conversation series

On Making and Remaking with Powerhouse Arts Fabricators: Brian Ferreira, Dennis Hrehowsik, and Daniel Quinn moderated by Julia Margaret Lu

From left to right: Julia Margaret Lu, Daniel Quinn, Brian Ferreira (sitting), Dennis Hrehowsik

Join us at Powerhouse Arts on Tuesday, February 11 for a rare glimpse into the often-unseen but essential role of the art fabricator. Representing our Ceramics, Print, and Public Art departments, Brian Ferreira, Dennis Hrehowsik, and Daniel Quinn will be joined by Associate Director of Operations Julia Margaret Lu to share their unique journeys into fabrication, the collaborative process of transforming artists’ visions into tangible works, and the creative problem-solving that defines their craft.

This conversation will look ahead to the future of art fabrication, touching on sustainable practices, alternative materials, and insights for aspiring artists and fabricators. Don’t miss this chance to explore the expertise and artistry that quietly shapes so much of the arts world.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Doors at 6pm
6:30pm – 8pm
Small Hall at PHA
FREE with RSVP (limited capacity)

Bios:

Brian Ferreira is an interdisciplinary artist specializing in ceramics. His artistic journey began with a focus on drawing, painting, figurative sculpture, printmaking, woodworking, and animation. While pursuing a degree in Biology at Hunter College, he also enrolled in elective courses in the arts. His introduction to ceramics occurred unexpectedly while studying claymation with Benjamin Petterson at Hunter College. This experience redirected his academic focus, leading him to pursue a dual major in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics, alongside Biology. He had the opportunity to learn from esteemed artists such as Sana Mussasama, Matt Nolan, Juan Sanchez, and Lisa Corrine Davis, before ultimately committing to ceramics as his primary medium. Prior to graduating from Hunter, he gained insights into art fabrication through Sana’s guidance. Since then, he has worked in fabrication shops specializing in woodworking, classical sculpture, mold making, and various materials including plaster, wood, paint, resin, metal, and currently, ceramics. Drawing from a musical background, Brian finds inspiration in collaboration and experimentation. Ceramics allows him to integrate not only his artistic experiences but also his academic studies in the sciences, such as chemistry and physics.

Dennis Hrehowsik began work with Powerhouse Arts in 2016 as a master screen printer and is the current Associate Director of the Digital Print Lab at PHA. Dennis began his print career in 2002 at Axelle Fine Arts with Master Printer Luther Davis and has over two decades of experience working with everyone from blue chip artists to community organizations. He has collaborated with more than 300 artists over the years and his work can be seen world-wide. Dennis is also the current President of The Brooklyn Bird Club where he leads Weekly Migration Walks and bird identification workshops for the public with a focus on the critical role our urban parks play in wildlife conservation.

Daniel Quinn has been at Powerhouse Arts since 2019 and is currently the Fabrication and Installation Manager in the Public Art department. He has a BFA in Photography with a Minor in Curatorial Studies and Printmaking from Savannah College of Art and Design. Since then he’s worked in multiple mediums including picture framing, photography, tall ship operation/repair, furniture making, art installation and set building circuitously leading back to art fabrication. As an art fabricator, he’s worked with a wide range of individual artists as well as non-profit and for profit institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Queens Museum, Pier 57, the Shed, and Art General. 

Julia Margaret Lu is the Associate Director of Operations at Powerhouse Arts. She is a trained architect with a background in fabrication and new media art now wrangling all the needs of Powerhousers so that we can work happily, healthily, and harmoniously together in pursuit of our many missions. Her recent artistic pursuits include building a shocking LED top hat (The Bad Hatter, 2024), fabricating thousands of uniquely shaped handmade ceramic tile (The Spring, 2024), and designing and constructing large interactive electronic conversational mobiles (how to hold the memory of a conversation, and walkie & talkie, 2023).