"Dominican-born, Miami-raised artist Ariel Vergez aka Black Brain came to Cleveland to attend the Cleveland Institute of Art where he majored in industrial design. He was recently named one of seven recipients of Cleveland’s Transformative Art Fund, leading a project called Murals to Uplift the Human Spirit, to restore and activate a section of west side Cleveland around Storer Avenue, partnering with the Metro West CDC. He’ll involve other artists, including youth, to create murals, mini-sculptures and landscaping with the goal of contributing to a healthy environment for the challenged neighborhood. Construction is ongoing and expected to wrap up next September." – Cool Cleveland

Mariela Paz is a Honduran Artist and Chef. As the Owner of Sabor Miami Café and Gallery, Mariela combines her passion for food and coffee with art. Before owning her café, Ms. Paz worked as a graphics designer. She has used those skills to create artworks and a mural inside her cafe. Mariela also teaches art classes, because she wants to demonstrate how people can use the power of art to create joy, encourage empathy, change and acceptance, all while inspiring the people around us.