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HERE ARE OUR 2023 GUESTS!
Come and see our amazing
roster of guests this year!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
APRIL 29th & 30th
DOORS OPEN AT 9:30 AM!
To learn more about each guest, click on their photos to read their bios!
Animator
Abe Audish is a visual storyteller living in the L.A area. He is a Joe Kubert alumni, and has worked in the animation industry for over 15 years as a storyboard artist, director, supervisor, and a writer. He has worked on shows such as Rise of the TMNT, We Bare Bears, Futurama, and many more. Abe is currently working as a supervising producer at WB on Bugs Bunny Builders.
Graphic Novelist/ Illustrator
Josh Bayer lives in Harlem and has worked as a Graphic Novelist, Fine Artist and Illustrator for twenty years. Josh is the editor of the anthology Suspect Device and the author of Theth, Raw Power, Theth Tomorrow Forever, RM and Black Star. Additionally he is the editor and writer of the All Time Comics Imprint from Floating World Comics and Fantagraphics. His style is characterized by a genre fusion tying together different historical cartooning styles with a devout punk rock anti-narrative. His comics work was reprinted in the Best American Comics series in 2014 and 2017, selected from work across the country by editors Ben Katchor and Jonathan Letham.
Bayer also has an extensive career producing conceptual art for a variety of TV and film productions for clients including MTV, HBO and Amnesty International. Josh earned an MFA in Illustration and Cartooning in 2009, and has been teaching professionally since 2007 at schools all over New York.
Bayer also has an extensive career producing conceptual art for a variety of TV and film productions for clients including MTV, HBO and Amnesty International. Josh earned an MFA in Illustration and Cartooning in 2009, and has been teaching professionally since 2007 at schools all over New York.
Landscape Architect
Amber Betances graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Landscape Architecture. She currently works for NYC Parks as an assistant landscape architect working closely with a team of experienced design professionals on a breadth of design projects diverse in scale and complexity. She has centered her career on community-based design and increasing accessibility to equitable green spaces. Her optimism runs deep in her capacity to help cultivate a greater consciousness for more vibrant and healthy communities.
Animation Producer
Dani Bowman is a young and talented animator, artist, and entrepreneur who is passionate about using her skills to help others. Despite being diagnosed with autism at a young age, Dani has overcome numerous challenges to become an accomplished artist, animator and inspiring speaker. She founded her own company, DaniMation Entertainment, when she was just 14 years old, and has since taught animation to over 2000 students with autism and premiered 11 short films at San Diego Comic Con, and as a national speaker and cast member of Love on the Spectrum, uses her platform to inspire and mentor others.
Graphic Artist
Based in New York City, Artist/Illustrator Celia Calle is ever reshaping the grounds where the lines are drawn. Calle’s artistic creations are “ominous, commanding, sometimes warped, but always spiced with a generous injection of humor, in keeping with the artist's effervescent personality.” The Parsons School of Design graduate is known for her works from ESPN Sports, Adidas Ads, to Cover & Art for Marvel, DC/Vertigo Comics, and more. Working also in traditional medium e.g., oil painting, and sculpting, Calle endlessly endeavors to explore the boundaries of her creative expression in order to bring the characters and images in her mind to life. Two decades of her art can be found in the 224-page collection, “Cool Rider. The Art of Celia Calle.”
Interior Designer
Carly Cannell is a versatile design leader who is working to positively impact the fields of interiors, architecture, marketing, and branding. After 15 years, her multidisciplinary design studio, weetu [New York-Berlin], continues to evolve their practice informed by emerging technologies, evolving behavioral trends and social issues. Most recently, in collaboration with her team in Berlin, the practice is exploring concepts in sonic ecologies and immersive soundscapes.
Carly is a licensed interior designer with 25 years of industry experience and holds a BIARC from the University of Oregon. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Carly began teaching Interior Design at Parsons School of Design in 2016. As an assistant professor teaching Interior Design at Parsons and the director of the BFA Interior Design program, Carly’s curiosity combined with experience allows her to work with and inspire the next generation of designers. Her empathetic approach makes her a valuable asset to the design community and her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of design.
