I’m an old hippie whose jewelry making began 20 years ago when on a dare my wife signed me up for a beginner beading class at a local bead shop. I was hooked pretty quickly and began making women’s jewelry using silver, stone and crystal beads and constantly learning techniques to make better pieces. While beading is still a passion, most of my work now is with chain and wire wrap.
Five years ago on yet another dare, I began making rings from old silver coins. I don’t cut or solder the coins. One coin makes one ring and the detail from both sides of the coin is preserved and visible. I fell in love with working metal, and am constantly learning new techniques and exploring the boundaries of turning old coins into cool jewelry. Taking something like a 100-year-old coin and turning it into something it was never intended to be has been an unbelievably rewarding journey, and I love that the possibilities are endless.
David Mercado, an Austin-based artist, first captivated audiences with his hummingbird series, a celebration of beauty, strength, and movement that earned national acclaim. As his career evolved, Mercado’s work expanded into bold abstract compositions, showcasing his growing depth and versatility. His “Virgen de Guadalupe” series offers an intimate reflection of his faith and heritage, transforming traditional iconography into striking, contemporary abstractions on board, paper, and furniture. Mercado’s art seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, creating vivid, soulful pieces that resonate deeply.
Lauren Luna was born in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from Kent State University’s School of Fine Arts with a focus in painting, she moved to New York City. She began teaching Special Education for New York City schools and entered a Masters program at Manhattan College. Upon graduation, she moved back to her hometown of Columbus along with her son and continued teaching. Later enrolling in the Academy of Art University for her second Master’s degree, in Fine Arts. 832-713-7217
In 2011, Luna relocated to Houston, Texas, pursuing her new life as a full time artist and footwear designer.
Lauren Luna was named a Top 50 Entrepreneur by Scion Car Company, participated in Austin and Houston Fashion Week, was featured in British Vogue and Glamour Magazines, and had a shoe design in an exhibit in the Grassi Museum in Germany.She was honored to receive the Margot Siegel Award for Design by the Goldstein Museum of which two pairs of her hand painted shoes are a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
In 2015, after winning Best In Show at a juried art competition, she was commended by the Alvin Independent School District School Board, and was put into Congressional Record by the District’s State Representative.
She is a frequent participant to local art festivals, and also has a mural at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Luna currently is an art professor at Lone Star and San Jacinto Colleges, and is Co-President of the D.R.E.A.M Affect Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to minority art students pursuing Fine Arts, and grants for emerging artists to show their work.
My art reflects my interest in science and nature. Also, light and darkness. I’m a digital artist, creating abstracts and realism- expressionist works. Many abstracts start life as fractals, which is my way to balance my logical side with my creative nature. At times, I feel very split between art and tech geek.
“My goal is to bring the beauty of plants, trees and other natural places to my artwork so that I can share that with others. My hope is that my art might help another person connect with the natural world so that he or she can appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. I use a variety of techniques and media to bring my work to life!” ~Angie Spears
