ARTIST – paul martin
Paul started painting in college and had his first art show in New York City in 1985 and has lived and
traveled all around the world. Paul takes a “psychic automatistic” approach to creating
art—meaning that he usually begins with a completely open mind as to where his ideas will go.
ARTIST – elyse cano brown
Elyse spent 12 years as an art educator in South Texas public schools before embarking on a career as a professional ceramicist. Her collections are inspired by travels and adventures in motherhood, family and teaching. She loves being able to manipulate the earth and celebrate its possibilities while also bringing art to others. She considers her work to be usable art that encourages celebration of daily rituals.
chef - salvatore gisellu
A native of Italy, Salvatore is a classically trained chef who moved to the U.S. in 1991 and served as Executive Chef at Arcodoro/Pomodoro and Daddy Jack’s Wood Grill before opening Urban Crust in Plano in 2009 with his wife and partners Bonnie and Nathan Shae. Its success led to two more restaurants — Urban Rio Cantina & Grill (2012) and Urban Seafood (2021). His food has received numerous accolades from culinary journals throughout the metroplex.
chef - kristina zhao
Owner of three restaurants in San Antonio, Kristina combines recipes of her Asian heritage with local ingredients to fashion creative and surprising menus. She encourages everyone to nourish their souls through the environment and food they create.
student Chef - alaydra leo jackson
Leo is an ambitious aspiring chef currently attending the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Their cooking style is deeply inspired by their grandmother, who raised them, and the vibrant, diverse food traditions of San Antonio. Leo's goal after graduation is to become a successful personal chef, specializing in a sophisticated, contemporary cuisine with a distinct and authentic South Texas influence.