Carly is a licensed interior designer with 25 years of industry experience and holds a BIARC from the University of Oregon. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Carly began teaching Interior Design at Parsons School of Design in 2016. As an assistant professor teaching Interior Design at Parsons and the director of the BFA Interior Design program, Carly’s curiosity combined with experience allows her to work with and inspire the next generation of designers. Her empathetic approach makes her a valuable asset to the design community and her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of design.
Fashion Designer
From a young age, Christine took a keen interest in fashion and was especially
intrigued by the glamorous costumes in old Hitchcock movies. In high school, she
would spend hours deconstructing and redesigning vintage dresses in her
Minnesota bedroom.
Christine showed up in New York City for her Parsons School of Design college
interview with samples of her work, and she has never looked back as her career
led her through the showrooms of many of the industry’s most well-known formal
and bridal designers.
Over her career, Christine saw production move offshore, and product
development followed. She started her company, Maybelle, to offer a more eco-
conscious alternative to the mass-produced, cookie-cutter wedding dresses
flooding the market. Maybelle sustainably seams one-of-a-kind upcycled vintage
wedding dresses and accessories. Utilizing deadstock and recycled fabrics, they
help keep craftsmanship alive using local drapers and seamers.
intrigued by the glamorous costumes in old Hitchcock movies. In high school, she
would spend hours deconstructing and redesigning vintage dresses in her
Minnesota bedroom.
Christine showed up in New York City for her Parsons School of Design college
interview with samples of her work, and she has never looked back as her career
led her through the showrooms of many of the industry’s most well-known formal
and bridal designers.
Over her career, Christine saw production move offshore, and product
development followed. She started her company, Maybelle, to offer a more eco-
conscious alternative to the mass-produced, cookie-cutter wedding dresses
flooding the market. Maybelle sustainably seams one-of-a-kind upcycled vintage
wedding dresses and accessories. Utilizing deadstock and recycled fabrics, they
help keep craftsmanship alive using local drapers and seamers.
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 25 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.
His recent projects at Supermass Studio include LaGuardia Airport's New Terminal B Concourse Park in New York, NY, Mulberry Commons Park in Newark, NJ, and Wisconsin Riverfront Park in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. 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 is an executive board member at American Society of Landscape Architects New York Chapter and a co-chair of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
His recent projects at Supermass Studio include LaGuardia Airport's New Terminal B Concourse Park in New York, NY, Mulberry Commons Park in Newark, NJ, and Wisconsin Riverfront Park in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. 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 is an executive board member at American Society of Landscape Architects New York Chapter and a co-chair of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Past HSAD PTA President
Miguel Chavez is a proud New Yorker and product of the NYC Public School System. He is a parent of two young men, one of which attended Art & Design High School back in 2015-2019. While working as a tech consultant for-hire, he used his free time to join his children's PTA's, applying his tech know-how where needed. His career as a 'professional parent' culminating in A&D's PTA and helped co-found Fanfaire NYC with Saori Adams. He would like all parents to engage with their child's school and by moving forward together with the administration, amplify and strengthen our youths first steps into adulthood.
Comic Artist
Sean has been a major part of the comic book industry for over two decades. Starting with Valiant Comics, His debut book, Rai And the Future Force, topped the charts with over 800,000 copies sold. He then moved on to Harbinger and Bloodshot before landing on their flagship title X-O Manowar. Sean then found a new home at Marvel where he started what would become the longest and most remembered run of his career working on Iron Man. For the next decade, he had his hands on a number of titles, including Wolverine, X-Men, Spiderman, Nova, and the Avengers. Sean also applies his artistic and storytelling skills in the field advertising as a storyboard artist. He has also done work for DC Comics including Batman Beyond. He is currently writing and drawing his creator-owned title Genesis for 247 Comics.
