vivian chiu

Raised in a Chinese family in Hong Kong, Richmond-based artist Vivian Chiu explores themes of migration, identity and transformation in her abstract and optical wood sculptures. Artist: Born in Los Angeles, Chiu emigrated to Hong Kong when she was three years old. Chiu lived there with her extended family until she returned to the United…

debe dohrer

Debe Dohrer says her jewelry line is not for the meek. “It’s unapologetic, attention-worthy jewelry,” said the Nashville designer. “And it always makes a statement.” Artist: Born in Salt Lake City, UT, Dohrer moved to Scottsdale AZ, when she was 10. Dohrer graduated from Arizona State University, where she studied art and merchandising. After college,…

helen harrison

Key West’s Helen Harrison transforms pieces of nature and found objects – from palm fiber and calabash to conch shells and coconuts – into sophisticated sculptures with balanced design and unexpected beauty. Artist: Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, she graduated with a BFA from Southern Methodist University. After college she married her husband Ben and…

karen schremmer

In her Florida studio, Karen Schremmer blends traditional and digital techniques to create her rich-with-color mixed media portraits and sculptural works. The hand-placed rhinestones, resin flowers and high-gloss finish add texture and a touch of glamor. Artist: Schremmer was born in Chicago, IL, but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She holds…

rebecca zweibel

When Florida ceramic artist Rebecca Zweibel creates her hand-built abstract forms she never knows what the final work of art will look like. And she’s fine with that. “I love the unexpectedness of not knowing exactly what shape I’ll be making until it actually comes to life,” said Zweibel. Artist: The Connecticut native was born…

lori lejeune

Georgia mixed-media artist Lori Lejeune is known for her uplifting “Flight” series and her signature, constellation-style wall installations.  Artist: Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Lejeune’s drawings and creativity were encouraged by her school teachers. It paid off early. In fourth grade, Lejeune won $20 for a poster she drew. After graduating with a…

rEN dillard

In his “dreamscapes” rEN Dillard combines paint, collage and precious metals, like gold leaf and silver, to explore themes of memory, belonging and the anticipation of a better future. “The reflective surfaces act as mirrors, inviting viewers to see themselves within the work,” said Dillard, a Georgia native. “And to consider their own process of…

lorena angulo

Texas jewelry designer Lorena Angulo draws on her Mexican heritage and culture in her work. “My jewelry designs are a representation of who I am and where I come from,” said Angulo. Artist: Born in Mexico, where Angulo grew up traveling and living in various states. Her native country exposed her to different folk art…

rory linn

New Orleans artist Rory Linn explores the boundaries of paint and sculpture in her monochromatic carved paintings. Artist: Born in Denver, CO, Linn grew up in South Texas. She spent 15 years in Oregon, where she graduated with a BS in printmaking from Portland State University. Linn also has an AA in photography she earned…

anatoly tsiris

With help from his custom lathe, North Carolina woodturner Anatoly Tsiris shapes whole tree trunks into large-scale sculptures and vessels. Artist: Tsiris was born into a family of schoolteachers in the small Ukrainian town of Kmelnitsky. He planned to carry on the family tradition by graduating from college with a teaching degree in math and…