THE BRAND

HIT ME UP IN REAL LIFE

is a creative space, aiming to enhance local engagement through artistic expression.

About Us

At HMUIRL, we believe that every artist has the potential to thrive, but the journey to success isn’t always clear. Co-Founded by Anna Miller and Teresa Knecht, both with nearly a decade of experience working alongside a world-renowned artist, we’ve seen firsthand what makes an artist truly successful. It’s not just about creating—it's about building a brand, engaging with the community, and navigating the often-overlooked world of self-promotion.

That's where we come in.

HMUIRL is dedicated to helping emerging artists overcome the most common challenges they face—marketing and self-promotion—by providing the tools and community connections they need to flourish. Through strategic partnerships with small businesses, in-person events, and direct-to-consumer sales, we bring art back into the heart of local communities.

We work closely with artists to develop their portfolios, CVs, and professional practices, ensuring they have everything they need to present themselves confidently to the world. Our turnkey solution handles the logistics of event planning and marketing, so artists can stay focused on what they do best: CREATING.

Since our founding, we’ve partnered with 70+ creatives and small businesses to bring their work to new audiences through successful art events.

At HMUIRL, we are more than just a service for artists. We’re a community—a movement to bring art back to the people and help artists take control of their careers.

Join us in transforming the art community, one artist at a time.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

BFA PRINTMAKING UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

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Anna Miller

Anna Miller has played a pivotal role in advancing the arts in Iowa by fostering deep, personal connections between artists and their communities. After working for the Lasansky Studio and gallery for 8 years she kicked off her artist career by earning her BFA in Printmaking in 2024. Her research focused on, “Illuminating women's rights and the political dynamics in Iowa.” During her time at the University she learned about community and how valuable it is for artists to have support with their careers. She aspired to help other artists attain their legacy. Through one-on-one mentorship, she helps emerging creatives connect with small businesses that prioritize sales, ensuring that artists can sustain themselves financially while expanding their audience.

Her impact is evident in the more than 120+ creatives she has worked with, many of whom have found new platforms for exposure through key events such as the North Side Market, Fashion Festival, Summer Pop-Up,Holiday Pop-Up and numerous art demos with the Iowa Print Group. By curating and organizing these opportunities, she has built bridges between artists and the public, making art more accessible while strengthening the local creative economy.

Beyond event coordination, Anna has demonstrated a commitment to preserving and showcasing important artistic legacies. She is currently archiving and exhibiting Virginia A. Myers’ work, ensuring that the contributions of established artists continue to inspire future generations.

Her work extends into education and empowerment, particularly for underrepresented artists. Through garment construction and collaboration in seven fashion shows, she has helped creators take bold creative leaps that amplify their voices. The seminars and workshops she leads go beyond technical skill, inviting artists to explore the intersection of personal oppression, the body, and the societal structures that shape identity. By guiding them in tracing these histories and collecting personal ephemera, she empowers artists to create work that speaks to their lived experiences.

Anna Miller’s dedication to mentorship, community-building, and artistic exploration makes her an essential force in advancing the arts in Iowa. Her ability to nurture both individual talent and collective artistic movements ensures that the state's creative landscape remains vibrant and inclusive.

CHIEF OPPERATIONS OFFICER

MBA CANIDATE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

PHARMACY PHD CANIDATE UNVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

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Teresa Knecht

Teresa Knecht has played a crucial role in shaping Iowa’s creative landscape by supporting artists in developing sustainable careers. As the Chief Operating Officer of HMUIRL, an arts and studio platform, she works closely with CEO Anna Miller to provide emerging artists with opportunities to showcase and sell their work. HMUIRL’s success was recognized when it won first place in the Elevator Pitch competition at the University of Iowa's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Undergraduate Startup Incubator Summer Track.

Teresa’s expertise extends beyond the arts. Currently pursuing both a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Michigan, she brings a strategic, interdisciplinary approach to HMUIRL. Her pharmacy background has given her a deep understanding of structure, precision, and problem-solving—skills that translate seamlessly into managing a growing business. Meanwhile, her MBA equips her with the financial and operational knowledge needed to expand HMUIRL’s reach, ensuring long-term success for both the organization and the artists it supports.

Through her leadership, Teresa has helped build HMUIRL into a vital resource for creatives by organizing events, forming business partnerships, and developing sustainable revenue models for artists. With her combined expertise in business and the arts, she is creating a future where artists have the tools, support, and financial stability to turn their passion into lasting careers.

HMUIRL MEMBER

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

BFA PRINTMAKING UNIVERSTIY OF IOWA

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Emily Edwards

Emily Edwards moves through the arts with the hands of a printmaker—layering, refining, and pulling new possibilities from what exists. As an artist and Chief Creative Officer at HMUIRL, she has shaped the space into more than just a platform—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem where artists can experiment, create, and be seen.

With a BFA in Printmaking, Emily understands the deep connection between process and expression. Her work at HMUIRL reflects this—she curates not just exhibitions, but experiences. Whether it’s guiding artists through the weight of ink on paper, arranging moments where art meets the public in unexpected ways, or fostering collaborations that stretch across disciplines, she ensures that creativity remains raw, tactile, and deeply personal.

Workshops under Emily’s direction aren’t just instructional—they are spaces of discovery. She encourages artists to engage with their materials like an extension of themselves, tracing the histories, textures, and narratives that shape their work. Through hands-on printmaking events and experimental showcases, she creates room for artists to push past limitations and carve out their own visual language.

Her leadership at HMUIRL is not about control—it’s about opening doors. She believes in process over perfection, in the messiness of making, in the way ink bleeds into paper like memory into skin. The space she cultivates is one where artists can be uncertain, bold, vulnerable, and unafraid to press into the unknown.

Through Emily’s vision, HMUIRL is not just a place where art is displayed—it is a place where art is formed, felt, and lived.

POLICY

Conditions of Return

  • Exchange Options: Buyers can exchange an item for another of equal value
  • Return Period: Items must be returned within 30 days from the date of delivery
  • Shipping Costs: Buyers are responsible for the return or exchange shipping
  • Item Conditions: Items must be returned in their original condition. If an item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value, as agreed upon with the seller.

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