Comic & TV Writer
Amy Chu is a writer for comics and TV. Her most recent graphic novel is Carmilla: The First Vampire (Dark Horse / Berger Books). She also wrote two seasons of the Netflix anime series DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. At DC and Marvel she has worked on popular characters such as Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy, Deadpool, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man and Iron Man. She is also known for her run on Red Sonja, and is the first woman to write the KISS and Green Hornet series. For children, she has written the graphic novels Sea Sirens and Sky Island (Penguin Random House) and Ana & the Cosmic Race (Papercutz).
Amy is a member of the faculty at the Kubert School and the School of Visual Arts and a board member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a double bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design from MIT and East Asian Studies from Wellesley College. She enjoys coffee, Lego, donuts and whiskey. You can follow her on instagram @amy_chu, tiktok @theamychu, and on Facebook.
Amy is a member of the faculty at the Kubert School and the School of Visual Arts and a board member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a double bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design from MIT and East Asian Studies from Wellesley College. She enjoys coffee, Lego, donuts and whiskey. You can follow her on instagram @amy_chu, tiktok @theamychu, and on Facebook.
Comics Writer
A writer of comic books, prose, and animation, Ivan Cohen is best known for introducing the character “Kid Quick” — a non-binary superhero who would later be established as the future inheritor of the Flash mantle — to the DC Comics universe, a move that attracted international press attention when the character debuted in late 2020. In 2022, Cohen returned to the character, co-writing Kid Quick and their superhero team, Teen Justice, in the miniseries MULTIVERSITY: TEEN JUSTICE.
Cohen’s other recent work includes scripting the bestselling graphic-novel adaptation of 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy, co-writing the acclaimed THE BATMAN AND SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES comic book series, and writing the RICK AND MORTY PRESENTS: MORTY’S RUN one-shot. He has also written comics for DC Comics and Marvel featuring members of the Justice League and the Avengers, and episodes of the animated series Teen Titans GO! and Beware the Batman. In September, Insight Editions published his film adaptation BATMAN RETURNS: ONE DARK CHRISTMAS EVE – THE ILLUSTRATED HOLIDAY CLASSIC.
Additionally, Cohen has produced two television documentaries on comic books and superheroes; and, as a development executive at DC Entertainment, helped launch the long-running “DC Universe” line of animated movies. He also supervised development of TV and movie projects including Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Red, Human Target, and the feature film Watchmen.
A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and Northwestern University, Cohen lives on Manhattan’s Upper West Side with his wife and their son. He has been called “amazing” and “genius” by The New York Times, though some would argue that, since those kudos were actually rankings in the newspaper’s “Spelling Bee” game, it would be misleading to use them in an author bio. The amazing genius humbly disagrees.
Cohen’s other recent work includes scripting the bestselling graphic-novel adaptation of 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy, co-writing the acclaimed THE BATMAN AND SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES comic book series, and writing the RICK AND MORTY PRESENTS: MORTY’S RUN one-shot. He has also written comics for DC Comics and Marvel featuring members of the Justice League and the Avengers, and episodes of the animated series Teen Titans GO! and Beware the Batman. In September, Insight Editions published his film adaptation BATMAN RETURNS: ONE DARK CHRISTMAS EVE – THE ILLUSTRATED HOLIDAY CLASSIC.
Additionally, Cohen has produced two television documentaries on comic books and superheroes; and, as a development executive at DC Entertainment, helped launch the long-running “DC Universe” line of animated movies. He also supervised development of TV and movie projects including Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Red, Human Target, and the feature film Watchmen.
A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and Northwestern University, Cohen lives on Manhattan’s Upper West Side with his wife and their son. He has been called “amazing” and “genius” by The New York Times, though some would argue that, since those kudos were actually rankings in the newspaper’s “Spelling Bee” game, it would be misleading to use them in an author bio. The amazing genius humbly disagrees.
