Meet the artists

Arturo Reyes: A Journey of Color and Chaos

From the sun-drenched fields of San Joaquin, California, to the vibrant energy of Chicago, Arturo Reyes' art reflects the roots of his upbringing as a migrant worker’s child. Growing up among rows of grapes, plums, and tomatoes, his early life was shaped by the rhythm of the fields, leaving an undeniable imprint on his work.

Reyes’ canvases pulse with the vivid colors of nature and the labor he witnessed. His impressionistic style is marked by erratic, yet soothing brush strokes that convey both chaos and harmony. His work is a vibrant explosion of energy, full of the hues of the earth, reflecting his childhood experiences in the valley.

A true colorist, Reyes is unafraid to push boundaries. His collages and dynamic compositions tell stories through bold, unrestrained colors. The intensity of his palette invites viewers to step back, discovering the chaotic order and stunning imagery that make his work a celebration of life itself. Through every piece, Reyes paints not just the landscape, but the spirit of the land that shaped him.

Lisa Giacomino: The Zen of Zentangle Art

Lisa Giacomino is a self-taught Zen doodle artist whose creative journey spans over two decades. While she has explored various mediums, it is Zentangle—also known as Zen doodling—that truly fuels her passion. Her work aims to not only stimulate the mind but to offer a sense of comfort and relaxation. "I encourage viewers to engage their imaginations and discover something new with each glance," Lisa says, turning Zentangle into a meditative process that invites both creator and observer to pause and reflect.

The roots of Zentangle trace back to 2003, when Rick Roberts, a monk, and Maria Thomas, an artist, stumbled upon the meditative power of simple patterns. They initially sold prints of Maria’s botanical drawings, but the real breakthrough came when customers marveled at Maria’s intricate lettering. Rick, recognizing the meditative experience behind Maria’s creation, observed, "You are defining meditation." This insight led to the development of the Zentangle method—an art form accessible to all, regardless of artistic skill.

The name "Zentangle" merges 'zen' (the Buddhist practice of balancing the mind) with 'tangle,' suggesting an intentional intertwining of form. More than just an art practice, Zentangle is a tool for relaxation, offering benefits like reduced stress, enhanced creativity, and better focus. Lisa Giacomino’s work exemplifies these principles, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the calming, intricate patterns of Zentangle.

Meow

Introducing Sharon Kludge, a remarkable painter whose work is a modern-day testament to the idea that dreams can evolve and flourish at any stage in life. Sharon's florals, owls, and birds capture the essence of life with soft, vibrant colors that seem to breathe energy and warmth. Each brushstroke reveals not just the beauty of nature but a deeper story—one of personal growth, creativity, and a passion that defies age. Her art has a unique quality, much like Grandma Moses, the beloved American folk artist known for her vibrant and heartfelt depictions of rural life, who became famous in her later years. Sharon’s paintings echo this spirit of late-blooming artistry, filled with softness, color, and life.

Sharon is a true inspiration for anyone who believes that creativity and dreams are ageless pursuits, showing that you can continue to dream and grow, no matter your age.

Wesley Daniels: A Bold Fusion of Pop Art and Surrealism

Wesley Daniels’ work is a striking blend of pop art energy and surrealist imagination, creating an entirely unique visual language. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and graphic clarity of pop art, Daniels uses stencils and aerosol techniques to kickstart his Milan series, infusing each piece with bold, electric colors. But it’s his surrealist touches—hand-painted faces emerging from floral tops—that set his work apart, infusing the everyday with an uncanny twist.

Daniels’ ability to merge modern techniques with dreamlike imagery creates a fresh, exciting dynamic that feels both timeless and of the moment. His work pulses with energy, making it a perfect fit for any contemporary space. Bold and unafraid, his pieces are not just artworks; they are statements.

Currently showcasing a selection of his pieces, we invite you to come experience his work firsthand. With his fearless color palette and arresting style, Wesley Daniels’ art is a must-see for anyone who appreciates modern, vibrant creativity.

Step into a world where surrealism, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes blend in a fusion of passion and imagination. Born in Slovakia and later settling in the vibrant Chicagoland area, Zdenek Nerada’s artistic journey reflects his dedication to creativity and technical mastery. His work, blending dreamlike vistas with enigmatic forms, captures both his Czech heritage and the dynamic energy of his new surroundings.
Zdenek Nerada’s oil paintings, influenced by surrealism and Salvador Dalí, invite viewers into an otherworldly realm, where swirling shapes and intricate details evoke mystical wonder. His depictions of red rooftops and majestic castles are poignant tributes to his homeland, offering a visual dialogue between memory and imagination.
Beyond his oil paintings, Zdenek’s intaglio prints illuminate Chicago’s skyline with stunning precision, transforming urban landscapes into ethereal beauty. The rigid lines of architecture take on a softness, transcending the ordinary to the extraordinary.
The spirit behind Zdenek’s art sets him apart—each piece reflects his warmth, humor, and boundless love for life. His religious paintings and intricately framed works invite the viewer into a deeply personal experience, where art is felt as much as it is seen.
Currently, the Fat Cat Art Gallery in Oak Park’s Art District is showcasing Zdenek’s extraordinary works, on display until May. Join us for a special event on April 26th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, where Zdenek’s son, Dennis Nerada, will speak about his father’s prolific style and diverse body of work. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Zdenek Nerada’s art and his lasting legacy.

Do What Makes You Happy?

Happiness is a spectrum. It's the small joys of everyday life, fleeting moments, and the deep, overwhelming kind that brings tears. For some, happiness lies in cooking, hosting, and sharing meals with others. For my grandmother, it was dressing people up, watching their smiles as they admired their new outfits.

I’m SeungRi Park, also known as Victoria Park, born in Seoul, Korea, into a family of artists. My father, Park Kiloung, was an abstract painter in the 60s and 70s, and my mother is both an artist and art teacher. I grew up surrounded by art, always encouraged to express myself. After high school in Korea, I moved to the U.S., where I studied Fine Arts at the University of Tennessee. But after graduation, I walked away from painting. No reason, I just stopped.

It wasn’t until 12 years later, when my supervisor asked, "What makes you happy?" that I remembered the joy of creating. My first painting after the hiatus was terrible, yet I found happiness in the mess. I painted dark, expressive pieces, using color as an emotional release, inspired by the line from Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” My paints became my chocolates, each hue a surprise.

With each brushstroke, I mix vibrant and dark colors, balancing light and shadow to create harmony. It’s a reflection of my journey: finding light in the darkness. My father named me SeungRi, meaning “hope” — a path to light in the dark. His art remains a testament to finding joy in challenging times. Now, my own work continues his legacy: a pursuit of light through color, joy through creation.

 Warren Read's paintings, particularly his Drive-By series, offer a mesmerizing, cinematic glimpse of landscapes as seen from the car window. Much like Edward Hopper, Read captures the solitude and stillness of passing scenery with stunning attention to detail. His work evokes the feeling of quietly observing the world outside—whether it’s the breathtaking expanse of the sky or the delicate dance of clouds. Notably, his night driving scenes, illuminated by headlights through fog, are a testament to his masterful use of color, light, and shadow. Read’s ability to evoke mood and atmosphere makes his work a captivating experience. Having been with us for some time now, we invite you to explore his unique, evocative style at the gallery—where every painting tells a story waiting to be discovered. 

Holly Hutto

BIO

 Holly Hutto’s art is influenced by world folklore and mythology, capturing the dreamlike quality of the stories that have shaped the psyche of the world. A Chicago native, Holly has a BFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA from Columbia College Chicago. She is the founding director/lead teacher of Global Explorers Kids, a nonprofit that teaches children about world cultures through the arts. She has published illustration and art activities in Cobblestone Press, taught art to children at many venues, and curated exhibits at HotHouse: the Center for International Performance and Art, Global Pi Gallery, and for Providence: The Serbian Artists Association. Holly has exhibited in several galleries in the Chicagoland area, including the DuPage Children’s Museum, Cranbrook Academy, Northern Indiana Center for the Arts, Orleans Street Gallery, Union Street Gallery, the College of DuPage, Triple R Gallery, and Vibrant Cast’s Fusion Gallery.