Beatrix Ost is a German-born artist, writer, fashion designer, filmmaker, and philosopher whose distinctive vision has left a lasting impact on the worlds of art, fashion, and culture over the last 6 decades.

A true Renaissance woman, Ost has excelled in multiple artistic disciplines, from painting and theatrical production to acting in film and theater. Her striking sense of style has been widely recognized, with features in The New York Times Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue, solidifying her status as a fashion icon. As an author, she has penned books such as The Philosopher’s Style, reflecting her belief that art is “a provocative flirtation between reality and the playful mind.”

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Ost has dedicated herself to promoting mindfulness, creativity, and peace. She has long been an advocate for living in the present, famously stating, “In your body is a good place to be.” This philosophy became the foundation for her collaboration with ARTICLE22, a sustainable jewelry brand that repurposes shrapnel and scrap metal into meaningful designs. Her work with ARTICLE22 was deeply personal—after undergoing treatment for skin cancer, she transformed the Z-shaped scar on her forehead into a light purple tattoo, turning it into a symbol of resilience and self-acceptance. Inspired by this transformation, she designed the Mantra Bangles, inscribed with her signature phrase, encouraging wearers to embrace their bodies and personal journeys. She also created symbolic pieces, such as gold-tone snake earrings, representing renewal and self-awareness.

Ost’s creative influence extends beyond aesthetics—her work is an ongoing dialogue between art, identity, and transformation. Splitting her time between Charlottesville, Virginia, and New York City, she continues to inspire through her art exhibitions, writings, and collaborations, embodying a timeless elegance and an unwavering commitment to artistic expression.

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Abel Okugawa is an American composer, sound designer, and multimedia artist known for his unique fusion of electronic music with organic elements, creating immersive soundscapes for film, television, and interactive media.

Okugawa's versatility is evident in his extensive portfolio. He has composed scores for award-winning films such as King Lines (2007) and Valley Uprising (2014), both of which received critical acclaim in the adventure film circuit. His work on Mantra (2009) earned the "Best Film Score" award at the Dark Carnival Film Festival. Additionally, he has contributed to projects like Reel Rock (2016), Hot Air (2016), and Faces in the Mirror (2012), showcasing his ability to adapt his musical style to various narratives.

Beyond composition, Okugawa has made significant contributions as a sound designer and mixer, collaborating with artists such as Dave Matthews, Zac Brown, and Enrique Iglesias. His work extends to interactive media, where he creates cinematic sound and audiovisual art, including NFT artwork. His recent directorial endeavor, I Could Have Been A Tree Instead (2023), reflects his commitment to environmental themes and artistic expression.

Throughout his career, Abel Okugawa has remained dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sound and visual art, blending urban and natural elements to craft compelling stories that resonate across various media platforms.

Michelle Gagliano is an American painter known for her abstract representations of natural forms and landscapes. Born in Jamestown, New York, she developed a deep connection to nature that influences her work. Gagliano earned her BA in Painting from Plymouth State University and an MFA from American University. For over 25 years, she has worked from her studio in central Virginia, using sustainable materials in her art. Gagliano’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, and she was the first female artist to interpret all 34 cantos of Dante’s *Inferno*. In 2017, she received the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship. Gagliano’s pieces are in private and corporate collections internationally, and she also teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University, focusing on sustainable art practices and illustrating Dante's *Inferno*.