2025 Identity (5)

IDENTITY

JUNE-JULY 2025

CURATOR’S STATEMENT

This exhibition asks artists to explore or interrogate their Identities. The result is an ongoing, multifaceted conversation about what it means to be a human living amongst other humans.

In this show, you’ll see many different ways of engaging with the concept of identity. For some, it’s outward signifiers: Age, race, gender. Some chose culture, nationality, disabled status, sexuality, spirituality, how they fit into society, how society views them, or how we all interact with each other. Others grapple with the self and invite you to place yourself within that interrogation. However they choose to come to it, this show is intended as an example of the many stories and perspectives that make up our shared humanity.

Wolfe Brack Artistic Director InterUrban ArtHouse

GUEST DIGITAL CURATOR MARY MCCAWLEY Mary McCawley is a multidisciplinary curator, technologist, and community builder working at the intersection of art, identity, and emerging technology. Based in Kansas City, she is the founder of Digital Dreams—the city’s first NFT-focused art initiative—and serves as a lead curator of Blackdove.

For this exhibition, Mary is proud to introduce digital art to InterUrban ArtHouse’s gallery space, marking the first time digital and traditional media have been displayed side by side in the venue’s history—and one of the first such integrations in Kansas City at large. Her work explores how digital artifacts can coexist with physical mediums to expand our understanding of identity, permanence, and expression in the 21st century.

AARON HOWELL w.aaron.howell@gmail.com @matchmakervintagejewelry Hello, my name is Aaron Howell. I am a Kansas based maker. Growing up as an army brat I have lived all over the world which has greatly influenced my design style. I find enjoyment in combining the traditional and modern in new and different ways. Currently I am a jewelry maker. My main medium is matchbook covers, but I love all vintage papers. From cigar bands, stamps, maps, etc. Taking the vintage images and giving them new life as little pieces of wearable art.

Queens Vintage art prints, acrylic paint, rhinestones 18x22 (2) $500

ABIMALEC BARRERAS-TORRES Identity is shaped by the values we uphold, the traditions we inherit, and the struggles we face. This series explores the intersection of selfhood and virtue through the lens of Japanese philosophy, particularly the concepts of Ikigai and Shinto. Each piece embodies a fundamental principle—Courage, Respect, Honor, and Duty—virtues deeply ingrained in both historical samurai culture and the broader human experience. @Artbyabimalec The interplay between warriors, deities, and mythical figures serves as a meditation on inner strength and purpose. The bold black-and-white contrast reflects the clarity and weight of these ideals, emphasizing their enduring role in shaping personal and collective identity. By merging spiritual iconography with warrior imagery, this series invites viewers to reflect on the guiding forces behind their own sense of self.

Courage 8.5 x 5.5 In Ink and Paper $100

Honor 8.5 x 5.5 in Ink and paper $100

Respect Ink and paper 8.5 x 5.5 In $100

Duty ink and paper 8.5 x 5.5 in $100

ADELA OVERFLOW @adelaoverflow www.triangleheaduniverse.com/afterhours Inspired by underground comics of the early 20th century, HAMBURGER HOOKUP serves as a contemporary vessel to express my lived experiences as a transgender woman. Using selfportraiture and original illustrations, the erotic narrative features 8 multimedia collages of myself engaging in casual sex with various characters throughout the comic, as a way to satirically represent my personal encounters with chasers and queer hookup culture. Within this work, my photographic self-portraits embody notions of isolation and feeling othered as I am depicted as the only tangible character within the cartoon environment. My presence also functions as a symbol of reclamation and resistance to the censorship and fetishization of trans bodies within mainstream pornography and popular culture. In its entirety, HAMBURGER HOOKUP deviates beyond the erotic by confronting readers with transsexual agency, desire, and liberation.

ALEX RAINE Generations upon generations: My blood is Black. My blood is Irish. My blood is Iroquoian.

How my peoples came to live and die in America are complicated stories.

Our blood is American. Flesh called fantasy. Flesh called fantasy. Shadow story.

I, I, I, I am stars and stripes. Like you—like we, like us: We are all colors.

Tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

We are the New Colossus.

The Once and Always Kings and Queens.

If you believe the shadow story, we are fantasy, and America has always tried to exploit us, delete us, hated us. America has always wanted us gone, bleached, faded, erased, or worse-never born.

But that is not America. Nor the true story.

We've always been.

Fantasy made flesh.

Truth is complex.

