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.

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.

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.

Corry Rogers is a passionate artist and former police officer who left his job to follow his dreams, creating bold and imaginative artwork through his brand, "RottenCorr Art." He balances his roles as a husband and father while inspiring others to take risks, pursue their passions, and find purpose in their work.

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.

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.

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.

Meet Jordan Bauer, a seasoned creative professional with nearly a decade experience recently transitioned to the role of Creative Director for Game7, a Web3 Gaming ecosystem, pushing his creative boundaries further than ever before. Bauer describes theWeb3 space as the "Wild West," emphasizing its experimental nature, which fosters creativity and innovation. He talks AI, Saint Louis’ entrepreneurial spirit, the future of the creative industry and the uprise of comedy paving the way for a happier and more forgiving world.

Meet Anna Karpinski: designer from the start, talented photographer, and community builder. A St. Louisan through and through, Karpinski shares her excitement for collaborations between design fields happening today and the exploration of her city.

Meet Justin King, a designer and restaurant entrepreneur turned visual artist creating 3-D sculptures using unconventional materials like recycled cardboard, chess pieces, Legos and vibrant colors. Overcoming fears of pursuing his art, King navigated a way to make a creative practice work with his growing family with support from his spouse.

Lauren Milford, a dedicated writer, editor, and video producer residing in Richmond Heights, is working on her first novel. She aims to build human connection through her authentic, compassionate storytelling. Inspired by St. Louis' vibrant growth and collaborative creative community, she appreciates nature for perspective and enjoys hot yoga, reading, and board games in her leisure time… and doesn’t believe in the concept of guilty pleasures.

Rachel Brandt, owner of The St. Louisan and St. Louisan Media, LLC, is a multi-faceted artist and entrepreneur passionate about creating meaningful content that nourishes communities, explores the intersection of arts, culture, nature, and wellness, and fosters communal connections through digital storytelling.

Meet Mike Spakowski, the powerhouse Partner and Creative Director at Atomicdust. His mantra? Design isn’t just about looking good, it's about making things better. He's a die-hard St. Louis fan who sees the city as a sandbox for creative folks and entrepreneurs.

Meet Aisha Sultan: voracious reader, passionate storyteller, and trailblazing journalist. Her innovative approach to storytelling, extending to filmmaking, is dedicated to making people feel seen and heard. From books to films, she continually aims to connect with and inspire her audience.

Josh Harris, a seasoned pianist, producer, and composer, brings his passion for music to life through his projects and collaborations with both indie and major label artists. His innovative approach to his craft, driven by a constant desire to learn and evolve, has seen him mentor upcoming talent while juggling his own artist projects.

Laura Burns, a lifelong St. Louisan, artist, and entrepreneur, exemplifies a passion for design through her ventures, including her 30-year old graphic design firm, designlab, inc., a stereotype-busting clothing company Girls Will Be, and the family-friendly restaurant, The Parkmoor Drive-In. With profound loss and love shaping her journey, Laura embodies a unique approach to creativity and life.

Meredith Boggess, a committed mother and professional, seeks to create a thriving, engaged online community for people in St. Louis and beyond, while also actively contributing to two organizations she admires: St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and Mission: St. Louis. Inspired by St. Louisans' creativity and collaborative spirit, she aims to support the city's cultural richness and diversity amidst changing landscapes.

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