Sam Hernandez-Montesflores
I’m Sam Hernandez, I’ve been an artist for most of my life, whether it was writing poetry slam or taking pictures at concerts, or drawing from my own imagination. I have recently graduated Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) with an Associate’s in Photography. During my time at NOVA I focused my projects on mental health, relationships, and culture. My last semester I won the “Photography and Media
Student Show Grant” for our schools juried show. I submitted two photographs that represented two widely known female figures in Latin American Literature, “La Llorona” and “La Virgen de Guadalupe”.
Bianca Musumeci
Bianca Musumeci, born in Florence on 11/08/1988.
She obtained in 2007 the Master of Art diploma in Goldsmithing techniques and use of metals, at the Art Institute of Pistoia, Italy.
In 2011, he obtained a Level I degree in sculpture, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy.
In 2014 he obtains a Level II degree in sculpture with a grade of 110/110 with honors, from the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Italy.
In 2015 he acquired the teaching certificate for secondary school in Plastic, Sculptural and Scenoplastic Disciplines, at Florence, Italy.
From 2015 to 2019 teacher of Plastic, Sculptural and Scenoplastic Disciplines at Liceo artistico A. Passaglia in Lucca, Italy.
From 2020 to 2023 working as a permanent teacher of Plastic, Sculptural and Scenoplastic Disciplines at Liceo artistico P. Petrocchi in Pistoia, Italy.
Exhibitions and experiences related to sculptural training
2008 - Group exhibition at California University, Florence, Italy.
2009 - "Ideas in Showcase," Prato, Italy.
2010 - "Ideas in Showcase," Prato, Italy.
2010 - "Amandolarte," Amandola, Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
2011 - Group exhibition at Le Piastre, Pistoia, Italy.
2011 - Group exhibition at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy.
2011 - "Premio Antonio Berti" in San Piero a Sieve, Florence, Italy.
2011- Sculpting experience with local artist Lutavo Vinoba, Same, Tanzania.
2012 - Group exhibition at the Florentine gallery Gadarte, Florence, Italy.
2012 - Group exhibition of drawings at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, Italy.
2012 - "Libero Libro Essegi" Rome, Italy.
2013 - "Paths in the air" Archaeological Park of Cecina.
2013 - "Finally a pair of shoes" Fornace Pasquinucci, Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy.
2013 - "Limen Arte," Vibo Valentia Chamber of Commerce, Italy.
2014 - Group exhibition of sculptures at the Bandini Art Gallery, Cecina, Italy.
2014 - Exhibition of sketches with Rotary Club, at ArteFiera, Bologna, Italy.
2014 - "The cross of the redeemer" Church of the Madonna del pianto Carrara, Massa, Italy.
2014 - "Paths in the air" Sassetta, Livorno, Italy.
2014 - "Paths in the air" Bibbona, Livorno, Italy.
2015 - "Creativity Award city of Marsciano," at the Museum of Brick and Terracotta of Marsciano, Perugia, Italy.
2015 - "Biennial of contemporary art," Mulhouse, France.
2016 - Anthropological field study of the Pare tribe, Masai, Mbulu, Mgogo, Msabaa, at Same, Tanzania.
2017 - Anthropological field study of the Barabaig, Sandawe, Mwasi, Mwirak tribes near Kondoa, Tanzania.
2017 - "Miracle workers" at Spazio Lum, Lucca, Italy.
2018 - Anthropological field study of the Dorzè, Konso, Arborè, Dassenech, Benna, Nyangatom , Hamer, Ari, Mursi, Halaba and Oromo tribes of Ethiopia.
2019 - Anthropological field study of the Hausa, Tuareg, Kanuri, Tebu, Zarma tribes of Niger.
2020 - Group exhibition at 'Goart gallery', Berlin, Germany.
2021 - Group exhibition at 'Le Rinascenze' Villa Reale, Lucca, Italy.
2021 - Art residency at 'Borgo degli artisti', Bienno, Italy.
2022 - Anthropological field study of the Maasai tribe, Tanzania.
2022 - Anthropological field study of the Rdei, Orma, Pokomo tribes, Kenya.
2023 - Anthropological field study of the Datoga, Sukuma tribes, Tanzania.
2023- Anthropological field study of the Toposa, Boya, Lopit, Lotuko, Mundari, Dinka tribes, South Sudan.
Simone Stolzoff
is an author, journalist, and designer from San Francisco. A former design lead at the global innovation firm IDEO, his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and various other publications. His debut book The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work was the #1 bestselling work-life balance book of 2023 and has since been translated into over 10 languages. His forthcoming book about uncertainty and navigating the unknown will be published in 2025 by WW Norton. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford.
