Artist Talk: Dominic Cappello
Join us for an Artist / Author Conversation with Dr. Dominic Cappello to celebrate his exhibition, “Bots, Babies, and Bad Billionaires,” which will be on view at El Zaguán from January 16 through March 14, 2026.
This event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is recommended to ensure your seat. Donations are welcome.
ABOUT THE ARTIST AND AUTHOR
Dr. Dominic Cappello—aka Dr. Dom—designs learning experiences and systems that empower communities to reclaim the essentials: affordable housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and childcare. Through his 5 Essentials Platform book collection and policy work, he focuses on real change that matters to everyday lives. A New York Times bestselling author and visionary consultant—featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show—Cappello blends technology, creativity, and public scholarship to address urgent challenges in public health, safety, education, and social justice.
Cappello grew up in working-class Costa Mesa, attending public schools and working his way through college as Captain Hook at Disneyland, a teacher’s aide, juvenile detention educator, youth shelter staff, and freelance artist, writer, and designer. He specialized in quality improvement training, developing programs for public health and child welfare, including NYC’s child protective services. He studied at California State University, Long Beach; Stockholm University’s international program, and Regis University, earning an MA. He completed his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University’s College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation.
Drawing on doctoral research in community engagement, transformational learning, and social change, Cappello develops practical solutions rooted in lived experience. His mission: to cultivate change agents who become and inspire government leaders to deliver sustainable solutions for a just world—one free from billionaire influence—that moves communities from disruption and division toward collaboration, resilience, and stability.
Contact: Anne Kelly at anne@historicsantafe.org or call 505.983.2567 for more information.
