In the vibrant art scene of Chicago, collaborations often spark new conversations, and none more boldly than SPIFSTEDO, a duo formed by visual artist Tacarra “Spifster” Sutton and Eddie “EDO” Santana. Their joint project For the Love of Art, held at Boxville in Chicago, brought together immersive installations, interactive art, music, and community energy under one roof.
The Artists: Spifster & EDO
Spifster Sutton has carved a reputation for turning every surface into a canvas. What began as nail art evolved into a wider visual practice—graphic design, custom apparel, murals, and more. Her signature style plays with bold lines, color contrasts, and storytelling through miniature details.
Meanwhile, EDO (Eddie Santana) complements her vision with his own stylistic voice (though his full bio is less documented in public sources). Together, they formed SPIFSTEDO, a creative partnership aiming to push boundaries and curate experiences rather than just display art.
For the Love of Art at Boxville
For the Love of Art served as more than a gallery showing—it was a curated experience. Hosted on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Boxville, located at 330 East 51st Street in Chicago, the event was the season finale for the Boxville Summer Market series.
The event description frames it as an immersive art expo where “culture, commerce, community and creativity” converge. Works from a curated group of artists were on display—Spifster, EDO, and others. Featured names included Vavi Solomon, Barrett Keithley, Blake Lenoir, Hailey M. Losselyong, Maaly Williams, Amoz Ben Wright, and Paul Branton.
One of the event’s standout features was a scavenger hunt woven through Boxville and the exhibition itself. Attendees followed clues, uncovered hidden stories in the art, and got involved with installations. The winner received a special SPIFSTEDO print.
A Mashup Piece — Inviting Guest Participation
One particularly innovative component was a mashup piece: a shared canvas or installation that guests could actively paint on. This broke down the barrier between viewer and artist, turning the audience into collaborators. The idea: art is not merely to be observed, but to be lived, touched, altered, contributed to.
That participatory element aligns with SPIFSTEDO’s broader ethos: art as a communal act, not just a finished product.
Music + Atmosphere
No immersive art show is complete without sound, and SPIFSTEDO brought that in. DJ Gemini Jones provided the audio backdrop, adding rhythm and energy to the visual landscape. The event was hosted by Binkey, ensuring flow, introductions, and connections among artists and attendees.
Why This Collaboration Matters
1. Blurring Boundaries
SPIFSTEDO reaches across usual divisions—fine art, street art, interactive experiences, musical ambiance—to create a holistic environment.
2. Community Engagement
By including guest participation with the mashup piece and scavenger hunt, the show doesn’t merely display art—it activates audiences. People leave not just as observers, but as co-creators.
3. Elevating Local Voices
By choosing Boxville—a community venue—and including local artists, the project supports neighborhood art ecosystems and visibility.
4. Brand & Identity
For Spifster Sutton, who already has a singular footprint in visual and nail art, this kind of larger-scale collaboration helps expand her identity as a multidimensional artist. It shows evolution—how her narrative can be woven into spatial and communal art.
Reviewed by PlaybyPlayBark
on
September 28, 2025
Rating:
