Public Speaking

by Peggy Oki

Create your own fold and you will connect with your Porpoise in Life

Peggy Oki @ TEDxQueenstown

Peggy Oki, from Z-Girl skateboarding legend* to life as an educator, environmental activist, accomplished artist, surfer and rock climber.

A tireless advocate for cetacean rights through her Origami Whales Project, and “Let's Face It” Visual Petition campaign, 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.

Her art is a direct reflection of her love and dedication to our oceans and it’s amazing creatures, most especially the whale,  “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.” (artist and activist, Margery Spielman)

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.”
(local activist, Joyce Macias)

Peggy Oki 


Profession

  • Founder and Director
    Origami Whales Project
  • Campaign Coordinator
    “Let's Face It” Visual Petitions
  • Proprietor, Designer, Illustrator
    Oki Designs, fine art greeting cards
  • Environmental Art Instructor
    Whales & Dolphins Ambassador Program
  • Art Instructor
    Santa Barbara City College, Continuing Education


Acknowledgements

  • 2012 Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee
  • Santa Barbara Independent, Local Hero 2010
  • 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 Engagements

 


Youth Presentations

Green School Bali

  • 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 High School Principal

Santa Barbara, CA.

  • Anacapa School
  • Cate School (Carpinteria)
  • Crane Country Day School
  • Santa Barbara Middle School
  • VADA Visual Arts & Design Academy at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara High School

Costa Mesa, CA.

  • Break Away Costa Mesa
  • Waldorf School

Letter of Recommendation

 

* Presentations have included a screening of Dogtown & Z-Boys and/or the Origami Curtain of Whales exhibit.

 



Get In Touch

Thank you for your interest. I look forward to receiving your inquiries and comments.

Also, if you would like to be added to my mailing list for upcoming exhibits, please Sign up below:

World Oceans Day Ventura feature Peggy Oki