Cary Reeder

Artist INC Class of 2017

Medium: Acrylic gouache on paper on board.

Size (HxW): 12'' x 9''

Cary Reeder , a Miami, Florida native, has made Houston, Texas her home since 1996. Working in multi-media including paint, paper, colored vinyl and flagging tape, she is keenly interested in how color impacts emotion and how light, shadow and space create an ever-changing picture plane. She got her start in art as a graphic artist and received her fine art training at the Glassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts-Houston. In between she had a 20+ year career as a grant writer and fundraiser for nonprofit organizations. Her work has been included in numerous exhibitions, and in solos shows at Mystic Lyon (2018), Galveston Arts Center (2018), Optical Project (2016) and Lawndale Art Center (2013). In 2021, her sculpture "Treeodesic Dome" was included in the Houston public art project True North 2021. She is a past recipient of an Individual Artist Grant from the Houston Arts Alliance and in 2014 was a Hunting Prize Finalist. Her work been featured twice in New American Paintings, issues #108 and #120, and Acrylic Artist, Spring 2016. She teaches at Art League Houston and in her studio.

See more of her work: https://www.caryreeder.com/

Karla Cisneros

Artist INC Class of 2024

Medium: Digital print on aluminum

Size (HxW): 8'' x 10''

Karla Cisneros has always been drawn to watercolor, sketching, and design, even as her life moved in many different directions. She first studied marine ecology because of her connection to the sea, but soon realized she wasn’t meant to be a scientist. Drawn to creative work, she shifted to architecture as a more practical path into the arts. When her children grew up, she became a certified teacher, and her commitment to young people eventually led her to serve on Houston City Council, where she championed public art and expanded opportunities for artists.

Karla holds a Master’s in Architecture, a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, and certification as an elementary school teacher. A Houston resident for forty-five years, she and her husband of more than four decades are now enjoying the delights of grandchildren.

After eight years on City Council and a lifetime of service, Karla is returning to the passion that started it all. She is embracing her artistic practice with renewed purpose and gratitude, proud to be part of Houston’s vibrant creative community and eager to continue serving the public through her art.

Learn more: https://www.karlacisneros.com/

Carlos Ocando

Artist INC Class of 2020

Medium: Photography/Aluminum Print

Size (HxW): 24'' x 16''

Carlos Oscando is a Venezuelan-American photographer who specializes in landscape photography exploring it from the minimal to the surreal.

Carlos was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, started to explore photography as a creative medium utilizing his father’s camera.

After a few a years he decided to pivot into a photography career and started working under a new mentor, Mexican photographer Albert Frangiéh. Under his wing for three years Carlos learned everything he needed to know to work as a professional and fine art photographer. 

Since then Carlos has shown his work in a number of group shows around the state of Texas like Lawndale’s Big Show, 42nd Annual Houston Center for Photography and in a group show at the Holocaust Museum and presented his work during a fund raiser in support of the Latino Museum in Houston. Carlos has also receved a number of awards at a regional, national and international level, which includes being a finalist in the prestigious Hasselblad Masters.

Today Carlos lives and works in the city of Houston, exploring the city’s back alleys and parks always looking with his eye and his camera.

Learn more: https://carlosocando.com/

Caroline Z. Marcos; Wildflower Studio

Artist INC Class of 2023

Medium: Mixed media acrylic, paper, fabric collage on canvas

Size (HxW): 24'' x 20''

Caroline Marcos was born in Alexandria, Egypt as a Copt (Christian Egyptian). Caroline has a B.A. in Studio Art and Psychology (double major) from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy/Art Therapy Psychology.

Caroline studied under Frank Galuszka, Tim Craighead, and Don Fritz, who worked in painting and mixed media using Mica, Acrylic get transfers, and Bees Wax.

Caroline creates works of fine art; utilizing various mediums and techniques, such as acrylic gel medium transfers, encaustic, collage and oil stick. Creativity as play and using tactile mediums are inspirations to her pieces. She has participated in over 13 Juried shows and has had 3 commissions and various collectors. She enjoys participating in the Houston art community on a regular basis both exhibiting and teaching art therapy workshops at the Pearl Museum of Fine Art in Spring, Tx and The Jung Center in Houston.

