The Gallery at The SHUDIO Archive
2024 - The Gallery at The SHUDIO Art Show
Experience local talent with our seasonal art show.
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Second Friday Archive
The Shudio features a different artist every month in participation of Pilsen’s 2nd Fridays Art Walk / Gallery Night. This walk typically includes galleries, arts’ studios and maker spaces along South Halsted Street throughout Pilsen, Chicago.
Our featured artist is highlighted both in our storefront, as well as our online shop (as of Fall 2020 due to COVID-19). We encourage you to check out each of our past artist’s work and learn more about them with our archive below:
2023
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Maddie Vaccaro Winter 2023
Specialties: Acrylic Gouache Painting, Collage
Maddie Vaccaro, she/they (b.1993, BFA SAIC 2016) is a queer artist, educator, armchair philosopher, and curious person living and working in Chicago, IL. From singing songs to her cat to documenting the moon, she tries to bring art and levity into her everyday. Her work takes physical form through fiber, ceramic, woodworking and sculpture. She has exhibited work at Co-Prosperity, Woman Made Gallery, MDW Fair, the Flat Iron Arts Building, Columbia College Chicago, and at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has worked with other artists through facilitation and education with Sector 2337, Monarch Art and Wellness Fair, Arts + Public Life, and currently works with students at Columbia College Chicago.
she/they
IG: @madelinevaccaro
cargocollective.com/madelinevaccaro
coprosperity.org/texts/an-anchor-in-daylight
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Zarai Zaragoza Summer 2023
Specialties: Acrylic Gouache Painting, Collage
Zarai Zaragoza’s art is influenced by the colors, murals, and Mexican-American culture of the Chicago Pilsen Neighborhood where she grew up. Her art focuses on the multifaceted stories of Latino communities. By employing techniques of silk screen printing, acrylic painting, and other mixed media art, color, texture, and line/pattern are manipulated to communicate, not only her story, but the many complex experiences felt by her community.
she/they
IG:@ zzword_art
zaraiz.wixsite.com
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Multiple Artists / Spring 2023
Specialties: Acrylic Gouache Painting, Collage
Sarah Ann Conner is a Chicago-based printmaker, watercolorist, and collage artist whose improvisational practice engages the abstract. Her embossed monoprints and other works on paper reveal a deeply textural style. She joins dualities of sharp and soft with investigations of depth and relief, layering and blending color, line, and shape, defining and obscuring edges.
Natalie Clark works in fiber, paint and installation within a matrilineal legacy of invented craft techniques, domestic materials and exploring the unseeables and unprovables that filter into our realities. She creates through layers of texture, color and handwork, building a slow history of details for each piece in the process. Her practice is intentionally sustainable and prioritizes materials from her surroundings, like natural inks and repurposed fibers.
Lo Marie is an artist based in the Southeast side of Chicago. Her experiences as a child while visiting with grandparents, a lifelong relationship with the prison system through the incarceration of her brother, and living on both the west and south sides of Chicago are what inspired Lo Marie to actively seek creative expression through mixed media. Utilizing collage, Lo is able to explore the history of low-income communities. Her pieces often portray feelings, memories, concerns, and observations of people that reside within them.
Jessica Price The process of creating handmade objects and paintings has always been a sacred space for creator Jessica Price. For her, it is a form of self care that is a necessity for maintaining balance for herself and a way to play, sift through memories, as well as emotions.
Brooke Cogan is the artist behind No Good Deed Art. Brooke is a Chicago-based painter and illustrator, who brings her love of nature, nostalgia and modern art into the home.
2022
November / December: Aden West
September / October: Alex Velaquez Brightbill
July / August: Jess Brooks
May / June: Kate Wyatt
March / April: Aiyana Kyoko
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ADEN WEST (they/them) | November / December 2022
Specialties: Acrylic Gouache Painting, Collage
Aden is a queer and non-binary artist based out of Chicago, working primarily with gouache paint on paper to create botanical, abstract, and nature-inspired designs that explore themes of interconnectedness and internal landscape. The past several years of their life have been impacted by complex chronic illness, which has influenced the development of their current style of work. In addition to the physical aspect of these illnesses, Aden experiences altered vision, with changes in perspective and the appearance of their surroundings. The flatness and graphic quality of these paintings, as well as the playful approach to scale reference this visual experience. Their paintings are created with great care, precision, and layering of materials - and are priced to reflect the time that it takes to produce each work.
Instagram:@adenwest_design
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ALEX BRIGHTBILL | September / October 2022
Specialties: Printmaking, Painting, Mixed Media, Linocut Prints
Alex Brightbill is a Mexican born artist who migrated to Chicago at the age of ten, she graduated with a BFA from Northeastern University in 2009 and has shown at numerous galleries and curated art shows and cultural events. Today, Alex's work reflects her love for animals, Mexican traditions and cross cultural roots.
We are pleased to have Brightbill again this year with a fun and thrilling Halloween special! Her "Little Shop of Horrors" Carnivorous plant theme is a perfect way to get into the spookiest of seasons.
