Artists Jalena Hay, Laura Cleary Williams, and Brittney Ciccone discuss their creative methodologies and the themes of their exhibition Eternal Cycles at Warren's Contemporary. This powerful exhibition features the work of Laura, Jalena, and Brittney, three contemporary artists exploring themes of impermanence, change, and the cyclical nature of life. Through abstraction, layering, and dynamic mark-making, they examine how we leave lasting traces in a constantly shifting world.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The cyclical nature of life as a recurring theme, reflected in the exhibition’s exploration of chaos, order, and impermanence.
2. How meditation and reflection have transformed each artist's perspective and approach to their work.
3. Navigating the unpredictable nature of creation, technology, and life, while finding beauty in imperfection.
4. Insights on balancing personal expression with viewer interaction, where art becomes a conversation.

About Jalena, Laura, and Brittney -

Jalena’s practice is all about taking control of the chaos. Her work layers Pen, Ink, Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil to create intricate compositions that don’t just ask for your attention—they demand it. These compositions evoke a tension between abstraction and emotion, where every mark becomes part of a larger exploration of themes such as impermanence, resilience, and interconnectedness. Jalena Hay was born and raised in Southern California before moving to New York City to study Drawing and Printmaking at Pratt Institute. Her passion for printmaking took her to Amsterdam, where she dove deep into lithography, pushing the boundaries of line, texture and form.

Brittney Ciccone, an abstract painter originally from Hudson Valley, NY, now resides and works in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Brittney is an active member of the Boston SoWa Artist Guild and participates in various solo and group shows, including notable exhibitions like Brooklyn TOAF. Her work captivates collectors internationally and is featured in private collections across multiple continents.

Laura Cleary Williams’s abstract spaces are an ode to an imperfect language. Through motion, she makes marks that translate thought - subconscious – a viscerally understood language. Williams works from her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2009, she received her BFA from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Next, Williams received a full scholarship to complete her Master's in Printmaking in 2012 at SCAD-Atlanta. Williams worked at SCAD‘s Southeastern Center for Printmaking. There, she worked on an ambitious print collection with Kiki Smith and Valerie Hammond.

Website: jalenahay.com / brittneyciccone.com / lauracleary.com
IG: @jalena.hay / @brittneycicconeart / @lauraclearywilliams

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Greg Mike, a visual artist and founder of ABV Gallery, discusses his creative journey, the challenges of building a gallery in Atlanta, and preparing for his solo exhibition. He shares insights on finding joy in the creative process, balancing personal and professional life, and fostering community through collaboration.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The rewarding yet challenging process of opening a new gallery space in Atlanta, emphasizing the role of art as a sanctuary during stressful times.

2. The evolution of Greg’s work from dark themes to brighter, more positive messages, reflecting personal and artistic growth.

3. The significance of collaboration and community engagement in shaping his career and supporting other artists.

4. The importance of embracing failure as part of the creative process and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.

About Greg -
Born and raised in Connecticut, childhood trips to NYC exposed "Greg Mike" Mensching to the creative potential of reinventing public spaces through art and design. Always obsessed with the boundless energy and crisp line work of iconic American mid-century cartoons, by his early teens Greg began using the walls on the streets to fuse these two passions together. Further inspired by his deep involvement with skate culture and his intersections with the design world, he has become known for pieces that incorporate vivid explosions of incandescent color filtered through a Surrealist Pop Art perspective.

Currently based in Atlanta, Greg Mike is the founder and creative director of ABV AGENCY, a multi-platform creative studio specializing in graphic design, street art and public art, custom mural installations, art direction and more. Greg Mike is also the founder and curator of ABV GALLERY, a contemporary art gallery with a brand new location in East Atlanta Village. ABV Gallery exhibits over 500+ artists from around the world featuring both emerging and established artists with a focus on the New Contemporary movement.

Founded in 2010, ABV Gallery has become a cornerstone of Atlanta's thriving art community, showcasing works of art that challenge and inspire visitors. In 2015, Greg Mike founded OuterSpace Project, an event series that merges public art, live music, design, action sports and culture which has produced over 100+ murals throughout the city of Atlanta.

