Carman Tyra J. Gaines (she/they), born and raised in San José, has a deep passion for supporting the arts in her hometown with six years of arts nonprofit experience. They currently serve as the Deputy Director of Local Color.

They are an alum of the 2018-19 Ninth Emerging Arts Professional and the 2021-22 SVMindshare Cohorts, which instilled in her a mindful work practice and an understanding of equity frameworks. In 2023, Carman was nominated to participate in the Young American Leadership program at the Harvard School of Business, further enhancing her leadership skills and knowledge of coalition work. She studied Art History and Studio Arts, concentrating on Photography, and received their Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University and an Associate Degree of Arts from De Anza College.

As a descendant of the West African, Chickahominy, and Freedman Cherokee diasporas, Carman is deeply influenced by her heritage, eternalizing a legacy of resilience and cultural preservation. Carman’s journey as an artist and art supporter is rooted in a nonlinear path, reflecting the vast ways individuals can creatively impact the world around them. Through her photo documentation and storytelling, she seeks to embody the spirit of a griot, aiming to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage in the region while inspiring joy and community.