JOIN US AT OUR EVENT WHERE COMMUNITY, EDUCATION, AND INNOVATION CONVERGE TO INSPIRE, CONNECT, AND EMPOWER.

DAY 1 PROGRAM

DAY 2

DAD BRUNCH BY TRINIDAD JAMES + ARTZ

1:30PM-4:30PM BRUNCH + NETWORKING

PLUS MORE

SPONSORS

  • Soul Ra, the driving force behind Soul Verse, stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity in the contemporary art world. This entity, in collaboration with visionary artists like Blum, has been instrumental in redefining the artistic landscape. Soul Ra's vision is not just about surviving in the art world; it's about thriving in a milieu that fosters boundless creativity and innovation. The primary objective is to meld the physical and digital realms of art, thereby unlocking their collective potential and setting new standards in artistic expression​​.

    Central to Soul Ra's mission is the creation of environments where artists can truly flourish. Soul Verse, under Soul Ra's guidance, is dedicated to building a new paradigm for art, one that transcends the traditional confines of museums and galleries. This initiative focuses on tokenizing both physical and digital art, thus opening up new vistas for artists to display their talents, engage with audiences, and establish a sustainable future for themselves and their art. The goal is to construct a world driven by artists, for artists, revolutionizing how art is consumed and appreciated​​.

    Beyond the realms of artistic innovation, Soul Ra also champions community empowerment. Through initiatives like Soul Verse and the nonprofit Youthiverse, there is a strong commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to artists, particularly those in underprivileged communities. This dedication extends to partnerships with forward-thinking brands like Magic Leap, which have amplified the impact of events with transformative technologies like the Magic Leap 2 headsets. These collaborations have elevated the physical 3D world into an immersive realm of endless possibilities, thereby enhancing the overall artistic experience​​.

    Soul Ra's vision encompasses not only dreaming and building but also fostering growth. There is a steadfast commitment to nurturing an ecosystem where artists are at the forefront, their creations are celebrated, and their true value is recognized. Soul Verse, under Soul Ra's stewardship, aims to cultivate a future where artists have full control over their art and where the art community as a whole thrives. This vision is being actualized one event at a time, marking Soul Ra's imprint on the global art scene

  • Blum stands as a strategic visionary in the art world, integral to the long-term success of Soul RA. This dynamic brand is at the forefront of revolutionizing the art scene, seamlessly blending traditional art with future triumphs. At the heart of Blum's philosophy is a deep commitment to representing not just art, but community and valuable assets, a testament to its pioneering spirit.

    The ethos of Blum centers around a transformative approach, merging the tangible beauty of physical art galleries with the boundless possibilities of the digital realm. This innovative mindset has established Blum as a symbol of avant-garde art representation, harmonizing the physical and digital aspects of art in a way that resonates with a new era of collectors and art enthusiasts.

    Blum's journey in reshaping the art landscape is further marked by its role in founding significant ventures like Crypto Piggys, Soul Verse, and Blak Chip. Each initiative underlines Blum's dedication to leading the next wave of fine art evolution. Crypto Piggys reflects the integration of art with blockchain technology, Soul Verse emphasizes immersive digital art experiences, and Blak Chip challenges conventional norms in art representation.

    Envisioning a future where art seamlessly integrates into both physical and digital lives, Blum is redefining how art is accessed, traded, and enjoyed. From the careful curation in physical galleries to the digital displays in luxurious homes, Blum ensures that art remains not just an asset but a vital, ever-present element in cultural and personal spaces.

    Blum's impact on the art world sets new benchmarks in innovation and accessibility. The brand is not merely navigating the art landscape; it is actively sculpting its future, ensuring the continuity and evolution of fine art in an ever-changing world.

  • Crypto Piggys: NFT Collection by Blum

    CryptoPiggys represents a unique and exclusive venture into the world of digital art and NFTs, crafted by Blum. This collection is not just a series of digital creations but a bridge between fine art and the burgeoning world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Each piece in the collection stands out with its individuality, some being one-of-a-kind creations, while others are part of a broader array of randomly generated 2D and 3D NFT avatars. These creations offer a blend of physical and digital experiences, opening up an unparalleled world that straddles online and real-life domains​​.

    CryptoPiggys is characterized by its diverse range of offerings. One part of the collection features 777 uniquely designed, crypto-eating pigs, each not generated but individually crafted by Blum. These pieces are celebrated as some of the rarest NFTs available, offering not only value in the digital realm but also in the physical world through exclusive partnerships and collaborations. These collaborations extend to special access to art, merchandise, and unique event experiences​​.

    In addition to these, the collection includes 3,333 2D pixelated CryptoPiggys, designed to transition into a 3D dimension. This set boasts over many traits, showcasing the versatility and creative breadth of the collection​​. Furthermore, there is a set of 7,777 3D voxel CryptoPiggys, to serve as assets in gaming environments. These avatars are tailored for integration into various online metaverse environments like Sandbox and Axie Infinity, highlighting the collection's futuristic vision​​.

    An intriguing aspect of CryptoPiggys is the full commercial rights afforded to owners. These rights extend to the images of all CryptoPiggys, as well as the 3D model of the CryptoPiggys Voxel, allowing owners to utilize these assets in a variety of commercial endeavors​​.

    Blum's CryptoPiggys collection is a vivid example of how art can transcend traditional boundaries, merging the tangible with the virtual, and creating new realms of artistic expression and ownership in the digital age. As part of Soul Verse 2023 Art Week, this collection is set to captivate audiences with its innovative approach and the unique vision of its creator.

  • A company dedicated to bridging art forms and cultures together within film, fashion, art and music that leverages technology (digital and physical) to create immersive experiences. Notably, ECOA has launched the Forexa (Foreign Exchange Artist) program. Giving artists a foreign culture experience that allows them to expand their audience and gives them new collaborative opportunities with those they meet along the way.

  • Trinidad James, is a multi-faceted Trinidadian-American creative force known for his significant contributions to both the music and art worlds. Born on September 24, 1987, Trinidad James rose to fame with his hit single "All Gold Everything," which not only reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also received platinum certification. This success marked his entry into the mainstream music industry and set the stage for his innovative endeavors in the art world​​.

    After parting ways with Def Jam Recordings in 2014, Trinidad James expanded his creative horizons, focusing on songwriting and production. He has written for various notable artists, including City Girls, Kehlani, Flo Milli, Queen Naija, and Lakeyah, showcasing his versatility and artistic breadth. His songwriting credits include co-writing hits like Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk" and Bhad Bhabie's "Hi Bich," among others​​.

    In addition to his musical accomplishments, Trinidad James has also made his mark in the art world through his ownership of the 567 Agency. This agency exemplifies a dynamic intersection of art and music, reflecting Trinidad James's passion for creativity and cultural expression. His involvement in the 567 Agency signifies his dedication to fostering artistic collaborations and promoting diverse creative talents.

    Trinidad James's influence extends beyond music and art. He is also known for his role as a host on the YouTube talk show "Full Size Run" and for his appearance in the Safdie Brothers' film "Uncut Gems"​​. These diverse roles highlight his ability to navigate and contribute to various creative industries successfully.

    Through the 567 Agency, Trinidad James continues to advocate for artistic collaboration and community engagement. His vision for the agency aligns with his belief in the power of collective creativity and the importance of supporting and uplifting artists in various mediums. The agency stands as a testament to his commitment to nurturing and showcasing the talents of emerging and established artists alike.

    In summary, Trinidad James's 567 Agency embodies his multifaceted artistic identity, bridging the gap between music and visual art and underscoring his role as a prominent figure in contemporary cultural discourse.

  • 'Rhythm & You’ is a community creating filmed and photographed stories around music, art, and competitive tours. The community was founded by John Adams and John Blackwell to inspire events to nurture artistic captures and productions. With origins from a Mainz, Germany born jam studio: the international story continues into Bosnia where we use events to promote tourism to the archeological site 'Park Ravne 2'. Touring promotes partnerships and artistic cooperation between people and artists that normally would never have an opportunity. The ticket sales are not the goal: capturing and cultivating human art is. Catalyzing artistic expression is our drive with features such as paint supplies for audience participation. Come make a story with us. - John Adams

  • MargaretCocktails.com

    We awake interest for agave spirits through an all natural, fresh and fun line of cocktails bringing Mexican flavors and culture throughout the world.

    Longtime tequila industry experts, passionate about our spirits, our culture, and our people.

    High quality 100% natural tequila cocktails with cold pressed fresh fruit juice chilled and ready to enjoy.

  • NPC Labs is a one-stop platform to build, monetize, and scale consumer products connected to your digital assets.

  • True creativity can’t be contained in one lane. That said, Trinidad James simultaneously traffics in multiple lanes at the highest speed possible. You might recognize him as a multiplatinum chart-busting rapper (and of course, he is). However, he continues to make his mark as a songwriter and studio collaborator with a growing discography highlighted by hits for Flo Milli, Queen Naija, and many more. Plus, he distinguishes himself as a proven entrepreneur, fashion magnate, and philanthropist. He owns and runs both the design and apparel brand Hommewrk and sock company DadSocks. Recognizing his quiet, yet tireless efforts to support and uplift the community, Los Angeles non-profit Love My Neighbor Foundation notably honored him with a 2022 Humanitarian Award.

    Now, all of these facets converge in his artistry with the forthcoming release of Don’t Be S.A.F.E. 2 and much more to come in 2023 and beyond.

    “The shoes, the clothes, the socks, and the songwriting pushed me back to my Trinidad James business—which is the music,” he exclaims. “I’m looking at it from a different perspective. I’m more business-oriented. I see the potential of bringing in my brand to the music. I’m your #1 hustler and most improved artist.”

    Born in Trinidad and based in Atlanta, he emerged as a phenomenon during 2012. His seminal breakout album, Don’t Be S.A.F.E., housed the platinum smash “All Gold Everything.” Bruno Mars notably interpolated its chorus—“Don’t believe me, just watch”—for the diamond-selling GRAMMY® Award-winning “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson. His catalog expanded with the triple-platinum remix of A$AP Ferg’s “Work” [feat. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, and ScHoolboy Q] and August Alsina’s platinum “I Love This Shit” [feat. Trinidad James]. He maintained unprecedented momentum with projects such as 10 PC Mild [2013], No One Is Safe [2016], The Wake Up 2 [2017], Father Figga [2017], Daddy Issues [2018], and Black Filter [2020]. Beyond plugs from Complex and others, RNGLDR applauded the latter as “a masterful, necessary album that will forever be sourced as grounds for new sounds and merging lanes into a truly unique, irreplicable result.” Along the way, he notably collaborated with Travis Scott, Young Thug, Gucci Mane, Lil Dicky, Jaden, and more.

    As 2020 took hold, he never stopped making music, but he also followed other passions. He cemented a high-profile partnership with global sneaker brand Saucony, leading to four collaborations under the banner of Men’s Saucony x Hommewrk by Trinidad James. Inciting chatter throughout the culture from Sole Collector, Footwear News, and REVOLT, HYEBAE specifically hailed the Juicy Jazz 81 as “a head-turning pair to add to your rotation.” The collaboration positioned him to launch apparel with Hommewrk as well, presenting its debut collection in homage to iconic Trinidadian leader and first black Miss Universe Janelle “Penny” Commissiong in 2022 with hoodies shirts, jackets, and vests.

    “When I was able to focus on fashion, it brought a new joy to me,” he admits. “The shoe opportunity came, and I saw the bigger picture. A brand with no story is not a brand. I’ve always been a voice for underdogs, and Hommewrk ties back to this mentality. We pick a muse who is somebody ‘you should do your homework on’. If you look at the initial collection, the shirts have street signs with Janelle’s name. We’re tying it back to her and Trinidad. If you do your homework, you might learn a thing or two and become inspired.”

    Speaking of inspiration, he concurrently brought DadSocks to the marketplace with Kyle The Knitter. He sold the high-quality debonair socks direct-to-consumer, selling out drops within days and partnering with the PGA Tour. Concurrently, independent retailers nationwide embraced the brand. He adds, “Quality is the number one reason why I love it. The style is flashy. We’re giving new and old fathers confidence. If you have

    cool socks on, it’s a conversation piece. You’ll get asked, ‘Where did you get those?’ In my opinion, accessories set the outfit off.”

    In the meantime, he sharpened his pen behind-the-scenes. He co-wrote Queen Naija’s #1 R&B radio hit gold-certified “Butterflies Pt. 2” and Flo Milli’s 2022 smash “Conceited.” Other credits include Megan Thee Stallion’s “Do It On The Top” [feat. City Girls], Kehlani’s “Everybody Business,” and Chloe X Halle & Doja Cat’s “Do It (Remix)” [feat. City Girls & Latto], among others. Drawing on all of these experiences, he reignited his personal creative vision.

    “I wanted to start writing for me again,” he recalls. “By writing for other artists, I’ve learned how to write better. I understand how to be vulnerable for the ladies and myself. You’re going to hear it.”

    In this spirit, he pushed himself to expand the sonic palette. His larger-than-life personality and inimitable voice fit seamlessly into styles as diverse as heavy funk, dance, and trap to punk, progressive R&B, and African. “I’m mixing in different things without forgetting who I am,” he notes. “It closes out a ten-year chapter and starts a new one. I’m not the same kid; I’m a full-grown man who has to take care of his family.”

    In the end, he magnifies his impact in music, fashion, and community with every move.

    “When I do anything, I’m not only trying to help myself, but the whole genre and culture of music,” he leaves off. “I have a lot to say, and I’m going to do so through every avenue I can.”

SPEAKERS

  • \Heather Dunaway Smith

    is an XR artist, designer, developer, and director who seamlessly blends storytelling, illustration, animation, audio, and interactivity. With a passion for breaking the boundaries between art and audience, she explores the uncharted territory of XR, fostering deeper connections and meaningful experiences. Heather's diverse career spans from Fortune 500 companies to startups, with a portfolio including Meta, mobile games, global campaigns, interactive museum exhibits, and AR/VR experiences. Recognized with an AR Art Residency at Adobe and involvement in Snap's AR glasses development, her work has graced international exhibitions. Explore her web/app-based interactive creations at Clockworkbird.

  • Lianne Baron. PgM, AR Partnerships Meta. Lianne is an experienced Augmented Reality strategist and partnerships expert currently working with Meta and their vast amount of Spark AR Creators to create impactful experiences that leverage the latest in AR technology.

  • Duda Penteado is an ARTIVIST who has created a body of work between the United States and Brazil for almost 30 years and is a multidisciplinary artist. His work has been documented and chronicled through texts, books, murals, performance, video, installations, sculptures, paintings and other visual practices. In recent years, Duda has dedicated much of his work to important issues addressing peace, globalization, diaspora, dual citizenship, sustainability and other geopolitical and social phenomena of the 21st century.

    “Artivism” is a term formed by the combination of the words art and activism, thus implying an artistic practice with political and social content. Duda Penteado, who uses art as a bridge to creative experiences, has always been attentive to the movements that involve the main social issues of today and works constantly to denounce them. Its mission is to lead us to reflect and critically analyze the issue so that we can act in community. For the artist, “art does not propose simple answers, but important questions, bringing discussions and interconnected dialogues with the main themes of the contemporary world.” Art is, then, the vehicle of this social discourse.

    Duda Penteado's intellectual and creative energies have always been about the human experience and journey, but recently came to focus on exploring the relationship between art, technology, sustainability and the environment. This journey has always been driven and sustained by the most basic, essential, and fundamental aspect of our nature; namely to imprint upon those who follow, a palpable appreciation of our presence; that in a spiritual and eternal way, we are still here. This track of human evolution has, over the millennia, left behind traces, relics, and treasures of our existence. These artifacts are beacons of our travels as a species on this planet. They tell the story of our hopes, fears, joys, beliefs and accomplishments. They serve to not only remind us of the connection to our ancestors but to also build a common human heritage, a collective unconscious as noted author/psychoanalyst Carl Jung believed of a shared racial (human) memory. And in the contemporary context the human journey has landed us in a complicated relationship with the environment.

    His most recent work entitled " Tribal Lines" Mural - Art Installation represents Duda's research of more than two decades in the Amazon and in the Xingu Indigenous tribes of Brazil. These pieces are a personal iconography; expressing through color, form, increasing depth and dimensionality, a contemporary expression manifested into artistic interventions on murals,vases, hammock, fabrics and countless other possibilities of the bond that links us and the world we inhabit; a world that we have transformed throughout the millennia.

    One of the main functions of artivism is to provoke the spectator to reflect, and to create a constant engagement with the artistic process and the art in itself, and not just passively appreciate the work. Gathered in these interventions, the works of Duda Penteado consist of a visual pedagogy of the highest order, impacting the public on essential human concerns.

  • Marie Berlin is an accomplished museum professional with over 20 years experience as an arts administrator, artist, curator, and educator in the non-profit sector. She is the CEO and Chief Curator for Young At Art Museum (YAA) in Plantation, FL. She was brought in to open the Miami Children's Museum and the new Young At Art Museum, the two largest family art museums in South Florida helping to grow both institutions in her nearly 20 year tenure. She also coordinated the Zora Neale Hurston Museum's Annual Festival Artist Alley bringing over 1.5 million visitors since it began in 1990. She has Chaired the Board of the YMCA Children's Advocacy Center, served as Secretary for the United Nations Broward Chapter and was on the Lauderhill Arts and Culture Board. She is driven by a desire that art should be freely accessible to all and takes pride in providing the best arts programming for children and families in Broward County. As CEO at YAA her goals include bridging the arts gap for the underserved community in Broward, showcasing more female and BIPOC artists through exhibitions and programs, and expanding the footprint of YAA into other areas of the County. Marie has been recognized for her extraordinary

    commitment to the community and low-income populations, her authentic leadership style, and investment in the next generation of artists and enthusiasts. Marie is excited to be working with and curating Duda Penteado The Artivist: Amazonia Experience Exhibition Project. Marie and Duda's alignment is found in social activism, education and empowering the next generation to see the influential power of art to respond to the most crucial issues facing our world today.

  • John Blackwell is the founder of ECOA. A company dedicated to bridging art forms and cultures together within film, fashion, art and music that leverages technology (digital and physical) to create immersive experiences. Notably, ECOA has launched the Forexa (Foreign Exchange Artist) program. Giving artists a foreign culture experience that allows them to expand their audience and gives them new collaborative opportunities with those they meet along the way.

  • Christopher Moye is an attorney and software architect with a comprehensive background in both traditional and emerging technological fields. A graduate of Morehouse College and the New York School of Law, Moye has developed a diverse expertise across various industries. In the legal sector, Moye has navigated complex challenges in investment banks, academia, and at leading telecom companies including AT&T and Verizon. His experience extends to the media industry with significant contributions to the Associated Press and Fox. Moye's engagement with technology is particularly notable in the domain of digital innovation, with a focus on intellectual property law in the NFT space. Here, he has successfully represented artists, facilitating over $3 million in sales of digital art through NFTs, showcasing his commitment to protecting the rights and interests of creators in the digital age. Additionally, Moye's skill in negotiation is evident from his involvement in agreements valued at over $200 million for a range of clients. This experience highlights his capability in handling high-value legal matters across various sectors. Moye's career reflects a unique blend of traditional legal practice and a forward-thinking approach to technology and digital rights management.

  • Bayo Okusanya is an investor, entrepreneur, and digital creator. He graduated from Princeton University's Class of 2020, where he studied Philosophy & Entrepreneurship. Bayo founded NPC Labs, a one-stop platform to build, monetize, and scale consumer products connected to your digital assets, where he currently serves as CEO. Bayo is the former first hire at Chaac Ventures, an early-stage, technology-focused VC fund supporting the next generation of visionary Princeton founders, and leveraging the power of the global Princeton University alumni ecosystem. Investments include FiscalNote (NYSE:NOTE), Booster, Overtime, Finalis, Golden, CreateSafe, MIRA Imaging, Limitless Studios, Pixm Security, Skyfront, Paladin, Hiki, Piper, and others. Following his role at Chaac, Bayo contributes to several early-stage startups as an Angel Investor & Advisor. In recent months, he's backed multiple startups in the growing blockchain and crypto sector (EdgeIn, Layerr), where he writes the StartUpRoundUp newsletter, covering top products in the space for over 12,500 readers. He's also an LP investor in several funds including Microtraction, an early-stage VC fund providing pre-seed funding for African technology entrepreneurs, and Audacity (portfolio includes Roll, Nest Coin, and Afropolitan). In addition, Bayo serves as a co-host on the Blitzscaling a Startup podcast (a Chris Yeh and Reid Hoffman project) where he shares insights with young entrepreneurs, investors, and first-time founders.

  • 'Rhythm & You’ is a community creating filmed and photographed stories around music, art, and competitive tours. The community was founded by John Adams and John Blackwell to inspire events to nurture artistic captures and productions. With origins from a Mainz, Germany born jam studio: the international story continues into Bosnia where we use events to promote tourism to the archeological site 'Park Ravne 2'. Touring promotes partnerships and artistic cooperation between people and artists that normally would never have an opportunity. The ticket sales are not the goal: capturing and cultivating human art is. Catalyzing artistic expression is our drive with features such as paint supplies for audience participation. Come make a story with us. - John Adams

  • Preetha, a captivating soul featured in "Daughters of Destiny," unfolds her narrative against the backdrop of India, where she blossomed at Shanti Bhavan School. Beyond the societal constraints, she discovered a profound love for arts and music, cultivating a passion that became her refuge in a world marked by challenges.

    Her journey into the realms of creativity was more than a mere escape—it became a means of self-discovery and empowerment. Preetha found solace in the harmonies of music and the expressive canvas of the arts, which allowed her to articulate emotions that words often struggled to convey. The nurturing environment of Shanti Bhavan not only fueled her artistic endeavors but also instilled in her a sense of purpose.

    Driven by her own transformative experiences, Preetha embarked on a profound quest to find her voice, not just in melody and brushstrokes but in a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. This quest, deeply rooted in compassion and resilience, led her to explore avenues where her artistic talents could serve a greater purpose.

    As Preetha continued to navigate her personal and artistic odyssey, she envisioned using her voice to advocate for change and uplift those facing similar struggles. Her commitment to helping others through the transformative power of the arts became a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for individual passion to drive collective change.

    In the tapestry of "Daughters of Destiny," Preetha emerges not only as a symbol of artistic resilience but as a guiding force for others seeking their voices amidst life's challenges. Her journey, marked by the intertwining threads of creativity and compassion, illustrates the profound impact one person's pursuit of passion can have on the world around them.

  • Priscila D'Brito, a seasoned installation artist and creative designer, draws on years of experience in underwater sculpture. With a background in visual arts, her immersive installations reflect a deep understanding of design, construction, and cultural exploration. D'Brito's passion lies in transporting viewers into a realm of beauty while fostering a symbiotic relationship between eco-tourism and marine growth. Her project, Sea Sirens, advocates for coral reef preservation using the power of voice, aiming to spread this movement across oceans worldwide.

  • Genesis Johnson, also known as G is for GREAT, is a 10-year-old artist, entrepreneur, and mindfulness advocate. He is the founder of Non-FUNgible KIDS which offers unique educational experiences that are centered around meditation, mindfulness, creativity and emerging technologies. He enjoys creating both physical and digital 2D and 3D art while also designing and sewing one of a kind clothing designs. He is also a basketball athlete with plans to graduate from college early and go on to play pro basketball. Genesis is dedicated to elevating the minds of the next generation as he travels across the country speaking on the importance of mental health in tech and advocating for youth empowerment and access to education. Genesis' mission is to create safe spaces for the next generation of innovators and leaders to thrive and be successful.

LIVE MUSIC

  • Artist, Event Curator, CEO of Reject Dreams

    Time and again we root for the blue collar guy who overcomes the odds. The story of ARTZ is no different, at least not on the surface. It begins in Brooklyn, New York with Hip-Hop culture coloring his Nuyorican lifestyle and Rap music playing the soundtrack to his life. Surviving a stray bullet to the face at 17 years old and dedicating his life to his artistry, the self proclaimed Reject with a Dream blends hip-hop with visual art releasing all of his music through different mediums ranging from comic books, paintings, digital art, clothing and other exclusive merch. His sound is a mashup of classic rap with melodic vocals over soulful and cinematic soundscapes. Striving for greatness, has led ARTZ to produce his own concerts, mixed media art events and curated cultural experiences. His fans or what he calls his “Reject Dreams” community has helped him build a strong following and led him to touring internationally with performances all throughout Europe, the US & more. His relentless hustle and drive, has rewarded him collaborations with Ari Lennox, Emeli Sande, Styles P, Smoke DZA, Trinidad James to name a few, alongside performances with Hip-Hop legends like Busta Rhymes and NORE. ARTZ has always believed the best recipe for bridging the gap within different industries is authenticity and unconventional approach, so much so, that in the last few years ARTZ has been published by music outlets like Hot 97 just as much as tech & finance platforms like Time Magazine and Yahoo Finance. Managing to pioneer within music and art while also being considered a tastemaker and visionary.

  • DJ Q HAS ALWAYS ENJOYED THE FLAVORS AND SOUNDS FROM CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD. BORN AND RAISED IN THE WASHINGTON, DC METROPOLITAN MELTING POT, Q HAS BEEN ABLE TO ABSORB THESE FLAVORS INTO HIS EVERYDAY BEING.

    HE HAS DJ’D FOR OVER 13 YEARS AND HAS BEEN PERFORMED FROM INTIMATE DINNER EXPERIENCES TO SOME OF THE BIGGEST STAGES AND FESTIVALS IN EUROPE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. Q SPECIALIZES IN MIXING MANY GENRES AND ERAS OF MUSIC INTO ONE HARMONIOUS SOUNDTRACK.

    Q HAS PERFORMED IN DOZENS OF COUNTRIES AND FORGED RELATIONSHIPS WITH SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FIGURES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE MARKETS.

    HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC AND PEOPLE HAVE PROPELLED HIS CAREER. YOU CAN FIND Q PERFORMING AT A MIX OF PUBLIC (CLUBS, FESTIVALS, LOUNGES) AND PRIVATE (CORPORATE/WEDDING) EVENTS.

    HE AIMS TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL INCLUDED ON HIS MUSICAL JOURNEYS.

    

    Craig Beacham is a professional saxophonist and music educator from the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). He is a product of Prince George's County Public Schools which nurtured his love for music and education. Craig attended Florida A & M University where he served as Drum Major for the world-renowned "Marching 100" marching band. This afforded him awesome opportunities such as performing in the Super Bowl half-time show with Prince Rogers Nelson, and being a part of the presidential inaugural parade for Barack Obama. Craig performs nationally and internationally to a wide array of audiences and loves how the "universal language" of music speaks to everyone. 

    

  • Luxury, unique, handmade, one of a kind pieces.

    

LIVE PAINTING

  • Duda Penteado is an ARTIVIST who has created a body of work between the United States and Brazil for almost 30 years and is a multidisciplinary artist. His work has been documented and chronicled through texts, books, murals, performance, video, installations, sculptures, paintings and other visual practices. In recent years, Duda has dedicated much of his work to important issues addressing peace, globalization, diaspora, dual citizenship, sustainability and other geopolitical and social phenomena of the 21st century.

    “Artivism” is a term formed by the combination of the words art and activism, thus implying an artistic practice with political and social content. Duda Penteado, who uses art as a bridge to creative experiences, has always been attentive to the movements that involve the main social issues of today and works constantly to denounce them. Its mission is to lead us to reflect and critically analyze the issue so that we can act in community. For the artist, “art does not propose simple answers, but important questions, bringing discussions and interconnected dialogues with the main themes of the contemporary world.” Art is, then, the vehicle of this social discourse.

    Duda Penteado's intellectual and creative energies have always been about the human experience and journey, but recently came to focus on exploring the relationship between art, technology, sustainability and the environment. This journey has always been driven and sustained by the most basic, essential, and fundamental aspect of our nature; namely to imprint upon those who follow, a palpable appreciation of our presence; that in a spiritual and eternal way, we are still here. This track of human evolution has, over the millennia, left behind traces, relics, and treasures of our existence. These artifacts are beacons of our travels as a species on this planet. They tell the story of our hopes, fears, joys, beliefs and accomplishments. They serve to not only remind us of the connection to our ancestors but to also build a common human heritage, a collective unconscious as noted author/psychoanalyst Carl Jung believed of a shared racial (human) memory. And in the contemporary context the human journey has landed us in a complicated relationship with the environment.

    His most recent work entitled " Tribal Lines" Mural - Art Installation represents Duda's research of more than two decades in the Amazon and in the Xingu Indigenous tribes of Brazil. These pieces are a personal iconography; expressing through color, form, increasing depth and dimensionality, a contemporary expression manifested into artistic interventions on murals,vases, hammock, fabrics and countless other possibilities of the bond that links us and the world we inhabit; a world that we have transformed throughout the millennia.

    One of the main functions of artivism is to provoke the spectator to reflect, and to create a constant engagement with the artistic process and the art in itself, and not just passively appreciate the work. Gathered in these interventions, the works of Duda Penteado consist of a visual pedagogy of the highest order, impacting the public on essential human concerns.

  • Michelle Ruby, aka Mr. B Baby, is a Latina artist born and raised in San Diego, California. Influenced by her Puerto Rican/Mexican heritage, her vibrant artwork combines cultural elements with a playful touch. After obtaining her Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts in San Francisco, Michelle returned to her hometown, balancing teaching art with her passion for creating. Overcoming obstacles, she now resides part-time in Los Angeles, part-time in San Diego, showcasing her work in various galleries and working as a muralist. Mr. B Baby's art, exploring Mexican folk art and children's books, carries messages of positivity and resilience, reflecting her journey through depression and anxiety. As a full-time artist, toy designer, muralist, and mother, she aims to connect with people and spread happiness through her diverse creations.

  • Mana, a visionary VR & AI artist, stands as the creative force behind the mesmerizing world of Pulse Cats. As the curator of @PulseCats, she explores the realms of blockchain technology and NFTs, finding her niche in the vibrant universe of Decentraland's virtual reality.

    Formerly a UXer, Mana's journey into crypto art unfolded with an unwavering fascination for blockchain's potential. Pulse Cats, her groundbreaking NFT project, converges art and technology, presenting intricately designed 3D big cats meant to be experienced through VR headsets. These feline artworks not only boast visual allure but also showcase audio-reactive capabilities, creating a multisensory experience in the virtual realm.

    Inspired by PulseChain technology, Mana's collection pays homage to the Richard Heart ecosystem, embodying her long-term support. Pulse Cats, drawn entirely in VR, are more than static pieces—they are immersive, audio-reactive scenes, each having both 3D and VR files.

    Mana's expertise in virtual reality technology is pivotal, turning traditional art staticity into dynamic experiences. With delicate fur patterns and expressive eyes, Pulse Cats come alive in the hands of users exploring the captivating world Mana has ingeniously crafted. Her work stands at the intersection of art and technology, making Pulse Cats a distinctive presence in the ever-evolving landscape of NFTs.