We cannot be killed or faded. Because we, we, we, we are.

We built this country. Generations upon generations upon...

Full Stripes, No Stars 24" x 36" Mix media $250.00

ALLISON BOWMAN @AMARANTHINEARTIST Through a mix of mediums I am exploring the connections between nature and femininity. In a world where empathy is under attack, I want to show that softness is strength and growth is resistance. My artwork depicts elements of nature coexisting in harmony when there are darker, more sinister threats looming beyond the veil. As a woman, I am resilient. Not only do I endure, but I have the capacity to transform, evolve, and grow through times of adversity. Each of us contains hidden worlds within that parallel the power and beauty of nature.

Whispers Within 18" x 18" framed mixed media on paper $350

AMANDA JOLLEY

I managed the first 52 years of my life as an undiagnosed autistic person. The discovery of this diagnosis has lead to such relief and brought answers to so many questions about myself. The diagnosis was prompted by an attempt to navigate relational struggles within my own family of origin. And to complicate matters, the relational struggles were tied to familial destruction wrought by my own undiagnosed mentally ill adult child. While I am left with a much deeper understanding about both WHO I am and HOW I am, I also am left with two gaping holes in my life of lost family relationships as the struggles were not resolved, but amplified. These works are the interweaving of the revelation from the diagnosis and the deep attachment pain from these estrangements. I come from a family of undiagnosed neurodivergent people. I am diagnosed autistic.

@AMANDAJOLLEY

Good Ancestor mixed media assemblage 44x24 inches $1800

ANN MORRISON

I'm a multimedia artist working intuitively with whatever life offers-scraps, thrifted objects, passing moments . Each item I collect carries potential, like a question waiting to be answered.

Snow White-a story from my childhood- recently became that question. " Mirror, mirror on the wall whose the fairest of them all?" Which facet of myself do I present? Is it the selfless or selfish,the anxious or calm, the wise or foolish? What time in my life held more truth? And what part of me do I now shape to give back to the world?

Through reflection and play,I explore identity as something fluidFragmented yet whole. My work becomes a dialogue between the internal and external,the found and the imagined.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall...."

15 3/4 By 15 3/4 Multimedis $ 100.00

AVRION JACKSON

As a mixed-media artist, I explore the cultural significance of colloquialisms used to describe African American hair and everyday life. Through hand-cut wood as my canvas, usage of vivid colors and 3D features to reflect the beauty, complexity, and resilience inherent in these expressions.

Each piece challenges stereotypes, celebrating the unique textures and identities within the African American experience. The colors and textures applied not only honor the diversity of African American hair but also invite viewers to engage with the layered, multidimensional nature of identity.

Kintsugi Wood, Epoxy, Acrylic 3ftx3ft $900

CASS KRUGER Cass Kruger (they/she) is an artist whose work uses flora, figures, and symbolic imagery to investigate how internal experiences—mental illness, emotion, identity—intertwine with the natural world. They use acrylic paint as their primary medium, blending drawing, realism, stylization, and abstraction. Their process is intuitive, often childlike in mark-making, yet emotionally layered.

These two pieces consider some experiences that could be considered negative, but in reality all things are simply part of life. In "Strength in the Shadow" the large figure has represented confrontation, within and outward. God, Higher Self, protectors, lovers. There is tension in the disconnect, but you will find yourself on both sides of the coin. In "Vanitas", life continues beyond death. What is your “Identity” or “Ego”?

Will it be present forever? Are you really any different than anything you see?

Vanitas 11"x14" Acrylic and Oil on Canvas Panel $350.00

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Strength in the Shadow 18"x24" Acrylic on Canvas $425.00

CATHERINE MANGAN @catmango

My husband and I have been going through IVF coming up on four years. We are just beginning our last attempt with donor eggs this May, and oh my what a wild adventure this has been.

I’m a woman, that can’t get pregnant. A girl who dreamed of nothing more than being, “Mom!” I have identified as a mother my whole life. And yet, the wanting of that has become my entire identity.

Good Days Bad Days 5x1 in each Mixed media $100.00

With all the rush of doctor visits, blood drawn, things poked, drugs injected, and all the tears in between - one gets creative.

I found myself wishing I could carry a keychain into social situations - and people would know what flavor of Catherine they were getting that day. Was she going to burst into uncontrollable sobs (happy or sad?) Would she be oversharing all her results and next treatment options? Did they lose him? Was it a good day or a bad day?

