We asked some of the most talented folks in the community to talk to us about projects they’ve worked on that they still think about, projects that really meant something. Have you had such an experience? Are you looking for inspiration for your next project? Check out the stories below, they are exciting, entertaining, and most importantly – inspiring.

Katie Jenkins

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to work on is the ballet commissioned by Revolve Dance Project. This project holds special significance because it was created in collaboration with choreographer Emily Adams from Ballet West. It is so rare to meet a collaborator with such brilliant synergy; we really worked so well together artistically despite completing much of the collaborative process from different states. Read more>>

Sheetaltara Sheetal Sonar

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is “Aksharkala Wari” (Pilgrimage of Calligraphy), my annual calligraphy series of 21 original calligraphic artworks, each honoring a different saint from a rich Marathi tradition from India. What makes this project special is its connection to an ancient pilgrimage called ‘Pandharichi Wari’ in my home state of Maharashtra. Read more>>

Grant Johnson

In April of 2024, my organization, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, collaborated with the Denver Young Artists Orchestra and Columbine High School Silver Choir to perform a 25 Year Remembrance concert at Columbine High School. It’s hard to believe that the tragedy of the Columbine shooting took place that long ago. We were honored to perform at the high school and to be joined by so many young performers. Read more>>

Cale & Melanie Dansbee

When Melanie and I first moved to Colorado, we found a small but powerful non-profit organization that was hell-bent on spreading local art awareness around the area. We fell in love with their cause and soon met Isi Baquez and Jennifer Velasquez, the owners of Castle Rocks and Jewelry located in Castle Rock, CO. Read more>>

Amanda Barlow

It’s incredibly hard to pick just one project and call it the most meaningful, because so many of the things that I’ve worked on have been a labor of love made with friends, or they’ve been a huge studio project where I felt lucky to be included. Because you can train at the best schools and you can do everything right, but at the end of the day, it’s usually just about being in the right place at the right time. I think my most memorable project was the first movie I ever worked on, my second month living in LA. Read more>>

Clint Hanson

I have enjoyed the many opportunities that have been presented to me as an artist and creator. for example – (Healing Arts for Heroes) which is helping disabled veterans like myself find art as a therapy. I also enjoy volunteering for the Make48 “Nationwide invention-competition docuseries” as a tool tech, a mentor, or like earlier this year I was a Captain for the Kansas City School for the Blind team. I enjoy my full-time job at the KCAI as an Instructional Assistant Foundation Department. My position is to help students and faculty with art creation and maintain supplies/equipment. Working and helping others has always been a big part of my life. Read more>>

Bella Natale

My background is in marketing and sustainability, so the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on have involved showcasing local food purveyors and understanding their work. I love educating consumers on the importance of supporting local food from environmental, social, and economic perspectives. With food, in particular, consumers are often very removed from where their food comes from and where it goes after disposal. I’m passionate about highlighting all aspects of the supply chain to inspire intention and positive behavior change through my images. Read more>>

FLOWBOY DUCE

the most meaningful project ive worked on is a EP called stranger in my own hood. Its special because,It kinda tells the story of what my neighborhood was like after becoming successful and coming back to pay it forward. Read more>>

Sarain Robbins

To provide a little backstory; I have always loved the arts since elementary school so it wasn’t a surprise to myself or anyone in my family that I’d wanted to attend an art institution. I’d transferred from Savannah Technical College (studying business management) to the Savannah College of Art & Design (studying motion media design) in late 2020 with hopeful expectations. However, I didn’t expect for my first year at SCAD to challenge my creativity. Experiencing creator’s block caused me to question my own ability to develop and execute creative concepts. In late 2021, during the middle of my sophomore year, I randomly attended a bible study at my grandmother’s church… and was pleasantly surprised by the teachings. After previously not being in church for years, I’d found myself back in church — which was one of the best decisions because it led me to a true revelation of Jesus Christ that I’d never had before. My new revelation of Christ had completely shifted the remaining course of my journey at SCAD. It re-lit the fire that I felt had been snuffed out by creator’s block because I finally felt a sense of purpose in why I have the gift of creativity and beyond that — a bigger reason for being at SCAD. Through my new found salvation in Jesus Christ, my heart became open to the idea of sharing His good news in my projects. Making my projects about Jesus brought the most fulfillment out of my entire college experience! Read more>>

