The Fantastic Merlins

Art in the cafe...

Dottie and Josie Brand (Two Peas in a Pod)


"Summer Magic"


June 2026



We are self-taught artists who create work inspired by healing, nature, travel, and personal experiences. Growing up, art became a way for us to process emotions, express ourselves, and create spaces that felt meaningful and comforting. Our first “gallery” was our college apartment, which we transformed with our own artwork and nature-inspired design and the power of the feminine. Sharing our space and work with others encouraged us to continue creating and exploring art more seriously. Inspired by our Latin culture, color, emotion, and everyday moments, our work reflects themes of connection, growth,...
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Friday, August 26, 2005

Intensely cinematic and entirely unique, the rare beauty of New York City and Minneapolis based instrumental combo The Fantastic Merlins begins with the group---s unusual blend of cello (Jacqueline Ferrier-Ultan), saxophone (Nathan Hanson), bass (Brian Roessler), and drums (Federico Ughi). Replete with stunning dynamics and melodies that range from playful to mournful, the resulting style encompasses avant-garde jazz and chamber music alike, as well as everything in between. This kind of genre-bending anti-pop typically caters to the jazz or classical crowd, but The Fantastic Merlins have already attracted the attention of a widely diverse audience. The group will tour in Summer 2005 behind their debut live EP The Fantastic Merlins.