Comic Artist
Ernie Colón was born on July 13, 1931, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was raised in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. He graduated from the High School of Art & Design (then known as the School of Industrial Art) in 1950 and shortly after began his 60+ year career in comics. His diverse array of work ranged from characters such as Richie Rich and Casper the Friendly Ghost (Harvey Comics) to the bestselling graphic adaptation of the The 9/11 Commission Report. He is also the co-creator of Damage Control (Marvel Comics) and Amethyst, Princess of the Gemworld (DC Comics). He passed away in August 2019. We welcome Ernie's daughters, Suzan and Luisa Colón, as they discuss his impressive career with Harvey, Marvel, and DC Comics.
Writer/ Artist
Luisa Colón is a born-and-raised New Yorker. Her first novel, BAD MOON RISING (horror/ Latinx/ YA fiction) will be published by Cemetery Dance Publications in August 2023. Luisa's written work has appeared in print and online publications such as The New York Times, Latina, USA Today, and many more. Her illustrations have taken the form of comics, album artwork, and two murals currently on display at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. And as an actress, Colón appeared as a suicide bomber in the 2006 award-winning independent movie Day Night Day Night, earning nominations for a Gotham Award and an EDA Female Focus Award. She also starred as the titular character in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s short film Anna.
Author/ Artist
Suzan Colón is the author of Yoga Mind: Journey Beyond the Physical, Cherries in Winter, and several books for DC Comics, including Catwoman: The Life and Times of a Feline Fatale, What Would Wonder Woman Do, and three young adult novels based on the TV series Smallville. She is a former Senior Editor of O, the Oprah Magazine and has appeared on The Early Show, The Today Show, and NPR. Suzan is a contributor to the graphic memoir anthology This Is Real, drawing the story of how she became a pop music journalist in the ‘80s. Suzan’s writing and art can be found on her website.
Graffiti Artist
Olga Correa is a Puerto Rican woman raised in the South Bronx, in New York City and continues to reside in the Bronx.
A graduate of the High School of Art & Design along with many legendary graffiti artists like Bill Blast, Mare139, and Lady Pink, to name a few.
A graduate of the college of Fashion Institute of Technology, along classmate Illustrator Alavo, mentor Illustrator Antonio Lopez and was gifted a grant by her admired fashion designer Oscar De La Renta. In return, she became a designer straight after graduating F.I.T for Import Inc. for a total of 15 years. She designed for clientele including J. Crew, Lord & Taylor, Bugle Boy, and many department stores in New York City.
Her Illustrations were also featured as a set design for one of the main characters in the movie, “Rude Awakening in1989”, after befriending Aaron Russo, while she lived in the Chelsea area in Manhattan.
Olga has been working with the city for 20 plus years now and has been giving back to her community in infinite ways.
She is one of many NYC existing lists of female graffiti artists in a field, which is dominated by men. She works in diverse styles and media; she consciously advocates feminine elements and strength in her creations. Her images and compositions push boundaries along with her many graffiti styled names. She is the primary character in her pieces; her name appears in styles such as her mentor Skeme. Her character has existed for decades as you can find her on Lee denim jacket painted in 1980 and rocked in high school.
She has appeared in her first solo show at AAA3A, as well as Wallworks several times, James Top NYC Graffiti Center, Bronx Art Space, Chicago’s ARI’s Art Space in 2020. In 2021, she showcased at an Allen Street Art Space show named, “S.T.O.C.K.S & Bombs” alongside her mentor Skeme, legendary photographer Martha Cooper, as well at Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education. This March 2023, she is showcased in an all women show called, “Her City” in London at Leake Street Gallery.
A graduate of the High School of Art & Design along with many legendary graffiti artists like Bill Blast, Mare139, and Lady Pink, to name a few.
A graduate of the college of Fashion Institute of Technology, along classmate Illustrator Alavo, mentor Illustrator Antonio Lopez and was gifted a grant by her admired fashion designer Oscar De La Renta. In return, she became a designer straight after graduating F.I.T for Import Inc. for a total of 15 years. She designed for clientele including J. Crew, Lord & Taylor, Bugle Boy, and many department stores in New York City.
