Artist Talks
Julian Stokes & Esteban Salazar-Cucalon
Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30pm
Artist Talks at Starworks are free and open to the public. Guests are invited to meet the artists, watch and learn as they present slides and discuss their process and influence, and ask questions about their works.
Treat Yourself - Starworks Cafe & Taproom is open during this event and proudly serves a variety of craft NC beer, delicious wine, coffee & lattes, smoothies, and much more.
Stay Late - Followed by Open Mic Night at Starworks Cafe & Taproom
Julian Stokes
Starworks Ceramics Resident Artist
Julian is a North Carolina native whose artistic journey spans various mediums, with a strong focus on ceramics. After earning his Associate’s Degree in Fine Art from Rockingham Community College in 2020, he transferred to Guilford College, where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics in 2023. Julian began his exploration of ceramics in 2018, and since then, he has expanded his skills in drawing, painting, and print media, drawing inspiration from ancient ceramic traditions, particularly Mesoamerican and African pottery.
His work often bridges the gap between environmental sciences, biology, and the natural world, reflecting his personal stories and deep connection to these subjects. Julian’s artistic journey is marked by numerous exhibitions, including his Senior Art Thesis Exhibition at Guilford College in 2023, as well as participation in the Eden Fine Arts Festival and several student exhibitions during his time at Rockingham Community College.
Esteban Salazar-Cucalon
Starworks Glass Resident Artist
Esteban is a Colombian-born, New York-based glass artist and educator. With an MFA in Spatial Arts from San José State University, Esteban has worked with leading glass institutions, including UrbanGlass, BrooklynGlass, and The Corning Museum of Glass. His work explores the human body, identity, and culture, blending traditional glass techniques with innovative, contemporary forms. As a teacher, Esteban has mentored the next generation of glass artists at institutions such as NYU and Pratt Institute. His works have been featured globally, with recent projects focusing on sustainability, cultural representation, and the human experience.