Biography
Alba Gisselle Perez, also known as Gigi Perez, is an Afro-Dominican artist, muralist, poet, certified therapeutic art life coach, and public speaker. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised between New York and Pennsylvania, Gigi has dedicated her life to transforming communities through the power of art, culture, and healing.
In 2014, she founded Gigi Sip & Gogh, a paint and sip experience that evolved into ArtLife Studio, the first Latina-owned art gallery and creative space in Freeland, Pennsylvania. Eventually, ArtLife Studio became a creative hub offering open mic poetry nights, youth art programs (including for children with special needs), and cultural events that uplift marginalized voices.
In 2021, she was featured in the PBS/WVIA documentary American Portrait, where she shared her personal journey as an immigrant artist building community through creative expression.
In 2022, Gigi traveled to Tulum Mexican for an Artist residency to create a mural at the retreat where the artists were staying for future guests to admire. The theme was centered around the elements and the element given to her and another local artist was water.
In 2023, Gigi participated in the "Immigrants Then and Now" exhibit at the Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton, where she discussed the parallels between today's Latino immigrant experience and the history of immigrant coal miners in Pennsylvania. This same year she began hosting an Arts and Music festival called "ArtFest NEPA".
In 2024, she launched the Elevated Arts Project (EAP), a nonprofit focused on making the arts accessible to under-served communities, supporting mural programs, youth mentorship, and artist development.
Public Speaking & Community Outreach
Gigi regularly speaks at schools, shelters, and community organizations, empowering students and residents to embrace creativity as a life path. She has: . Led workshops and lectures at Weatherly Middle School, focusing on Leonardo da' Vinci, creativity, and art as a lifelong career . Spoken at the Hazleton Art League, invited by Penn State University, to inspire students to pursue their dreams through the arts . Conducted workshops and talks at a local shelter, offering therapeutic art experiences and motivational guidance
Additional Roles & Leadership . Secretary of the Latino Caucus of the State Committee of Pennsylvania . Board Member of the Hazleton Art League . Board Member of the Freeland Recreation Board . A Pennsylvania Council on the Arts rostered teaching artist
Mural Work & International Art . Hazleton Integration Project (HIP Center): Commissioned mural of Frida Kahlo for an educational program . Kabaalum Retreat, Mexico: Completed a mural for an international retreat and artist residency . Regional Murals: Public artworks throughout Hazleton, Freeland, and surrounding communities
Media Features . PBS's American Portrait (2021) . Anthracite Heritage Museum: "Immigrants Then and Now" (2023) . Standard Speaker, Times Leader, El Mensajero, and other local publications
Mission Statement
Gigi continues to lead projects that combine art, activism, education, and therapeutic creativity, building platforms where healing and cultural pride are central to community growth.
