Justin Suico

Saint Liberty & The Chicago Fire found its keeper by night’s end..another fleeting edition in a series that disappears almost as quickly as it arrives.

These 12x12s come once a year. Singular. Unrepeated. Somehow, they always seem to leave before I can even say goodbye.

Grateful to of for the continued belief in my voice, and for being surrounded by some of Chicago’s most brilliant artists around this time of year.

Honored to be part of this year's Annual 12x12 group art Show at !

Every year, I release one exclusive 12x12 painting for this group show and for the past few years, each piece has sold quickly. This tradition continues, and I’m excited to share what I’ve created for 2025.

Catch the Opening Reception
🗓️ Friday, Nov. 21st
🕔 5–9pm
📍 704 S Wabash Ave, Chicago

Come see the work in person and grab it before it’s gone, because it just might be.

✨ As Filipino American History Month comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible journey this has been.

This year, I had the honor of serving as Lead Project Manager for The Halo-Halo Project along with the director . A celebration of Filipino creativity, culture, and community in the heart of Chicago. What began as an idea grew into something so much more; a collective movement to unite Filipino voices across Illinois and highlight our impact on American culture and diversity.

From art and music to storytelling and education, the passion and pride shared by everyone reminded me why representation matters, when we tell our stories, we give others the courage to tell theirs.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible:
, State Representative , Philippine Consulate General of Chicago, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Stephanie Vivit Lehmann, Dr. Stacey Diane Aranez Litam, Roel Vivit, Angel Abcede, Zee Lacson, Ashley Dequilla, Abby Mendoza, Celine Guerrero, Amanda Payne, Bibbak IL, and The Filipino School of Chicago.

🎧 — for keeping the energy alive all night.
📸 Justin Pagsisihan — for capturing every beautiful moment.

🏛️ Special thanks to the Chicago Public Library and Harold Washington Library Center for their partnership and support in bringing this vision to life.

This project was more than an event.. it was a movement. A reminder that when our community comes together, we don’t just celebrate history, we make it.

Now that the dust (and the soreness) has settled, I’ve finally had time to reflect on what was easily one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life: the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

All the months of training, early mornings, quiet discipline, and focused intention led to this moment. And by mile 12, my body hit a wall.. sharp pain shot through the side of my knee, and every step after became a battle. I limped through miles of pain. But there was never a thought of stopping.

Because I didn’t run just for myself.
I ran to honor my parents, and for every person affected by cancer. I carried their names on my back, your loved ones, your stories, your memories. That was my fuel when the pain tried to stop me.

Shout out to Pilsen for the loudest, most soulful support on the course. You lifted me when I needed it most. You have my fight and strength!✊🏾

Huge thanks to for the opportunity to be part of the official campaign, and to the for believing in me to represent this cause with heart.

To everyone who donated: thank you. Your generosity helped me reach my goal, and more importantly, helped make a difference.

This was more than a marathon.
It was healing.
It was purpose.
It was proof that through pain, we can still push forward with love.

Through this journey, I carry you. 🏁💙

🌟 Last chance to see it in person.
This is the final week to view my piece "Tetsuo" at the Evanston + Vicinity Biennial, closing on September 21st.

I’m deeply honored to have been selected Best in Show out of 80+ incredibly talented artists from across the Midwest. Being chosen in such a competitive field means the world to me.

If you haven't made it out yet, this is your last opportunity to experience the work in full detail and scale. Thank you again to everyone who visited, shared kind words, and voted—your support has been overwhelming.

📍 Evanston Art Center
🗓️ Through Saturday, Sept 21

📷 Photo cred: the talented Mr.

✨ Best in Show ✨
I’m honored to share that my piece “Tetsuo” has been awarded Best in Show at the 2025 Evanston + Vicinity Biennial.

Out of 73 artists selected for one of the Midwest’s most prestigious juried exhibitions and hundreds more who applied but were not accepted, being chosen for this recognition is both humbling and surreal.

The Biennial is known for its highly competitive selection process and its role in showcasing the region’s strongest contemporary voices. To have my work stand out among such extraordinary talent is something I’ll carry with me.

Thank you to the , the jurors, Kim from everyone who continues to support my journey.

📍 Exhibition Dates: August 23 – September 21, 2025
🎉 Opening Reception: August 24, 1–4 PM
📌 Evanston Art Center