Instagram: @avelazqu80
Etsy: Alex Brightill Arts
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JESS BROOKS | July / August 2022
Specialties: Acrylic, Painting, Mixed Media
Jess Brooks is a Chicagoan artist with Synesthesia.
Synesthesia is a neurological condition many variations of Synesthesia exist, and are experienced uniquely by each individual. Brooks’ crossover is one of sight and sound, her body of work depicts her unique visual experience of different songs and albums.
Her work is intended to broaden the perspective of the viewer; inviting them to reimagine the typical and experience the familiar through a new lens. Brooks’ work can be seen on her Instagram and she also takes requests for customized song pieces.
‘‘We live in the most interesting time in the history of the world and I believe the divine purpose of an artist is to document our human experience.‘‘
Instagram: @_cjbrx
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KATE WYATT | May / June 2022
Specialties: Watercolor, Painting, Sketching
Kate Wyatt's work aims to explore the arrangement of natural structures. By observing geometries, colors, and patterns in nature she slowly layers her watercolor technique to recreate the botanicals in her collection today.
As a new mom, her daughter's growth plays a major influence in her craft, as does the community she has cultivated working art fairs and weekend shows.
‘‘It’s been great to build a network of like-minded artists, to hear what’s worked for them, and learn how we can support each other.‘‘
Instagram: @kateswhitepaper
Website: kateswhitepaper.com
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AIYANA KYOKO | March / April 2022
Specialties: Collage, Painting, Sketching, Watercolor
Aiyana Kyoko, is a self-taught artist and as such has explored, practiced & collaborated creatively over the past 18 years. Her work explores the topics of gender & mixed race from the female experience; pushing, questioning and celebrating the experience of the individual journey to find love, freedom & healing in the societal constructs and boxes we face.
In her current show, She/Her, Kyoko explores female identity.
‘‘I wanted to discover and reconnect with who I am, and felt a need to do this through the exploration of the women in my family - (from my) grandmothers to my daughters. There is so much strength, talent, intelligence, love & inspiration I experienced and found in them, and too often I have seen the roles & expectations of gender, race & culture hinder them from fully being‘‘.
Instagram: @aiy.k_yoko_ & @yawnitiger
Website: yawnitiger.com
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2021
November / December: Suzie Shin
September / October: Alex Velaquez Brightbill
July / August: Luz Magdaleno Flores
May / June: Rhett Bennick
March / April: Alexy Irving
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SUZIE SHIN | November / December 2021
Specialties: Collage, Printing, Sketching, Still life
Suzie Shin is a Chicago based collage artist, illustrator and designer. She received a BFA in Graphic Design from RISD in 2017, and has been living in Pilsen, Chicago ever since.
Her influences come from the worlds of art, music, dance, books, and food. She is inspired by those who have love for their craft and a love for people. Community engagement and relationships with other collaborators is a big part of her practice too. The joy of connection extends to the growing AAPI creative community, with which she is an active member and resource.
‘‘I aim for my work to be about joy, accessibility, and sharing life‘‘
Instagram: @shin_suzie
Website: suzieshin.bigcartel.com
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ALEX VELAZQUEZ BRIGHTBILL | September / October 2021
Specialties: Printmaking, Painting, Mixed Media, Linocut Prints
Alex is a Mexican born artist who migrated to Chicago at the age of ten, she graduated with a BFA from Northeastern University in 2009 and has shown at numerous galleries and curated art shows and cultural events. Today, Alex's work reflects her love for animals, Mexican traditions and cross cultural roots.
She participates with women led organizations bringing awareness to issues of abuse and social justice creating art as a healing process. Her influences include printmaking artists such as Jose Guadalupe Posada, a political printmaker, but also artists from the DADA movement
‘‘I create collages, paintings and printmaking. My inspirations are based on my childhood experiences, animals and social justice ‘‘.
Instagram: @avelazqu80
Etsy: Alex Brightill Arts
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LUZ MAGDALENO FLORES | July / August 2021
Specialties: Film Photography, Upholstery, Storytelling
Luz is a first generation Chicana, living in Pilsen and the daughter of Mexican migrants. In the past couple of years, she has fallen in love with shooting 35mm film photography and uses dance as a parallel to the art she makes.
Luz comes from a long lineage of Mexican tapiceros. Together with her father, they matched thread to the art and sewed her unedited film captures onto the leftover fabric typically used in the detailed interiors of these carros clasicos.
‘‘My goal as an artist is to capture the beauty that prevails in marginalized communities...to capture the essence of black and brown barrios and also feature the resilient queer communities‘‘.
Instagram: @lightofyourvida
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RHETT BENNICK | May / June 2021
Specialties: Illustration, Storytelling, Fantasy, Design
Rhett (they/them) is a Chicago-based queer creative, powered by fantasy and nature. They are drawn to illustration and creating worlds for themself and others to escape into. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, they have focused on their specialty in concept sketching and illustration skills.
Rhett loves reimagining animals, plants, and people in fantastical and sometimes odd ways. Their work aims to embody the spirit of the ‘solar punk’ genre, imaging the near future in a more optimistic manner while being cognizant of our current reality.
