Co-Founder

I am an international mixed-media artist whose work engenders respite and renewal from the chaos of daily life. My work explores the interconnection between the ancient art of kintsugi, the spiritual world of chakras, and the emotional resonance of color. "Alchemy of Renewal" is a visual representation of the transformative power of embracing imperfections, the balance of energies within, and the vibrancy of the human experience.

Having spent 20 years in healthcare, I have witnessed strong connections between emotional and physical well-being; and belief in the importance of sharing positive energy.

Major shows/exhibitions include the ION Orchard Gallery in Singapore, the 29th Annual International Society of Experimental Artists, the Ueno No Mori Art Museum (Royal Art Museum), the National Art Gallery and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Tokyo; the Intercontinental Hotel In Osaka, ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kobe. My work has been recognized with various awards, including a special mention by Kusukabe Paints during the 49th Annual Genyouten Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I co-founded Purple Octopus Art, LLC as it encapsulates two careers that have special meaning in terms of making a difference in “my small part of the world”. In my prior 20-year career in healthcare, I worked across several diseases, including Cancer, Pain Management, Mental Health, Urology, and Epilepsy. It is my honor and pleasure to continue my contributions to healthcare through my artwork, and Purple Octopus Art, LLC.

Collaborator

Teo Freytes is a multidisciplinary artist recognized for his provocative and experimental work across various artistic media. A pioneer in the integration of digital technologies in art, he has explored virtual spaces, performances, and innovative exhibition formats.

Key Contributions: • MSA (Manifiesto Sintetizado Actualizado): Co-founder and Director of this experimental art space in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (1985-1991), Freytes facilitated a platform that blended visual arts with theater, dance, music, video, and poetry. MSA emphasized artistic autonomy, rejecting genre labels and censorship. The space also supported emerging artists, hosting workshops and debates centered on art’s role in daily life. Freytes continues this vision today in virtual spaces.

• Digital Media Innovation: Freytes established Puerto Rico’s first digital design studio, Digital Media Zone (DMZ), and co-founded Colibrí Digital Imaging, which advanced digital printing and online project development.

• Artistic Scope: His extensive body of work includes painting, sculpture, murals, photography, prints, digital art, and video installations. As a muralist, he collaborated with Rafael Rivera García on projects in Puerto Rico and Miami. His artworks are featured in prominent institutions such as the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico (MAC), Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR), and international private collections.

• Educational Initiatives: Freytes has taught at several institutions, including the Escuela de Artes Plásticas de Puerto Rico and the University of Puerto Rico. He conducts digital art workshops for children and youth through Proyecto Maíz at Casa Paoli in Ponce and has contributed to public art initiatives in San Juan.

• Exhibitions and Influence: His work has been showcased in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Europe, making significant contributions to contemporary art and digital innovation. Through his artistic endeavors, educational outreach, and advocacy for creative freedom, Teo Freytes remains a pivotal figure in the cultural landscape of Puerto Rico and beyond.

Collaborator

I have been an artist my entire life. From my earliest memories, art has been a part of me. While other kids played with toys, a blank piece of paper and a pencil are what captured my imagination. My life has been influenced by colors, from the bright blues and greens of the Caribbean to the fiery reds, yellows and oranges of the Midwest fall foliage.

I am a Cuban born artist, raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In the early eighties, I expanded my artistic career in Miami, Florida. As an art director in retail advertising, I created work for many department stores throughout the country. My work took me to live in the Mid - Atlantic as well as the Deep South. Throughout my advertising career I never abandoned my love for creating fine art.
My works have exhibited in Washington, DC., New York, NY., Atlanta, GA., Miami, FL., to name a few.

Over the past twelve years I have exhibited a work of art I named Fita de Rojas. It is a large 12 x 12 foot installation of 1,296 hand painted portraits. While none of the portraits physically touch they are all connected to a single cancer victim. The connection reaches the entire world. The work is used to create cancer awareness and promote hope through the sharing of cancer stories. You can learn more about "Fita de Rojas" at http://www.Gustavo8.com.

I currently live in Miami, FL, where I have found a new love in writing. I am the author and illustrator of over twenty children’s books, They can be found on Amazon books under my pen name Professor Gus.

Co-Founder

I’m a breast cancer survivor and advocate who draws on my experience with cancer and mental health challenges to raise awareness and effect necessary change through art-making, curation, and filmmaking. Early detection is a life-saver; ending the stigma linked to mental illness is crucial work. By sharing my life experiences, participating in legislative advocacy, and supporting cancer, mental health and substance use recovery non-profit organizations, I endeavor to help effect change in conversations involving cancer and mental health.
Starting in 2018, I exhibited original pieces and curated art shows in various South Florida galleries which include Galeria Adelmo, Futurama 1637 Gallery, ArtServe, Conde Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery, Glenn Herbert Library at FIU, Broward Art Guild, Miramar Cultural Center, NMB Discovery Library, Umbrellas of Little Havana Art Festival during Miami Art Week, Cambridge University, The Museum of Graffiti, and various online platforms. I am a frequent contributor to The Breast Cancer Arts Project. 

“Thrive: Exhibiting Breast Cancer Journey!” is a traveling cancer-themed art exhibition that chronicles the experiences of women from breast and ovarian cancer communities. With an emphasis on transformation, “Thrive!” also displays artwork from women impacted by other cancers, buttressed by male and female supporters. 

“The Cancer Artists: Exhibiting Breast Cancer Art” and “Trauma and the Artist” are short documentaries that highlight cancer and mental health experiences, creativity, and resilience. 1 in 8 American women navigate the devastating landscape that is breast cancer disease and its aftermath. 1 in 5 Americans experience serious mental illness each year. It is a blessing to express oneself through art-making, expressive writing or playing an instrument; a blessing not granted to everyone diagnosed with cancer and mental illness.
Collaborating with Rajul Shah, Teo Freytes and Gustavo Garcia is a singular honor; one that I profoundly appreciate.