Miss Marshn

At the beginning of 2023 I set out on a journey to heal and transform myself. Mid-way through 2023 a series of events and decisions turned my world as I had known it for nearly a decade completely upside down. As a response to all of the chaos, grief, and uncertainty, I remembered that I could cope by pouring myself into my paintings. For all of the words I couldn’t seem to find or was too afraid to express at the time, I channeled into visual concepts and did my best to convey the feelings with color, texture, and contrast. Naturally, my studies in metaphysics and psychedelic experiences began to inspire and blend with my work. I became enamored with the idea of expressing my inner world through the lens of each chakra center and finding a way to express my own imbalances or dualities within each space. The first painting I completed I titled “Fractured” to represent the state of my wellbeing. Little did I consciously know, this would begin a collection of paintings that would represent the real time transformation of finding all of my pieces and putting myself back together again. Both the past year of my life and this collection of paintings have been my most meaningful project thus far and when they are completed I greatly hope to share them and their stories wherever they resonate best. Read more>>

Lisa Myers Bulmash

Although I’ve lived in Washington state for most of my adult life, it took years to feel like a local. When I became an artist parent, that feeling expanded into a serious concern for my children’s safety.

Those two issues became the foundation for a solo exhibition at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. “You’re Not From Around Here, Are You?” featured collages, assemblage sculptures, and altered books. The works explored themes of belonging (and the dangers of not belonging) as well as the definition of the word “home.” Read more>>

Jennifer Gable

When I was new to LA from DC, famous actor of the Big Fat Greek Wedding Trilogy, Louis Mandylor cast me in his short film passion project called Persephone. On this project I was given the choice to say whatever I wanted and improv lines. Shortly after that project I was cast in a Comedy Feature Film, Climb It Tarzan. And then I was cast in Commercials. And played a cop in a Discovery Channel Crime documentary. Read more>>

Deyanira Martinez

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is, without a doubt, the bilingual book series Mujeres que se atreven y superan límites and Women Who Dare and Overcome Limits. This series has given me the incredible opportunity to showcase and highlight the inspiring stories of Latinas from all corners of the globe. The journey of creating this series is deeply personal and close to my heart. Read more>>

Casey Cromwell

When I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a senior in high school and started a blog on a whim, I never expected to still be spreading celiac awareness online over 11 years later. But starting a blog and social media channels to raise celiac awareness and help other gluten free eaters in college and beyond has been one of the most rewarding projects of my life. Celiac disease can be very isolating since so many social events are related to food and it can be tough to find other gluten free people in your area. So the online gluten free community has been a huge blessing for me as I initially learned how to navigate eating gluten free in college and living with celiac disease in general. But in the 11 years I’ve been advocating online, I’ve been fortunate to connect with hundreds to thousands of other gluten free eaters who have shared how much my online accounts have helped them feel less alone and find new gluten free options. And besides the feeling of purpose my online work has given me, it also paved the way for me to learn valuable skills that have helped me throughout my career journey, from networking to video editing to social media marketing strategy. I am so grateful to have discovered a passion that not only enhances my own skills and life but can give back to others at the same time. Read more>>

Ivy Stevens-Gupta

In January 2023, I received a grant from NYSCA to create a mobile art installation titled “Somewhere WAY Over the Rainbow.”

I spent the next several months researching and designing an interactive and multisensory project. As a neurodiverse artist (I was diagnosed with ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive type in 2015), advocating for people with ALL abilities was important to me. The project consisted of four three-foot by four-foot birch board cradled panels. The total size measured 12 feet across by 4 feet down. The installation had 192 different 6-inch by 6-inch squares that were designed to be touched. I used a non-toxic epoxy resin to cover the finished pieces. Each square was a different color and had a unique science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics (STEAM) component. All squares were labeled in Braille, with many including tactile features. Several webpages were designed so that visitors to the installation, including those who were visually impaired, could learn how to interact with it. Blind or visually impaired individuals simply hovered their smartphones over a tactile QR code made using a 3D printer. This QR code allowed users to use text-to-speech (TTS) software that translated all the words into auditory speech. For example, a user would hear that they could feel the sharp quills of a porcupine on square T4 or scratch and sniff the peppermint candy shape on square F8. Read more>>

