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.

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.

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.

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.

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.