As the founder of Agent Gallery in Chicago, Mariano Chavez curates a dynamic collection of unique collectibles and industrial furnishings that blur the line between art and object. Since establishing the gallery in 2008, he has built a space that inspires seasoned collectors, designers, and engineers alike, offering carefully selected pieces that challenge convention and spark creativity.

Blending ancient techniques with contemporary vision, Cynthia Garbutt brings encaustic art to life through layered wax, oil paint, and heat. Inspired by color, texture, and form, her work captures the enduring beauty of this challenging medium. As the founder of Studio Cire in Chicago, she pushes the boundaries of encaustic painting, creating large-scale, dynamic pieces designed for striking public display.

Blending science with creativity, David Rubin explores the "Art of Negentropy," creating spontaneous, dynamic compositions that bring order from chaos. His journey into painting began as a parenting experiment and evolved into a passionate practice. With studios in both Raleigh and Chicago, he showcases his vibrant work in local and regional exhibitions, continually inspired by color, movement, and discovery.

With over two decades in home furnishings, Clayton honed his expertise at Crate & Barrel and Interior Define, collaborating with top designers and influencers. His passion for design, craftsmanship, and experimentation is rooted in Scandinavian principles of functionality and simplicity. Inspired by color, texture, and scale, he thrives on creative connections that bring unique designs to life.

Dawn Kramlich is a Chicago-based artist and writer exploring the intersection of visual and verbal language through mixed-media encaustic paintings and installations. Currently an Assistant Professor at Elmhurst University, her work has been exhibited widely across the U.S. and internationally, with recent highlights including a 2024 solo show at Pink Noise Projects and a mural commission for PHL International Airport.

James Broughton is a Chicago-based architect whose abstract mixed-media works incorporate construction materials, reflecting over 40 years of modernist practice. His work explores the tension between construction and decay, capturing the beauty of urban environments through an architect’s eye for proportion, depth, and texture.

German-born and American-based, Eva Pleuhs creates layered abstract works inspired by her experiences living in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Vienna. Her LAYERS of LIFE series reflects the belief that each moment adds depth to our personal stories. Using acrylics on canvas or wood, Eva builds and scratches through layers to reveal rich textures and emotions, often finishing her pieces with pastel, pencil, and collage. Her work bridges cultures and invites viewers to explore the complexity and beauty of the human experience.

Stacey’s visually striking pen and ink drawings create ‘ruminative emblems’ of his consciousness on watercolor paper.