Elizabeth Tobias

I’m an arts and cultural strategist, interdisciplinary artist, educator, and founder of Elizabeth Tobias Arts. For more than 20 years, I’ve brought people together through art, education, wellness, and community engagement, creating programs and experiences that inspire connection, creativity, and positive change. My work brings together artistic vision and strategic thinking. From exhibitions and cultural programs to educational initiatives and community partnerships, I help ideas grow into meaningful experiences. I collaborate with artists, organizations, and institutions to develop projects that celebrate creativity, encourage participation, and support individual and community well-being. I created the Expressive Arts and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Method, which brings together visual art, music, movement, drama, and creative writing to support learning, self-expression, and connection. As Lead Community Partner for the Prebys Foundation-funded SPARX Project, I collaborated with the VAPA Foundation to pilot this approach in San Diego public schools, contributing to curriculum development and professional development for teaching artists. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with cultural, academic, and community organizations in the United States and Europe, including the Harvard Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, the American University of Paris, La Jolla Music Society, the International Teaching Artist Coalition, and the VAPA Foundation. As an artist, curator, educator, consultant, and TEDx speaker, I explore themes of identity, resilience, empathy, and human connection through exhibitions, workshops, public programs, and film projects. Across all my work, I believe creativity can open new perspectives, strengthen relationships, and help people and communities imagine new possibilities. I’d love to hear from you and explore how we might work together.