Learn more: https://www.carolinez.com/

Edgar Medina

Artist INC Class of 2017

Medium: Framed giclée print

Size (HxW): 20'' x 20''

Edgar Medina (Artist INC Class of 2017) is a Contemporary Abstract artist whose vibrant, expressive paintings brim with color, energy, and bold inspiration. Each series carries its own vision and a positive message, inviting viewers first with their striking aesthetic and then drawing them deeper when he shares the story behind each piece.

Edgar’s work is shaped by nature’s untamed colors and the vibrant blend of his Mexican and American cultures. Every painting captures a moment in time from his life, guided by intuition and lived experience. As a self-taught artist, his journey has been his education, giving him the confidence to explore new techniques, learn from mistakes, and trust his artistic voice.

His work has been widely featured in publications such as Forbes, HOLA!, and the Houston Chronicle, as well as OutSmart Magazine, Houstonia, PaperCity, City Lifestyle, NBC Houston, CultureMap, and CW39 Houston, with coverage highlighting his expressive style, cultural perspective, and community-focused projects.

Learn more: https://www.medinaedgar.com/

Y.E. Torres

Artist INC Class of 2017 and current facilitator

Item: Private Lesson

Introduction to Fire Artistry and Safety is a private lesson for ONE student. This updated one-on-one workshop, shares the history of fire manipulation in performance, foundations of fire safety, an introduction to fire props, dancing, and manipulation, and an opportunity to touch fire, work with fire torches and propane bubbles. Whether you want to learn the basics of playing consciously with fire or are ready to release your inner pyro, this experience is for YOU!

Introduction to Fire Artistry and Safety is led by professional movement artist and educator, Y. E. Torres (ms. YET). Torres is a Houston, Texas-based Fire Bellydancer, a Flame Effects Operator, licensed by the state of Texas, a Principal on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Special Effects (SPE-AAA) Committee, Executive Artistic Director of the Renegade Carnies, Co-Producer of FLOWriety Fire, and the Public Programs and CAMHLAB Manager of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

Workshop Length: 2-3 hours

Texas-based

Disclaimer: This Introduction to Fire Artistry and Safety will be held in ms. YET’s personal studio, located in Segundo Barrio, near Downtown Houston. Participation is limited to students who are at least 18 years old. Workshop must be booked and completed no later than February 28, 2026. All supplies are provided.

Julie Wright

Artist INC Class of 2022

Medium: Plaster/Mixed Media, Vintage and modern-day toys are arranged in an “I Spy” scene. Each toy’s intricate details and textures are captured in a one-of-a-kind, plaster relief artwork.

Size (HxW): 15.25x15.25"

San Antonio-born and Conroe-based artist Julie Wright works with found objects to create pop-inspired relief sculptures that comment on our collective childhood memories and obsessions. Wright creates nostalgic pieces that resonate with children ages 1-99 by collaging impressions of familiar toys in plaster sculptures reminding us all that you’re never too old to indulge in the art of play.

Learn More: https://juliewrightart.com/

Jaymes Earl

Artist INC Class of 2017

Medium: Digital Print on Paper

Size: 12'' x 12''

Aaron Jaymes Booker, known artistically as Jaymes Earl, is an award-winning Houston-based artist originally from El Paso, Texas. Born into a military family, he lived in North Carolina and Germany before returning to El Paso, later earning a degree in mathematics from Prairie View A&M University.

Creative from an early age, Jaymes spent his childhood building models and drawing comic strips, developing skills that would eventually flow into his art practice. His artistic direction shifted in the fall of 1998 when he fell in love with hip hop. The music, rhythms, films, and especially the fashion captured his imagination. What once existed on the margins of culture now shapes global ideas of style and identity, from fresh kicks and bold colors to grills and jewelry that were once dismissed or vilified but today define what many consider “cool.”

Jaymes’ work explores this evolution of pop culture and its deep roots in traditional African aesthetics. His paintings combine the hobbies of his youth with the precision of mathematical concepts such as coordinate planes, scaling, geometric forms, and line work, all woven together with the spirit and influence of hip hop.

Through this fusion, Jaymes creates art that celebrates cultural transformation, honors its origins, and reflects the rhythm and structure that have shaped his life.

Learn More: https://www.artsy.net/artist/jaymes-earl

Laura Gordon-Hurter (aka the Crimson Vagabond)

Artist INC Class of 2022

Item: Live Entertainment Package

Live Music & Dance Performances

The Crimson Vagabond Roadshow is directed by Jam Boss Mr.B & Laura, the Crimson Vagabond. Their live performances are inspired by Middle Eastern and Turkish music, dance and celebrations. You can count on this wild pair to bring you a high energy and fiery performance!