So I made keychains. And they are beautiful.

Because as painful as this all is - there is so much beauty in the science and the love behind all of it.

And whether it's a good day or a bad day - the adventure has been dazzling.

CLARIECE KIRKWOOD @Siriusly_Art My work explores identity through vibrant and unique self-portraits that blend realism with surreal, dreamlike elements.

These portraits are not just depictions of my physical form they are visual reflections of my soul, speaking through color and brushstrokes. Each piece is a layered expression of who I am, who I was, and who I am now becoming.

A recurring theme in my work is smoke flowing, curling, rising. For me this smoke can represent a lot of different things, but more importantly it represents being able to see the beauty through all the obstructions. It makes the viewer want to see what‘s through it an almost metaphor for how we put on this mask and only our closest friends and family get to see what’s hiding in the abstract swirls; what is hiding behind this mask.

Creating my self portrait pieces is an act of self love and self-definition. In a world that often pressures us to conform or minimize who we are, I use my art to take up space, to be unapologetically visible. I create to remind others, and myself, that existing is more than what is on surface but what is inside of us.

An Ethereal Connection 36x48 Acrylic on Canvas $2,000

DERRICK SCHMIDT I create textured, layered artworks that merge abstract and figurative elements with sculpture, utilizing both traditional and unconventional materials to evoke emotional responses and challenge conventional notions of art. Exploring themes of self and life in a raw and instinctual way.

Masque 37"x28" Oil & Enamel on Framed Mirror $1,500.00

Nude in Mirror Oil on canvas 40"x30" $1,200.00

@d.l._schmidt

FELIZ KEHINDE @EKW.ART.STUDIO

Notes of a Native Son draws from James Baldwin’s work, reflecting on what it means to be Black in a world built to erase us. The figure is both vulnerable and defiant, centered in a halo that reclaims the sacredness of Black existence. Patterns and flowers surrounding them speak to tradition, memory, and survival. They are reminders that even in grief, we carry beauty.

This piece is about loss, dignity, and solidarity. It honors those who continue to rise despite generations of displacement, exploitation, and systemic violence. Our fight as Black people is deeply connected to the struggles of Palestinians, Sudanese, Congolese, and all others resisting dehumanization and erasure. These are not separate fights— they stem from the same global systems of white supremacy, capitalism, and colonialism.

The same forces that devalue us cross borders. So must our resistance, and so must our care, our art, and our unwavering belief in collective liberation.

Notes of a Native Son 36x48 Mixed Media: acrylic, mica powder, pressed flowers $1,500.00

GINA MARI K @GINAMARIK SILVERLAKESOUNDSTUDIOS.COM

I am a #BeigeMom. Behind the need for order and neutral simplicity is a need to pretend everything is ok, when it’s not. This sad, beige facade of perfectionism is an attempt at calming inner chaos, but underneath a disorganized, fragmented mind and hidden trauma. Certainty, after all, soothes the fragmented brain making me feel more stable.

Underneath these layers of texture are the words of beliefs that formed the #beigemom, covered over in an attempt to fit in and blend with any decor. Related: EFT Therapy, rewrite your brain.

I am NOT Broken 12"x12" Acrylic, Moulding texture, pencil on Wood Gallery Canvas $175.00

Fear Has NO Hold on Me 10"x10" Acrylic, Moulding texture, pencil on Wood Gallery Canvas $150.00

GLEN MIES glenmies.com

Burly Esque is my friend. Out of drag, they work at a coffee shop and serve me tea and witty banter. In drag, they inspire me by actually singing- powerfully and operatically. They do what I wanted to at their age, with a seemingly bottomless well of energy. The older I get, the more I understand that my own identity is not so strictly confined to the physical boundaries of my body.

Burly is an artist and so am I. We both absorb and reflect, for better or worse. I asked them to sit for four hours and the painting came about quite naturally with no double takes or touch ups- a performance in its own right. I learned more about my own role while depicting Burly Esque in theirs.

Burly Esque Oil on Paper 33.5x27.5 inches (framed) $780

HEATHER ROMAN

When I was a child, my joyful exuberance was squelched time and time again. I learned to keep it to myself, and believed I was bad because of it and that it was wrong to want more. All throughout my life I have experienced a magical inner realm that emerged in my art. People said it was weird and so was I which shut me down again. Now I am 76 years old and at last have the courage to kick away the traces of judgement to become outwardly who I am. My art is about freedom, movement, and the bravery of true authenticity.

