The following portfolio highlights projects and public programs led by the representative, forming the foundation of the organization’s current activities.
Zuri Lioness is a author, visual artist, and educator with over 20 years of experience working with children. My work brings together education, visual storytelling, and cross-cultural communication to inspire curiosity, creativity, and human connection.
Through art and long-term engagement with children, I explore how people connect beyond language through images, imagination, and shared experiences. I have also collaborated with international artists—including an ongoing visual dialogue with artists in Russia—communicating entirely through artwork without a shared spoken language.
Travel and cultural exploration are central to my creative practice, shaping both my artwork and the children's books I create. My stories encourage young readers to dream boldly, embrace new perspectives, and discover the world with confidence and compassion.
“I have purpose, you will see”
“The Earth is art
Themes of childhood, memory, identity, and connection appear throughout my work. Whether creating books, leading educational programs, or developing collaborative art projects, my goal is to build meaningful experiences that connect people across cultures.
I believe art is more than creative expression—it is a universal language that fosters understanding, empathy, and a lifelong sense of possibility.
Over the years, my practice has expanded beyond education into visual art exhibitions, community-based projects, and international collaboration.
in 2025, “The Earth is Art” was released, showing an educational journey or two siblings traveling throughout Japan creating different art forms with Earth’s resources.
Artistic Engagements
Bilingual Story time live reading Tokyo, Japan
Participated as a contributing artist and committee member, supporting programming and community engagement initiatives. Presented creative work within a multidisciplinary arts environment focused on cultural expression and public access.
Caribbean Art Festival Coquitlam, Canada
Invited by J-WAVE to participate in the Inspire Tokyo event, contributing through creative presentation and public engagement. This opportunity supported outreach to a wider Tokyo-based audience through a major cultural media platform.
Boulder Art Festival Boulder, Colorado
Showcased original creative work within a public arts festival setting, engaging diverse audiences through storytelling and visual presentation.
Colorado Black Arts Festival Denver, Colorado
Organized and led a bilingual storytime event, facilitating live readings and interactive engagement for children and families. The event focused on cultural learning through storytelling and accessible arts education.
Inspire Tokyo Japan By: JWAVE 81.3 mhz
Participated as a featured artist, presenting work within a festival centered on cultural heritage, community, and artistic exchange.
FORT COLLINS ART FESTIVAL Fort Collins, Colorado
Presented creative work as part of a regional arts festival, contributing to community-based cultural programming and public art engagement.
Featured Articles
A Tale of Two Human Needs
Published in: Canvas Rebel
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-zuri-lioness/
Date: July 14, 2025
CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems
Meet Zuri Lioness
Published in: Bold Journey https://boldjourney.com/meet-zuri-lioness/
Date: 2024, November
Quote from Bold Journey:
“I want to show all kids there are many things you can do and countless places to go along the way.”
Accomplish: New children’s book is headed to Crestone
Published in: The Crestone Eagle
Date: 2023, May
Quote from Crestone Eagle:
“They live without limits.” – Zuri, on the inspiring qualities of children.
Title: “Accomplish!”
Published By: Zuri Lioness
Date: February, 2023
ISBN 979-8-88955-379-3
Published in: United States
Distributed in: US, Switzerland, UK, Ireland,
Canada, Australia, Israel, Russia
Sold in local stores and online
Japanese Version Title:
できた!
ISBN978-4-9914630-0-6
Published January, 2025
Published works
Title: “The Earth is Art” a story based in Japan
Published By: Zuri Lioness
Date: June, 2025
ISBN 979-8-89940-450-4
Published in: United States
Distributed in: US, Canada, Australia
Sold in local stores and online
Japanese Version Title:
ちきゅうはアート
ISBN978-4-9914630-1-3
Published January, 2025