Website:gregmike.com
IG: @gregmike

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Elisabeth Johs, founder and director of JO-HS Gallery, shares her journey as a gallery owner, the importance of intuition in business decisions, and the challenges and rewards of managing a gallery while building a trusted community of artists and collaborators.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of trusting her intuition when making business decisions, especially in navigating challenges with artists, clients, or partners. She’s found that ignoring her gut often leads to regret and emphasizes the need to stay true to personal values.

2. The value of meeting artists in person at events, openings, or museum gatherings. These face-to-face connections feel more meaningful and lasting than unsolicited DMs, as they create a deeper understanding of the artist and their work.

3. Taking initiative—attend events, meet curators and gallerists, and put yourself out there. While the art world can feel closed off, being proactive and enthusiastic can leave a lasting impression.

About Elisabeth -

Elisabeth Johs is a curator and art advisor originally from Denmark. Elisabeth has lived in London and New York and currently resides in Mexico City. In 2021 she founded JO-HS, an art residency and project space in Mexico City focusing on exhibiting emerging artists. In 2023 Elisabeth established a new location for JO-HS in New York City. Since 2018 Elisabeth has been curating independently. Her curatorial practice actively pursues responses to modern-day challenges such as social, human and material, combining creativity, communication, research and innovation conveyed in visual narrative.

Website: jo-hs.com
IG: @_jo_hs

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Marlee Katz Snow is a curator, art advisor, and the founder of Collect Bean, a digital platform designed to make art collecting more accessible. She previously ran Tchotchke Gallery in Brooklyn, which focused on supporting emerging artists and building community. In this episode, Marlee discusses her transition from running a physical gallery to launching Collect Bean, her curatorial process, and the importance of creating a welcoming, barrier-free environment for both artists and collectors.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The inspiration behind Collect Bean: Marlee shares how her experience at Tchotchke Gallery led her to create Collect Bean, a digital platform that connects collectors with artists in a simple, accessible way, with no barriers to entry.

2. Community in the art world: Marlee emphasizes building meaningful relationships with both artists and collectors and creating opportunities for collaboration that extend beyond single exhibitions.

3. The balance between art, community, and business: Marlee reflects on the challenges of managing a growing digital platform while maintaining a personal connection with artists and collectors, and shares how she stays organized and focused amidst the demands of her work.

About Marlee -

Marlee Katz Snow is an artist liaison and gallerist with roots in Miami and Brooklyn. Her experience spans working closely with artists, curating exhibitions, and partnering with art advisors, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the art world.

In 2020, she founded the late great Tchotchke Gallery in Brooklyn, a space dedicated to emerging talent. The gallery quickly gained recognition, hosting a range of exhibitions that were featured in Harper's Bazaar, ArtNet, and Cultured Magazine, all while maintaining a focus on uplifting new voices in the art scene. With her current venture, Collect Bean, Marlee champions artists directly from their studios, creating an open and transparent space for art collectors. She is committed to supporting creatives and fostering authentic connections—always prioritizing the artist’s journey and growth. With a strong foundation in relationship building, business operations, curation, and sales, Marlee brings a thoughtful, artist-centric approach to all art-world endeavors.

Website: collectbean.com + marleekatz.com

IG: @collectbean + @marleekatz

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Meredith Starr and Dayna Levitt are artists behind the Are You There? project, a collaborative initiative born during the pandemic that combines their unique perspectives through visual storytelling. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and the endless possibilities within the artistic process.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The importance of collaboration: Meredith and Dayna reflect on the trust and respect that define their artistic partnership, allowing for open feedback and shared creative vision.

2. The ways in which Meredith and Dayna’s work serves as a gateway to constructed memories and new worlds, encouraging viewers to engage in moments of reflection and observation.

3. Maintaining an organic approach to the creative process, allowing room for exploration and spontaneity without rigid structures.

About Meredith & Dayna -

Meredith Starr, an interdisciplinary artist in New York, and Dayna Leavitt, a photographer in London, are former roommates and started their collaborative project, Are You There?, to stay connected during the pandemic. What started as a daily creative challenge in a time of global uncertainty has transformed into a stunning array of imagined landscapes.

