Create! Magazine is thrilled to announce the finalists for Issue #54: our 9-year anniversary edition celebrating nearly a decade of amplifying emerging and mid-career contemporary artists from around the world.

This milestone issue honors the artists, curators, and writers who have shaped our community since 2013. Each page reflects the spirit of creativity, resilience, and innovation that defines the independent art world today.

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Guest Curators

Ekaterina Popova – Artist, Founder of Create! Magazine, Coach, Entrepreneur
Alicia Puig – CEO of PxP Contemporary, Director of Create! Magazine, Arts Writer
Christina Nafziger – Curator, Editor of Create! Magazine, Arts Writer

We extend heartfelt gratitude to every artist who submitted work to this special open call and to our talented team of curators for their thoughtful selections.

Finalists Selected by Our Team

Cassidy Argo
Sandra Attales
Chris Beaty
Denise Brook
Carrie Cantwell
Jenny Carrillo
Leyla Cui
Margot Dermody
Troy Dugas
Kyle Goderwis
Alice Goidea (algo7)
Ali Hall
Emma Grace Hapner
Evie Hinojosa
M. Hyatt (Matthew Hyatt)
Aunia Kahn
Gosia Karski
Raoul Korzuschek
Angela Lane
Yian Lee
Kuan Hsuan Lu
Chad Lubertowicz
Emma Mclaughlin
Tori McLean
Svetlana Matveeva
Julie Pelaez
Leisa Rich
Cindy Ruskin
Pierce Scantlin
Kirsti Smith
Ashley Snook
Cozy Soga
Genre Sun
Anelia Lazaroff Torres
Andrew Traub
Yana Tymoshenko
Hagar Vardimon
Brenda Welty
Kim West
Sam Wilde

Congratulations to all of the finalists featured in this milestone issue!

In This Issue

Alongside our featured artists, Issue #54 includes exclusive interviews and essays written by Christina Nafziger, Alicia Puig, and Ekaterina Popova spotlighting inspiring creatives who are shaping today’s cultural landscape.

Sergey Piskunov: Finding Emotion Through Precision

Ukrainian-born hyperrealist painter Sergey Piskunov shares his journey from engineering to fine art, exploring the emotional resonance of portraiture and the balance between classical technique and contemporary meaning.

Women Working in the Arts: Hayley Price White

As the founder of The Scouted Studio, The Art Coaching Club, and Founders Society, Hayley Price White merges her passion for art and business to empower creatives. Her story highlights how strategy and creativity can thrive side by side.

Threads of Devotion: An Interview with Embroidery Artist Anna Hultin

Anna Hultin traces her path from graphite drawings to intricate embroidered works. Her tactile practice reflects a deep reverence for mark-making, craftsmanship, and connection through thread.

A Haunted Aesthetic: A Conversation with Painter October Sharify

In this intimate conversation, October Sharify and Christina Nafziger explore how horror and gothic aesthetics can reveal hidden truths and offer catharsis through art.

Celebrate With Us

Issue #54 marks nine years of creative excellence and the incredible growth of the Create! community. We are endlessly grateful to every artist, writer, and reader who continues to support our mission as an independent, artist-run publication.

Create! Magazine Issue #54: NINE will be available soon. Stay tuned for the release announcement, and join us in celebrating nearly a decade of art, inspiration, and community.