Joyful Joyful With Sharp Teeth 52 x 40 acrylic $650

ISABELLA KANIA

@bellas.painting

This table is set in honor of the important Jewish women her my life that have shaped her into who she is today. There are various items apart of this piece that are symbolic of Sephardic heritage; one of them being the sand. During the Spanish Inquisitions, Sephardic Jews covered their synagogue floors in sand so Inquisitors outside would not be able to hear them praying inside. The sand is a very nuanced space that symbolizes both antisemitism and perseverance. In the spirit of Jewish feminism, she invites you to write a small note of gratitude, encouragement or appreciation dedicated to the women in your lives (Jewish or not) and place them in the sand. Hopefully, these letters will animate the installation and turn the sand into a space of hope, perseverance and love.

Never Beg for a Seat When You Can Build Your Own Table 6'x4' Wooden Table and Chairs, Embroidered Fabric, Wooden Platform, Sand, Bread, Grape Juice, Candles NFS

JACK RODRIGUEZ

I am an artist who’s work delves into satirical and macabre themes.

This piece is a physical representation of what it’s like experiencing sensory overload, anxiety and living with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). These three pieces represent what isolation and sensory overload, in artist’s interpretation, would look like in physical form Hey you, is there anybody out there ... all in all just another day Indian, sumi and walnut Ink, pastel on paper and cavas.

18 x 24 (x3) $200 ea

JAMES SCHILLER activism in cause: human love human integrity human dignity for ALL, EQUALLY is my only life blood presence begun in abject horror awe gape mouth 10 yr old child 1959 watching b&w TV of Civil Rights Movement>>> 1969 canvassing action in Bed-Sty Brooklyn tenements for Shirley Chisolm Congressional Seat>>>&& to NOW. in action deeds visual artworks words poems still>>> restless endless THE struggle>>>

work in progress, NFS as hanging: beltloop to cuff 44"/wire+ 48" length x width within 14" mixed NFS

JANICE WOOLERY

Theater is a place where LGBTQ+ can drop the societal expectations of gender norms. During the most repressive and closeted times in history, theater (and the arts in general) has been a safe place to embrace who you truly are. Cross dressing was acceptable, as long as it was inside the theater. Historically, the greatest acting LGBTQ+ people did was outside the theater when they had to pretend to be someone else to "pass."

This collage is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ communities both inside and outside the theater. As an asexual lesbian, and former theater geek, this piece reflects a big part of my life.

The Stage Door Swings ...

Both Ways 24"x48" Collage (Newsprint, Acrylic, and Vintage Photos) $225

JOE BUSSELL These new paintings address the continued unsafe political environment we find ourselves especially when making medical choices, concerning abortion and gender.

Spatter #1 38"x28" mm $1,000.00

Spatter #2 38"x26" mm $1,000.00

JUDY LADEWIG

I created Resilience as both a tribute and a declaration. The dandelion—often overlooked, yet persistent and vital—mirrors my own journey and the strength I’ve inherited. Beneath the painted flower lie collaged layers that allude to the women who came before me: a grandmother who mothered eleven children in poverty, another who defied death, and a mother who rose from hardship to success and stood by me through my own cancer battle. I am a survivor too—marked by loss, but not diminished. Like the dandelion, I’ve learned to root deeply, rise again, and offer something essential to the world. What some call a weed, I see as wild wisdom and necessary beauty. This piece honors the quiet power of lineage and the radical act of simply being—unapologetically, fully, and still here.

Resilience 12"x12" Mixed Media: paper, acrylic, ink, found objects 100.00

JUNIE BROWN

Based in Kansas City, Junie is an artist and student whose work delves into the overlapping identities of queer people and people of color. Drawing from personal experiences and community narratives, Junie weaves identity, resilience, and belonging into stunning oil paintings. Through bold visual language, Junie explores the complexities of race, sexuality, gender, and culture, creating immersive pieces that encourage dialogue and reflection. Their work not only represents but also empowers, offering a space where queer people and people of color can see themselves reflected in ways that are both authentic and affirming

Angel 35x35 Acrylic and oil on canvas $700

JUSTIN CANJA @PAPERMONKEYARTSTUDIO What matters to me is the act of making—of preserving a moment, honoring the past, or simply allowing myself to exist within the work.

