EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Eli is an entrepreneur that has a focal point of enhancing quality of life for developmentally-disabled adults. Spending many years in the music industry, Eli has a strong belief in arts powerful ability to change the world. Working in several residential settings, Eli is thrilled about the unique model that Belong provides for independent living.

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Ian Uponen (he/him/his) is a musician, writer, teacher, and Portlander of over 15 years. He loves art of all kinds, but his main mediums are music, film, radio, and podcasting. Music especially has long been both his passion and livelihood; he loves to teach, play, and share it, and he currently gigs regularly around Portland and has released several albums with his various bands. He also loves to watch films both at home and at the nearby Hollywood Theatre and he hosted a radio show for seven years and is hoping to get back into podcasting someday! His non-artistic hobbies include skateboarding, snowboarding, video games, jigsaw puzzles, and snuggling/walking his dog.

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CJ Wiggan is a Jamaican-American writer, illustrator, and performance creator, making emotional artwork about nature, relationships, and magic. CJ practices meditation and active listening and uses these skills to take an understanding and relaxed approach to work and new relationships. They love being in nature and interacting with people in natural settings, helping them learn how to achieve their goals. 

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Zora has worked as a support staff in various iterations for over a decade. She has stayed working in the DSP/Care worker field because of the personal connections she has made with the people she has worked with, and the impact she's been able to make through her work. She enjoys writing and performing stand-up comedy, music, gardening and chess.

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Adrian (they/them) is a visual artist and drummer with a background in mental health and graphic design. Originally from Salt Lake City, they moved to Portland in 2020 and will begin their Art Therapy master’s program in Fall 2025. Adrian recently joined the Belong Art Community and is excited to bring both their creative passions and professional experience to Artsify.

Their primary art form blends drawing and watercolor, and they also love crafting, painting, and drumming — with plans to pick up keyboard next. Outside of art, Adrian enjoys woodland walks, card and board games, video editing, theatre, movies, dancing, and more. Adrian values getting to know people and creating warm, welcoming spaces where everyone’s unique gifts can shine.