Sarah Alruwaili
Sara K.R. is a Multidisciplinary Designer; who uses her Arabic-spirited and research-driven processes to develop her set of works Hyperlink - الخيط الناظم. As she carries her poetic mind through design, she’s plotting analogies of Arabic Linguistics and Computational Languages in Digital Rhetoric - البلاغة الرقميّة.Sara K.R. is a Multidisciplinary Designer; who uses her Arabic-spirited and research-driven processes to develop her set of works Hyperlink - الخيط الناظم. As she carries her poetic mind through design, she’s plotting analogies of Arabic Linguistics and Computational Languages in Digital Rhetoric - البلاغة الرقميّة.
Pablo Delahaye
I am Pablo (b.1998) a Guatemalan-French fine artist based in Camden, London. Born in Guatemala and adopted at nine months old, I grew up in France and studied Fashion Design in Paris before moving to London to pursue Fine Arts. My work captures moments that were significant through drawings, illustrations, and sculptures, blending the Human Race with fantastical creatures. Creating art is my escape, and I invite viewers to join me in this imaginative world. My art serves as a diary, reflecting my past, present, and future.
My diverse background and education have shaped my unique style, characterized by emotional depth and vivid imagery. Recently, I completed a month-long residency in London, producing impactful, large-scale pieces. Since January, I've participated in numerous exhibitions, drawing inspiration from interactions with other artists and enriching my practice.
Collaborations with set designers and art installation artists have expanded my horizons, allowing me to explore new mediums. My Guatemalan roots remain a constant influence, evident in the vibrant colors and distinctive features in my work. I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of my craft, offering viewers a chance to escape into my world and experience the deep emotions that drive my creativity.
Elliot Rockart
is a nonbinary textile artist, writer, and researcher located in Brooklyn, New York. They combine their love of history and textiles through creating historically inspired knitted, crocheted, embroidered, sewn, woven, hooked, tatted, and appliquéd art. Their focus is on physical, hands-on approach to truly embody and understand the lived experiences of people and collectives who have been creating textiles across history. Today, their work is primarily inspired by their continued research into the history of material culture and their own place in queer community as well as their process of medically and socially transitioning as a transmasculine person.
Celia Bruneau
After an Art history and a fashion designer degree, Célia Bruneau instinctively works with embroidery, a craft she reinterprets by straying away from traditional codes. With an intuitive and spontaneous approach, she uses thread as a link between drawing, painting and fabric. A way of approaching a piece in a personal and symbolic way, almost fetish. Modern graphics inspired by everyday life, a mood or sketches almost naive, her creations confront technique and materials to the imperfect rhythm of the drawing, giving full meaning to the concept of handmade work.
Now traveling through the world since September 2023, she draws inspiration from different countries and cultures, translating the landscapes and scenes of life that she discovers along her way.
Kip Harris
Harris grew up in a small farming community in Idaho. He holds degrees in English literature from Dartmouth College, in humanities from the University of Chicago, and architecture from the University of Utah. He was a principal of FFKR Architects in Salt Lake City for nearly 30 years.
A serious photographer since the late 80s, Harris has exhibited in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. He has been published in Shots Magazine, The Photo Review, Art Reveal, Smithsonian.com, Street Photography Magazine, Barren Magazine, Tagree, Square, Black and White (cover) and a number of on-line photographic sites.
Ana Paula Noriega Ibarra
a self-taught textile artist whose work lies at the intersection of design, art, and craftsmanship. In 2019, I founded KREYÉ, a creative space where I explore textile narratives and connect cultural traditions with contemporary design. Inspired by my social research and my passion for my country’s cultural heritage, I have developed projects ranging from collaborations with art consultants to creating pieces for renowned interior design firms. My work is driven by my innate curiosity and a profound need for expression, always seeking spaces where I can create without limits.
My journey into the textile world began with an immersion in the rich culture and textile traditions of my country. Through different journeys throughout Mexico, thorough research, and direct learning from master artisans, I discovered my love for the traditional pedal loom. This passion led me to create my first collection, "RAÍCES" (Roots), a series of textile pieces that pay homage to the legacies and legends of my country. This initial collection became a bridge to the world of interior design, allowing my works to find a place in architectural and interior design projects.
Over time, I have expanded my artistic practice, developing collections that explore various fibers and techniques. My silk collections, in particular, have gained some space in the art world, where I have collaborated with art consultants to create and sell new works. Through KREYÉ, I have established a safe and unrestricted space where I can continue my research and express my unique vision without constraints.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with professionals across different disciplines, enriching my perspective and expanding my reach. I have worked closely with architecture and interior design firms as well as art consultants, creating pieces that seamlessly integrate into diverse contexts. These collaborations have strengthened my presence in the design and art fields and opened new opportunities to explore and expand my practice.
Looking ahead, I am determined to deepen my presence in the artistic world, driven by my social research and a desire to strengthen my work in this area. I aspire to find mentors and networks that can support my growth and I am eager to stage my first solo exhibition. I firmly believe in the value of my art as a means to connect and tell stories, and I am committed to continuing to explore and push the boundaries of my creative expression.
Alejandra Contreras
I was born in the vibrant city of Mexico City and grew up experiencing the richness of different homes, which instilled in me a love for exploration and diversity. With a background in industrial design, I've always been drawn to learning and experimenting with various creative endeavors. For over five years, I immersed myself in the dynamic environment of one of Mexico City's top rising creative studios. It was here that I discovered my passion for working with paper as a medium, particularly through art installations that allowed me to explore new possibilities and perspectives. However, it was in 2021, amidst personal challenges and hardships, that art became my refuge and guide. Through my artistic journey, I found a way back to myself, rediscovering purpose and clarity in life's unpredictable paths.
Corie Humble
Corie has a background in painting and leather goods design, which influence her work. She combines formal elements of composition and color from painting with patternmaking for leather goods design.
For every creative project, Corie instills her pared down approach to the most essential elements of function with visual concepts that spark joy and curiosity. Her favorite part of the creative process is knowing she has a personal connection with the objects she has thought about, obsessed over, researched, and envisioned—a connection that continues with everyone who interacts with the objects.
Corie is inspired by artists like Max Bill, Lygia Clark, Bruno Munari, Ellsworth Kelly, and Isamu Noguchi, to name a few. Corie is also inspired by haiku, a deceptively simple poetic form that can have profound meaning and humor, speaking to the human condition in a way that resonates timelessly.
Barbara Stutz
In 2019 I completed my studies in fashion design at the Academy of Arts and Design in Basel, Switzerland. Beforehand I finished a three years professional degree in tailoring, therefore my creative practice has always been rooted around the motion of craft and working with my hands. In 2017 I also did an exchange semester at RISD in the US, where I studied textile design and benefited from learning to weave on a traditional loom, screen printing and machine knitting. During and after my studies I worked for different fashion brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Acne Studios. As I wanted to focus on my own work again I came back to Switzerland and settled in Zurich, where I currently also have my atelier. Besides working on projects in my atelier I also work as a sociocultural facilitator of the social work department of the city administration in Zurich, where we host meetups for children, where they can play, explore and craft freely.
In the last two years I was able to create three exhibitions around my work with natural dyes.
Besides natural dyes, another strong focus in my work is machine knitting. It is important for me to use the materials I already own or source for second hand one’s. So, sustainability is a non-negotiable aspect in my work. As said before my practice is rooted in the craft of tailoring and for that reason I am always interested and so humbled to meet other craftspeople and artisans who work with mostly their hands (and their hearts.)
This year I started to work with a new medium, which is straw pleating and I would like to deepen my skills and knowledge in this practice within the residency at GRACIA.
Jesica Uriostegui Pavon
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work as a clinical school social worker providing mental health services and support to high school students. I was born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, also known as “La eterna primavera, the eternal spring.” My family and I emigrated to the U.S.A. in my early childhood and have made the Central Valley of California our home. I draw my creative inspiration from my cultural roots. Using nature as the muse, I incorporate edible plants in food, some of which has been passed down by family, or experiment by extracting plant color to create. I embrace the importance of using plants as a creative source for overall wellbeing and sustainability. As well as a medium for community and cultural preservation. I hope to integrate creating from nature into my clinical practice as a source of connection and reflection.
Anne Magratten
is a graduate of Mills College and received her MFA in Studio Art from the University of Oregon in 2015. She is an Instructor of Painting & Drawing at Linn-Benton Community College. Additionally, she offers college drawing and painting courses within Oregon prisons. Her art practice spans painting, digital drawing, and printmaking. Her work has been exhibited internationally. She has attended residencies in France, Canada, and Mexico. She was a founding member of the Eugene based artist collective Tropical Contemporary. Anne is the illustrator for Desde Chiquitos, an organization dedicated to the joy of childhood reading, expanding representation, and literacy as a fundamental component of social justice. Other aspects of her art practice can be seen on her website www.annemagratten.com, instagram @annemagratten.