Some pieces are meditations on loss and remembrance, others are acts of joy or selfreclamation. Each creation reflects an ongoing dialogue between control and surrender, permanence and change.

In art, I find connection —to myself, to others, and to something greater than the tangible. It is a reminder that even in fragmentation, there is wholeness, and even in impermanence, there is meaning.

Rabbit Hole Mixed media collage 38"x40"x1.25" $1,500

The Rough Around the Edges But Means Well 30"x40"x1.25" Mixed media collage $1,200

KATHERYNE JOHNSON @KatGotMoxie

I’m a 35mm film photographer drawn to the quiet poetry of everyday life. My work focuses on candid, unposed moments that reveal the beauty in simply being. Whether capturing friends or strangers, I seek to preserve a sense of presence and authenticity. For this exhibition, Identity: Existence is Resistance, these images reflect the power of existing without explanation. The camera doesn’t ask anyone to perform—only to be. Through the grain and texture of film, I try to hold space for that honesty, and to honor the subtle, everyday resistance found in presence.

Leimert 8x12 35mm film $100 HiiiPower 35mm film 8x12 $100 My neighbor Mr. Gary 35mm film 8x12 $100.00 Turn Around 8x12 35mm $100.00 Lunch 35mm film 8x12 $100.00

KATHRYN HUNTER @katapillarart

Through symbolic imagery and haunting textures, I expose society's fragmentation, truth's erosion, and looming chaos. This work confronts viewers with a urgent question: What remains when a nation shatters?

A protest, testimony, and warning – A confrontation showing our very DNA and the need for change on the societal level.

Orwellian 12"x10"x.75" ImpastoAcrylic/Plaster $225

KAYLA TRAXEL Identity is fluid, layered, and often shaped by the world around us. My work explores the tension between perception and self-definition; how we are seen versus how we feel inside. By playing with color, material, and form, I examine the intersections of beauty, technology, memory, and selfexpression. Some pieces embrace softness and introspection, while others highlight the external forces that mold identity, whether through societal standards, consumer culture, or technological change.

Through portraiture, I aim to capture not just a likeness but a feeling; a glimpse into the evolving nature of selfhood. My use of unconventional materials and color choices reflects the complexity of identity itself: shifting, multifaceted, and deeply personal. In this exhibition, I invite viewers to consider their own identities and how they navigate the spaces between who they are, who they’ve been, and who they are becoming.

Parts 24.5" X 38.5" Mixed Media (ewaste) $3500

Portrait #1 acrylic paint 16" X 20" $300

KELLY MEINERS

@kellymeiners.art www.kellymeiners.art

I create as a way to communicate and process the profound loss that followed my physical and cognitive disability from COVID-19. I have been bedridden and/or homebound for over 3.5 years—an experience shared by millions living with the most severe impacts of Long COVID. We are unseen, yet we exist—alive, but erased from public life.

My work emerges from this place of isolation, grief, and resilience. If identity is shaped by what we do, then the sudden loss of function has left me questioning who I am now. Every part of my former life—my roles, my movement, my independence—was stripped away. I am alive, but not living as I once knew it.

Through creating, I reclaim a small part of myself. Art becomes both my voice and my lifeline.

Lost Acrylic, oil pastel and charcoal on canvas 20x24 275.00

Who Am I? 36x36 Acrylic and Graphite on Canvas 575.00

KIM LINDABERRY @kim.lindaberry www.kimlindaberry.com

In my self-portraits, I explore the dynamic tensions that arise from the push and pull of internal struggles and external forces. These works lay bare the vulnerability of the body—strained by psychological weight and societal pressure—while also revealing the quiet strength that persists beneath the surface. As layers of distraction fall away, what remains is a raw and honest meditation on identity under duress. Through this series, I ask: when everything familiar is stripped away, what parts of ourselves endure?

What fractures, and what holds us together? These portraits are not just reflections of crisis, but of transformation—tracing how we come to know ourselves more deeply in the face of upheaval.

Andrea Dubbert

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil #2 Digital Archival Inkjet Print 12" x 12" image area - overall size 14" x 14" $300.00

Self Digital Archival Inkjet Print 12" x 12" image area - overall size 14" x 14" $300

Time of Corona Digital Archival Inkjet Print 12" x 12" image area - overall size 14" x 14" $300.00

KINDRA BACK

@InHisImageFineArt

My name means understanding and from a young age I have sought to understand people. Why do they think, feel, act that way? I seek to understand myself the same. I use my art as an exploration of identity, especially portraits. People are very complex, but there is much beauty and goodness to be found even amidst the darkness of failure and shame. Who do others say we are? Who do we say we are? Who does God say we are? How do we differentiate between the various voices? What's the truth?

