5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Prince PRNZ Lyons

Meet Prince Lyons, a performing artist, choreographer, and creative director who is driven by the desire to create honest, meaningful work that challenges societal narratives. Inspired by St. Louis' raw creative energy, PRNZ emphasizes the importance of rest and movement in overcoming creative blocks, and reflects on how returning to St. Louis to create for and with the city reshaped his career and purpose.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Neeka Allsup

Meet Neeka, a Texas-transplant, artist and entrepreneur passionate about sustainability in their art practice and the creative reuse culture in St. Louis, while pursuing projects like painting murals and expanding their artistic reach globally.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Lillian Stephen

Meet Lillian Claire Quilty Kane Stephen, (L.C.Q.K.S.) a Belleville native and St. Louis-based artist who honed her skills in Chicago before returning home to build a career in printmaking and textile design. Inspired by the city's supportive art community and affordable living, she maintains a balance between production and experimentation, continuously evolving her craft.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Laura Lippert

Meet Laura Lippert, a St. Louis-based circus performer who has spent nearly two decades traveling the world, specializing in aerial acts, physical comedy, and the art of hair hanging. As she shifts her focus toward clowning and character work, she remains deeply connected to her hometown, teaching and performing locally.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Richard Higby

Meet Richard Higby, a Saint Louis-based creative entrepreneur with a degree in Aviation Safety who discovered a passion for furniture design and craftsmanship, leading to a thriving career in contemporary furniture design. Between custom architectural and furniture projects, Higby is a big supporter of the arts community and building a creative hub in Carondelet’s Patch Neighborhood while exploring a variety of other hobbies.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Adjo Honsou

Meet Adjo Honsou, born and raised in Togo, West Africa, and now based in St. Louis, Honsou is the creator of FUFU n' Sauce dedicated to sharing the vibrant flavors of West African cuisine through a food truck, catering services, and a signature spice and tea line. As a winner of PBS's The Great American Recipe and recipient of various prestigious awards, Honsou’s journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to using food as a bridge to celebrate cultural diversity and foster inclusivity.

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Sukanya Mani

Meet Sukanya Mani. Her artistic journey began during a period of self-discovery as an immigrant, driven by a passion for storytelling and community connection. She creates immersive, narrative-based installations inspired by diverse influences, emphasizing constant learning, resilience, and the transformative power of art in personal and communal spaces.

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Evan and Stacey Smith

Stacey and Evan Smith are a creative duo who blend their distinct talents—engineering and sculpture—to create collaborative art reflecting their shared experiences. Their work explores personal and universal themes, inspired by their public service roles and the vibrant artistic community in St. Louis.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Zac Farmer

Welcome Zac Farmer, a self-taught 3D artist and animator who turned a hobby into a thriving freelance career by leveraging online resources and personal projects. Farmer discusses the rapid evolution of the 3D animation industry, driven by technologies like real-time rendering and AI, while emphasizing the importance of experimentation and persistence. Inspired by St. Louis’ supportive creative community, he credit’s the city’s collaborative spirit and untapped potential for fostering growth and innovation in his work.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Amy Schromm

Meet Amy Schromm, an entrepreneur and creative professional with a passion for content creation, storytelling, and personal growth. Schromm thrives on the independence of working for herself as a commercial photographer transforming her natural talents into a career, and finding inspiration in nature and movement.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Jacob Janes

Meet Jacob Janes: co-founder of Janes and Pang Atelier with his fiancée to teach visual awareness, aiming for personal and community success through empowering others while keeping up his own art practice. He shares how a profound encounter with Titian's "Ecce Homo" at the St. Louis Art Museum along with street art and relationships with his art professors inspired his pursuit of painting.

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5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan 5(ish) Questions For... Chris Ryan

Maxine Thirteen

Meet Maxine Thirteen, a self-taught figurative painter focused on oil portraiture, blending vintage and macabre elements to explore themes like femininity and social satire. She is the Art Director of 31Art Gallery and a full-time creator. Maxine emphasize the importance of in-person support for art and believes in maintaining a balanced life while expanding, refining your skills.

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