Summer 2017 by Friend of the Artist is part of a quarterly print publication and online art space that showcases the work of artists from around the world. Artists represented in each publication are selected by a juror and must show immense facility and intellectual understanding of art history and the medium they use. FOA recognizes that existing as an artist outside an academic context is difficult. We function as a support structure between artists work, the art world, and an art audience. Are you an art lover? Don't get "modern art"? Whether you're an art critic or a casual art observer, this is an art book that you'll appreciate. FOA seeks to show talented artists and create a space where an audience can truly understand and appreciate their work. Through this publication, you will gain insight into the minds of artists through exclusive interviews and published statements by each artist. Artists represented in Summer 2017 are highly successfully and have graduated from top art schools like Yale and SMFA. They represent four different countries and three of the artists in the publication are full time professor. We got a chance to have a conversation Hollis Hammonds who is the Chair of the Visual Arts at St.Edwards University in Austin, TX which is published in this issue. Her work has been shown in in museums and galleries across the country and we had a blast speaking to her exchanged laughs, and are thrilled to share our conversation with you. In addition to this conversation, we also had interviews with Texas photographer, Peter Hiatt, and New York based performance artist, Bonam Kim. In this issue, we aimed at creating more dialogue around the work. That is why we we created a brand new section where we partnered with Samantha Keith, curator of Fresh Contemporary, to talk about the work of four artists. We appreciate the insight she brings to the work and encourage you to check out the great things that Fresh Contemporary is doing. This is the first issue where we partnered with another art organization, and look forward to working with others in the future. Lastly, special thanks to Chase Christensen who redesigned the publication from the ground up.