Her Illustrations were also featured as a set design for one of the main characters in the movie, “Rude Awakening in1989”, after befriending Aaron Russo, while she lived in the Chelsea area in Manhattan.
Olga has been working with the city for 20 plus years now and has been giving back to her community in infinite ways.
She is one of many NYC existing lists of female graffiti artists in a field, which is dominated by men. She works in diverse styles and media; she consciously advocates feminine elements and strength in her creations. Her images and compositions push boundaries along with her many graffiti styled names. She is the primary character in her pieces; her name appears in styles such as her mentor Skeme. Her character has existed for decades as you can find her on Lee denim jacket painted in 1980 and rocked in high school.
She has appeared in her first solo show at AAA3A, as well as Wallworks several times, James Top NYC Graffiti Center, Bronx Art Space, Chicago’s ARI’s Art Space in 2020. In 2021, she showcased at an Allen Street Art Space show named, “S.T.O.C.K.S & Bombs” alongside her mentor Skeme, legendary photographer Martha Cooper, as well at Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education. This March 2023, she is showcased in an all women show called, “Her City” in London at Leake Street Gallery.
Comics & Podcast Writer
Anthony Del Col is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of comics, podcasts and more. His comics work includes LUKE CAGE (Marvel), ASSASSIN’S CREED (Titan), KILL SHAKESPEARE (IDW) and THE DEATH OF NANCY DREW (Dynamite). His non-fiction comics series for Insider have been read by millions and I ESCAPED A CHINESE INTERNMENT CAMP will be published this summer.
In the podcasting world he’s writer of the acclaimed Audible series ASSASSIN’S CREED: GOLD (starring Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed), the #1 Audible thriller UNHEARD: THE STORY OF ANNA WINSLOW, and Wondery’s hit survival series AGAINST THE ODDS.
In the podcasting world he’s writer of the acclaimed Audible series ASSASSIN’S CREED: GOLD (starring Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed), the #1 Audible thriller UNHEARD: THE STORY OF ANNA WINSLOW, and Wondery’s hit survival series AGAINST THE ODDS.
Graffiti Artist
Al Díaz’s career spans five decades. Born and raised Puerto Rican in New York City, by age 15 he was an influential first-generation subway graffiti artist known as “BOMB-ONE.” His friendship and artistic collaboration with high school schoolmate Jean-Michel Basquiat on SAMO©, (a late 70s Avant-garde graffiti tag project) has been noted often in contemporary art history. Díaz later contributed percussion to numerous musical recordings and performances, including Basquiat’s historic 1983 record, “Beat Bop,” (considered to be one of the earliest hip-hop albums).
Díaz is sought-after as an expert of New York City counterculture art. He appears often in publications, as a highlighted speaker for a variety of panel discussions at universities and museums (including Smithsonian Institution, the Brooklyn Museum, The New School and Christie’s Education), and has been featured in several films, including Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat, BBC’s American Masters — Basquiat: Rage to Riches and Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child.
Díaz’ current creative practice in Brooklyn includes gathering the standard “WET PAINT” signage used throughout the NYC MTA, and reconstructing them to create clever, poignant anagrams in various mixed media and public art formats. His work is shown and privately collected internationally. In 2018, Diaz authored SAMO©...SINCE 1978, an in-depth, color illustrated history of the street art legacy that he began with Basquiat in the late 70s. A notebook that Díaz made with Basquiat in his teens is currently held in the collection of the Yale University Beinecke Library.
Díaz is sought-after as an expert of New York City counterculture art. He appears often in publications, as a highlighted speaker for a variety of panel discussions at universities and museums (including Smithsonian Institution, the Brooklyn Museum, The New School and Christie’s Education), and has been featured in several films, including Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat, BBC’s American Masters — Basquiat: Rage to Riches and Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child.
Díaz’ current creative practice in Brooklyn includes gathering the standard “WET PAINT” signage used throughout the NYC MTA, and reconstructing them to create clever, poignant anagrams in various mixed media and public art formats. His work is shown and privately collected internationally. In 2018, Diaz authored SAMO©...SINCE 1978, an in-depth, color illustrated history of the street art legacy that he began with Basquiat in the late 70s. A notebook that Díaz made with Basquiat in his teens is currently held in the collection of the Yale University Beinecke Library.