Andrea Dubbert

Come out of Hiding You're Safe here with Me no.1 Acrylic 11x14in $180

Lead by the Spirit 24x30in Acrylic $260

LAUREN GOLDMAN @lauren_theartdirector

I am a Jewish-American woman, raising two JewishAmerican daughters at a time where our Jewish identity and our female identity are being threatened. As a way to remember and to celebrate who we are, we turn to Miriam, an inspirational Jewish feminist who leads with her spirituality and her music. Through her, we remember it is OK to be Jewish. It is OK to be a woman.

Miriam Inspires 12.5" x 15.5" (framed) Mixed media on canvas $136

LEIGH FORD @LeighFord

I am exploring different mediums, clay, wood, collage for a new expression of pattern, color and form. The act of exploration speaks to all of our identity, to learn to utilize whatever it takes and to see how new ideas can lead us to new directions, as well as align us to what we already know about ourselves.

LESLIE SULLIVAN

Widow 12x12 inches Primitive hooked rug Silent auction item

I call this piece “Widow.”

I know many widows now. None of us chose this title. We love, we marry, and in the process, we give away pieces of ourselves while gaining parts of another. Then illness arrives. Loss follows that is deep and all-consuming.

In time, we remember. We carry our grief, moving through each day with heavy hearts, learning slowly how to be alone again.

LISA ERVIN @lisaervindesign LisaErvinDesign.com

Save Yourself Mixed media on wood panel 24 x 24 $525

I’m interested in how ordinary forms - delicate flower, a human figure, a delipidated building - can symbolize the human journey: enduring hardships, experiencing renewal, and evolving into new versions of ourselves.

My self portraits explore the interplay between caution and liberation, reflecting the complex journey of shedding our former selves while honoring our past.

In all my work I hope to highlight the balance between acknowledging life's tribulations while maintaining hope and optimism.

M. PALOWSKI MOORE @SILVERLIONPOET

As an ekphrastic poet, I am inspired by imagery that connects and communicates. Photography is a visual record of who we are, how we see our world and how dreams shape possibilities. Poetry is activism, a visceral voice reflecting the trials and tribulations of a troubled world. Through this exchange, we experience and embrace our emotions, fears, dreams and humanity. Photography and poetry are meditative, conversational and revelatory. They reflect the history and power of resilience, vulnerability and celebration. These creative disciplines are cathartic; language for the voiceless and visibility for the vulnerable. Light, shadow, time and the profound depths of small moments inform my creative expressions. Poetry and photography are precious gifts of storytelling, passion, empathy and discovery. They are treasured witnesses to oppression, prejudice, comm and the endless expanse of hope. Photography is the magic of memory. Poetry is the healing wound, a record to remind and guide us. signed/framed poem $100.00

HUMANITY For every season There is a gift An unexpected encounter A wonder waiting To be discovered.

No matter your age Cherish The precious moments Treasure The awe of discovery Respect Your divine ancestry The gifts of elders But most importantly Write your own story Of charity, courage, adventure And share your light Enrich, illuminate The journey of others.

I am Because you are I am Because we are.

MATTHEW DAVIS mattdavisgraphics.myportfolio.com/letterpress

My creative process centers around letterpress printing - specifically using a 1939 Vandercook proof press - and collage. I'm drawn to impactful lyrics, mic-drop quotes, and anti-authority ideologies that explore the raw, inherent value of simply being alive. These themes fuel my work, which aims to be visually bold and layered enough to invite a closer look and spark something thoughtful. I get heavy inspiration from artists and studios like Raymond Pettibon, Shepard Fairey, Banksy, Hatch Show Print, Hammerpress, and Bob Atkins of Skylab Letterpress.

Pacifist Image: 13 x 19 Frame: 20 x 26 Letterpress / Collage 350

Revolt - Vote Letterpress / Collage Image: 13 x 19 Frame: 20 x 26 250

War Against Reality Letterpress / Collage Image: 13 x 19 Frame: 20 x 26 325

MELANIE BOLDEN

@boldartkc

Eternal Embrace 18"x24" Acrylic on Canvas w/ Rhinestones $630.00

Melanie Bolden is a visual artist whose creative journey is inspired by nature, spiritual energy, and bold color palettes.

