Secret Garden Artists

Suzanne Rhee is a mural artist from Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a background in writing and comics, she creates illustrative works that convey emotion and story. She makes art of all sizes, from four-inch portraits to three-story murals. She thrives on projects that leverage art to support the community, help people rethink their surroundings, and create lasting change.

BonJo is a talented young acrylic artist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Known for her dynamic and vibrant style, she has made a name for herself not only as an artist but also as the owner of BonJo Studios. Her creative space serves as a hub for local artists and art enthusiasts, offering an environment where creativity flourishes. In addition to running his studio, BonJo is the curator of “Last Fridays,” a monthly event that celebrates art and community by showcasing the work of local talent.

Jared begins with the question: From who, where, and what have we learned that is most beneficial in our lives? Having attended American public schools in a time that saw the use of the chalkboard and the beginnings of its gradual transition out of the classroom, I contemplate the temporal interchangeability of the chalkboard and educational environments. I remove the chalkboard from the classroom and place tragic historical figures onto its surface. These self-destructive figures, juxtaposed with biographical and anecdotal text, create an iconic, didactic stage for the viewer to contemplate education and mortality.