Comics Writer/ Artist
Ryan Dunlavey is best known as the artist and co-author of funny non-fiction comics including Action Philosophers, Action Presidents, The Comic Book History of Animation, The Comic Book History of Comics and Action Activists - all co-authored with writer Fred Van Lente. Ryan's other comics include Dirt Candy: A Cookbook (written by chef Amanda Cohen), The Illustrated Al (with “Weird” Al Yankovic) and M.O.D.O.K. Reign Delay (which he also wrote) and various titles published by Dark Horse, Dynamite, IDW, Image, Marvel, Webtoon and Z2 Comics.
Ryan is a seasoned illustrator who has been published by HarperCollins, Penguin, Scholastic, Taschen, Random House and MAD magazine and his has created art and design for Disney, Warner Brothers, The Children's Place, Hasbro, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, The WWE, Spencer Gifts and his mom.
Ryan lives in Brooklyn with his wife, creative director Liza Pagano, and their children. He always loves hearing from fans and connecting with creative peers - you can see his work and get in touch with him at his website.
Ryan is a seasoned illustrator who has been published by HarperCollins, Penguin, Scholastic, Taschen, Random House and MAD magazine and his has created art and design for Disney, Warner Brothers, The Children's Place, Hasbro, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, The WWE, Spencer Gifts and his mom.
Ryan lives in Brooklyn with his wife, creative director Liza Pagano, and their children. He always loves hearing from fans and connecting with creative peers - you can see his work and get in touch with him at his website.
3D Fashion Designer
Gia is a NY based fashion designer, entrepreneur and consultant working at the intersection of fashion and technology.
Constantly pushing boundaries, she leverages her future-focused vision to blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds. She currently works as a 3D fashion designer at Meta, helping shape the future of digital wearables in a variety of Extended Reality (XR) experiences.
As the founder of 3D Couture LLC, Gia also designs digital apparel for many fashion brands. In addition, she brings her decade-long experience in product design, management and marketing, notably at Gerber Technology/Lectra, one of the largest CAD software and manufacturing hardware providers to the fashion industry, to offer consulting services on the implementation of 3D tools. She sees the use of 3D technology as the way forward to improve workflow efficiency, reduce waste and create a more sustainable industry.
Gia holds a Masters degree in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her designs can be seen on stage in NY and international performing venues, worn by a number of artists and performers. In her free time, she enjoys theater, designing and draping, and can be spotted exploring NY finding inspiration for her next projects.
Constantly pushing boundaries, she leverages her future-focused vision to blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds. She currently works as a 3D fashion designer at Meta, helping shape the future of digital wearables in a variety of Extended Reality (XR) experiences.
As the founder of 3D Couture LLC, Gia also designs digital apparel for many fashion brands. In addition, she brings her decade-long experience in product design, management and marketing, notably at Gerber Technology/Lectra, one of the largest CAD software and manufacturing hardware providers to the fashion industry, to offer consulting services on the implementation of 3D tools. She sees the use of 3D technology as the way forward to improve workflow efficiency, reduce waste and create a more sustainable industry.
Gia holds a Masters degree in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her designs can be seen on stage in NY and international performing venues, worn by a number of artists and performers. In her free time, she enjoys theater, designing and draping, and can be spotted exploring NY finding inspiration for her next projects.
Photographer/ Grafitti Artist
Flint Gennari is the owner & chief photographer of Fine Art Fotos & Video, which he began in 1999, specializing in portraits, weddings, and headshots for professionals.
Flint has photos and artwork in dozens of modern art books and has had his work displayed in many museums and galleries around the world, including the Cartier museum in Paris, France.
