Linda Jo Russell, a southern California native, has seamlessly woven her roles as an educator and artist throughout her life. Holding a B.A. in Education with a minor in Art from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MFA in Drawing and Painting from California State University, Long Beach, Linda Jo boasts over 30 years of teaching art at both high school and university levels. Her expertise extends to the corporate world, where she has conducted workshops on drawing and Visual Thinking in the U.S. and abroad.

Recognizing the paramount importance of community and support for artists, Linda Jo, as the Owner and Co-director of Range Projects Gallery in South Los Angeles, passionately endeavors to nurture artistic expression. Through curated exhibitions and programs, she focuses on providing a platform for underrepresented, emerging, and mid-career artists of diverse races, cultures, and genders. Linda Jo is a dedicated advocate for fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community.

Julia Smith, a native Angeleno hailing from West Adams, is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor's degree in Art. With over two decades of dedicated activism, she was introduced to Range Projects through her advocacy work. Starting as a community volunteer, Julia's commitment led her to the role of Executive Director. Now devoted to fostering the flourishing of art in the Park Mesa Heights Community and Crenshaw District, she passionately advocates for social change. As an Artivist, Julia champions artists who utilize their talents to raise awareness for crucial social issues, creating a beautiful union where activism and art intersect in her life's journey.