Lightwork Exchange: Dogs in a Pile Pins, Stickers & Artist Collabs | Purpose Chasers Spotlight
At Purpose Chasers, we’re not just chasing dreams, we’re catching creative legacies in motion. This month’s Artist Spotlight is lighting up with color, connection, and collectible culture as we shine a bright beam on Lightwork Exchange, the fan-fueled merch brand founded by Evan and supported by Jon, two passionate contributors to the Dogs in a Pile community The Dog Pound and the jam band art scene at large.
Whether you're a seasoned pinhead or new to the merch table game, Lightwork’s designs are more than collectibles, they’re handcrafted snapshots of shared experiences, woven into every sticker, pin, patch, and piece of wearable art they produce.
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From Phish Pins to Purposeful Partnerships
Evan’s journey began back in 2015 with a single Phish pin from Catskill Chill and a curious desire to trade. That seed of inspiration grew into years of original designs, a few name changes (shoutout to Wook Toys R Us), and eventually the fully bloomed Lightwork Exchange.
But here’s what makes Lightwork different: while hype culture often fuels scarcity and resale chaos, Evan’s vision, backed by his longtime friend and collaborator Jon @thewizard008 , is grounded in relationships and originality. Lightwork doesn’t just slap logos on mass-produced gear, they collaborate, celebrate, and cultivate deep community ties with every design. From Grateful Dead-inspired shades to pins that commemorate the earliest days of Dogs in a Pile, they’re building a vault of culture for the long haul.
Bedazzled Shades and Dogs on a Patch
After Lightwork Exchange rebranded, Jon & Heather started crafting custom dog-themed sunglasses, decked out with paws, jewels, and lyrics like “Hip to the Trip.” From custom orders to one-off table drops, these bedazzled frames have become visual markers of fan unity across venues.
If you’ve seen a glimmer of rhinestones catching the stage lights at a Dogs show, it’s probably a Lightwork original.
Collaboration Is the Culture
The heartbeat of Lightwork Exchange is collaboration. Longtime artist Steve helps turn ideas into fully realized designs, but Evan and Jon have built partnerships that extend far beyond production.
They’ve worked with bands like Dogs in a Pile, Goose, Spafford, and are currently in talks to produce merch for even more artists (including a Purpose Chasers pin 👀). What started as Phish fan art has turned into a platform that uplifts the entire community—through relationships, not transactions.
Moe Lemonjelly's stickers and Shirts & Emma’s Tie-Dyes
You can't talk about Dogs fan art without mentioning @Moe-Lemonjelly. She’s more than a tie-dye artist, she’s a community builder. Whether she’s running pre-show vending tables, collaborating on designs, or bringing sticker ideas to life, Mo has become a staple presence. And her generosity speaks volumes, she's always quick to share, create, and uplift others in the scene. @Moe Lemonjelly
I put a special “Views on Chomping Poll” up on Spotify just for Moe! Please go share your 1 of 3 options
Emma, too, has carved out her own colorful lane with stunning tie-dye patterns that practically pulse with rhythm. Her wearable art is unmistakable, and her recent drops have been flying. Catch her at shows and pre-shows to snag one-of-a-kind pieces while you can. Check out her Dogs in a Pile inspired art here https://gratefulgalcreations.etsy.com
Merch with Meaning, Memory with Merch
Here’s what we love most about Lightwork: their pins and stickers aren’t made for resellers—they’re made for rememberers. For people who want to hold a piece of
the show, the season, the tour in their hands. As Dogs in a Pile continues to rise, these early-edition pins are already becoming treasured collectibles.
Still, Evan’s not chasing hype—he’s building legacy. And if you ask us? That’s the kind of merch that matters.
Come Find Us at Asbury Park
Planning to hit the Asbury Park summer stage? Don’t miss the pre-show at Low Dive, hosted by Lightwork Exchange with music and a stacked lineup of vendors and artists, including the Purpose Chasers. Evan and Jon will be there, ready to connect, create, and sell some fire new gear. You might even score a sneak peek at our collab pin.
Poster by: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.helfrich
Final Thoughts: Chase the Art. Catch the Purpose.
To Evan, Jon, Moe, Emma, and the entire Dogs fan art community: thank you for building a space where creativity, kindness, and collectibility can thrive. Purpose Chasers is proud to share a table with you, both literally and figuratively.
Let’s keep co-creating.
Pictured two custom @Moe Lemonjelly and a Lightwork Exchange Dogs in a Pile 1/1 hat.
Thank you Schiess family for the photo.
🔗 Want to join the Purpose Chasers network or bring your brand’s vision to life?
→ Visit thepurposechasers.com
🛒 Want to snag some of Lightwork’s latest?
→ Visit their site @ https://lightworkexchange.com
📌 Bonus: GO Subscribe to the show, Leave a Comment and ANSWER the Poll Question about Chomper's at Shows on Spotify
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