The Creative Spark: Making Art In Public

In this episode we talk with two incredible artists who practice artworking in the public space, Manuela Guillén and HOTTEA. From street art pieces to commissioned public arts projects, both our guests have built a career for themselves exciting and delighting eyes in a number of cities across the globe.

HOTTEA (artist, Minneapolis)
HOTTEA is an Emmy award winning artist having worked with clients big and small- from private home installations to entities like Google and Viacom. Over the years HOTTEA has been able to balance both corporate commissions while still keeping his roots in street art and graffiti. By continuing to do un-commissioned work on the streets non-destructively HOTTEA’s commissioned pieces have been given an edge over the rest using similar materials and techniques. By being able to research and install in everyday spaces one would not typically see art installations the artist has gained knowledge of how people interact with art on a broader scale. Some of the cities and spaces the artist has recently worked in include- the Sydney Opera House, the beach of Barcelo Resort in Mexico, Joondaloop Festival in Perth, Australia, the MADE festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil and NY Fashion Week. His accomplishments range from collaborations with Sesame Street to un-commissioned interventions in Santa Monica California. HOTTEA is an artist that prides himself in the quality and concept of his artwork both on the street and in a museum.

Manuela Guillén (artist, Philly)
Manuela Guillén is a freelance painter, muralist, and digital illustrator currently living in North Philadelphia. Born in Miami to Cuban and Salvadorian immigrant parents, Manuela has always had a love for art. She has collaborated with local, national, and global art organizations such as PangeaSeed, Fung Collaboratives, and 48 Blocks. Her murals can be found in both the U.S. and Mexico. Inspired by plants, tropical colors, and her cultural upbringing, Manuela aims to bring awareness to art education, mental health, sociopolitical, and environmental issues. As an Art teacher, Manuela hopes to inspire her students to be creative as she continues to bring communities closer together through art.