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    Artist Retrospective: Tristan Eaton

    In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary street art, Tristan Eaton stands as a luminary, celebrated for his awe-inspiring large-scale murals that grace urban landscapes worldwide. Born in Hollywood in 1978 and seasoned by a nomadic upbringing, Eaton’s journey from London to Detroit and finally to the bustling streets of New York at the age of 20 has indelibly shaped his artistic narrative. Eaton’s canvas, expansive city walls, bears witness to a synthesis of techniques, materials, and ideas – a harmonious marriage of the traditional and the avant-garde.Pow! Wow! Long Beach Festival, 2015Eaton’s artistic roots delve deep into the rebellious spirit of graffiti culture, evident in the freehand execution of his sprawling murals. From billboards to dumpsters, his troubled teenage years marked the canvas of the urban environment. Art, for Eaton, became a transformative force, steering him away from a tumultuous path. His journey led him to the world of designer toys, where, at the age of 18, he designed his first toy for Fisher Price, laying the foundation for his iconic status in the designer toy realm.Beyond the realm of street art, Eaton’s influence extends into the commercial world, consulting with global brands like Hasbro, Pepsi, and Nike. His role as a creative leader is further exemplified by his contribution to the renowned Dunny figure, a 3-inch tall Roto-Cast Soft Vinyl creation. Eaton’s artistic vision transcends geographical boundaries, with his murals adorning cityscapes not only across the USA but also in France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Mexico.Explore further below to see a curated collection featuring Tristan Eaton’s most exceptional works.Dallas, Texas, 2021Having taken on a sizable project, Tristan utilized an expansive 8,500 square foot canvas to paint a mural concept that paid homage to Deep Ellum’s roots and future. The inspiration behind this empowering mural was drawn from Dallas’ first Black architect, William Sidney, the dynamic music scene, the native fashion icon Jerry Hall, and the distinctive Texas armadillo. Tristan’s vision, inspired by these diverse elements, created a mural that honored the rich cultural history of Deep Ellum, capturing both its historical legacy and forward-looking spirit.New York, USA, 2020Collaborating with Montefiore Health System and Alto NY, artist Tristan Eaton crafted an iconic masterpiece commemorating the heroic endeavors of nurses and medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This striking tribute extends to healthcare workers globally. For those in the vicinity, the expansive mural can be found in Manhattan at 34th Street and 8th Avenue, serving as a testament visible to all in New York and beyond.Manhattan, New York, 2018In the mural above, Tristan Eaton made a return to NYC, leaving his mark on the iconic Bowery Wall in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Joining the ranks of esteemed street artists like Keith Haring, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey, Tristan, known for his striking collage style, seamlessly blended a vast color palette paying homage to NYC influences such as Haze and Seen. The mural, titled “Intermission,” captures the essence of Eaton’s artistry. Witness Tristan in action and marvel at the jaw-dropping final piece in the photos below.Detroit, Michigan, 2014In this project, Tristan Eaton was in Detroit, Michigan, having received an invitation from the Library Street Collective Gallery to create a new mural. Titled “Crime Fighter,” the American street artist swiftly crafted his trademark patchwork masterpiece, drawing inspiration from a 1960s portrait of his mother.New York City, 2015Eaton also actively participates in numerous festivals, both locally and internationally. In 2015, he immersed himself in Sweden for the 2015 installment of the No Limit Boras Street Art Festival. Taking to the streets of Boras, the Los Angeles-based artist efficiently brought to life this stunning new piece titled “Out Of Sight.” True to his style, Tristan crafted his signature patchwork imagery, incorporating a myriad of diverse images and intricate details.Last 2016, Our coverage of POW! WOW! Hawaii included Tristan Eaton. Titled “Aloha Dreamland,” the painting showcased Eaton’s distinctive patchwork style, with a subject matter rooted in the local context this time. The piece draws inspiration from the romantic allure that Hawaii holds for people, embodying a vortex of love and enchantment.Tristan Eaton’s prominence in contemporary street art is marked by expansive murals gracing global urban landscapes. Beyond street art, Eaton collaborates with global brands and leaves an indelible mark on cityscapes worldwide.Check out our #Tristan Eaton page for more stunning works from talented muralist! More

