The artists included in So Real are a combination of painters, woodcarvers, and embroiderers, all of whom precisely capture the minute details of their subjects. Artist Richard Haden’s wood sculptures are inspired by discarded items and refuse he finds on streets. His carving, Colonizing Corrugation, is easily mistaken for a piece of ripped and stained cardboard, but a closer look reveals an artwork carved from fine mahogany and meticulously painted.

Artist Cayce Zavaglia creates realist imagery through embroidery. Colorful stitching creates a strikingly detailed portrait of a young model in Raphaela II. In order to create such elaborate portraits, Zavaglia developed a sewing technique that resembles the techniques found in classical painting, allowing her to blend colors and establish tonalities in her stitching. Joining Zavaglia in embroidery is artist Frances Trombly, who replicates a grocery receipt and a parking ticket with intricate stitching.