Wytheville, VA – September 2023 – Lily Formato, owner of Formato Fine Arts, was invited to exhibit her work at Chicago's prestigious Randolph Street Market Festival. The event, renowned for its eclectic mix of antique markets, indie design, and vintage fashion, provided a prime platform for Formato to showcase her powerful paintings and ceramics. Her art reflects deep emotional narratives rooted in her Appalachian upbringing and her community’s struggles with the opioid crisis.

At Randolph Street Market, a hub for fashionistas, trendsetters, and artists from around the globe, Formato’s participation solidifies her place among emerging voices in the art world. The event, recognized for its vibrant atmosphere and dubbed a "mecca of cool" by Travel & Leisure, was an ideal setting for Formato to introduce her unique Appalachian perspective to a broader audience.
Formato’s inclusion as a special invitee also underscores her commitment to continue the work she started on community engagement, education and creativity both in her hometown of Wytheville in Chicago.
About Lily Formato: Raised in the heart of Appalachia, Lily Formato’s art is a reflection of the people and culture that shaped her. Her work, spanning painting and ceramics, tells stories of despair and hope, often focusing on the impact of the opioid crisis in her community. Formato’s expressive portraits and self-reflective pieces blend vivid color with advanced oil-painting techniques, exploring themes of identity, human connection, and emotional resilience. A self-described voyeurist, she often draws inspiration from slice-of-life moments, bringing deeply personal narratives to life through her vibrant and evocative compositions.

About Randolph Street Market: The Randolph Street Market Festival is a celebrated monthly event in Chicago, featuring the best in antique, indie, and vintage design. Frequently highlighted by major media outlets, the festival attracts collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts from around the world. The event is a melting pot of creativity and is regarded as one of Chicago’s top destinations for unique, high-quality art and design pieces.
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