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    “Graffiti Art in Prison” by Martha Cooper & David Mesguich in Florence, Italy

    In the early days of 2021, a personal encounter with the prison system opened doors to a unique opportunity. Gabriella Cianciolo, a professor at the University of Cologne, extended an invitation to become a speaker in the interdisciplinary “Graffiti Art in Prison” project, aptly named GAP. Eagerly embracing the chance, our protagonist proposed taking the initiative a step further by organizing a workshop within the confines of Florence Sollicciano jail.Sollicciano prison, like many correctional facilities worldwide, exists in a shadowy space on the periphery between two municipalities – Florence and Scandicci. Isolated from the city, it becomes a place forgotten, much like those left behind its imposing walls. During this period, a serendipitous encounter with the renowned New York-based photographer Martha Cooper occurred in a train yard while our protagonist was engaged in graffiti work. seizing the opportunity, Martha was invited to document the entire transformative process within the jail from 2022 to 2023.Our idea was to place art at the center of a dialogue between the past and the present, between often-forgotten individuals and the possibilities of redemption through artistic expression, says David Mesguich.An intriguing aspect of the project is the involvement not only of inmates but also of prison guards. Thus, the project becomes a true social experiment that aimed to break down mental and cultural barriers.We saw surprising human connections emerge between guards and inmatesduring an experience that transcended simple artistic creation, says a representative from the prison administration involved in the project.Teaming up with Martha for an entire year, the project aimed to fulfill promises made to the participants. In collaboration with workshop attendees, 3D scans of volunteer inmates were created, with the intention of using these scans for later sculpting. Surprisingly, a respectful relationship between some guards and inmates emerged, leading to the inclusion of a few guards in the scanning process. After extensive negotiations with jail authorities, permission was granted to create two large-scale installations on the jail fence at different times during the year.Choosing to portray the two most discreet participants – a police woman and an inmate – without disclosing their identities, our protagonist highlighted the shared humanity within this unusual place. Despite relentless attempts by the jail’s police commander to thwart the installations, the team persevered, successfully setting them up on time. The second phase involved the creation of murals – three by inmates with complete artistic freedom, followed by nine more by our protagonist. The murals featured portraits and sentences from both guards and inmates, deliberately obscured to challenge preconceptions.This immersive journey unfolded as a beautiful human adventure, marked by workshops and murals conducted by Martha, inmates, and students from the GAP project. The enclosed photographs by Martha Cooper serve as the sole remnants of this monumental yet ephemeral project. Their significance lies in being witnesses to a moment when fences were crossed, and differences were temporarily erased – a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and create connections in unexpected placesCheck out below for more photos of the project. Photo Credits: Martha Cooper, David Mesguich More

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    Saype in Hatay, Turkey

    Saype has gained international recognition for his massive, environmentally conscious art installations that transcend the boundaries of traditional street art. His approach to art is never about ego or self-promotion, instead, he aimed to use his art as a means to convey messages of unity, peace, and sustainability. He describes his work as a “positive gesture” that aims to inspire and bring people together. Here’s the latest giant eco responsible landart painting from the “Beyond Walls” project in Hatay, Turkey. Created into Defne (750m2) this artwork was created using natural pigments made out of charcoal and chalk. This global project aims to links more than 30 cities over the world to promote messages of togetherness.What sets Saype apart is his commitment to eco-friendly materials. Instead of using harmful paints and chemicals, he opts for biodegradable, eco-friendly paints made from natural pigments, water, and milk proteins. This dedication to sustainability aligns perfectly with his message of environmental responsibility and respect for nature. Saype’s art has not only captivated the art world but has also garnered the attention of people from all walks of life. His messages of unity and sustainability have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. His massive art installations have graced locations from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the peaks of the Swiss Alps, from the Egyptian pyramids to the shores of Lake Geneva. His massive, eco-friendly art installations not only awe viewers with their sheer scale but also inspire them with meaningful messages of unity, diversity, and environmental responsibility. Take a look at more images below and check back with us soon for more updates. More

