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.

Cortney Marchant

Writing Kyle’s Magical Adventure has been one of the most meaningful projects of my life. Being married to a man who uses a wheelchair has opened my eyes to experiences I never imagined. Before meeting him, I didn’t know anyone who used a wheelchair, so I had no idea what challenges lay ahead. My goal with this book is to raise awareness about the obstacles wheelchair users face—whether it’s exploring the world or simply attending an event. I want to help children understand and embrace the experiences of kids and adults who use wheelchairs. Read more>>

Nadine Robbins

2023: A portrait of the legendary Audrey Flack I photographed and painted a portrait of Audrey Flack (http://www.audreyflack.com), the matriarch of Photorealism. It was a long time coming and could have been sooner, but I lacked the confidence to approach her. It was easier to ask others passively for an introduction. But as luck would have it, after listening to the Art Grind podcast where Audrey was being interviewed, I reached out to the interviewer to introduce me to her via an Instagram message. Months went by, and there was no response. I was finished being passive, and when I got an email invite to attend an awards ceremony for Audrey Flack at the Players Club in NYC, I decided to go and ask her directly. Read more>>

Alissa Landefeld

“Ode to Ukraine” is the most meaningful project I’ve created as an artist. While earning my biology degree, I spent a semester volunteering as an English teacher in Ukraine. It was an impulsive decision—I knew little about the country, its culture, or its history—but during my time there, I fell deeply in love with it. In 2024, my first year as a full-time artist, I created a set of Russian nesting dolls to display at a local gallery as both a commentary on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and a heartfelt love letter to a country that profoundly changed my life. Each of the five nesting dolls carries a unique, layered message, weaving together a powerful narrative. The story begins with a love letter to Ukraine, transitions into the tragedy of its modern genocide, reflects on its centuries-old struggle for independence, and highlights its unwavering faith and resilience. The final doll delivers a message of hope, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a nation and its people. Read more>>

Leila Judeh

My most meaningful project is the #blockthenoise movement. BlockTheNoise is my Mental Health Awareness Non-Profit where through our fashion events we fundraise for incredible charities while advocating and breaking the stigma against Mental Health. The #blockthenoise movement is so important for me to share with the world because it is something I practice daily. To find a moment in your day to close all electronics, block all outside noise and just be with yourself in the present moment. Then take a picture of wherever you are and post it using #blockthenoise to encourage and spread the awareness of how important it is to center and ground yourself through meaningful practices. It doesnt matter where you are or how long you decide to take. If all you have is 30 seconds to just pause and turn off all outside stressors and calm your thoughts, then do it! The amount of relief you feel from allowing yourself to re-center and ground to the present moment will always make your day more productive. Read more>>

Gerald M (Jerry) Tuckman

My most meaningful project has been combining my found-object steel sculpture and related poetry, what I call ArtsPairing. I have written poetry for 70 years now but started pairing it with art in 2014 when I met a talented mixed-media artist and wrote poetry, including haiku as possible accompaniments to her work. When I met a talented sculptor who was willing to mentor me six years later I broadened the ArtsPairing concept to sculpture. When I listened to an extraordinary first and only symphony written by an acquaintance, a retired radiologist, in his late 80’s I broadened it again with sculpture a poem about the musical piece and its creation. Four of my pieces and related poems have been exhibited at the Bennington (Vermont) Museum NBOSS Outdoor Sculpture Show over the past four years with more planned for Summer 2025.. The most meaningful of these works have been tributes to very special people, sometimes ill or having passed away.. Read more>>

Hsi Cheng

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is *Find Me*, a documentary short about human trafficking that recently won a DOC NYC U award. This project is incredibly personal to me, both as a storyteller and as someone of Taiwanese heritage. The story centers around a woman, Kuo, who was trafficked from Taiwan as a baby and spent decades trying to reconnect with her birth family. It was an ambitious and emotionally charged journey, and for me, it became more than just a film; it became a mission to bring light to an underreported issue that impacted both my home country and my identity. Read more>>

Amy Herzberg

I’ve recently had the chance to be a part of “The Polar Express Train Ride” in Whippany, NJ, and I have to say it was much more meaningful than I thought it would be. It is of course, based on The Polar Express book and movie. When I first got the job, I didn’t think too much about it. But at this point in time I’ve already done 93 shows, and it is truly magical every single time. I get to meet children who truly still believe in Santa and be a part of their magical journey. That’s truly a privilege. Read more>>

John Barlow

I recently (this year) started a project that’s a first for me. I’ve always envisioned myself doing some sort of narrative artbook, so I finally took the leap and decided to start one called Letters from the Far Shore. Teaching has given me some stability so I feel more confident exploring creatively, and it’s been super rewarding so far. I’ve always tried to make my art fit into something that would be marketable, so it’s super nice to finally (within reason) get to explore and try something I’ve always wanted to do. I get to bring in my love of design, since I have an undergraduate degree in graphic design, and also my love of writing fiction that I discovered when I got into Dungeons & Dragons a few years back. Right now I’m focused on building out a world that’s surreal and strange but also recognizable. The form it’s taking right now is sending out letters to my patrons every month with an illustration and a story accompanying it. There are recurring characters to help frame the narrative, but getting to see what my limits are–in terms of what I can come up with, creatively–has been super fun so far. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this project evolves in two, five, ten years from now. Read more>>

Joana Knezevic

It is not easy to choose the most meaningful project because every single project changed me and have the impact who am I as an artist today. The most important, vibrant, contemporary theater shows I’ve ever done were in France and the USA. However, I will point out the project called “Not Your Barbie” directed by myself, written by Peter Gray, composed by Katarina Rankovic, and video directed by Hadzi Aleksandar Djurovic. The project was created for the Solo Festival in 2022. Belgrade, Serbia. I was chosen to present my country, Serbia, at the festival. My solo show was supported by the Belgrade Culture Center. It’s about the discrimination, objectification, and misrepresentation, of female bodies through the lens of the Barbie dolls. Read more>>