June Steckler is optimistic about the Capital Region’s art scene and her role in it as both artist and curator.

Octavio Valencia has a secret identity. Or two.

Demetris “BAMR” Washington is inspired by graffiti, cartoons and his faith in Christianity, the latter of which was also the inspiration for his alias: BAMR is short for Becoming a Man Righteously. 

Jennifer West was still new to her role as film commissioner for the City of Sacramento’s Sacramento Film + Media office when she was sent home because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Deziree Dizon was dragged to art school, but she is now making fine art and showing her work at galleries.

Craig Martinez knows his sculptures, made from reclaimed materials, can be challenging, and not everyone is going to like them.

Della Rosa’s signature style can be seen in the visual branding of companies around the Capital Region, including restaurants, food and beverage brands, creative festivals and more.

Aliyah Sidqe, a mentee of the artist and activist Milton Bowens, uses her paintings to uplift the community. 

Laurelin Gilmore weaves zodiac and earthy elements to show the connectivity humans have to nature.

Lindsay Swearingen was introduced to needle and thread at 8 years old, when her mother taught her how to cross-stitch. She was young and didn’t stick with it, but “about eight years ago, I picked it back up around when there was a resurgence of embroidery and fiber art,” she says.