THE 2021 GUEST LIST IS HERE!
Take a look at our awesome guests this year!
Click on guest photos for their bios!
Comics and Story Artist
Meg Adams is a comics and story artist based in Seattle, WA. On rainy days, you can find her bundled up with her dog, sipping hot cocoa and working on a variety of projects ranging from comics to illustrations. From the joys of marrying your best friend to the bizarre musings of a twelve-pound pup to the humor and heartbreak of mental illness, Meg’s all-too relatable comics leave no stone unturned. Dorky and downright hilarious, ARTBYMOGA explores what it means to make fun of oneself and find laughter in the little things.
Aside from art, Meg loves playing video games with her husband Carson, binging crime docuseries on Netflix, cooking buttered noodles and parmesan with Food Network in the background, and taking her sweet pup Boedy out on adventures. She has recently picked up embroidery and is terrible.
Aside from art, Meg loves playing video games with her husband Carson, binging crime docuseries on Netflix, cooking buttered noodles and parmesan with Food Network in the background, and taking her sweet pup Boedy out on adventures. She has recently picked up embroidery and is terrible.
Fashion Designer
Hélène Alexander is a Fashion Design Teacher at the High School of Art & Design. With a decade as a designer in the fashion industry, she brings her garment design, illustration, and construction expertise directly to her students.
Animator
A graduate of the School of Visual Arts where he majored in Cartooning. A caricaturist and humorous illustrator, Ray's work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on TV. Ray is a contributor to Mad magazine, earning him the status of one of "The Usual Gang of Idiots".
The last few years have seen Ray venture into the world of animation and storyboarding where he worked on an updated version of "Speed Racer", Disney Kid's "Transformer Rescue Bots" and Showtime's "Our Cartoon President"
Ray won the National Cartoonist Society Reuben award for Best Magazine Illustration – 2009 and has had his original artwork hung in numerous art galleries including the Museum of Comic and Cartoon art.
Ray has returned to his alma-mater as an instructor in the Animation department at the School of Visual Arts.
Over the last few years Ray has been involved in volunteering his talent to help brighten the lives of those that are recuperating from life threatening medical procedures. He is a director in The Ink Well Foundation – a group of cartoonists and artists that travel to pediatric wards to draw for sick children.
In 2010 Ray became active volunteering for the USO. He has made numerous trips to various Veteran’s Hospitals across the country and has traveled abroad to draw for our troops. In this capacity as an entertainer for the USO, Ray has gone to Germany, Kuwait, Turkey, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, and most recently, Afghanistan.
The last few years have seen Ray venture into the world of animation and storyboarding where he worked on an updated version of "Speed Racer", Disney Kid's "Transformer Rescue Bots" and Showtime's "Our Cartoon President"
Ray won the National Cartoonist Society Reuben award for Best Magazine Illustration – 2009 and has had his original artwork hung in numerous art galleries including the Museum of Comic and Cartoon art.
Ray has returned to his alma-mater as an instructor in the Animation department at the School of Visual Arts.
Over the last few years Ray has been involved in volunteering his talent to help brighten the lives of those that are recuperating from life threatening medical procedures. He is a director in The Ink Well Foundation – a group of cartoonists and artists that travel to pediatric wards to draw for sick children.
In 2010 Ray became active volunteering for the USO. He has made numerous trips to various Veteran’s Hospitals across the country and has traveled abroad to draw for our troops. In this capacity as an entertainer for the USO, Ray has gone to Germany, Kuwait, Turkey, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, and most recently, Afghanistan.
Artistic Director
Cecilia has a long history as a performing artist in NYC. She has worked with the NYC Kids Project for 24 years. She has served as actor, teacher and mentor for the 52nd St. Project, a company producing plays written by youth in economically underprivileged Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. Cecilia has also worked with The Floating Hospital Children’s Theatre, the Directors Company, and the Phoenix Ensemble Theater. She hosted a PBS show called “Backyard Safari” for 12 episodes, which explored science and nature from the eyes of a child. Cecilia has performed/sung in many languages, travelling with La Mama Company’s YARA Arts to Buryat Mongolia and Ukraine. She also taught puppetry and theatre to educators with the L’Arche Foundation in Krakow, Poland with the Kids Project. Cecilia has studied with Uta Hagen, Robert X. Modica and Wynn Handman. Mr. Handman directed her in a one-woman version of the book Dreaming in Cuban.
Landscape Architect
Taewook Cha is a registered landscape architect and founding principal of Supermass Studio, a landscape architecture practice based in New York City since 2011. With over 20 years of experience both in the United States and internationally, Taewook has devoted most of his career to the innovation and advancement of public spaces in complex urban environments.
