Satellite
Disability Pride Art Exhibition

Krista Koehler

I’ve loved doing things with my hands since I was very young. As I got older, I got more into intensive and detailed processes. The creative process drives me because I like tactile techniques and learn better kinetically. I’ve always been good with my hands; if there’s ever something that needs a dexterous touch, my mom says, “Oh, Krista can do that.”

I’ve done seed beads, loom, embroidery, sewing, costume design and fabrication, origami, painting, zentagles, watercolors, and so much more. I take a lot of various art classes—whatever I can get to! Sometimes, I have to go back and redo aspects of my work. Mostly, I like to create and make my own designs.

Paint Pour 1

Krista Koehler

Acrylic on canvas

2026

Image description: Downward flowing forms of paint. Vibrant layers of blue, red, green, yellow, dark gray, and orange.

For purchasing inquiries:
klkoehler130@gmail.com

Paint Pour 4

Krista Koehler

Acrylic on canvas

2026

Image description: Swirls of paint, starting at the top right and moving toward the edge of the canvas. Layers of predominantly orange, with yellow, red, and green.

For purchasing inquiries:
klkoehler130@gmail.com

Megan Braun

Megan Braun is a vibrant mixed-media artist whose journey back into art began in 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve always loved art, but I hadn’t been creative for a long time,” she reflects. Virtual art classes gave her a vital way to connect with others during a time when her usual social opportunities had paused. Since then, she has exhibited widely, launched her artist website, and recently graduated with an Associate’s degree in Fine Art.

Megan works across varied materials and styles, embracing unintentional elements – arising from a disability affecting her hands – as part of each piece. “The final result is usually different from the original plan,” she says, reflecting her belief in art as living disability advocacy. She demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and inclusion, serving as a visible role model for disabled community members. Her journey shows that artistry is enriched by disability, inspiring others to explore their talents, take creative risks, and share their voices.

Taking Flight

Megan Braun

Acrylic on paper

Image description: Light blue and orange background. Layers of pink brushstrokes on the bottom right and left. In the center, singular blue brushstrokes.

$130
For purchasing inquiries: megan@meganbraunart.com

3D Tree

Megan Braun

Acrylic on paper

Image description: Black, raised line work tree. Where the lines intersect, multi-color filling, including red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and purple.

$150
For purchasing inquiries: megan@meganbraunart.com

Multi swirl

Megan Braun

Acrylic on paper

Image description: Blue, green, purple, and orange spiral brushstrokes swirling out from the center and right side of the composition. 

$110
For purchasing inquiries: megan@meganbraunart.com

Marchese (Mar-kay-zee) Traver

Hello fellow reader!

My name is Marchese Traver and I am a 32 year old artist with autism. I’ve been a native Michigander for the past five years and an artist for as long as I can remember.

I’ve experimented with a wide variety of mediums but am most wellknown for using acrylic, mixed media, and upcycling items that might be found in a landfill. I have a small business, Kazy’s Creations, and have sold my pieces across southeast Michigan. I have recently added sewing, embroidery, and quilting as part of Kazy’s Creations and am honored to share my art pieces with the Gift of Life. I do not currently have an online shop but am in the process of creating a website which would showcase my portfolio and online store.

If anyone is interested in when the website is up and running or would like to discuss me commissioning a quilted piece (or small quilt!)

Thank you for reading and to please enjoy the artwork I submitted for the Gift of Life.

Diamond Star

Marchese Traver

Textile

2026

Image description: This quilt block is a variation of the Sawtooth Star with a diamond (or square within a square) in the center. The brown fabric is from a skirt I once owned. Each seam is quilted and secured on a tackboard.

$125
Venmo: @Marchese-Traver
marchesetraver@gmail.com

Appliquéd Michigan State

Marchese Traver

Textile

2026

Image description: This Michigan state quilt block was constructed using a variation of the log cabin quilt block using a hexagon instead of a square center. Each piece of fabric would be sewn and machine embroidered.  The fabric scraps would alternate between light and dark but the thread used to stitch and embroider would be the same color. A butterfly patch is appliquéd in the center of the hexagon.

$125
Venmo: @Marchese-Traver
marchesetraver@gmail.com