Her work invites deep reflection and connection. She primarily paints with acrylic on stretched canvas, brought to life with her signature rhinestone accents—adding a shimmering element that invites the viewer into a multi-sensory experience.

In her latest piece, Eternal Embrace, two mirrored figures drift in stillness across a cosmic veil. Two aspects of the same soul in quiet reunion reflects on identity as something ancient and remembered—not constructed. Through shadow and starlight, where boundaries dissolve—between self and source, inner world and infinite. The piece captures stillness where true becoming begins.

As an artist, Bolden sees painting as a spiritual practice. Through bold colors, layered textures, and radiant symbolism, her art encourages reflection, healing, and the celebration of wholeness.

OLIVER REID

@hopeisolive

Through art, I create physical pieces of hope, emotions, and life that I wish to express to myself and those who encounter them. I draw inspiration from the love of what makes us human, nature, and life as a disabled person. I start by making messy lines of what I want to understand or want others to hear, done with whatever medium best fits my form of communication. Often a combination of painting and mixed media, whether digitally or pieced together by hand, I accept the art of slow craft that my differences fuel. Why I create lies in my story, thoughts of accessibility, and the natural world that constantly strings together itself and our present. I appreciate the accessibility that art-making is to me as a communicative and life-saving device, as a way to foster connection. Art is, ultimately, my way of weaving life together to form something whole.

IS DISABLED A CUSS WORD? 10X14 IN MIXED MEDIA $150

DIFFERENT, NOT LESS 10X14 IN MIXED MEDIA $150

PHIL DUNN @phildunnartkc I am drawn to the ambiguous nature of abstraction. There is a freedom to painting organically and letting the subject matter present itself to me through mark making. I consider myself a “blue collar” artist in that I value destruction as much as construction. I often use nontraditional tools such as masonry trowels, sandpaper, and cooking utensils along with my brushes and palette knives. Often, I finish my work in resin. Resin provides a crystal-clear finish that adds magnification and clarity.

Resin makes the colors I use jump back to life giving the appearance of wet paint. I am open to all mediums in service to each particular piece I create, utilizing acrylics, inks, collage and found or repurposed objects I view art as a conversation. My work is a physical manifestation of seeking a connection. A connection to the natural world, the technological world, to myself and to each other. I enjoy creating work that has a meditative quality in that it often continues to reveal itself with prolonged viewing.

The Safe word is Algorithm Acrylic/Collage/ Resin on wood panel 12x12 $200

Rainey King Raineyking.com @rainey__king A Resident Artist at ACME Studios and a nationally exhibited artist, King is also a dedicated educator, serving as Visual Arts Department Chair at Crossroads Preparatory Academy. King is currently expanding into large-scale sculptural work and solo exhibitions, exploring the intersections of labor, storytelling, and self-preservation.I view art as a conversation. My work is a physical manifestation of seeking a connection. A connection to the natural world, the technological world, to myself and to each other. I enjoy creating work that has a meditative quality in that it often continues to reveal itself with prolonged viewing.

Reason to Stay #7006 (Functional / Experimental) Mixed Media 48X48 $750.00

ROBERT CASTILLO @blob_castle

Robert Castillo is an interdisciplinary artist, born in Kansas City. As formally trained jazz bassist and composer, his visual work is informed by this extended relationship with music. His experience as a first-generation United Statesian has generated a unique perspective that subverts simple categorization. From oil paintings to stone sculptures, Castillo greatly enjoys the process of discovering new methods of expression.

The pieces presented in “Identity” lie outside his usual methods of creation, reflecting a period of profound identity metamorphosis. Since August 2023, Castillo has been navigating an era of deep transformation, making pivotal life decisions, connecting more deeply with his indigenous heritage, and beginning an intentional exploration of his feminine energy.

Currently in the final stages of completing his first novel, Castillo remains fueled by the infinite breadth of creative possibilities.

Through his eclectic body of work, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their own evolution and inherent creativity.

Abya Yala 21.5x40” giclée print of a digital collage $400

Vin • Culo 39x48” (8x12” each) digital photography $750

RUTHIE WU @prettyar_tea

Ruthie Wu is a multi-media storyteller, singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, and artist. She incorporates a variety of found materials and life experiences into unique pieces of art. She has written a play and a children's book, and her paintings are featured in community centers in Canada and the US. Art has always been a refuge for Ruthie. At times, it was a coping mechanism that got her through difficult situations. At others, it was a mirror that helped her work through suppressed emotions. Art has taught her to face her anger, befriend her sadness, and reconnect with her body and continues to be an invaluable source of comfort that she is thrilled to share with others.