Roberto "FLINT" Gennari started writing graffiti as Flint during its infancy in Brooklyn, NYC and would go on to create his infamy by adding catchphrases next to his tags such as: “For Those Who Dare”, “For Ladies Only” or even ‘Thank Flint for a better world." These antics would be eye-catching to the public as did traditional advertisements. He would attend the High School of Art and Design, class of 1975, where he learned photography and film making predictably turning his lens towards his friends and fellow writers to document the writing culture as it unfolded. His early photos during the 1970s capture graffiti in its infancy and the pioneers who would contribute to art history. In fact, Flint’s larger than life portraits grace the entrance to the new Museum of Graffiti in Miami, Florida. You can also see some of these early photos at flintdotdot.com.
Flint has photos and artwork in dozens of modern art books and has had his work displayed in many museums and galleries around the world, including the Cartier museum in Paris, France.
Roberto "FLINT" Gennari started writing graffiti as Flint during its infancy in Brooklyn, NYC and would go on to create his infamy by adding catchphrases next to his tags such as: “For Those Who Dare”, “For Ladies Only” or even ‘Thank Flint for a better world." These antics would be eye-catching to the public as did traditional advertisements. He would attend the High School of Art and Design, class of 1975, where he learned photography and film making predictably turning his lens towards his friends and fellow writers to document the writing culture as it unfolded. His early photos during the 1970s capture graffiti in its infancy and the pioneers who would contribute to art history. In fact, Flint’s larger than life portraits grace the entrance to the new Museum of Graffiti in Miami, Florida. You can also see some of these early photos at flintdotdot.com.
Children's Book Illustrator
Marta is a children’s book illustrator, who is passionate about working collaboratively with the writer to bring the story to life with images. Her day job is working as an Assistant Landscape Architect for New York City Parks.
Art Director/ Animator
Niko Guardia is a Venezuelan/Colombian American art director at Titmouse, an independent award-winning animation production company. Born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida, Niko moved to New York City to pursue his dream of working in animation. After landing an internship at Titmouse and working on Metalocalypse, he gained experience as a background designer, painter and most recently, art director. Niko is Currently Art Directing KIff on Disney Channel. This year, Niko was inducted as a Ringling College Alumni Honoree. He is also a teacher at the School of Visual Arts and thesis film advisor and enjoys mentoring artists.
Architect
Steven Harper is Operating Director and a founding partner at Modellus Novus, where he oversees the operations and finances of the firm, as well as execution of strategic priorities. He has extensive experience with a range of complex residential and commercial projects and is focused on providing clear planning and procedural oversight. Steven is also responsible for refining the firm’s professional practice to establish systems and operations to make the long process feel smooth for clients.
He is LEED and NCARB certified, licensed in NY, NJ, CT, CO, PA, and FL and is also on the advisory board of Plus Pool. Steven received his Bachelor of Architecture (Magna Cum Laude) from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) and previously worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York and Skidmore Owings & Merrill in Chicago. Hailing from rural North Carolina, Steven is the son of professional musicians and has always appreciated that both music and architecture are rooted in math and logic yet still able to elicit powerful emotional reactions.
He is LEED and NCARB certified, licensed in NY, NJ, CT, CO, PA, and FL and is also on the advisory board of Plus Pool. Steven received his Bachelor of Architecture (Magna Cum Laude) from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) and previously worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York and Skidmore Owings & Merrill in Chicago. Hailing from rural North Carolina, Steven is the son of professional musicians and has always appreciated that both music and architecture are rooted in math and logic yet still able to elicit powerful emotional reactions.
Animator/ Designer
Dan Haskett was a Cartooning and Animation major at the High School of Art & Design (class of 1969) and immediately began what became a 50+ year career in animation. His credits include: The Little Mermaid, The Simpsons, Scooby-Doo, Toy Story, The Prince of Egypt, The Fox and the Hound, Tom and Jerry, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. He's also designed character consumer products for Nickelodeon, Disney and Warner Bros. He is amazed at his recent recognition by the Twitterverse for his work on Velma's crush in Trick Or Treat, Scooby-Doo.
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