In the heart of East Williamsburg two weeks ago, I embarked on a journey through the winter streets to attend the second edition of "The Extraordinaries" presented by the Espejo Organization for the Arts (EOarts). Despite the chill, the promise of an extraordinary artistic adventure lured me to the gallery on the Grand Street L.

Curated by distinguished artists Erica Reade and Gaspar Marquez, the exhibition aimed to showcase the impact of immigrant artists on the creative landscape of the United States. Named after the visa and green card status granted to artists with extraordinary ability, "The Extraordinaries" featured diverse works from artists representing over fifteen countries.

Reade and Marquez, both notable figures in the New York art scene, curated an unconventional show that went beyond the traditional art exhibition. Their multidisciplinary approach showcased works in visual arts, design, illustration, film, and more, offering attendees a comprehensive view of the global creative community.

In the visual arts category, pieces by international artists such as Spanish illustrator Patricia Bolaños, Japanese sand artist Naoshi, Lebanese Armenian mixed media artist Hildos, and Spanish painters Amaia Marzabal and Aida Miro adorned the gallery. Ukrainian artist Maksym Kazarin and Indian artist Kuldeep Singh, known for his video piece "Still Here," added to the eclectic mix.

Photography enthusiasts were treated to works by distinguished figures like fashion and documentary photographer Izabella Demavlys, still photographer Beatrice Aguirre, street and portrait photographer Anya Broido, and Colombian fine art photographer Julian Montenegro.

The creative showcase extended to visual communications and design, highlighting talents such as Chilean art director Nico Mardones, New Zealand 3D artist Jenny Jiang, English graphic designer Crissy Bogusz, and Czech 3D design duo Johana & Maxim Kroft. Interior design and architecture weren't overlooked, with contributions from Korean furniture designer Joseph Chun, Indian architect Keerti Nair, and Chinese architectural designer Kun Li.

Fashion took center stage with works from Chinese creative director Churou Wang, Japanese costume designer Saori Mitome, Chinese fashion designer Grace Fu, and Chinese bespoke tailor and designer Yuecen Ricky Cai of YUECEN.

Beyond the visual arts, the event featured special performances and presentations, including a snippet from Spanish actor and producer Edu Diaz's play "A Drag is Born," a mesmerizing monologue by Chinese actress Cynthia Yiru Hu, and the introduction of the innovative cultural token startup, Defy Funding, by producer Lander Camarero and his partner Walter Rodriguez.

One standout collaboration was "New York Women & The Zodiac" by Brazilian editor and astrologist Larissa Xavier and illustrator Niege Borges. This celestial masterpiece fused Xavier's astrological narratives with Borges's vibrant zodiac visuals against the backdrop of New York City, symbolizing the rebellious spirit of the city's women.

"The Extraordinaries" celebrated immigrant talent as a dynamic testament to the cultural wealth foreign-born art professionals bring to American creativity. It asserted that the diverse forms of American art bear the indelible imprint of immigrant heritage. With the anticipation building, the show is set for its third edition in March 2024, promising another unmissable celebration of extraordinary talent.