We’re super stoked about our partnership with nonprofit art center Creative Growth up in Oakland and we wanted to share the work of another artist with you.

John Hiltunen is a master of collage. Before he found his medium, he dabbled in rug making, woodworking and even ceramics. Now living in Fremont, California, his collages surprise, shock and elicit a bit of laughter with their jarring juxtapositions. We asked him a few questions, he sent back some collages…

If animals were people, what would they look like?

Show us your favorite animal as a collage.

Thanks so much, John!
Check out Creative Growth wallets on here.
Learn more about Creative Growth Art Center here.

Art is for everyone, everyday… this is a basic philosophy both Poketo and Creative Growth Art Center share. Since 1973, Creative Growth has been working with adults with mental, emotional and physical disabilities, giving them a creative avenue to express themselves.

This visual art center and art gallery and nonprofit abounds with creativity. We’re proud to be working with Creative Growth to produce artist wallets showcasing the work of their talented roster, which includes Merritt Wallace.

Born in Japan in 1963, Merritt Wallace’s Poketo wallet traces out a colorful cityscape that started out with simple black and white lines. You can see the wallet here. Now, lets get to a quick illustrated Q&A with Merritt!

What’s your idea of a perfect breakfast?

How are you feeling today?

Thanks so much, Merritt!
Check out Creative Growth wallets and an interview with Creative Growth Projects Manager, Jennifer Strate O’Neal here.

No holds barred. That’s Hellen Jo. Her illustrations of brooding young teens with an attitude never get old.

Here’s what she has to say!

Find more of Hellen at helllllen.org.
Check out Hellen’s wallet and zine at poketo.com.

As promised, we’re continuing our run of illustrated interviews with our awesome new artists!

You guys would probably remember Esther from our previous collaboration, where we asked artists to illustrate the stories written by children at 826LA. This time around, Esther’s taken Tammy Pierce, from her now-famous “Unlovable” zine, into a work of art you can carry anywhere with you.

We’ve already had time to chat with Esther (and her hubby Mark) the last time we collaborated, so this time, we’re showing you guys a different side of Esther with this illustrated interview. Enjoy!

What’s your current state of mind?

Your dad had a hobby of building huge flying saucers out of scrap metal, so it made us wonder, what an a new undiscovered planet would look like to you?

Tammy’s gone through some tough times growing up. We wonder, what was your first date like?

What’s the best advice you’d give to 13-year old you?

Thanks, Esther!

Find more of Esther on funchicken.com.
Check out Esther’s wallets and Unlovable zine on poketo.com.