EPISODE TWO
On March 7th 2025, we hosted the second edition of our roundtable series, inspired by the South Korean phrase 홍익인간 (hongik ingan), meaning "to broadly benefit the human world." With this in mind, we created a welcoming space for Chicago-based creatives to share their artistic journeys and perspectives with the city's emerging artists, art lovers, and future patrons.
This discussion featured three dynamic voices—John Pendleton (Planks & Pistils), Viviana Langhoff (Adornment & Theory), and Genie Kwon & Tim Flores (Kasama). The evening unfolded with a critical live conversation that became the second episode of our media series, followed by an intimate tarot card reading session led by Adia Sykes.
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ARTIST & FLORIST
“Originally from Grove Hill, Alabama, my love for people, woodworking and flowers began with my innately creative parents. I learned the basics of design in my father’s woodshop and the power of imagination from my mother’s ability to craft at home, church, and the preschool she co-directed. This artistic heritage is my foundation for exploring what was once a seed - wood and flowers - and creating something new.”
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FINE JEWELRY DESIGNER
Viviana Langhoff is a multi-hyphenate creative, fine jewelry designer, and owner of Adornment & Theory in Chicago. Rooted in the concept of heirlooms, she believes jewelry is a timeless conduit for personal stories. With over 16 years of experience, Viviana’s work spans custom jewelry, interior design, and decorative objects. She honed her skills in conceptual design at The School of the Art Institute and metalsmithing at Columbia College, gaining expertise in both fine and contemporary art jewelry. Her passion lies in crafting meaningful, resonant pieces that connect with people daily.
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CHEF S & CO-OWNERS
Tim Flores grew up just outside of Chicago with his parents, who immigrated from the Philippines in 1975. His first experience in professional kitchens was polishing dishes at GT Fish & Oyster between college semesters in Iowa. Flores returned to Chicago and transitioned to GT’s kitchen, where he met his future partner, Genie Kwon. In 2016 they helped open Oriole, a fine dining restaurant in the West Loop. In July of 2020, Flores and Kwon opened Kasama, a bakery and restaurant that serves modern Filipino food inspired by the dishes Flores grew up eating. Meaning “together” in Tagalog, Kasama is a reflection of both Kwon’s and Flores’ culinary backgrounds. In 2022, Kasama earned the first ever Michelin star for a Filipino restaurant.
