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Collaborative Artists

The Cota Sisters

⟡ The Cota Sisters create dynamic, life-sized collages celebrating global and local landmarks (Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, travels abroad, & GR Sister Cities in 2026), collaging together photography, traditional art, & social media reels to inspire community, connection, and adventure. Whether a seasoned traveler or a lifelong Michigan resident, walk through life-sized artifacts, photos, and drawings - reminisce on adventures or get ready to book your next trip. Rooted in a legacy of international family, our art is a genuine invitation:

step beyond boundaries, share global experiences, and ignite flight.

Social Media Marketer & Community host

Shaylin Cota

⟡ Host of Create & Collaborate, a monthly networking pop-up event for creatives, entrepreneurs, and community members.

⟡ Founder of Cota Creative Media, providing photography & social media content for local businesses & events.

Traditional artist & student

Addison Cota

A traditional artist specializing in charcoal, watercolor, & sketches. Addison studies Art History & aspires to be a Museum Curator. Architecture, animals, live drawing, & unique experiences inspire Addison's art.

Professional Work

⟡ ArtPrize 2024 | La Vita E Un Viaggio | GR City Hall

A 48" x 144" digital collage showcasing the sisters’ hometown, Grand Rapids, & travels abroad. The public was invited to engage with the collage by drawing, adding, and interacting with the art.

⟡ ArtPrize 2025 | Our GR Canvas | Clear Sky Eye

A 42" x 95" interactive collage celebrating GR history, businesses, & scenery. Encouraging others to experience GR, a blog titled “100 Things to Do in Grand Rapids” was published with supporting social content.

Tawas Bay Art Gallery | Tawas, MI

Sisters were invited to showcase their collection of art in hometown art gallery by childhood art teacher. The sisters included a mixture of art created individually & collaboratively.

⟡ Create & Collaborate Events | Dynamic Pop-Up Networking

Shaylin founded and co-hosts a monthly networking series for creatives, entrepreneurs, and community members, generating opportunities for local residents to connect, collaborate, and launch new projects.

⟡ Aquinas Student Gallery Exhibition

Presented five original charcoal figure drawings in a curated group exhibition, contributing both artwork and support in the installation process. Assisted with layout planning, wall placement, and overall presentation to ensure a cohesive display.

⟡ Cota Creative Media | Photography & Social Media

Creating content (photos & reels) dedicated to celebrating people, places, & things. Focused on uplifting local artists and businesses through visual storytelling. Shaylin considers herself a documentarian at heart.

"Our Grand Rapids Canvas"

a collaborative piece by sisters Shaylin and Addison Cota that captures the dynamic and creative spirit of Grand Rapids. The work merges their distinct artistic approaches to create a vibrant, multi-layered experience. To see this artwork in a new dimension, visit Clear Sky Eyecare - try on the 3D glasses, interact with the pull tabs, & read our blog "100 Things to do in GR" We believe art can take you on an interactive journey beyond a singular moment. We invite you to explore our piece's hidden gems by engaging with its pull tabs and
folded sections.

We've packed our piece with so many special Grand Rapids things. If you want a full list of '100 things to do in GR' check out our blog.

Cityscape of Grand Rapids Michiganwith modern buildings and a flowering tree on a sunny day.
Lyon Square River Walk in Bloom
Our GR Canvas| ArtPrize 2025

⟡ GR & Beyond ⟡

Headshot of Shaylin Founder of Cota Creative Media

@Shaylin.Collabs

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Shaylin.Collabs

Check out my sunset series!
Headshot of Shaylin Founder of Cota Creative Media

@Shaylin.Collabs

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Shaylin.Collabs

Thrifting in Grand Rapids
Headshot of Shaylin Founder of Cota Creative Media

@Shaylin.Collabs

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Shaylin.Collabs

Taste of GR Walking Food Tour
Headshot of Shaylin Founder of Cota Creative Media

@Shaylin.Collabs

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Shaylin.Collabs

Create & Collaborate Events
Headshot of Shaylin Founder of Cota Creative Media

@Shaylin.Collabs

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Shaylin.Collabs

World of Winter

Things we are looking forward to...

⟡ Travels

⟡ March family trip to JAPAN! (over 10 people traveling) We are visiting family & exchange students in Tokyo! Shaylin wants to extend trip to travel & visit GR's Sister City Omihachiman, Japan. Of course we are documenting the entire experience!

⟡ Perugia, Italy is another Sister City Shaylin wants to travel to. With exchange-family in Milan & Rome, these are home away from home locations.

⟡ We are both biased & blessed to call our home airport GRR, our favorite airport!**

⟡ Gallery Showcases

⟡ With a couple gallery showcases under out belt, we are excited for 2026 Gallery Opportunities!

⟡ We would love to host a gallery of our artwork featuring our travels & ArtPrize Work!

⟡ Experience: GR Symphony Art Showcase, Aquinas College Student Art Exhibition, & our latest showcase at our hometown art gallery! (Our childhood art teacher invited us, so full circle:)

⟡ Documenting | Socials, Blogs, Vlogs

⟡ Follow @Shaylin.Collabs for adventure inspo! (Instagram | TikTok)

⟡ Highlighting Hidden Gems, Unique Experiences, & Businesses

⟡ Check out my blogs 100 Things to do in Grand Rapids & Tawas

⟡ Events

⟡ Shaylin founded and co-hosts a monthly networking series for creatives, entrepreneurs, and community members, generating opportunities for local residents to connect, collaborate, and launch new projects.

Follow Create & Collaborate on Instagram