Kristen Brown is a San Francisco-based artist originally from Saskatchewan, Canada. Her work explores the themes of dissociation, transience, memory, and truth. She has exhibited at the de Young Museum, San Francisco Arts Commission, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Berkeley Art Center, Arizona State University, Richmond Art Center, Sanchez Art Center, Gearbox Gallery, Federation Gallery, Void Gallery, and Mendel Art Gallery, among others. Kristen has received grants from the Canada Council for the Arts (2021) and a prestigious painting grant from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation in Montreal (2015). She was a fellow of the Clark Hulings Fund in 2017-18. Kristen’s work has been featured in Fresh Paint Magazine (now Create Magazine), RELISH Magazine, Art Maze Magazine, and elsewhere. She holds a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Saskatchewan and an MFA in Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

www.kristenbrownart.com

UGallery

instagram.com/kristen_brown_art

Ryan Martin lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area where he attended the California College of the Arts. Through painting and drawing, Martin creates surreal, dream-like compositions of his subjects. He is influenced by his roots, growing up in Southern California during the 80’s & 90’s, where his pluck choices of hues dominate his artwork. Martin’s portraits are loosely haloed by floral and fauna; these haloes embody his Native American (Mexican/Seri Tribe) roots, taking the place of warbonnets which are attributed to males and masculinity during Native American rituals. The ring of botanical designs also reference Martin’s Russian heritage, through a reinterpretation of kokoshniks, which are solely attributed to the feminine. Several portraits depict their subjects conflicted within their makeup, in high contrast, between light and dark, and contrasting color. Martin’s latest work intertwines memories of fish-keeping as a child and the textiles of his heritage which he attempts to reconnect with. Martin’s artworks also include observation through photography, video and investigations of texture through installation work. Martin’s artwork has been highlighted by numerous media including The Advocate, Chic Today Magazine, Creative Boom and The Art Man. He has exhibited widely across the United States, including the deYoung Museum in San Francisco, Context, Scope & Untitled in Miami, and selected for Volta NY 2014. His exhibits include three solo shows at Mark Wolfe Contemporary Art in San Francisco and two solo shows at Elizabeth Houston NYC.

http://www.ryanmartinart.com

www.instagram.com/ryanmartinart

RyanMartinArt@gmail.com

Chamisa is an illustrator, art director and surface pattern designer based in Portland, Oregon. As founder/creative director/one-woman-show at Studio Chamisa, she makes work for children’s books, textiles, games and edutainment. Her go-to illustration style is lush and textural with notes of nostalgia, dreaminess and play. Chamisa has collaborated with brands like Nickelodeon, Old Navy and Nasa to bring their stories to life, and enjoys making work that celebrates compassion, hope and connection. When she’s not making art you might find her gardening, buying too many books, or snuggling with her pup, Orca. Learn more about her work at www.chamisakellogg.com

Art forces one to respond to present internal feelings through which expressing it to the external world helps one understand themselves in a way that can be seen over a span of time. By forging our memories of life experiences, imagery that resonates within, and subject matter that compels us, it signals a response on canvas that is unique to every individual. This not only helps in better understanding oneself, but develops empathy and understanding between the creator and the viewer. It is this belief that compels Sofia to continue in her art career. 

www.sofiavenegas.com

instagram.com/sofiakvenegas

I’ve wondered how much convenience takes from us. Not only does it harm our environment, but it deters the spirit. It can deteriorate any interest in taking on anything remotely challenging, and I feel myself entering a depressive state. We are curious and creative human beings, fully capable of showing love and surviving hardship, regardless of the circumstances. Simplification can bring peace and turmoil. And reducing ourselves to systems can manifest give-and-take scenarios in which human experiences become unnaturally transactional. 

https://cherishspikesarts.myportfolio.com/work

instagram.com/muaurie

Jaia Linden-Engel is a San Fransisco based illustrator who loves to explore the themes of nature, plants, animals, and how humans interact with them. Growing up in the mountains of Big Sur California, she has long been inspired by the natural beauty of the mountains, forest, and ocean, and works across a variety of mediums to create illustrations which invoke childlike delight and an appreciation of nature.

jaialindenengel.com

instagram.com/jaia.le

Teaching Artist/ Comic Maker
Join me in happy nightmares

instagram.com/art_of_leeee

Yujin is a an artist and photographer based in San Francisco, California. Inspiration for her artwork is mainly rooted in nostalgia. She has been both producing and teaching art for over twenty years. Her work has been exhibited in Seoul, South Korea, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

www.yujinlim.com

instagram.com/yujinlimphoto

hi@yujinlim.com