Taewook’s primary interest lies at the intersection of landscape, urbanism and ecology with a focus on “opportunistic diversity” and “unorthodox creativity.” He sees opportunities in every project and brings out the best of each opportunity in an innovative and unconventional design approach.
His recent projects at Supermass Studio include Wisconsin Riverfront Park in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mulberry Commons Park in Newark, NJ, and Concourse Parks at LaGuardia Airport’s New Terminal B in New York, NY. Taewook’s past project experience prior to founding Supermass Studio includes notable projects such as High Line and Coney Island Steeplechase Plaza in New York City, Aria Hotel Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and Hengchun Tropical Botanical Garden Master Plan in Kenting, Taiwan.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards including design awards from American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Architizer and World Landscape Architecture (WLA).
Taewook’s primary interest lies at the intersection of landscape, urbanism and ecology with a focus on “opportunistic diversity” and “unorthodox creativity.” He sees opportunities in every project and brings out the best of each opportunity in an innovative and unconventional design approach.
His recent projects at Supermass Studio include Wisconsin Riverfront Park in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mulberry Commons Park in Newark, NJ, and Concourse Parks at LaGuardia Airport’s New Terminal B in New York, NY. Taewook’s past project experience prior to founding Supermass Studio includes notable projects such as High Line and Coney Island Steeplechase Plaza in New York City, Aria Hotel Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and Hengchun Tropical Botanical Garden Master Plan in Kenting, Taiwan.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards including design awards from American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Architizer and World Landscape Architecture (WLA).
Illustrator
Mimi is a lawyer-turned-illustrator and designer who has collaborated with clients such as Disney, Samsung, and Adobe. She also served as the in-house creative director of a popular children's apparel company. There, she developed everything from the original characters to the branding design and led the illustration artwork for licensing partnerships with Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, and Dreamworks.
Mimi currently owns and designs for her independent studio, Mimochai. She has published three picture books and is currently working on her next book project. She is passionate about sharing art and stories to encourage creativity and mindfulness in all ages. Mimochai supports children's arts education and environmental conservation causes through its retail art business.
Mimi currently owns and designs for her independent studio, Mimochai. She has published three picture books and is currently working on her next book project. She is passionate about sharing art and stories to encourage creativity and mindfulness in all ages. Mimochai supports children's arts education and environmental conservation causes through its retail art business.
Letterer
Janice Chiang is an American comic-book letterer with over thirty years’ experience in the industry. Chiang broke into comics in the mid-1970s, when she began freelancing for Marvel Comics, and she continues to letter to this day. She is best known to the Bronze Age generation for her lettering in the 1980s and 1990s on such books as Transformers, Visionaries, and Rom: Spaceknight. Her most recent work can be seen in Storm King Comics' John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction and the new released DC Comics Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Collection, an anthology celebrating Asian Superheroes released this May, which is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. She grew up in Elmhurst, Queens, but now calls Woodstock her home for over 25 years.
Fashion Designer
Joyce Clemente is a NYC based Fashion Designer with an extensive background designing for several leading brands including DKNY, Columbia Sportswear, Weatherproof, Reebok, Diesel, and Marc New York to name a few. Joyce’s creations have been sold at all levels of retail from specialty chain stores to department stores and even big box retailers. As a versatile design leader, she has designed for all age ranges and genders from infant & toddlers to kids & juniors to adult women and men in her career.
As a young girl, Joyce knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Upon graduating from New York’s High School of Fashion Industries with a CTE Diploma, she was accepted into Parsons School of Design where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design and has been working in the industry ever since.
As a young girl, Joyce knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Upon graduating from New York’s High School of Fashion Industries with a CTE Diploma, she was accepted into Parsons School of Design where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design and has been working in the industry ever since.
Graphic Designer
Elizabeth Daggar studied graphic design at Pratt Institute and lives in Brooklyn. She’s the Design Director for NYC & Company, the tourism marketing organization for New York City, where she oversees and crafts design and illustration for print, digital, event, and motion projects in service to the city she loves. Prior to this position, she worked as an independent one-woman studio under the name Electrofork. She’s also a visual artist of the drawing, painting, and etching sort.
Fashion Designer
Lisa Di Napoli sees the world in vivid color, has never met a color swatch that did not inspire,loves curating visual stories, and maintains a childlike curiosity. All this has served her well as design leader and children’s industry expert. After attending Parsons School of Design, she went on to lead teams at Tommy Hilfiger, Gap Kids, Best & Co., and H.M. Woggle Bug, a luxury childrenswear company she founded. Her talent is not isolated to the world of fashion; however, she is a constant beauty seeker who loves to entertain and share her creativity with others.
