Working primarily in oil paint, Lauren utilizes a wide palette that explores the spectrum of color in direct light and shadow. Oil paint allows for a level of depth and detail she has found unparalleled by other mediums. Painting in oil is a process of intuition – knowing when to paint wet and when to wait. Oil paint requires time to breathe as it dries, suitable for painting living subjects, in reference to each of our own breath of life.
Lauren’s current body of work she is producing in her mentorship tells the stories of people from her community whose lives have been wholly changed by Jesus. Working from reference photos she takes, Lauren is able to manipulate shadow and reflective lighting to illuminate their specific features and emphasize their narrative. Each piece in her portrait series is accompanied by a video recording detailing that person’s specific spiritual journey.
- Lauren Nitka (she/her)

My art is driven by daily observations. I reduce those visuals into paintings and mixed media collages using an experimental and intuitive approach. Today, I have been integrating my photography into my two-dimensional works. Through my studio practice, I aim to bring what is important to the surface so that viewers can interpret and develop their meaning. Juárez has exhibited throughout Wisconsin including the Museum of Wisconsin Art, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, Carroll University, Cedarburg Cultural Center, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Anderson Art Center, Rahr-West Art Museum, Trout Museum of Art, and Var Gallery.

- Frank Juárez (he/him)