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     Avant Arte x Barry McGee: New Time-Limited Print Editions

    Avant Arte, the curated marketplace that makes discovering and owning art radically more accessible, announces its first collaboration with renowned artist Barry McGee. Together, they will release McGee’s first ever time-limited print edition, Untitled, 2023 that will be available to all for €600.00/ approx. $635.00 on avantarte.com from 3:00pm GMT/ 10:00am ET on 9 November 2023.Untitled, 2023 is a UV pigment print with fluorescent pink and highlight silkscreen layersmade by Avant Arte’s master printmakers in London. The work taps into McGee’s long-held interest in printmaking that started with experiments in linoleum block and lithograph printing in community college and went on to become his major at the San Francisco Art Institute where he was awarded a BFA in Printmaking and Painting. Throughout the 1990s, McGee worked in a local letterpress shop in San Francisco where he learned to refine his printing techniques on Mid-Century presses.Untitled, 2023, is based on an original painting by McGee that was montaged together with numerous images and patterns, familiar in his work – the “Everyman” heads, geometric patterns and “DFW” and “IFF” letters.Barry McGee was one of the pioneers of the Mission School movement, an urban-realist art movement that came out of San Francisco in the 1990s-2000s. His artistic career spans his early life as a graffiti writer on the the streets of San Francisco and is also known by his tag, TWIST through to his current studio-based practice in Bay Area, California. His work incorporates drawings, paintings and mixed-media installations and has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale and leading art institutions including MoMA, SFMoMA, Walker Art Center and Fondazione Prada.Barry McGee, artist, said: “I like the immediacy of prints and the process of intaglio and silkscreening really captured my imagination. This will be the first print with the time released approach, and hand finished touches. The piece was originally a painting that was montaged together with numerous images and patterns that I’ve been working with over the last year.The letters have become matras of some sort, rather than specific crews, even if they have started that way. The Everyman heads are just that…very pedestrian and become placeholders or punctuation of some sort within the composition of the work. The geometric patterns are areas to rest the eye and contemplate the images presented to the viewer. I hope people enjoy the chance to have one of my works in their home. ” Christian Luiten, Co-founder and Head of Artist Community, Avant Arte, said:“We arehonoured to be working with Barry to create his first ever time-limited print edition. Barry has been a hero of mine from the early days of Avant Arte and I’ve always wanted to work together to bring his work to our community. I visit artists in their studios all the time and they often tell me it is Barry who inspired them either directly or through his work that they could be an artist. He crosses all of the traditional boundaries of the art world, traversing the streets of San Francisco with his tagging alongside exhibiting his work at the Venice Biennale and MoMA. This collaboration has grown out a friendship over time and I’m so proud that Avant Arte is able to be a platform to make Barry’s work accessible to an even greater audience.”The collaboration marks McGee’s first ever time-limited print edition and is offered as part of Avant Arte’s ongoing time-limited edition programme which aims to open up access for art lovers and collectors to acquire the work of leading contemporary artists in a more accessible format. Since commencing the programme in 2021, Avant Arte has supported over 8,000 collectors to acquire art for the first time. Artists from the programme include Ai Weiwei, José Parlá, Nina Chanel Abney, Javier Calleja, Paul Insect, and Parra.To mark this rare occasion and in another first for the artist, McGee will also have an accompanying hand-finished print edition available to collectors during the same 24 hour window. Untitled (Hand-finished), 2023, each print from the edition has been hand-finished by McGeewith a mix of spray paint and gouache. Each of these works will be individually hand-finished by McGee and will cost €3500.00/ $3690.00 inclusive of shipping. From 2 November to 10 November, Untitled, 2023, will also be displayed at locations chosen by Barry McGee around the world including: CLASSIC (Paris), Scooters For Peace (Tokyo), and OALLERY (Amsterdam). Each location has a special resonance with Barry and offers fans the chance to see this new work in real life with a special surprise for any fans that go down to the locations whilst the works are on display.Follow Avant Arte on social media for the latest news and behind-the-scenes insights.About Barry McGeeBarry McGee received his BFA in painting and printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute and was associated with the Mission School, a movement primarily influenced by urban realism, graffiti, and American folk art, with a focus on social activism. McGee’s works constitute candid and insightful observations of modern society, and his aim of actively contributing to marginalised communities has remained the same throughout his career, from his days as “Twist” (his graffiti moniker) to his current work as a global artist.Whether it be consumerism or social stratification, McGee has given voice to his concerns through his art, taking on different personas, such as Ray Fong, Lydia Fong, P.Kin, Ray Virgil, and B. Vernon. His trademark motif, a male caricature with droopy eyes, references his empathy for those who identify the streets as their home. His conglomeration of experiences has led McGee to create a unique visual language consisting of geometric patterns, recurring symbols, and the use of the “cluster method,” while experimenting with various unconventional media, including glass bottles and other found objects. His recent large-scale murals and his meticulous archive of paintings and drawings examine the notion of public versus private space and the accessibility of art.About Avant ArteAvant Arte is a curated marketplace that makes discovering and owning art radically more accessible for a new generation. From Nina Chanel Abney and Ai Weiwei to Jenny Holzer and FUTURA, Avant Arte collaborates with leading contemporary artists to create limited edition works, from sculpture editions and NFTs to works on paper and hand-finished screenprints.By connecting artists and art lovers, they are building a growing global community of over 3 million people that is open to everyone. Avant Arte was founded by Curtis Penning, Christian Luiten and Mazdak Sanii.Image courtesy of Avant Arte. More