Taking the Show on the Road!!

Impress your guests at your next special occasion with an exciting live performance from this dynamic duo. Jam Boss and The Crimson Vagabond will deliver a sassy 15-minute showcase to help kick off your celebrations. Everyone will be bragging about how YOU hosted the best party of the year!

Learn more: https://thecrimsonvagabond.com/

Bryan Cope

Artist INC Class of 2020

Medium: Paint-filled, laser-engraved on birch plywood

Size: 17'' x 11''

Bryan Cope is a mixed media artist whose creative expression is both a passion and a compulsion. Working with digital tools and laser cutters, he transforms futuristic graffiti, drafting-inspired paintings, and murals into layered three-dimensional wooden works. His current focus blends Islamic geometry, Japanese influences, and mixed media techniques to create intricate geometric wall art.

Learn More: https://www.freshartsregistry.org/profiles/bryan-cope.html

Bryan Cope

Artist INC Class of 2020

Medium: Laser-engraved on birch with aerosol

Size: 5.5”x 16.75”

Bryan Cope is a mixed media artist whose creative expression is both a passion and a compulsion. Working with digital tools and laser cutters, he transforms futuristic graffiti, drafting-inspired paintings, and murals into layered three-dimensional wooden works. His current focus blends Islamic geometry, Japanese influences, and mixed media techniques to create intricate geometric wall art.

Learn More: https://www.freshartsregistry.org/profiles/bryan-cope.html

Bryan Cope

Artist INC Class of 2020

Medium: Mixed Media

Size: 10"x10"

Bryan Cope is a mixed media artist whose creative expression is both a passion and a compulsion. Working with digital tools and laser cutters, he transforms futuristic graffiti, drafting-inspired paintings, and murals into layered three-dimensional wooden works. His current focus blends Islamic geometry, Japanese influences, and mixed media techniques to create intricate geometric wall art.

Learn More: https://www.freshartsregistry.org/profiles/bryan-cope.html

Cheryl Russell

Artist INC Class of 2024

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Size: 15.25 x 15.25 x 1.5 in

Cheryl Russell’s work is deeply informed by social issues, often centering feminism, equality, courage, and the search for meaning through abstract and figurative expressionism.

A former marketing firm owner, Russell is now fully dedicated to her art practice and creative business. She has exhibited widely across Texas, received multiple honors, including the Clelie Ann Moore Scholarship, and her work is held in international collections.

An active member of Houston’s creative community, Russell serves on the board of the Visual Arts Alliance and regularly contributes to local exhibitions, public art projects, and collaborative initiatives. She earned her B.F.A. in Studio Art, summa cum laude, with a concentration in painting from Texas State University.

She is currently open to gallery representation, exhibitions, and collaborative opportunities.

Learn More: https://cherylrussell.art/portfolio/

Vernon Caldera

Artist INC Class of 2023

Medium: Ink on canvas board

Size: 11'' x 14 ''

Vernon Caldera is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the repetition of patterns in nature on both physical and conceptual levels. Inspired by the endless combinations found in the natural world, he experiments with the meeting point between the glossy and the organic, creating layered textures across paintings, collages, interior environments, and terrariums. His narrative-driven practice is shaped by his experiences growing up in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Houston, as well as his travels. Vernon’s characters and worlds often incorporate live plants, photographs, illustrations, and memories, forming immersive stories grounded in place and personal history.

Learn More: https://www.instagram.com/vernoncalderaart/

Luisa Duarte

Artist INC Class of 2017

Medium: Monotype on paper on colored ink

Size: 9 x 9 x 1 in

Houston-based artist Luisa Duarte is a Venezuelan-American visual artist. She received her Bachelor in Architecture from the Universidad del Zulia, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in 1987.

Duarte's work has been exhibited in various institutions around the world, including the the Holocaust Museum in Houston, Texas; The Museum of Geometric and Madi Art in Dallas, Texas; The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo del Zulia, Maczul in Maracaibo, Venezuela; The Museo of Miranda in Los Teques, Venezuela; the Galveston Arts Center in Galveston, Texas; and the 2017 Texas Biennial in Austin, Texas.