Dawn Smith

I recently created a body of work titled “Gravitas” after my father’s death, exploring both collective and individual grief. This project, which took over a year to complete, symbolizes the embodiment of grief in my personal life and the societal grief we witness daily. Through this process, I’ve learned that grieving connects us more deeply to the spiritual world, changing us profoundly. As we grieve, time becomes sweeter, flowers more beautiful, and everything takes on deeper meaning. We become acutely aware of our impermanence, making every moment more precious. This awareness fosters gratitude and reveals our privileges. The sister to loss is always hope. Read more>>

Melissa Friel

One of the most meaningful projects I have had the privilege of working on during my time at 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company is our involvement in various philanthropic initiatives. The core ethos of our company is rooted in giving back to those who have served our country, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of these efforts. Read more>>

James Rees

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is titled “Who is American Today?” This ongoing research project delves into the perceptions of high school students regarding what it means to be American and explores the role digital media skills play in shaping their civic identities. Read more>>

Nicolette Spear

My current body of work I call the “Dopamine” series and it is meant to spark conversation, to provoke thought, around our relationship to technology, specifically the cellphone. This is deeply important to me, because the pervasive nature of smart phone technology is something that we can all relate to. It affects people of all ages and across continents. It is quietly changing the nature of everything. Shiny, seductive, useful, and addictive, cellphone applications have become a necessary and almost unavoidable part of our lives. In what ways is this affecting us? What do we do? How to we process these changes? How do we balance ourselves within this technological landscape? These are questions that one might ask themselves, or others, when viewing my art work. Read more>>

Kristina Oganezz

I created a new art concept “Preaching Exhibition” seamlessly blends visual art with the impact of spoken word, crafting a deeply engaging multisensory experience for audiences. This blend of oration and visual representation showcases adaptability as an artist and dedication to expanding the traditional definitions of art. Read more>>

Zeus Stunna

The current project I’m working on, it’s called “Maybe For Me, But Not For You” I’d describe it as a “Heartbreak Memoir” based off a past break up that really affected me. I feel like this is the first project where i dive into the emotional part of pain, i feel like on this one I’m completely vulnerable and exposed. I’m actually really nervous to release something so personal but I’m going for it. I have all type of easter eggs in the songs and roll out for the people who want to dive deeper into the story telling of this project. It’s gonna be crazy to say the least. Read more>>

caijing Kuang

I have a project called “Hello? Are you there?”. This project is deeply personal to me, inspired by my grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. The time difference and her fluctuating state of clarity make it increasingly difficult to connect with her. This experience drove me to explore themes of time and memory, and the feeling of being trapped within time. Read more>>

Olivia DePiore

All of my modeling or advocacy projects are important since they encourage inclusion and educate people that it’s OK to be different. The more exposure that occurs with people with challenges, the less shock and awe will occur from others and inclusion will be a normal action vs. an extra-added bonus. Read more>>

Allison Norlian

Since co-founding my production company, BirdMine, I’ve worked on two meaningful projects.

I’ll start with THIRTEEN, a movie I wrote and co-directed.

THIRTEEN is a short narrative film inspired by real-life—specifically, it’s a love letter to my mother and sister. Read more>>

Jodie Filogomo

When I was a cosmetic dentist, most people don’t even think that dentists want to help people. It’s not the most obvious idea when talking about dentistry.
Yet in all reality, fixing a person’s smile can be life changing.

Because it all comes down to self-confidence. Read more>>

Andrea Jenkins

My upcoming album, has been a therapeutical journey for me. I’ve been writing since I was 12 but I love that I write these songs, record them and bring them to life. My songs are very relatable, so I think that most will find that intriguing.
Each song means something to me, throughout the different chapters in my life & particularly the past year! Read more>>

Zach & Maggie

At the beginning of 2023 we finally released our first album of all original material entitled “The Elephant in the Room”, but we quickly found one major problem ahead of us. The economics of a fledgling music group has long relied on selling physical CDs to supplement smaller venue ticket numbers to sustain the early years of growth. We constantly heard fans looking over our merchandise table, “I love the music, but I don’t even have a CD player anymore”. We needed a new type of physical product that our audiences wanted. Read more>>

Allyson Nichols

An idea that sparked from a conversation with one of my closest friends, Persephone Literary Magazine was a concept I immediately attached myself to and brought to life in a matter of two weeks. Read more>>

