Lu Valena is a person of many interests exploring themes of expansion, the space in between, and a deep desire to put more power into the hands of creative people.

Lu Valena (they/them, b. 1985) is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer and educator. They hold a BA in Studio Art from Hampshire College (2007) and a Masters in Gastronomy/Food Studies from Boston University (2016). Valena serves as executive director of Bait/Switch Magazine, and is the former owner/operator of the coffeehouse and gallery Voltage Coffee & Art.