Terry Sand
Zdenka Bleile
Inna Zatulovsky
Alan Hart
John Barrows
Visionary Behind People Around Us
Hello, I'm Leila Ghasempor — an interdisciplinary sustainable artist, community educator and art curator dedicated to celebrating love, diversity, community, and sustainability in everyday life, while advocating for artists and underrepresented voices.
I hold an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a BFA in Sculpture with a Minor in Art History from the University of South Dakota, a degree in Art & Design from Parkland College, and a certificate in Early Childhood Education and Management.
My directorial philosophy is rooted in collective thought and shared responsibility. This belief has guided my journey from immersive performance and workshop-based art into collaborative community work with children, adults, and seniors.
As a creative artist and a social-poet visionary, I help fellow artists present their work with clarity, integrity, and emotional resonance. Through People Around Us—a platform I founded in 2024—I design artist websites, create promotional videos, write about artists’ work, curate exhibitions, interviews, studio visits, and offer photography and videography services that help document and share their unique art practices. My goal is to make art more visible and amplify artists's voices.
Over the years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of creative collaboration. I find joy in witnessing people’s excitement and pride when they complete a project, or when they collectively participate in a community effort, sharing positive energy and reflecting on the awareness and inspiration that each project brings.
I’m especially grateful to my younger brother, Arman, who sparked this journey, and to my dear friend Inna, whose insight and encouragement helped me take a further step onto the path I now follow with People Around Us. I hope everyone finds an “Inna” on their journey—someone who helps them see more clearly and move forward with heart.
In my art practice, I create cinadance and performance art that explores our deep human interconnection and the power of art to inspire empathy, community, and positive change. You can visit my Art Practice, OUR WEAPON IS LOVE Website HERE and another my other social engaging art practice community at PEOPLE AROUND US ART WORKSHOPS HERE.
As an artist, I’ve also noticed that many creators—immersed in their craft—often don’t have the time or tools to fully represent their work online. Whether it’s through social media, websites, or high-quality photography, the visual storytelling side can feel overwhelming.
That’s where People Around Us comes in.
I created this platform to lift that weight, to support artists by beautifully and professionally documenting their work. My mission is to ensure their art is not only seen, but also deeply felt and appreciated.