Gabriele Pezzini

A research project for the American company DSM Somos, producer of sintering materials, what is now also called 3D printing. I organized an exhibition in 2001 in Milano: “The future of production” to show the potential of a technology that was already advanced but which had not yet understood all its potential. A series of objects specifically designed to demonstrate how new technology structures new creative concepts. The “Drinker” glass with integrated straw, produced in a single piece, is at the boundaries of art, and at the same time is the clear expression to the vast public of what the essence and novelty of sintering is. Read more>>

Chemeka Kelly

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my blogger cite Alacrity 4 Women. Women deal with so much on a daily basis. As mothers, wives, career driven individuals, we often lose ourselves! At one point, I didn’t know how I was maintaining. The constant hustle & bustle had drained me mentally and physically. Writing is my escape! I began this blog to encourage women to self care, relax, and not feel guilty for taking a moment just for themselves! Alacrity = Clarity! Read more>>

Eugene Robinson

While making a major motion picture, albeit a very bad one, was fairly meaningful, at least financially, what it did, working with the pre-prison Bill Cosby is let me see that there was a big difference between value and valuable. The film and what the cash allowed me to do was valuable. The movie itself? Of very little value. So appreciating the difference when it comes to what could comfortably be considered MY work was important and let me lean heavily on that which has both value and is valuable. Read more>>

Libba Kelly

My debut album “Reflections” by far has been my most meaningful project of my life. About five years ago my life and my family’s life were turned upside-down. I had just graduated from my four year university and was planning to move to Nashville, TN to pursue my music career in Winter of 2020. Sadly my father was diagnosed with leukemia in the Fall of 2019, and shortly after I had moved to start my career to be an independent artist and chase my dreams he passed in February of 2020. He was my person, and one of my biggest believers for my career. Shortly after as well know the global pandemic came along, and I lived alone in Nashville, TN with barely knowing anyone in town. Even though that was one of the biggest challenges in my life, now looking back I am so grateful I had that time to myself to reflect and process my emotions. When eventually moving back to my hometown, San Francisco, CA, it felt as though I had a fresh start in life. A whole new story to tell and I was going to write my music hoping that if anyone had ever or was currently experiencing such life-changing events could look to my music as a source of comfort. “Reflections” was a five-year album in the making, but I had no idea what the outcome of the project would be. Every detail from the writing, the performances, the production, and the recording process. Every step of the way I saw a vision whether alone or with many of the amazing people I worked with, and as a whole we created this story of living life. Whether the good or the bad times, but at the end of the day you get through it, and you can make all the plans you want for your life but sometimes it doesn’t go the way you planned. That’s ok. That is “Reflections.” Read more>>

Amir Kharrat

“Evolving Forms: A Year in Sculpture” emerged as a deeply personal exploration during a pivotal period of introspection and healing in my life. As an artist navigating the complexities of dissociation, I sought to express the nuanced emotions and experiences that come with this condition. This series was conceived over a transformative year, where each sculpture became a means to process my internal landscape and articulate the intricate dance between identity and disconnection. Through countless hours of experimentation with form and texture, I found a therapeutic rhythm that allowed me to express the subtleties of dissociation in a way that words could not. The consistent use of white in the sculptures symbolizes a search for purity and neutrality amidst the chaos, while the stark black backgrounds serve as a powerful reminder of the void that often accompanies dissociative episodes. This collection represents not only my journey toward understanding and acceptance but also an invitation for others to engage with the complex nature of dissociation and reflect on their own experiences with identity and self. As I shaped each piece, I was inspired by the profound potential for art to bridge the gap between inner turmoil and external reality, resulting in a series that is as much about the process of creation as it is about the finished forms themselves. Read more>>

Joseph Pastrana

My second book “Mirrorball – Reflections of Dance & Fashion” was just published by Thane & Prose. It’s a nonfiction examination of how these two art forms shaped pop culture and history across centuries and continents. It’s been such a labor of love researching, interviewing, writing and editing this book for a couple of years. While it follows the chronological development of dance from ballet to flamenco to disco and beyond, the through line is the behind-the-scenes making of the groundbreaking “dance-play”, the 2000 Tony-award winning musical “Contact” directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman and costumes by William Ivey Long. I had the pleasure interviewing both of them and they act as the gateway for readers to follow the progression of how dance and fashion brought this show to life. Read more>>