Meet Our Creative Team
Joy Joshua
As the Founder and Art Instructor of Journey & Thingz, Joy Joshua seamlessly intertwines her passion for art with a deep commitment to community enrichment. With a 25-year journey spanning a diverse array of artistic endeavors, Joy specializes in the art of jewelry making. Her unwavering dedication is to bring the art experience directly to you, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to seasoned jewelry makers, can revel in the joy of creation.
Joy's unique commitment lies in meeting each student exactly where they are on their creative journey. Whether you're taking your first steps or seeking to refine your skills, Joy provides personalized support and guidance. At Journey & Thingz, every student has the opportunity to work at their own pace, embracing the artistic process with confidence and enthusiasm under Joy's expert tutelage. Join us on this creative voyage, where art meets community, and individual journeys are celebrated and embraced.
Pirecua Duarte
Pirecua Duarte, known artistically as Pirekua, is an interdisciplinary artist and designer raised in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood and Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico. Born to a muralist father and a journalist mother, Pirekua recognizes the importance of art as activism, community healing, and freedom of expression.
Pirekua loves to experiment with many art-forms such as dance & roller skating, digital collaging, video editing, and painting; but they feel most powerful when working with Copper wire and its endless possibilities of adorning the body. Pirekua's designs intentionally avoid fitting into an aesthetic trend; their jewelry is uniquely made to converse with the wearer and be a protective tool for healing and spiritual growth.
To check out Pirekua works visit: artbypirekua.com