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    New Mural by PichiAvo in Bayonne, France

    In the city of Bayonne, PichiAvo, the renowned Spanish artistic duo, has once again graced the urban landscape with their latest work of art. This captivating mural, presented as part of the Points de Vue Street Art Festival, pays a heartfelt tribute to Glaucus, the Greek sea god. The mural seamlessly intertwines with Bayonne’s profound connection to water, creating a visual spectacle that encapsulates the city’s spirit.Bayonne, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Adour River and the mighty Atlantic Ocean, has a long history intertwined with the elemental force of water. The city’s development and character have been significantly influenced by its relationship with these aquatic surroundings.The mural is unveiled as part of the Points de Vue urban art festival, a cultural celebration born in 2017. This festival is the result of collaborative efforts between the Basque Country Urban Community, the Bayonne town hall, and the KAXU gallery. Points de Vue stands as a testament to Bayonne’scommitment to urban art and culture.This event is not just a festival; it’s an open-air gallery that extends its reach beyond Bayonne, encompassing the entire region. Attendees can explore the city’s streets, gazing upon monumental frescoes that adorn the walls or embark on a treasure hunt for hidden artistic gems, further emphasizingthe synergy between art and the urban environment.PichiAvo’s tribute to Glaucus, the deity of the sea, beautifully exemplifies this artistic fusion, as the mural not only pays homage to Greek mythology but also resonates with the city’s intrinsic connection to water. It’s a vivid testament to the timeless interplay between nature, art, and culture. The Points de Vue Street Art Festival has created a vibrant platform for such expressions, ensuring that Bayonne continues to be a canvas for artistic inspiration and an ode to the ever present element of water that has shaped its unique character. More

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    “Loops” by SpY in Switzerland

    SpY unveils “Loops”, a large-scale kinetic installation commissioned for the atrium of the largest hospital in Switzerland.Both engaging and soothing, “Loops” presents a new paradigm for site-specific installations in the re-envisioning of hospitals as more humane environments. The production of the artwork spanned over two years and involved the development of bespoke equipment by world-leading engineers.How can art have a positive effect on patients, and help nurture them emotionally within a hospital? Fulfilling these needs has been the goal of this highly specialised project “Loops” is permanently installed at the atrium of the brand-new Anna-Seiler-Haus, the main building of Inselspital in Bern, one of the largest and most advanced hospitals in Switzerland.The shape of the piece shifts constantly as its elements draw their ethereal movements across the atrium space and arrange themselves in a myriad combinations.The five floors around the hospital atrium allow for a wide range of different points of view upon the piece. As the viewer moves and the sculpture shifts, the resulting visual readings multiply infinitely. In the blink of an eye, a new artwork is discovered.The piece is programmed in different modes, in which the choreographies adapt to the changing dynamics within the hospital. The rings re-arrange themselves together in the middle of the atrium space every hour, with one or more of the 24 rings remaining lit up to indicate the time. During the night the sculpture enters a ‘calm’ mode, staying in the middle of the atrium and displaying only some slight movements. The kinetic dimension of the piece is designed to surprise, but also to allow for a comfortable co-habitation with those who stay longer at the hospital – both patients and workers.The precise movements of the sculpture are produced by 24 sophisticated motors working in unison. The devices have been designed, developed and tested specifically for “Loops” by the world-leading engineering firm MKT at its facilities in Munich.Check out for more photos of the installation below. More

