Who's Behind It

Understory Arts Altadena was founded by Kamal Sinclair, an Altadena-born multidisciplinary artist whose practice sits at the intersection of the performing and visual arts, technology innovation, creative foresight, systems design, and community well-being. When the 2025 fires tore through Altadena's creative ecosystem, her response was instinctive: open space, tend soil, let something grow.

That response was made possible by Claudia Peña and Harris Zaki, whose generosity of spirit and deep commitment to Altadena life in all its forms transformed a private property into a cultural and well-being resource. As stewards of the site, they offered not only land and space but trust — an essential ingredient for regeneration.

Managing the organization's events and operations is Matthew Anthony, whose artistry spans three decades as a selector (DJ) in reggae and deep soul house, and who has long been a space-maker for culture to thrive across Brooklyn and Manhattan. As Program Director, he brings structure, care, and vision to the fellowship and programming at the heart of Understory Arts.

Together with a growing circle of land stewards, fellows, and neighbors they tend the conditions in which Altadena's next creative chapter can take root.

Matt & Kamal