Chris Gilbert, a Louisville architect, will take part in this year’s Mainz Festival – "Art in the City 2009". He looks forward to his first visit to Mainz this spring. Chris studied English and Fine Art at the University of Louisville , where he graduated as a College Scholar with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also spent six years in Texas , where he began his architectural studies as an opportunity to combine his talents for written and visual communications. Chris taught undergraduate drafting and drawing classes at Texas A&M University , where he received his Masters of Architecture degree in 1998. Chris is currently a Project Architect for Stengel-Hill Architecture in Louisville , Kentucky . He works on a variety of project types relating to Healthcare, which satisfies his desire for performing socially-responsible work. Chris is married to Helga Burke and they have two lovely daughters, Isabel and Anna

Cliff Swearingen was born in Gelnhausen, Germany and grew up in South Florida. He attended the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, then specialized in business logos and other commercial work. Cliff also received commissions for portraits and participated in a number of art shows and competitions. In 2001, Cliff relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was involved in the design and execution of local events, especially during Kentucky Derby time. At the present time, Cliff is working on illustrations for a geological textbook. "I am excited," he says, "to represent Louisville and the U.S. during the Art in the City event in our Sister City, Mainz. It is an honor."