Julian Lacombe

Julian was raised in the Sierra Nevada foothills but has long considered Chico a second hometown. Growing up, he spent many weekends and summer breaks visiting his grandparents in Chico and occasionally helping out with their coin and jewelry store, the Penny Ranch. He was interested in the arts from a young age and explored many forms of creative expression from music and drama to creative writing and drawing.

 

While studying History and French at the University of the Pacific, Julian fell in love with art during a semester abroad in Paris. He went on to earn an MA in Education and a visual arts teaching credential, then spent two years building a middle school Fine Arts program at a charter school in Stockton. From there, he voyaged to the Bay Area and taught art and animation classes at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Over the years, he has also taught after-school drawing classes and art at a fine arts summer camp.

 

In the midst of a global pandemic, Julian moved to Chico in 2020 and started selling his art first online then at local pop-up markets. He began teaching art classes through Chico Area Recreation and Parks Department (CARD) where he continues to offer a variety of classes and summer camps. He also leads creative workshops and groups in his own location, the Penny Ranch Art Studio, and is an active volunteer and group facilitator with Stonewall Alliance of Chico. Julian is passionate about community engagement and inspiring others to explore their creativity.