The Shyan Selah Foundation is proud to present this very special edition of The Artist Workshop on October 17. Join us for a conversation with veteran music executive Steven Ray and artist, entrepreneur and our founder Shyan Selah.
What can today’s emerging artists learn from the people who helped create some of the most influential music in history?
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, The Shyan Selah Foundation’s Artist Workshop program will bring that question to Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) with The Blueprint of a Legend: Michael Jackson and the Creative Minds Who Shaped an Era.
From noon to 3 p.m., special guest Steven Ray will join Shyan Selah for a conversation exploring the collaboration, decisions and creative discipline behind an era that continues to influence music and culture.
A Firsthand Perspective on Music History
Millions of people know Michael Jackson’s Thriller. This event offers an opportunity to hear from someone who witnessed its creation firsthand.
Ray worked alongside producer Quincy Jones during the making of the landmark album. His work with Jones also included the USA for Africa recording “We Are the World” and the film The Color Purple. Jones was both a friend and mentor to Ray, making this conversation in Seattle, where Jones developed as a young musician, especially meaningful.
Ray’s career extends far beyond those sessions. As a senior A&R executive at Capitol Records, he oversaw recordings for Freddie Jackson and was involved in signing BeBe & CeCe Winans and MC Hammer. His subsequent work in music publishing, artist development and film brought him into projects and partnerships spanning generations of creative talent.
Together, Ray and Selah will connect those experiences to the opportunities and challenges facing artists today.
Creating Access to Experience and Opportunity
At The Shyan Selah Foundation, we believe access to knowledge and experienced mentors can help people recognize and develop their potential.
The Artist Workshop puts that belief into practice by connecting artists, athletes and entrepreneurs with professionals who can share practical lessons from their careers. This event invites students, musicians, producers and creative entrepreneurs to look beyond the finished work and consider what it takes to build it: preparation, relationships, collaboration and the ability to bring a creative vision to an audience.
For Michael Jackson fans, it is an opportunity to explore the history behind a defining album. For emerging creatives, it is a chance to learn from a career that crosses music, publishing, film and live entertainment.
Admission is free with a valid student ID, supporting the foundation’s commitment to expanding access to educational experiences.
Join Us at MoPOP
The Blueprint of a Legend: Michael Jackson and the Creative Minds Who Shaped an Era
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time: Noon–3 p.m.
- Location: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
- Special guest: Steven Ray
- Moderator: Shyan Selah
- Admission: $40 general admission; $20 for current Artist Workshop members; free with valid student ID
Bring your curiosity, your creative ambitions and your appreciation for the music that helped shape an era.
Register for The Blueprint of a Legend
The Artist Workshop is a program of The Shyan Selah Foundation, produced by Brave New World Enterprises.