Anqwenique (Host) is a celebrated Pittsburgh-based artist, educator, and cultural leader known for her work across opera, jazz, and soul. At this year’s Pumpkin Palooza, she’ll bring her signature warmth and expertise as host. A longtime teaching artist and program designer, she leads vocal wellness workshops, consults with cultural organizations, and currently serves as president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Association of Negro Musicians and interim director of Hope Academy for Music and the Arts.

Alumni Theater Company (ATC) is a year-round program providing talented Black youth in grades 6-12 with high quality performing arts training and a platform to express their ideas. ATC is currently in its 18th season of creating bold theatrical work that gives fresh voice to the experience of young Black artists and highlights their rich contribution to our community. alumnitheatercompany.org 

K-Theatre Dance Complex (KTDC) is a dance academy that provides quality dance instruction in several major areas of dance, which include Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip Hop. Led by Artistic Director Kontara Morphis and Arts Education Director Rickia Davenport, KTDC curriculum incorporates dance theory, terminology, and dance theater. KTDC has largely impacted the physical, academic, creative, and personal development of its students. 

Los Sabrosos Dance Company is a dance and fitness organization whose mission is to help individuals find freedom, passion, self-expression, and self-confidence through movement. They offer group and private dance classes in a variety of styles including Salsa, Bachata, Ballroom classes (Waltz, Jive, Rumba, etc), Yoga, Hip-Hop, Bellydance, Zumba, fitness classes, and many more. They also offer services for weddings, quinceañeras, sweet sixteens, bachelorette and more! For information on upcoming classes and other services visit lspgh.com.

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse is a non-profit that inspires creativity, conservation, and community engagement through reuse. We operate a non-traditional art supply shop located at the intersection of Wilkinsburg, Homewood, and Point Breeze, where people can donate used art and craft supplies, as well as shop for these unique items all in the same location. We also facilitate hands-on creative programming that educates the public about the benefits of reuse for the environment, community, and self. We see reuse as a vehicle for boosting self-confidence, learning new skills, and creating opportunity for all. For more information, visit our website at pccr.org.

Assemble envisions a world where learning and creating are transformative experiences and where all people are equipped with the tools to make a difference, together. At Assemble, we use learning as a tool to create a more equitable future for youth and learners in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. We build confidence through making; connect learners, makers, technologists, and artists; and nurture agency in learners. We offer free afterschool, Saturday programs, camps, and more for kids as well as adult programs. Visit us at Assemble 4824 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, assemblepgh.org or online using @assemblepgh on social media.

Youth Enrichment Services (YES), based in East Liberty, provides socially and economically at risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education, and enrichment programs. Through mentoring partnerships, peer assisted tutoring programs, and — when needed — monitoring and mentoring programs for juvenile offenders, YES invests its talent, energy, time, and resources in empowering and enriching the lives of children and teens. YES provides responsive, innovative, and youth-designed programs that offer young people unique academic, enrichment, and employment experiences. Youthenrichmentservices.org @yes.pgh

Dreams of Hope empowers the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and allied (LGBTQA+) youth through the arts, creating a welcoming environment where they grow in confidence, express themselves, and develop as leaders. Serving primarily ages 13-26, we also offer intergenerational spaces for community members. Visit dreamsofhope.org to learn more about our upcoming programs and events, including theatriQ, our weekly performing arts youth ensemble that meets on Wednesdays from October to April.

KSci-Art Initiative is a mobile therapeutic art and empowerment program that brings creativity and healing directly to communities. Through engaging workshops, hands-on crafts, and meaningful conversations, KSci-Art uses the power of art to promote confidence, connection, and emotional wellness for youth, women, and families. From birthday parties to ladies’ nights, pop-ups in parks to partnerships with schools and teen programs, KSci-Art transforms everyday spaces into safe, creative, and joyful places for expression.