Meet the Makers

After years of navigating the corporate world, Hannah Villanueva made the pivotal decision to prioritize her mental health and shift her focus to her art and living life for herself. Using tufting as her primary creative medium, Hannah has been able to explore nature, queer identities, and the ways in which we self-soothe through art.

In the enchanting realm of Hannah Via Art, tufted rugs and decor blur the boundaries between art and functionality. “I seek to create art out of everyday objects,” Hannah says. “In order to challenge the ways in which we view and interact with art, my pieces straddle the line between utility and beauty, allowing them to exist in an accessible form.”

Hannah expressed that a challenge of being an LGBTQ+ business owner means “putting my identity (queer and beyond) on display, which can be difficult for any maker, but especially so in this climate with so much hate towards the LGBTQ+ community. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by amazing NYC artists and organizations that welcome and offer resources to everyone regardless of their identity.”

To fellow LGBTQ+ makers, Hannah offers heartfelt advice: lean into the community resources available to you and ask for assistance when needed. The creative community is a wellspring of kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand.