Erik Ruin and Tara Middleton

Erik Ruin is a Michigan-raised, Philadelphia-based printmaker, shadow puppeteer, paper-cut artist, etc., who has been lauded by the New York Times for his "spell-binding cut-paper animations." His work oscillates between the poles of apocalyptic anxieties and utopian yearnings, with an emphasis on empathy, transcendence and obsessive detail. He frequently works collaboratively with musicians, theater performers, other artists and activist campaigns. He is a founding member of the international Justseeds Artists' Cooperative, and co-author of the book Paths Toward Utopia: Graphic Explorations of Everyday Anarchism (w/ Cindy Milstein, PM Press, 2012). Current projects include the Ominous Cloud Ensemble, an ever-evolving, collectively-improvising large ensemble for projections and music.

Instagram:@erikruin

Website: www.erikruin.info 

Tara Middleton stands as a beacon of musical achievement, boasting both Grammy and Pew Fellowship nominations. Her entrancing vocal prowess graces the ranks of Sun Ra Arkestra under the baton of Marshall Allen, while her leadership of Jupiter Blue showcases her violin virtuosity and lyrical finesse. Guided by luminaries like Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and Patty Wackenhut, Tara seamlessly navigates diverse musical realms, from Afro-Cuban rhythms to avant-garde operatic expressions. Her collaborative tapestry includes Bowerbird's Arcana New Music Ensemble and the esteemed Philadelphia Jazz Project. Notably, her composition "Twelve Bells" for BalletX and lyrical contributions to the Grammy-nominated Sun Ra Arkestra's album "Swirling" underscore her profound artistry. Tara Middleton's journey remains an embodiment of musical excellence and innovation.

Instagram:@jupitergirlblue