Ruthie’s art is a powerful instrument that helps people remember the hardship and beauty of being human. Ruthie hopes that these pieces inspired by her past and what she continues to experience will inspire others to find meaning in all the moments of their life, however mundane or painful.

Falling Ink, Marker, Multimedia 8x10 $150

Home Acrylic Marker 4x6 $100

Yellow Oil Paint 16x20 $200

SHARON RODRIGUEZ FB: Sharon Rodriguez Photography

Sharon is exhibiting art that is healing for her and others. She has been through some medical situations that have led her to use her Photography to heal. She is depicting her body in a way that shows how proud she is to have all the wrinkles, visible scars, and psychological resistance to LIVE HER BEST LIFE EVER. She created a calendar inspired by the movie Calendar Girls. She wanted to show the beauty of an aging scared physical and mental body that is STILL HERE! I think Photography works better than Photograph. Also I think Physical and Mental should agree.

Then if it is easy to change the first photograph and the second photograph should be changed.

They are out of order from the calendar. The photo of me in glasses and beads is actually for Feb. The photo of me in hat looking at Garden book is actually January.

Woman Living Her Best Life Calendar 8x11 with 12 poses and thoughts $150

SHARON SULLIVAN

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I'm an 80 year old retired nurse. I've used my art through out my life, sometimes for discovery of troubling issues during therapy, other times when I wanted to explore and create with other mediums and teachers. I've used it to comfort others in crisis or bring some happiness to others and myself. Here I am expressing the important areas of my life to show who I am. First I am a recovering alcoholic and prescription drug addict. I have some worrisome political interest and am enjoying my spiritual path that gives me purpose, hope and joy.

Just say no?

8x10 Watercolor and mixed media $100

I Hope I Have Time 11x14 Watercolor and mixed media $175

SHELLY PINTO

@shellypinto_art

Patterns, colors, and shapes link to my history, environment, and inner thoughts.

I begin my mixed media paintings by cutting shapes, mixing colors, and overlapping patterns. The process of layering and mixing reveals an inner calm and a connection to the world. I find that patterns and repetition represent a historical structure and insight into life's interlocking balance. I often see my artwork as a colorful kaleidoscope that I adored as a child.

Devotional Deity No.2 acrylic on gallery wall 14x53" Oil paint on hardwood laser-cut shape.

14x53" $600.00

Devotional Deity No.3 Oil paint on hardwood laser-cut shape.

45x52" $600.00

SOL NEGRON @createdbysol

Sol Negron is a self-taught artist who began their artistic journey a couple of years ago. This ceramic carving features Taíno pictographs of a bird, turtle, the sun, and water. The black and white Puerto Rican flag is painted onto the piece, representing the resistance against colonialism. The Taíno symbols shine through in red, white (light grey for contrast), and light blue, the colors of the true Puerto Rican flag. This piece is a tribute to the beauty, strength, and enduring spirit of Puerto Rico.

Mi Orgullo 6.75inx5.25in Ceramic and Acrylic $250

VANIA SOTO @artista_vaniasoto

My work explores identity through layered narratives of culture, memory, and resilience. As a Latina artist, I honor my ancestors and the matriarchal lineage that shaped me, often blending traditional symbols with contemporary techniques to reflect the complexity of navigating multiple worlds. Each piece becomes a conversation between past and present, personal and collective. By using vibrant colors, mixed media, and storytelling, I invite viewers to see identity not as a fixed label, but as a living, evolving expression of who we are and where we come from. Through my art, I aim to celebrate the richness of heritage while challenging stereotypes and reclaiming space for underrepresented voices.

Señor Monarca Print 22x18 $300

"Promise" 18x22 Print $300

YVETTE WILKINS

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Through my pieces, I seek to evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and inspire deeper connections.

Art holds the power to challenge perceptions and foster understanding, and I am committed to utilizing this medium to explore themes of identity, resilience, and selfreflection.

Authentically, Transparently, Unapologetically, Me 28x36 Arcylic on canvas NFS

INTERURBAN ARTHOUSE 8001 NEWTON ST 66204 WWW.INTERURBANARTHOUSE.ORG