Marissa Domantay has been an artist for as long as she can remember. “I’ve just always been drawing,” Domantay said. “My dad said I always drew on the walls, so I guess my art just started when I was a little baby.” Domantay originally went to school as a math major, minoring in art, but.
Attendees spent the festival hand painting Japanese carp shaped flags called Koinobori to symbolize children and family, creating mandala circles which are used in both Hindu and Buddhist practices as a representation of the universe and taking in performances by the Flying Fairies Chinese Dance troupe.
At Coffee Lab and Roasters, drinks aren’t the only draw. After working with the local art community to display the work of Evanston artists during the past two years, Coffee Lab co-owner Daniel Aquino said art is what brought life to the cafe when in-person dining was limited. Now, the cafe is continuing its partnerships.