helen ziga

In her vividly colorful and structured geometric compositions, Georgia-based artist Helen Ziga strives to give visual form to thought. Artist: Born and raised in Warrington, PA, a Philadelphia suburb, Ziga graduated with a BA in art from Albright College (PA) and earned an MFA in Art from Ohio University. Ziga said she had an incredible formal…

francesca vitali

Francesca Vitali is a modern-day alchemist. The Texas-based designer, who started her career as a chemist, turns everyday papers into jewelry that is both modern and special. Artist: Grew up in Rome, Italy, where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemistry. She left home to pursue her PhD at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.…

dori settles

In her North Carolina studio, Dori Settles draws on a French casting technique to craft glass shoes that range from baby shoes and boots to stilettos and sneakers – each one often accompanied by a personal back story. Artist: Born in Milwaukee, Settles grew up in southeast Wisconsin. She moved to Nebraska to attend the University…

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…

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…

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…

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…

erica stankwytch bailey

For North Carolina metalsmith Erica Stankwytch Bailey, it’s the smallest details that count, whether in nature or in her architectural jewelry deigns. Artist: Born and grew up in Fayetteville, NC, where she knew early on that she wanted to become a maker. Bailey graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts for high school and…

marie dutka brix

Drawn to the fingerprint as a symbol of identity and a clue to a unique existence, Alabama’s Marie Dutka Brix explores the marks we leave behind in her abstract typewriter ribbon collages and paintings. Artist:  Born in Merced, CA, she grew up in Aurora, IL. Brix earned her BFA, with a minor in French, from…