Fine Artist/ Educator
I was born in New York to Spanish parents and divide my time between New York and Valencia. Since graduating from the Cooper Union, where I received a full merit scholarship, my artwork has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in the United States, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, and Japan.
In addition to exhibiting in galleries and at universities, I have shown in unconventional and unexpected spaces, including the botanical gardens of Villa Monastero (Aletheia, 2019) and the Former Church of San Nicolau (Blu, 2016).
I have also had my work projected onto the façade of the Organization of American States (Art after Dark, 2015), in public transport corridors in Japan and NYC (Toride International Video, 2014 and Under the Subway Video Art, 2012-13), and onto homes and public spaces as part of the Digital Graffiti Festivals (2012-15). My work is part of numerous collections including the Hispanic Society of America, Fundación Bancaja, and the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
In addition to exhibiting in galleries and at universities, I have shown in unconventional and unexpected spaces, including the botanical gardens of Villa Monastero (Aletheia, 2019) and the Former Church of San Nicolau (Blu, 2016).
I have also had my work projected onto the façade of the Organization of American States (Art after Dark, 2015), in public transport corridors in Japan and NYC (Toride International Video, 2014 and Under the Subway Video Art, 2012-13), and onto homes and public spaces as part of the Digital Graffiti Festivals (2012-15). My work is part of numerous collections including the Hispanic Society of America, Fundación Bancaja, and the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
Animator
I'm an artist and animator based out of Queens, NY. I've been animating since I was 12 and have always been drawn to make my doodles move.
Most recently, I have been a storyboard artist for Our Cartoon President for Showtime Network and T.O.T.S. for Disney Jr.
Previously, I focused on animation and layout design for shows for Netflix, Adult Swim, Fox, Tru TV, and many others.
On top of all of that, I also volunteer for Women in Animation as a Co-Lead for the New York City chapter, something I am very passionate about.
In my free time, I make my own short films, cook fantastic meals, and bake beautiful cookies. I aspire to be a director in animation one day and to bring my own creative endeavors to mainstream media! I want the world to see my work.
Most recently, I have been a storyboard artist for Our Cartoon President for Showtime Network and T.O.T.S. for Disney Jr.
Previously, I focused on animation and layout design for shows for Netflix, Adult Swim, Fox, Tru TV, and many others.
On top of all of that, I also volunteer for Women in Animation as a Co-Lead for the New York City chapter, something I am very passionate about.
In my free time, I make my own short films, cook fantastic meals, and bake beautiful cookies. I aspire to be a director in animation one day and to bring my own creative endeavors to mainstream media! I want the world to see my work.
Cartoonist/ Writer
Anne Fizzard is a NYC-based cartoonist and illustrator whose work has appeared in The New Yorker. She has also recently illustrated two virtual productions for Metropolitan Playhouse. Her past work includes advertising illustration for a specialty food shop in her hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada-and illustrations for Sanibel Shell Shocked, a book of humor essays by Art Stevens about life on Sanibel Island in Florida.
As an actor/ writer, she is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and a long-time member of the WorkShop Theater Company. Her current project is a comedy web series, Marigold & Martha, in which she plays identical twins stuck together in quarantine.
As an actor/ writer, she is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and a long-time member of the WorkShop Theater Company. Her current project is a comedy web series, Marigold & Martha, in which she plays identical twins stuck together in quarantine.
Illustrator/ Author
Gilbert Ford holds a BFA from Pratt Institute and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from VCFA. He is the author and illustrator of picture books Flying Lessons, The Marvelous Thing that Came from a Spring, and How the Cookie Crumbled. He is also the author and illustrator of his middle grade novel The Mysterious Messenger. He has illustrated many New York Times Best Selling middle grade novels and award winning picture books.
Comics Artist/ Writer
Simon Fraser is a Scots comics artist and writer living in Jersey City, NJ. His credits include drawing Judge Dredd, Kingsman, and Doctor Who. He created the Eagle Award winning character Nikolai Dante ( with Robbie Morrison ). He's worked for numerous UK & American publishers, including DC Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Millarworld and 2000 AD.
'Unfinished Business' co-created with Paul Levitz, will be available in May 2021 from Dark Horse Comics and 'Hershey:Disease' with Rob Williams, will be out this summer from 2000AD.
'Unfinished Business' co-created with Paul Levitz, will be available in May 2021 from Dark Horse Comics and 'Hershey:Disease' with Rob Williams, will be out this summer from 2000AD.
Illustrator
Laura Freeman is a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honoree. Her work has been recognized with an NAACP Image Award, reached the New York Times Best Seller List, been honored by the Society of Illustrators, the Georgia Center For The Book, and in the Annuals for Communication Arts and American Illustration.
