A Person Wearing A Colorful Hat — MEET THE ORIGINALS

As the saying goes, it’s about the company you keep, and we work with the best. They are the makers, the doers, dreamers and thought-provokers in our cities who shine bright, illuminating the creative and entrepreneurial spirit that moves us all. From their community-driven missions and educational undertakings, to their creative endeavors in paint, written word or the culinary arts, we love them for their fresh outlook and sharp eyes, vibrant ideas and the depth of their collective commitment to building a rich community for all to enjoy.

Our Illuminators

Meet the illuminators who inspire us daily. Each a visionary, driving innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that our diverse communities are built upon.

D'Wayne Edwards Wearing Glasses And Looking At The Camera

Portland, OR

D’Wayne Edwards, a visionary and leader in the global footwear industry, founded PENSOLE in 2010 to give talented young design students an opportunity to learn, create and thrive – without any barriers – to become the next generation of footwear designers.

A Woman Wearing A Hat Posing For The Camera

New Orleans, LA

“Art should be for everyone.” Following this admirable ethos, the powerhouse duo of Where Y’Art have been shining a bright light on the New Orleans art community. Since 2012, Cat and Collin have been building and growing their curated digital art gallery and marketplace, inclusive of more than 150 artists today, and providing educational resources for artists, craftsmen and designers across the city. See their work firsthand at their studio in the Marigny and at the Old No. 77 gallery.

A Cup Of Coffee On A Table

Portland, OR

The late Steven Smith, born and raised in Portland, made a name for himself in the tea world as a shaman, cultivating a rich understanding of teas. In 2009, he and his wife Kim founded their own company, creating unique blends of teas sourced from partners throughout Asia and Africa. Today, his company lives on as his legacy, and one of the finest tea companies on the West Coast.

Pensole

D'Wyane Edwards's mission is to give talented design students an opportunity to learn, create and thrive - to become the next generation of footware designers.

Cora Green

Cora Green is a self-taught artist from Nolensville, Tennessee, with a passion for creating art that is reflective of everyday human emotions.

Portland Art Museum

As the seventh oldest museum in the U.S., the Portland Art Museum is the cornerstone of Portland’s cultural district housing more than 50,000 unique pieces and exhibits

MoHAI

Traversing the rich history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation, MoHAI brings history to life through unforgettable stories and interactive experiences.

MoPOP

MoPOP is a cultural force dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary pop culture through experiences that inspire.

Shabez Jamal

Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Shabez Jamal was one of two Artist in Residence during the summer of 2019. His work, documents the journeys of the Black LBGTQ community.

Voodoo Queen Kalindah Laveaux

Voodoo Queen, Kalindah is a proud Louisiana native. She is an interdisciplinary artist who shines a light on Louisiana’s Afro-Creole spirituality & culture.