CHICAGO — Using gloved hands, artist Kelly Mathews rubs blood-red paint over layers of melted beeswax as “Fire,” her painting, takes form. She carefully uses a blowtorch, then a heat gun to dry her ...

It’s no question that FOX’s hit show, “Empire,” is here to stay. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, the drama has captivated audiences with a host of sassy, complex and outspoken characters.

Using gloved hands, artist Kelly Mathews rubs blood-red paint over layers of melted beeswax as “Fire,” her painting, takes form. She carefully uses a blowtorch, then a heat gun to dry her work before ...