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    Mural for Amnesty International by Mahn Kloix in Paris, France

    Art to celebrate the courage of human rights defendersIn the 12th arrondissement of Paris, a wall is now dedicated to the defense of human rights. The fresco, created by Marseille street artist Mahn Kloix, celebrates through six portraits the courage of human rights defenders who fight every day around the world for our fundamental rights.It is a long wall, 20 meters long and 5 meters high, on which six portraits burst out like screams. A few thin lines of white sharp on a dark wall and faces supported or constrained by friendly or hostile hands. One adjusts a veil on the head of lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh. The other is placed on Doctor Mukwege’s shoulder. Still others hide their eyes, obstruct a mouth, support a face, a neck. Hands as signs of solidarity or oppression towards the courageous human rights defenders celebrated by this wall, the first dedicated to human rights in the capital. A symbolic space made available by Paris City Hall to celebrate freedoms, promote fundamental rights and fight against all discrimination.Discover the stories of the six human rights defenders they have chosen to highlight :Nasrin Sotoudeh, Iranian figure in the defense of human rightsA prominent lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh has become an emblematic figure in the defense of human rights in Iran. Known for her long-term fight against the death penalty, she has also distinguished herself in recent years for having defended women who defy discriminatory laws imposing the compulsory wearing of the veil in her country. Because of her human rights work, which has lasted for more than ten years, she has been persecuted by the Iranian authorities. In 2012, she received the Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament. In 2019, she was sentenced to 148 lashes and 38 years in prison. She is currently still detained in Evin prison in Tehran and continues to risk her life to defend the lives of others.Doctor Mukwege, the man who repairs womenNobel Peace Prize winner in 2018, Doctor Mukwege is internationally known as the man who “repairs” women. During the twenty years of conflict that shook the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, thousands of women were raped. Faced with these atrocities, Dr. Mukwege leads an incessant fight. Her fight: operate on these women whose bodies have been mutilated and denounce the impunity enjoyed by the guilty. Through his care and compassion, thousands of victims of rape and other sexual violence have been able to overcome their physical injuries.Despite an assassination attempt, death threats and attacks against his family, this exceptionally courageous doctor continues to campaign against sexual violence committed during conflicts. Although he travels all over the world to share his testimony, he now lives cloistered in his country, in the Bukavu hospital where he works, under the protection of the peacekeepers of the United Nations mission. But he is no longer alone in his struggle. Women, whose physical integrity he restored and helped to regain their dignity, are now fighting alongside him.Chelsea Maning, US Army whistleblowerChelsea Manning was a member of the United States Army. She was working as a military intelligence analyst when, witnessing human rights violations, she decided to leak thousands (700,000!) of confidential army documents that pointed to possible war crimes committed by the US military, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. For this courageous act, she was arrested in June 2010 and then placed in detention. In 2013, she was tried by a United States court martial and sentenced to 35 years in prison. After seven years in prison, the former WikiLeaks informant was finally released in May 2017, before being imprisoned again in March 2019. The reason: she refused to testify about Julian Assange before a grand jury. On March 11, 2020, two days before a hearing which was to rule on her refusal, she again attempted suicide in prison. A judge finally ordered his release the next day.Malala Yousafzai, incredible courage in the face of the TalibanMalala Yousafzai embodies the fight of millions of children and girls: that of the right to education. When she was only 11 years old, young Malala began writing a blog under the pseudonym “Gul Makai” for the BBC. She tells from her point of view as a little girl about daily life under the rule of the Taliban in Pakistan. In October 2012, the Taliban attacked his school bus and shot him in the head. This attack sparked a wave of international indignation. Seriously injured, she was transferred to the United Kingdom for treatment.Malala is an example of incredible courage. In 2013, she received the highest distinction granted by Amnesty International, the Ambassador of Conscience award.So here I am… one girl among others. I speak — not for me, but for all girls and