“My work allows people to escape to a more interesting and fantastical reality and at its best it opens up the door to imagine ourselves & the world around us for the better.”
Instagram: @in_melee_range
Website: etsy.com/shop/MeleeRange
Buy Me A Coffee Membership: buymeacoffee.com/Meleerange
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ALEXY IRVING | March / April 2021
Specialties: Photography, Gardening
“It is believed that if you give a child the opportunity, they can conquer the world. That’s believed by Alexy Irving, and it was a gifted opportunity that spearheaded her passion for photography.
While in her high-school year book class, Alexy was handed a camera and told to capture a moment for an entire school to see forever. After that, her father gifted her first camera for Christmas and that opportunity to capture moments turned into thousands and now expands internationally.
Alexy utilizes her photography to inspire an appreciation for the nature and people that occupy this world. Within her photo documentation practice, she uses natural environments to tell stories about agriculture, new cities and to spark a curiosity in it all.
Alexy hails from St. Louis where she uprooted everything to pursue her passion in Chicago. That journey makes her a walking example of how leaving your comfort zone can establish growth and curiosity for the world and make this place a more passionate environment.”
Instagram: @wherenextlex
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2020
November / December: Hailey Losselyong
September / October: Jessica Levin
February: Aryn Evans
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HAILEY M. LOSSELYONG | November / December 2020
Specialties: Painting, Murals, Digital Art, Vintage
“I want people to see themselves in my work. Whether it be identifying with facial features or relating to an emotion...The goal is to highlight the duality of people while also making them feel good about themselves. The work can be light hearted or heavy, muted or colorful, detailed or simple.”
Website: HML.design
Instagram: @hai_ey
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JESSICA LEVIN | August / September 2020
Specialties: Photography, Writing
Jessica Levin is a Chicago-based visual artist, photographer, and creative director with a focus on intimate portraits and female empowerment. Recent involvement include Lucie Foundation, Shoot It With Film, Spotz Club, Outdoor Photo, Sheriff Nottingham, Driftless Magazine, Swatka City, and if you leave.
Website: jessicawlevin.com
Instagram: @jessicawlevin
DUE TO COVID-19, we did not feature an artist from April to August 2020.
ARYN EVANS | February 2020
Specialties: Painting, Gardening, Yoga
“After graduating from law school from the University of Michigan in 2012, I moved to Chicago to work as a trial lawyer for a big law firm. Always full of creative energy, I started experimenting with painting and creative projects in 2016 and fell in love with creating.
Through my artwork and my life, I hope to spread positivity and appreciation for life and nature. Mother Nature is the ultimate muse — I am constantly inspired by the natural beauty of the earth and all of its wildlife, colors, shapes and details. To me, making art is a tangible celebration of being alive!”
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2019
November: Hoof Print Chicago
October: Carolina Rodriguez
September: Hailey Losselyong
August: Queen Hibbler
July: Kozmo
CARO | December 2019
Specialities: Photography (Film; Music)
“Born in Detroit, Michigan, Carolina was influenced early on from the stories her father shared with her during his time at El Imparcial, a daily newspaper based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Before immigrating to the United States, Carolina’s father worked in the company’s darkroom, developing and inserting photos into the daily news. The stories from his experience working at that institution would eventually be passed on to Carolina and, ultimately, shape her decision in becoming a photographer.
Website: carofotos.com
Instagram: @carofotos9
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HOOF PRINT (Various Artists) | November 2019
Specialties: Printmaking, Zines
Liz Born
Lisa Czech
Sanya Glisic
Gabe Hoare
Nicole Marroquin
Talya Modlin
Mony Nuñez
Alicia Obermeyer
Ezequiel Peña
Sandra Perlow
Kyla Zoe Raferf
Website: hoofprintchicago.com
Instagram: @hoofprintchicago
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CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ | October 2019
Specialties: Photography
Carolina’s interest in ordinary musings has created a personal body of work comprised of emotive and often ambiguous moments. Focusing on light, shape and the exploration of her environment through everyday objects and occasions— the viewer is aware of Carolina’s presence through photos that sense she is directly experiencing them.
Website: caro-lina.com
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HAILEY M. LOSSELYONG | September 2019
Specialties: Painting, Murals, Digital Art, Vintage
“I want people to see themselves in my work. Whether it be identifying with facial features or relating to an emotion...The goal is to highlight the duality of people while also making them feel good about themselves. The work can be light hearted or heavy, muted or colorful, detailed or simple.”
Website: HML.design
Instagram: @hai_ey
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QUEEN HIBBLER | August 2019
Specialties: Painting, Digital Art, Printmaking
Website: artbyqueen.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @queen.hibbler
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KOZMO | July 2019
Specialties: Painting, Murals
Raised in Puerto Rico by an artistic family. Known for her vivid illustrations and color-pop creepiness paintings, Kozmo's work can be found along the streets of Chicago as a muralist and in her husband's tattoo shop as an apprentice.
Instagram: @___kozmo___
