things art-related knew no bounds, driving her to explore new mediums and styles continually. 

Vivian's journey took a transformative turn when she ventured into the realm of web design. This transition allowed her to blend her artistic prowess with the digital age, creating immersive online experiences that captivated and engaged users. As a web designer, she embraced the challenge of melding aesthetics and functionality, crafting websites that not only looked beautiful but also served their purpose seamlessly.

Seven years ago, Vivian embarked on a new chapter of her life when she made Kirkland, Washington, her second home. Immersing herself in the local culture, she developed a deep appreciation for the city's unique charm and character. Determined to share her love for Kirkland, she turned to her artistic talents as a means of expression. Through her art, she aimed to convey the joy and fulfillment she found in living and working in this vibrant community.

Maya Park-Weber  

Maya Park-Weber is a high school student who has been creating art since she was old enough to hold a pen. She believes art is an invaluable source of enrichment that deserves attention and celebration. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in the cultural arts of her community!