Website: meredithstarr.com/work/are-you-there

IG: @areyouthere_project

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In this episode, Victoria encourages listeners to take space to process their emotions, emphasizing that it’s okay to rest, seek connection, or lean into creative work as a form of healing. She highlights the importance of allowing oneself to feel deeply, especially in challenging times. Victoria reminds artists that their creative practice can be a safe space for healing and reflection, and that together, we will rise through compassion, art, and community. She closes with a reminder that each artist's work, voice, and spirit matter, encouraging listeners to focus on what’s within their control and nurture their creative journey with intention.

To join The Visionary Community visit: https://www.visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enroll

About Victoria:

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City-based painter, educator, curator, and the founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary Gallery. Since launching VAC in 2020, Fry has worked with hundreds of artists to help them advance their art careers. As part of her mission to increase visibility for artists, she partners with top curators and gallerists to facilitate virtual and in-person exhibitions. Additionally, Fry has been a guest speaker for the Women’s Caucus of Art in Washington D.C, Superfine Art Fair in NYC, Photo Trouvée Magazine, The Art Queens Society, and Huron River Art Collective. She has curated exhibitions for Create! Magazine, Arts to Hearts Project, The Artful Collective, and recently served as a juror for Women’s United Art Prize. She hosts the New Visionary Podcast. Fry obtained her BFA from the School of Visual Arts in 2012 and her MAT from Maine College of Art in 2014.

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In this episode, Victoria shares her insights on building a sustainable art career, emphasizing resilience, self-care, and creative exploration. She discusses the challenges artists face when balancing creative practice with other responsibilities and highlights the importance of taking breaks to recharge. Victoria encourages artists to stay focused on their long-term vision, celebrate small wins, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination.

Here's what we discuss:

1. Building an art career requires resilience and dedication.

2. Taking breaks from your creative work is necessary for growth.

3. Focus on what is within your control in your art career.

4. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge your progress.

To learn more about working with Victoria to transform your art career, visit visionaryartcollective.com/programs

About Victoria:

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City-based painter, educator, curator, and the founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary Gallery. Since launching VAC in 2020, Fry has worked with over 300+ artists to help them advance their art careers. As part of her mission to increase visibility for artists, she partners with top curators and gallerists to facilitate virtual and in-person exhibitions. Additionally, Fry has been a guest speaker for the Women’s Caucus of Art in Washington D.C, Superfine Art Fair in NYC, Photo Trouvée Magazine, The Art Queens Society, and Huron River Art Collective. She has curated exhibitions for Create! Magazine, Arts to Hearts Project, The Artful Collective, and recently served as a juror for Women’s United Art Prize. She hosts the New Visionary Podcast. Fry obtained her BFA from the School of Visual Arts in 2012 and her MAT from Maine College of Art in 2014.

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Maria Liebana is a contemporary artist based in Queens, NY represented by Kravets Wehby Gallery, whose layered, multimedia collages are inspired by pop-culture, the scenery she encounters daily, and her own life experiences. She shares her journey through art school, the challenges of maintaining a practice, and the importance of community in an artist's life.

Here’s what we discuss :

1. Maria’s reflections on her educational journey, including her time at the Maine College of Art and the importance of setting and redefining personal goals.

2. The significance of building and maintaining an artist community, especially after the transition from art school to the broader art world.

3. Practical advice for emerging artists, including the importance of consistent practice, the role of social media, and the need for supportive relationships.

About Maria -

Maria Yolanda Liebana is a first generation Latinx artist that grew up in Paterson, NJ. She received her BFA from Pratt Institute and her MFA from Maine College of Art. Her work has been exhibited at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Bailey Contemporary Arts, Cambridge Art Association, ICA Portland, Maine, and she had a solo exhibition at Kravets Wehby Gallery in NYC in 2022. Her work is in prominent collections such as the Pizzuti Collection at the Columbus Museum of Art, OH. In 2018 and 2020, she was awarded the Queens Council on the Arts New Works Grant. She has been an artist in residence at Vermont Studio Center, Pickwick Independent Press, and Kates-Ferri Projects (2021). She will be attending Bischcoff Inn micro-residency this summer. Her work is held in private collections in the United States.

Website: marialiebana.com

IG: @yolabola

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