Artist Bios

Since Emily was a little girl, she has always been drawn to the desert. She grew up in the Northeast but somehow she always knew she’d end up out west someday. She has now been living in the Southwest for 15 years and is endlessly inspired by the natural beauty of the colorful rocks, unique plants and vast landscapes.  She loves to use natural materials in her art, including cholla cactus wood that she finds, cuts, sands and designs into original pieces of jewelry. Being able to wear something that represents a love of this part of the country is what she hopes to create!

Nikki Beinstein (Author)

Nikki Beinstein is a mother of two teenagers and has taught children and adults in various subjects, including English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Sustainable Business. Author of the Young Adult book The Middle World and Winner of a Colorado Book Award (with the late George Stranahan forPhlogs: Journey to the Heart of the Human Predicament), she studied Psychology at Cornell University and Business Administration at the Yale School of Management, where she was the Class Commencement Speaker. Nikki has also worked in the fields of healthcare, technology, banking, nonprofit management and finance. She currently works full-time as the Founder and President of the Board for the nonprofit The Serious Type. 

Elizabeth Argüello (Illustrator)

Elizabeth Argüello is an award-winning Costa Rican visual artist, illustrator and muralist. After finishing her studies in Graphic Design and Fine Arts at the University of Costa Rica, she worked at several creative studios as a graphic designer. Since 2016, she has been working full-time as a freelance artist based at her studio in the mountains of Naranjo, Costa Rica. She collaborates mainly in editorial illustrations, animation and murals. Her style reflects the connection between tropical nature and modernity, a universe full of strong women, textures, contrasts and stories, which have been exhibited throughout the Americas.

Elly calls Moab, Utah home as well as Cooper Landing, Alaska. She is inspired by the flora and fauna of these locations, from puffins to cacti. Besides her artistic endeavors, Elly enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dog, Cedar.

See more of Elly’s art on her instagram: @elly.bauer.designs & reach her at elly.bauer.designs@gmail.com

Melissa Kay, is the artist behind Arctic Poppy Designs. She was born and raised in Alaska, but currently calls Utah home. Moab was the first place she experienced the incredible red rock formations found in this region, sparking her love for the desert and further inspiring her creativity. Melissa creates handcrafted jewelry and hand-stamped goods that blend her playful spirit and love of the outdoors. Some pieces celebrate the landscapes she finds most inspiring, while others add a touch of humor to everyday life. When Melissa not creating, she's usually out exploring with her husband and two dogs, seeking out new places and stories to incorporate into her creations.

Jewelry Materials: .925 sterling silver or 14k gold filled components. Sometimes the dangly part of earrings will be a different metal, but Melissa likes to use higher grade materials for anything that comes in contact with skin. She usually puts materials on the backing cards as well.

As a passionate jewelry designer since 2019, Juli specializes in wire-wrapped creations that embody the beauty and energy of crystals. Each piece is lovingly handcrafted to inspire self-expression and connection to the earth's natural wonders. Their work draws inspiration from the rich aesthetics of ancient Egypt and the intriguing elements of steampunk, blending history and imagination. When visiting Moab, they are continually captivated by its otherworldly landscapes, which evoke the feeling of being on a different planet. He believes in the transformative power of crystals, and their goal is to create jewelry that not only enhances personal style but also encourages positivity and healing.

Materials: Mainly using antiqued copper and sterling silver