In addition to illustrating books, Laura's art can be found on a wide range of products, from dishes and textiles to greeting cards, and her editorial images are frequently seen in the NY Times and other periodicals. She invites you to visit her website; www.LFreemanArt.com to discover more about her.
In addition to illustrating books, Laura's art can be found on a wide range of products, from dishes and textiles to greeting cards, and her editorial images are frequently seen in the NY Times and other periodicals. She invites you to visit her website; www.LFreemanArt.com to discover more about her.
Illustrator
Laura Gauthier is an art educator and freelance illustrator and concept artist born and raised in New York City.
Laura has over twelve years of experience working with children and teens in the arts. She has worked at the 92nd St Y Art Center since 2009, where she has taught classes in a variety of different mediums. She has also been a part of the 92nd St Y Center for Arts Learning and Leadership’s School Partnership Program, as well as a teaching artist with Febrer Arts, Wingspan Arts, and the Brearley/Chapin School after school Clubhouse.
Laura received her MA in Visual Arts Education from Hunter College, and her BFA in Digital Arts with a concentration in Animation from Pratt Institute.
In her artistic practice, she makes illustrations about mythology and folklore, with a special interest in the representation of women. She also works as a concept artist for film and television and has worked with a variety of New York based independent film production companies specializing in the horror genre. She takes great passion in bringing characters and environments to life.
Laura has over twelve years of experience working with children and teens in the arts. She has worked at the 92nd St Y Art Center since 2009, where she has taught classes in a variety of different mediums. She has also been a part of the 92nd St Y Center for Arts Learning and Leadership’s School Partnership Program, as well as a teaching artist with Febrer Arts, Wingspan Arts, and the Brearley/Chapin School after school Clubhouse.
Laura received her MA in Visual Arts Education from Hunter College, and her BFA in Digital Arts with a concentration in Animation from Pratt Institute.
In her artistic practice, she makes illustrations about mythology and folklore, with a special interest in the representation of women. She also works as a concept artist for film and television and has worked with a variety of New York based independent film production companies specializing in the horror genre. She takes great passion in bringing characters and environments to life.
Photographer
Flint Gennari was a self taught photographer lucky enough to get into the High School of Art & Design where he was able to utilize and expand on his skills. He has had numerous exhibits and shows around the world, including the Newhouse Center of Contemporary Arts, Founation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris France, and his larger than life portraits are the first thing you see when you enter the new Museum of Graffiti in Miami, Florida. His photos and stories about him can be found in many of the modern art books out now. He is also a youtuber. Please subscribe to youtube.com/FineArtFotos.
Animator
Rachel Gitlevich is a 2D character animator and designer working in New York City. She has designed on shows like Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart Valley, Harriet the Spy, and animated on projects like Monster at the End of the Story, Ballmasterz9009, Niko and the Sword of LIght, Home; Adventures with Tip and Oh; and many, many more.
Game Designer/ D&D Warlock
Ken is a marketing wizard and a D&D warlock. He's been playing and running role-playing games since the Prehistoric Age (pre-YouTube), and has written official adventures for Dungeons & Dragons. He lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and a teenage daughter who is obsessed with Genshin Impact.
Animator
Daniel A. Haskett is a High School of Art & Design alumni and veteran animator who, according to Variety, was one of a group of young animators trained by Disney's 'Nine Old Men' at the Disney Feature Animation Building in the 1970s.
Landscape Architect
Adrian Hayes is a Landscape Architect at the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
Creative Director
Joann Hill is Creative Director at Disney Hyperion in New York leading a team of amazing designers. During her career, she has been fortunate to work with some amazing authors and illustrators including Rick Riordan, Linda Sue Park, Dan Santat, Matthew Cordell, LeUyen Pham, David Wiesner, John Rocco, Nancy Carpenter, Javaka Steptoe and Victo Ngai.
Fashion Illustrator/ Designer
Deanna Kei is a New York native Fashion Illustrator and Apparel designer. She holds a bachelor's degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been working for over a decade in women’s wear design and illustration. Some of the brands she’s worked with include: Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Marriott Bonvoy and more. Her illustrations have appeared in magazines, tv commercials, newspapers, and publications. Through her work she aims to encourage style, confidence, and positivity.
Cartoonist
Lucy Knisley is a critically acclaimed and award-winning comic creator who lives in Chicago. She specializes in personal, confessional graphic novels, and travelogues.
Her last name is confusing and has a silent K. It's pronounced kind-of like "nigh-slee.”
Her last name is confusing and has a silent K. It's pronounced kind-of like "nigh-slee.”