Christine Stoddard
is a Salvadoran-American writer, filmmaker, and artist with Guatemalan and Scottish roots. Her talk show Badass Lady-Folk airs on Manhattan Neighborhood Network and Radio Free Brooklyn. As the creator of the comedy act Art Bitch, she terrorizes television, stages, and social media around and beyond New York City. She authored the award-winning drama “Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares,” which ran at The Tank and Gene Frankel Theatre. Her arthouse feature film Sirena's Gallery, distributed by Summer Hill Entertainment, is streamable and on Blu-Ray. Her books, such as Belladonna Magic, Water for the Cactus Woman, and Hispanic & Latino Heritage in Virginia, are available where books are sold. Her words and images have appeared in Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, and elsewhere. Her next solo art exhibition is scheduled for the Queens Botanical Garden. Currently, she is a Columbia University MA Oral History candidate and a BMI Musical Theatre writing workshop participant. She is honored to be one of Brooklyn Magazine's Top 50 Most Fascinating People of 2023.
Shaquona Espinoza
Shaquona Espinoza is a visual artist born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Art is something that has been with her majority of her life, as she would draw and create since she was a kid.
In 2018, she started experimenting with acrylic paint as a way for her to be curious and reclaim her identity as an artist. She began painting flowers and faces of prophetic individuals to remember truth and comfort. In 2019, she was introduced to a photography class where she intertwined both social justice and art, focusing on colorism in the Black community. Being influenced by her reality and wanting to create a space that evokes change, she experimented with printmaking, creating pieces that were centered around both sexism and racism. In 2020, she graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelors in social work and a minor in art.
Throughout college and since graduating, she had the opportunity of showcasing and selling her artwork in various spaces in Kalamazoo and Detroit. Her current artwork consists of acrylic realism portraits, flowers, custom artwork, and face painting.
Her artwork has been showcased at Elements, the WMU Office for Sustainability, the Epic Center, the Black Arts and Cultural Center, Center for New Media at KVCC, Channel 8 News and virtually during Juneteenth- curated by Soul Artistry LLC, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts during the West Michigan Area Art Show, Public Media Network, the Kalamazoo Defenders, virtually- curated by the Black Arts and Cultural Center, The Xperience, Le Fleur Art Showcase curated by MI Dudes, The Space-curated by Soul Artistry LLC, Women’s Art and Innovation Center, Move with Joy Dance Studio, The Divine Artistry Lounge, Irwin House Inc., Art Center of Battle Creek, and Factory Coffee.
Teddy Stjarne
I am a multidisciplinary artist working mostly with sculpture, illustration, and printmaking. After being a hobby artist for decades, I decided to devote serious time to an intentional art practice, and to prioritize creativity as one would any other vocation.
My work focuses on elevating the ordinary to whimsical, and encouraging curiosity and play as a daily practice. My work is meant to be interactive and participatory and aims to remove distinctions between art and craft, mundane and magical.
Emily Zadoretzky
is an eco-conscious sustainable artist, designer and writer interested in examining themes of deep ecology, kinship, and the interconnectedness of humans with each other and with all other beings of this earth.
Her practice is an exploration and a meditation centered around the possibilities of working with respectfully gathered, plant-based materials, often through a circular system of sowing, growing, harvesting, and hand processing plants as pigments and fibers for use in a variety of forms and applications.
Through her practice and process, Emily investigates spiritual and philosophical curiosities, psychic landscapes and liminal spaces, and how physical and conceptual boundaries simultaneously unify and separate people, cultures, and environments.
Wesley "Wes" Rodriguez
is a Florida-grown, Cuban-Guatemalan American writer, director, and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, CA. As a first-generation, bilingual, multi-disciplinary artist, his work explores themes of love, identity, metaphysics, and spirituality in science fiction and comedy with a focus on healing generational trauma through laughter and self-reflection.
Under the mentorship of Werner Herzog, Wes directed Pa’lante, an award-winning short film shot on location in Cuba. He is a GFS LA Frieze Award Fellow, Hola Mexico Tomorrow’s Filmmaker’s Today Fellow, DGA John Frankenheimer Fellow, and a NALIP Latino Media Market TV Writing Fellow. He earned his MFA in Film and Television Production at USC. Formerly, Wes was a film mentor and educator for the Latino Film Institute’s Youth Cinema Project under Edward James Olmos.