Artifice

Working at the intersection of horticulture, art and architecture, David has applied his passion for plants to a growing list of innovative projects, building a broad variety of modern, human-centric spaces with abundant plant life at their heart.

David is a pioneer in the field of vertical gardens. He holds a degree in Environmental Horticulture Sciences and Psychology from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo. He credits his time spent apprenticing at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, with setting him on the path to living wall design. It was at Kew that he came to appreciate the beauty of epiphytic plants—those which have naturally evolved to grow vertically on trees. David sees his work as an integral part of a public shift in consciousness towards a renewed desire for closeness with nature and an appreciation of the restorative effect of plants, especially in urban environments. For David, designing living walls affords the chance not only to promote awareness of native and endangered plant species but also to have a direct impact on quality of life.

You can link back to the habitat horticulture site: www.habitathorticulture.com

If you’re curious about the secrets of fulfilled creative living, then ask Lauren Spangler. As a creativity coach she helps artists bridge the gap between their boldest visions and their everyday reality. A painter, writer, and musician herself, as well as a wife and mom of two, Lauren’s mission is to empower artists to enjoy the creative freedom they crave without giving up their other roles and priorities. She has helped hundreds of professionals set and achieve their goals, and now she’s here to help you unblock your inner artist and take big steps toward your biggest dreams.

Take the free "Spark or Sputter?" Self-Assessment at www.laurenspangler.com/spark and connect with Lauren on Instagram at @laurenspangler.

KARA BUSSEY, FOUNDER, INSTRUCTOR AND MAKER (CALGARY)

Meet Kara, a stained glass artist from Calgary, Canada. She creates unique 3D glass floral sculptures using stained glass, copper wire, and found objects. Leveraging her over 15 years of experience in communications and public relations, Kara uses social media to bring modern stained glass to the masses, bringing the fun with entertaining stained glass process videos and supporting the next generation of budding artists with her in-person and online classes in stained glass. When she's not creating, Kara loves to travel, be outdoors, and spend time with her two daughters and cats. You can find Kara's work on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @glimpseglass or glimpseglass.ca

Eriksen Dickens is an award winning filmmaker, actor, and business owner based in California.

In 2016, Eriksen co-founded Platinum Peek Inc., with his brother, Soren, while in college. Platinum Peek is a video agency that specializes in creating story-driven video solutions for marketing, sales, and operations teams for clients around the country.

In 2017, Eriksen directed his first documentary, His Legacy— a 2 hour film based on the life of his late father. Since then, Eriksen has directed numerous “legacy documentaries” for clients from all walks of life. These are films for accomplished people/businesses looking to preserve their story for future generations.

His short documentary, Two Magic Drops, was featured in nine film festivals, winning best documentary at two.

These legacy documentaries are formulated through a specific 7 step storytelling curriculum developed by the Dickens Brothers.

Aside from filmmaking, Eriksen enjoys writing, having published his novel, The Orchard’s Offspring in 2018. He also has acted in numerous projects.

Eriksen received his BA in Philosophy in 2017 and his MA in Clinical Psychology in 2021.

Links: IG- @eriksenwdickens

I’m Abby, the owner and creator of WoodSolStone studio located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

My passion for plants and all things green has always been a part of my dna, so the organic way that this art came to be only made sense for me. I’ve always been a creative person and love the process of moss art.

I use every bit of nature I find to create a magical like-living art to infuse the wonderful beauty of the outside world to your special spaces.

Woodsolstonestudio.com

Follow me on Instagram at @woodsolstone_studio

And Facebook at @woodsolstonestudio

Bailey Elizabeth Hinkley Grogan is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, sound healer, and performer based out of Denver, CO and Los Angeles, CA. Her bright, yet melancholy sound is a reflection of her deep study into the jazz idiom while simultaneously playing homage to her influences in Nancy Wilson, Chick Corea, Sheryl Crow, and Pat Metheny. Her improvisatory style is fearless and bold, while her songwriting and lyrical delivery reflects the raw, emotional heartache and undying beauty found in her life story. In 2024 she released her debut album, “Three Sides of a Story” which highlights her advanced vocal ability and musical range.

https://baileyhg.com/

https://baileyhinkleygrogan.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Tv547QVGBtAB0gml9t30I?si=Ifd5idSOTvWnC_Y8XEuVzA

Janne is a floral photographer living in North Yorkshire in the UK. With a background in fashion and textile design she is drawn to the colourful world of flowers and creates still life imagery using natural light.

Janneford.com

‍Amrita is an entrepreneur and the founder of @mykalekitchen. She set up My Kale Kitchen Creative as a boutique content creation company that provides cinematic and emotive videography to food and beverage brands and is currently expanding into lifestyle content and short-films as well. Amrita specializes in short-form cinematography and her true passion is in capturing those special moments behind the scenes that don’t usually make it on screen. Amrita is also a seasoned coach and provides cinematic videography and editing coaching classes and retreats to creatives and business owners.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykalekitchen/

Website: https://www.mykalekitchen.com/

Dr. Matt R. Salmon, DO, MS is the Manager of Psychiatry at Whitman Walker Health in Washington, DC, specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth who’ve faced chronic interpersonal trauma.

Matt's unique perspective is shaped by personal experiences of growing up queer and autistic in a conservative Mormon household in Phoenix, Arizona, and the challenges of navigating a political landscape with a Republican Congressman father and undergoing sexual orientation conversion efforts, often referred to as “conversion therapy.”

Outside professional life, Matt cherishes the support of a wonderful family and friends, and the companionship of Chad de Bellum, a very affectionate pug. Matt’s passion for symbolic tattoos reflects a deep commitment to the values of life and purpose.

Matt R. Salmon, DO, MS

Author of Pride & Prejudice: Healing Division in the Modern Family

https://linktree.com/lovemattrs

Brian Casey is a jazz bassist, educator and researcher based in Colorado. Brian serves as Associate Professor of Academic Jazz at the University of Northern Colorado and earned a DMA in Jazz Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder where he taught courses in Humanities, Jazz Studies, and American Music. Brian earned a MM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas where he played with the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band and served as a Teaching Fellow in Jazz Bass under the direction of Professor Lynn Seaton. Brian has performed and/or recorded with Pink Martini, Weber Iago, Henry Butler, and many others. Dr. Casey has presented original research in jazz-related fields at many national and international conferences including those of the College Music Society, the Jazz Education Network and the International Society of Bassists. He has written the entry for Miles Davis in the Oxford Online Bibliographies in Music, articles for Jazz Education in Research and Practice as well as Jazz and Culture, and a chapter on “Post War Traditions” in Jerry Tolson’s textbook African American Music: History and Heritage published by Great River Learning. Brian’s current research focuses on jazz as a cultural phenomenon in New Orleans.