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Danielle Siembieda grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and began letter-writing campaigns focused on environmental causes as early as 9-10 years old. She was also encouraged by her parents to create art.

Danielle Siembieda’s work can often be found at the intersection of art and activism. Danielle is the Senior Program Manager for the City of San Jose’s arts industry support team. In addition to this role, she is an artist in her own right. She classifies her current project as alter-eco art, a performance art practice in which she uses technology to modify her appearance online and embody a being named Jean Gnome. 

Danielle is currently implementing the Cultural Commentary Project in association with the organization Women Eco Artist Dialog (WEAD). The Cultural Commentary Project invites artists to read through public policies and create artwork in response. The project is part of an upcoming exhibition at Root Division in San Francisco, opening on December 16, 2024. Siembieda is hosting the next Cultural Commentary Project Group on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Downtown San Jose.

Artists are encouraged to join the next ⁠Cultural Commentary Project Group⁠ and attend the ⁠2nd Saturday opening reception at Root Division⁠.

In this conversation, Danielle shares her artistic journey that stemmed from an interest in eco-activism, the layered concepts behind her work, and her role working with the City of San Jose.

Follow Danielle’s artistic practice and her work with the City of San Jose on Instagram: ⁠@alterecoartist⁠, ⁠@jeangnomeart⁠, ⁠@sjculture⁠.