boys. I raise my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those who have no voice can be heard. Those who fought for their rights: Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equal opportunities. Their right to education.Malala Yousafzai, at the United Nations General Assembly, July 12, 2013In 2014, at just 17 years old, she won the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the youngest winner in the history of this prize.Malala is still a refugee in the United Kingdom today and continues her fight for the education of children around the world.Greta Thunberg, Fridays for FutureIn 2018, the world heard about Greta Thunberg for the first time. A Swedish teenager who decided to skip school every Friday to protest in front of the Swedish Parliament until it takes strong measures to fight climate change. Since then, his initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the climate crisis, has spread like wildfire across the world. With her, millions of young people around the world took part in the “Fridays for Future” school strike days. Protests took place in more than 100 countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, the Philippines and Uganda.Acting according to your conscience means fighting for what you believe is right.On several occasions, her activism led to her being arrested: in Germany during an anti-coal demonstration, in Norway during a demonstration with the indigenous Sami people for the demolition of wind turbines declared illegal because they encroached on reindeer pastures; etc. In 2019, the climate change activist received the 2019 Ambassador of Conscience Award, the most prestigious award given by Amnesty International to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and courage in defending human rights .Angela Davis, icon of the feminist and anti-racist movementsAngela Davis was born on January 26, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. Coming from an African-American family, she experienced racism and the system of racial segregation very early on. With her parents, she discovers the horror of slavery that marked her family. In the predominantly white neighborhood where her family settles, she discovers the horror of the Klu Klux Klan. Very early on, his political consciousness was formed. Very quickly, her destiny took shape: she would become a figure of feminism and anti-racism.The battles of his life are multiple: against the prison system, police brutality, the death penalty and all forms of oppression. Icon of Black Power, she became a Marxist activist in post-Cold War anti-communist America, but also a symbol of the fight for the release of political prisoners. As a result of her activities, Angela finds herself on the FBI’s wanted list. In the 1970s, when she was arrested and thrown in prison, public opinion sided with her and a “Free Angela Davis” support committee was created. Many personalities showed their support: from the Rolling Stones, who dedicated the song Sweet Black Angel to him, to John Lennon and Yoko Ono who sang Angela. Around the world, protests are taking place to demand his release. She was finally released in 1972, free of all charges.Throughout her life, Angela Davis also fought for the rights of women, particularly black women. For her, feminism is intrinsically linked to racism, and some people find themselves at the crossroads of oppressions. Black women must therefore fight simultaneously against sexism and racism. This is what we call the intersectionality of struggles.Even today, at a time when America continues to face police violence and Black Lives Matter, it continues to fight for minorities and against all forms of oppression. More

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    New work by WRDSMTH in Chicago, USA

    Street artist WRDSMTH has recently entered into an exciting partnership with the newly launched luxury cannabis edibles brand, The Bettering Company (TBCo.).WRDSMTH, renowned for his ability to inspire and motivate through his art, finds a kindred spirit in The Bettering Company. Both entities share a common mission deeply rooted in driving positive change and fostering improvement. This partnership serves as a promising beginning to a series of collaborations with artists, signifying an ongoing initiative that aims to merge art and cannabis in unique and impactful ways. Together, WRDSMTH and The Bettering Company are poised to create a space where creativity and luxury converge, delivering experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.TBCo. has made a noteworthy entrance into the market as a premium cannabis brand, offering a meticulously curated selection of edibles infused with real fruits, herbs, teas, spices, and jams. These gourmet creations are crafted by skilled chefs and consistently maintain their vegan and gluten-free qualities, catering to consumers who value the thoughtful artistry behind their consumption.Take a look below for more photos of WRDSMTH’s latest project. More