"Create your own fold and you will connect with your Porpoise in Life" (Watch Peggy Oki's TEDx talk below)
Peggy Oki
From Z-Girl skateboarding legend - to life as an educator, environmental activist, accomplished artist, surfer and rock climber.
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Peggy Oki is a tireless advocate for cetacean rights through her 'Origami Whales Project' and numerous cetacean campaigns (please check our 'Take Action' page!).
Peggy has a deep commitment to our planet that drives her to inspire people around the world to make a difference.
In the 1970’s, Peggy broke barriers in the world of skateboarding as the only female member of the Zephyr Skateboard team, made famous in the film "Dogtown & Z Boys." In 2012, she was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame. Both surfing and skating continue to be a vital part of her daily life.
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Peggy's art is a direct reflection of her love and dedication to our oceans and it’s amazing creatures, especially the whale. As Margery Spielman wrote: “whose well-being seems inexorably tied to her own. She is their champion, on a quest to save them from our recklessness. Forged from a warrior’s heart, her beautiful paintings reveal the splendor of nature, while challenging viewers to plunge deeper into their own consciousness, compassion and commitment.”
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Peggy inspires not only with her art, she inspires with her actions.
“Her art reflects her core beliefs and how she lives her life. Peggy lives an examined life, from the food she eats, the paint she uses, to the surfaces she paints on and more.” - Joyce Macias (local activist)
If you're interested in discussing a public speaking opportunity for Peggy, please contact her directly (click the contact button).
Profession
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Founder and Director
Origami Whales Project
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Campaign Coordinator
“Let's Face It” Visual Petitions
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Proprietor, Designer, Illustrator
Oki Designs, fine art greeting cards
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Environmental Art Instructor
Whales & Dolphins Ambassador Program
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Art Instructor
Santa Barbara City College Continuing Education and Carpinteria Arts Center
Acknowledgements
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2012 Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee
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Santa Barbara Independent, Local Hero 2010
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Peggy Oki’s original artwork has been displayed in twenty one-woman exhibitions, forty group exhibitions, and more than eighty private and commercial collections.
Public Speaking and Youth Presentations
Public - Keynote Speaking Engagements
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Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA
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Green Festival 2014, Los Angeles, CA
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Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA*
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Peggy Oki's Journey from 'Dogtown': Beyond & Back
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EF Education First, International Language School, Santa Barbara, CA
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George Mason University, Fairfax, VA*
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Brock University, Niagara Falls, Canada
Youth - Keynote Speaking Engagements
Green School - Bali, Indonesia
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High School Opening Ceremony 2021
keynote speaker -
High School Commencement 2020
keynote speaker -
World Ocean Day 2020
keynote speaker
"Peggy spoke to the values and life experiences of our community. There are few people that live such an unobstructed yet humble life. Peggy is a unique human with a rebel spirit and kind heart that inspires positive change. As a Graduation Speaker, she went beyond expectations by engaging our community in an origami activism project. She remains in the hearts of the Green School Community, forever guiding students toward purpose action."
- Kyle King [Green School Bali - Principal]
Santa Barbara, CA
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Anacapa School
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Cate School (Carpinteria, CA)
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Crane Country Day School
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Santa Barbara Middle School
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VADA Visual Arts & Design Academy at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara High School
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Break Away Costa Mesa
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Waldorf School
Photo by Hannah Fraser
Photo by Phillip R. Lee
To view Peggy's cetacean outreach and awareness art installations, please click the button below.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead