Felipe Lopez, born in Colombia and currently based in Florida, is an artist who reimagines the possibilities of discarded materials. Specializing in recycled metal sculpture, Felipe’s work challenges perceptions of waste by transforming industrial remnants into intricate and thought-provoking pieces. His art is both a testament to creativity and a call to action, embodying his belief that "the world matters." Growing up in a culture where resourcefulness was a way of life, Felipe developed an eye for seeing potential in the overlooked. His early experiences with tools and metals, combined with his innate curiosity, set the foundation for his sculptural practice. His work reflects not only his technical mastery but also a profound respect for the materials he uses, honoring their histories while guiding them into new forms and stories. Felipe’s art is deeply influenced by his cultural background and his personal life. His Colombian roots inspire elements of bold, organic forms and natural resilience, while the African and French heritage of his wife Daphnee Arielle Stowers introduces themes of identity, ancestry, and masks — symbols of transformation and storytelling. Each sculpture becomes a bridge between cultures, histories, and ideas, inviting viewers to engage in dialogue about humanity’s connection to the environment and each other. Member of the National Sculpture Society, a recognition that underscores his commitment to artistic excellence and innovation in contemporary sculpture. Felipe has exhibited his work in numerous prestigious events, including the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, the Hillsborough County Hispanic Culture Celebration, and at the Earth & Bone Studio. He was honored as the winner of Clearwater’s Art in the Park, and his innovative work has been highlighted on platforms such as Fox News 13 and Telemundo, where his approach to sustainable art resonated with audiences. Through his evolving body of work, Felipe Lopez seeks to inspire a shift in perspective — to see beauty in what is often deemed useless, and to understand the power of transformation, not just in art, but in life itself.

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"As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the beauty hidden within the discarded — the gears left to rust, the chains abandoned to time, and the pipes no longer serving their original purpose. For me, these materials are not waste; they are opportunities waiting to be discovered. My sculptures are born from the transformation of these forgotten pieces, merging their industrial strength with delicate narratives of identity, resilience, and connection. My work is rooted in the belief that "the world matters." Each sculpture serves as both a visual statement and a call to action, urging viewers to reflect on our collective environmental impact. By repurposing recycled metals, I challenge the notions of consumption and waste, revealing the hidden potential in objects that many overlook. This process of rebirth is symbolic of broader themes — human resilience, cultural heritage, and the ability to transform our circumstances. The inspiration for my work is deeply personal and cultural. My Colombian roots infuse my art with vibrant forms and a spirit of endurance, while the African and French heritage of my wife Daphnee Arielle Stowers brings stories of masks and ancestral symbols into the conversation. Masks, in particular, appear throughout my work as representations of identity and the layers we all carry — a visual exploration of what lies beneath the surface. Technically, my process is a blend of precision and intuition. I begin by searching for discarded metals that resonate with me — gears, tools, pipes, and industrial remnants — each carrying its own unique history. These materials guide the direction of my work as I cut, weld, and assemble them into forms that evoke movement, life, and storytelling. Through my sculptures, I hope to bridge the gap between art and sustainability, inviting viewers to see the beauty in transformation and to reconsider their relationship with the materials that surround us. In every piece, there is a story — of rebirth, resilience, and the enduring connection between humanity and the environment." — Felipe Lopez

Staci Swider began her career as a textile designer in the home furnishings industry where she was known for her innovative designs and won many accolades. Today her award-winning collage paintings infused with fiber art are exhibited in galleries across the Southeast. She is a juried member of the National Association of Women Artists as well as the South Carolina chapter of NAWA. She is trained as a Certified GOLDEN Artist Educator and her bestselling book, Acrylic Expressions, along with 4 instructional painting videos published by Random House are available at major retailers and online. When she is not traveling around the globe in search of inspiration, she makes her home in Aiken, SC. Her studio can be visited by appointment

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"As a textile and mixed-media artist, my work is a meditation on aging, memory, and the unseen forces that guide us. As I age, I find myself deeply attuned to the wisdom carried by time—both my own and that of the generations before me. My art serves as a bridge between the tangible and intangible, weaving together fibers, textures, and layers to reflect the complexities of human experience. Central to my practice is the concept of the “guardian”—ancient grandmother ancestors who I imagine as steadfast presences, whispering guidance and gently steering us toward our true life paths. These guardians embody resilience, intuition, and love, qualities I seek to evoke in my pieces through organic forms, earthy tones, and materials that carry their own histories. By exploring the interplay of aging and guardianship, I aim to honor the passage of time and the unseen wisdom that accompanies it. My hope is that viewers feel a connection to their own inner compass, a sense of being held by something greater as they navigate life’s journey. This work is both deeply personal and universally human, an invitation to reflect on the ways we honor the past, embrace the present, and trust in the guidance of those who came before us." — Staci Swider