Most recently, Duarte’s work was selected for inclusion in a major exhibition at the Art Museum of South Texas, Texas Artists - Women in Abstraction (2022); and a solo exhibition of her work, Inseparable Ties, was curated by Kinzelman Art Consulting, and exhibited in the TC Energy Building, Houston Texas (2021).

In 2019, Duarte was a recipient of the Houston Art Alliance’s “City’s Initiative Grant; and she received first place in the 10th Annual Visual Arts Alliance juried invitational in 2016.

Duarte was recently an Artists on Site Series 3 artist-in-residence at the Asia Society Texas Center, and is currently an artist-in-residence at P.A.C. Art Residency in Houston.

Learn More: https://www.luisa-duarte.com/

Marsha Glickman

Artist INC Class of 2019

Medium: Mixed Media - shredded paper, acrylic

Size: 13 x 13 in

As a passionate self-taught artist, Marsha Glickman thrives on transforming original found materials—like vintage papers and unique objects—into vibrant new creations! Marsha Glickman's work is a tapestry of complexity and hidden messages, drawing inspiration from her diverse life experiences, international travels, family connections, and reflections on world events and scientific knowledge.

Learn More: https://www.foundephemeraart.com/

Monica Melgar

Artist INC Class of 2020

Medium: Original freehand line work painting made with fluorescent acrylic paints on canvas

Size: 24 x 24 in

Houston based visual artist, Monica Melgar, has been pursuing her professional art career for the past 13 years. Although she studied Graphic Communication at the Art Institute of Houston, her painting skills are self taught. It all started from her constant doodling in high school that she used to relax her stressed mind.

During her childhood her parents moved back and forth between Mexico and the U.S. and as a result, her artistic expressions are influenced by the vivid colors and delicate patterns found in Mexican artisanry. Her painting style has now changed from tiny dashes to fine linework that create abstract images that sometimes take on a accidental form of a flower or a sea creature.

In addition to painting, she has explored various applications in the use of up-cylced PET plastic from soda bottles. By cutting, heating, fusing the plastic she creates sculptures that mimic glass. She’s made a vessel that started off as a heart, a Wizard of Oz themed tornado, an installation that seemed as if it moved, and recently a hanging piece that seems to float.

Her paintings and plastic sculptures have been shown in solo exhibitions and group shows throughout the Houston area and recently in Austin. Her works belong to many private collections in the U.S. and Mexico.

Learn More: https://www.monicamelgarart.com/

Michelle Vo

Artist INC Class of 2025

Medium: Stained glass (digital print for display purposes)

Size: 23 x 6 in

Michelle Vo's work explores emotional health through vibrant visual language, using ornamental motifs and representational illustrations to evoke movement, transformation, and connection. The botanical forms she incorporates—whether abstract or representational—serve as metaphors for emotional and personal growth. By working with simple elements like wavy lines, dots, and symbolic shapes, she creates compositions that are both visually dynamic and conceptually layered. Vo's creative process is grounded in exploration and observation, drawing inspiration from the artists, techniques, and cultural traditions that shape their work.

Learn More: https://www.michellevoart.com/

Jeanette Miller

Artist INC Class of 2025

Medium: Acrylic on canvas, framed

Size: 20 x 24 in

Jeanette Miller's work explores how people hold stories in their bodies and how those stories change through making, repetition,

and shared creative spaces. Miller uses acrylic, watercolor, collage, found materials, assemblage, and digital media. Miller

values experimentation, improvisation, and the beauty of imperfection. Everyday objects and overlooked fragments

are at the heart of their art. Miller gathers materials from their studio, neighborhood, thrift stores, and community workshops. Jeanette Miller's pieces show the marks of many hands, many histories, and ongoing transformation.

Learn More: http://www.jeanettemillerstudios.com/

Jeanette Miller

Artist INC Class of 2025

Medium: Paper collage, framed

Size: 12 x 12 in

Jeanette Miller's work explores how people hold stories in their bodies and how those stories change through making, repetition,

and shared creative spaces. Miller uses acrylic, watercolor, collage, found materials, assemblage, and digital media. Miller

values experimentation, improvisation, and the beauty of imperfection. Everyday objects and overlooked fragments

are at the heart of their art. Miller gathers materials from their studio, neighborhood, thrift stores, and community workshops. Jeanette Miller's pieces show the marks of many hands, many histories, and ongoing transformation.

Learn More: http://www.jeanettemillerstudios.com/