Champaign-Urbana is full of creative people! Click on the following Virtual Taste of C-U Artist Spotlights for more information:

Hua Mian Art Studio | Painting, Drawing, & Paper-Tear Art >>

I am an Urbana artist. My home based studio was built in 2008, where I paint, teach and sell my artwork.

I am also an art instructor for 20 years, teaching art lessons to children during school year and art camps in summer. Currently all my teaching goes on Zoom. Please visit the www.huanianartstudio.com/lessons/index.html for the information. Online lessons will resume in the fall. Website: www.huanianartstudio.com

Email: nianart@gmail.com

Location: 1308 South Race Street, Urbana, IL 61801 (appointment only) Medium Acrylic Paintings (semi-abstract) (commissions welcome)

Pen and Ink Drawings (commissions welcome)

Paper-tearing artwork

Jason Lindsey Photography | Photography>>

Growing up in the Midwest, being raised and surrounded by factory workers, meant becoming part of a community that prides itself on getting dirty on purpose. Through them, I learned what it means to put in a full day’s work for a full day’s pay – that hard work is simply the price of entry. From these competent and dependable “salt of the earth” people also came the inherited ideals of the gritty, enterprising pioneers who came before us and the belief that decency and integrity are paramount and that strength of character comes from a deeper connection to the land. As a teenager, I worked on a farm, engaging fully in the physicality of the land. Young and imaginative and always outdoors, I was armed with a do-it-yourself spirit when it came to solving problems on the fly, I loved the feeling of improv and the satisfaction that came with making something out of seemingly nothing. Resourcefulness and thinking outside the box grew to be second nature to me. I learned to see problems as questions. And questions as opportunities for creativity. Website: https://jasonlindsey.com/ >>

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/jasonlindseyphoto >> Medium Photography

Boho Chic at Champaign-Urbana | Mixed Medium Art>> About the Artist April is a retired florist and long-time Urbana resident. She has been making art pieces and floral arrangements for over 30 years and became more involved after a near-death experience and lifelong battle with bipolar depression. As an ardent supporter of mental health awareness, she uses her own experiences as inspiration or her pieces, from ominous pieced-together creepy dolls, to cheerful, uplifting wall hangings and dream catchers. April incorporates elements from floral design as well as her Native American Seneca Tribe Heritage. Her 25-years’ experience in floral design is demonstrated by her pleasing combinations of colors and textures. Most of her materials come from local antique shops where her unique eye provides repurposing of antiques into unique arrangements. She uses recycled materials to keep her art green as well. Her current work includes small vignettes constructed on antique containers, dried seasonal floral arrangements on repurposed antiques, and a plethora of colorful dreamcatchers of various styles and textures incorporating materials as diverse as sea shells, copper plates, and antique jewelry. She may also be contacted for custom engagements. What’s in a Name? Boho: Someone who is unconventional in behavior or taste. Bohemian. Also, it refers to one who doesn’t conform to society and is often focused on art. Chic: Vintage and a little Hippie and Gypsy thrown in for that added touch. Shabby-chic, a particular style of work. You know it when you see it. Website: TBA

Email: TBA

Location: TBA

Crafts 2 Thrill | Recycled Materials & Painting >> Come visit Crafts 2 Thrill located on the beautiful front lawn of a Champaign residence. Garden Flowers made from recycled dishes will delight you. Keeping with the garden theme, hand painted vases and matching wall paintings will be on display. Crafts 2 Thrill is the vision of a young woman studying Horticulture in college. Combining her love of plants and recycling, these awesome garden flowers on rebar stakes will make your garden the Talk of the Town. Website: Coming soon!

Email: Coming soon!

Location: Coming soon! Medium:

Recycled Materials

Painting

Experience Mehndi, Experience India | Mehndi & More>> From body art, the earth to canvases, and paper, when creativity beckons, Sujata Dey, expresses. Her multitude of creative mediums, dabbling in computer arts, with pencil drawings, photography, beads, watercolors, mehndi and even her gardening, is a colorfilled wonder! Even a poem or two will be expressed! As a Child, her family travelled the world. hours, on trains, trams, planes and buses…Waiting in lines, in foreign countries her family called Home…Dey saw the world differently. By learning to understand others, and embracing, consciously, the ideals of love, patience and kindness, into her life, Dey sees the creative process, as a means to bring others into understanding we, as Individuals, are to collaboratively create successful community endeavors. Experience Mehndi will be doing “Bob Ross” style on-line art, writing and culture classes, in response of COVID-19. Contact: For more info, please email delphya@gmail.com

Instagram: @sujatacreates >> Medium:

Mehndi

Drawing and Painting

Photography

Graphic Design

F. Replinger Photography | Photography >> Fraya Replinger is an award winning photographer from central Illinois. She enrolled in her first photography class in high school and it sparked her passion to pursue fine art photography. Her work has been recognized by the Champaign County Camera Club, the Preservation and Conservation Association, www.gurushots.com, and the Champaign County Fair. Fraya’s photography is exhibited at local markets and art shows throughout Illinois. She currently has work displayed at Busey Bank in downtown Urbana, Illinois as part of their 1868 Collection. She also has pieces on permanent display at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, Illinois, and is a featured artist at Urbana’s Po’ Boys Restaurant. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freplingerphotography/ >>

Website: https://www.freplingerphoto.com/?fbclid=IwAR3goh-VKi7U0GhrBvMxXCbOvTBAQNFLDaEXxyKVdTYy-pMZL21Pg4pmtQs >>

Getting Loopy | Crochet >> I’m a new business in Champaign-Urbana. I create all things crochet. My most popular items are amigurumi – Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. They can be people, animals, cartoon characters and anything else! All items are made to order with full customization. You can find my page with examples of my work on Facebook and Instagram! I’m always available to answer questions and mostly work on orders and new projects in the evenings and on the weekends. Facebook: www.facebook.com/GettingLoopy >>

Website: www.instagram.com/migalka/ >> Medium Crochet