We explore the art of one of the early 20th century’s great photographers of humanity, Edward Steichen. We follow along as a very rare fortepiano undergoes a complete restoration. We see how doodles can be a beautiful and connective force. And entertainer Michael Feinstein gives one UCF student the experience of a lifetime.
In this edition of Art Connection, we meet Christine Bossler, an independent metal smith and jeweler whose eclectic pieces have caught the eye of people all over the world. See how the classical training of The Art of Ballet at the Miami City Ballet teaches children discipline, self-esteem and incredible work ethic. We take a look at Edith Head’s historic costume collection. And we meet some Sacramento tattoo artists utilizing living canvases
Thomas Ashcraft shares his love for studying natural phenomena through photography. We meet Jane Walentas, who spent 27 years restoring a carousel and is its namesake, and discuss the carousel’s journey to Brooklyn, New York. We take a look at an original play about a soldier and his dog. And we talk with Brook Hill, a student of University of Central Florida, and what bringing awareness to human trafficking means to her.
Drones take to the skies over Houston and offer a new perspective on the urban intersections. We learn about the late American painter Robert Butler, who created colorful and romantic portrayals of landscapes. A new board-game parlor is in town, and don’t think it’s just a place for Dungeons and Dragons. It’s complete with trained board-game sommeliers on-hand to help you. And we visit Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady, New York to see how actors bring the amazing puppets of War Horse to life.
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Ohio State Ball, the largest ballroom dance competition in the world. Filmmaker Ken Burns speaks with reporter Carrie Saldo about his unique approach to the craft. We visit The Millay Colony of the Arts, which gives artists the time and space to create. And we visit a retrospective of George Rodrigue’s work and his son lends his insight into the man behind the Blue Dog.
Dive into the first photography exhibit showcasing the Midwest motorcycle culture from those within the community. One group of central Florida performers shows off their skill and ignores the warning of “don’t play with fire. Artist Sherry Hill creates bright, multicultural masks out of old computer boxes and colored paper. And we meet a Sacramento collage artist making pictures out of pieces in her creation of work.
Today on Art Connection we follow composer Daniel Bernard Roumain to a park where he makes picnickers part of his performance. We also interview three-time Emmy winner actor Bryan Cranston. Paper artist, Tom Balbo passes on his skills to future generations and Rob Stewart talks to Mari Ariola about what makes her Sacramento, California gallery so special.
Suzanne Seller’s art can be seen all around Houston, Texas and today we go examine her creative process and an artistic method for deceiving the eye. We visit The Arbor Opera Theater where artist and dancers perform inspiring pieces and use opera to combat the stigma of depression and other illnesses. Discover how The 3rd Law Dance/Theater is changing the way of traditional performances by combining both musicians and dancers together on stage. And meet visual artist Adler Guerrier whose work is a combination of photography, printmaking techniques, sculpture and video.
Learn about a Tampa Bay non-profit that provides musical instruments to injured veterans and other service members in an effort to use the power of music to help heal. Meet life-long artist Tim Jackson, who, after suffering a stroke, had to learn to paint with his left hand. What began as the first Hispanic-led public radio station in the country, KUVO celebrated its 30th year in the 2015 as one of the top jazz radio stations in the world. Also, Susie Medhurst and Jenni Quadros make teddy bears and memory pillows; a labor of love becomes a huggable memory for families remembering loved ones.
Albany NY photographer Connie Frisbee Houde has been traveling to Afghanistan and telling the country’s harrowing and untold stories with her photographs since 2003. Gabriela “Chanchita Riveros is a recent graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and making a name for herself in the art community through her unique illustrations influenced by her Paraguayan heritage. We meet Cincinnati composer, performer, and community based teacher and activist - Eddy Kwon. We recently stopped into his Price Hill performance space to learn more about his work. We visit an art exhibit in raw warehouse space, where all exhibitors were charged with making art inspired by the concepts of "rough" and "tumble."
Sculptor and installation artist, Martha Russo, hopes her mysterious objects and forms will inspire her viewer’s childlike curiosity. Art meets football in an informative museum exhibit, that celebrates the seventieth anniversary of the reintegration of the National Football League. Daniel Arsham’s installation, “Welcome to the Future, at Locust Projects in Florida creates and excavation trench in the gallery’s floor, holding artifacts of the 20th century. And we sit down with The Vision Male Ensemble, who focus on creating the bond of brotherhood through music.
As the country celebrates the birth of one of America’s civil rights leaders, members of the Minnesota community get together and re-tell his famous “I Have a Dream speech. We meet Houston Quilter Kim Ritter whose art is whimsical, ironic and funny. In celebration of their 75th anniversary, The American Ballet Theatre collaborates with filmmaker Ric Burns to present the film “American Ballet Theatre: A History. And we visit the Emerson Burkhart exhibit at the Ohio history center.
Ever get a get a creative block? Meet Tricia Leonard, a creativity coach, and sit in on a session where she helps artists overcome mental blocks and tap into their inner creativity. We take a look at over 65 years with the Sacramento Music Circus. Discover The Showmen’s Museum which preserves the artifacts form circuses, carnivals, and traveling shows, ensuring that the art and culture of these American traditions never die. And we visit The Holocaust Museum in Houston, Texas where children who died in the Holocaust are being memorialized with artfully crafted butterflies.
Celebrating a century of the dreadnought and the wonders of the family biz Chris Martin of Martin Guitars strings us along with fabulous historic notes. Like most working actors, Kevin Farrell held random jobs while pursuing a career in Hollywood where he appeared in small roles in film and television, most notably on “Frasier." when a friend encouraged him to sell Tupperware, in drag. Beehive architect Jarrett Mellenbruch combines community art with a family legacy. Lastly, Cindi Rose, a Silhouette artist creates works of art with just a scissors and a piece of paper.
We visit with Marilynne Bradley, a St. Louis watercolorist who has a strong sense of place in her work. Photographer Ian Ruhter takes us for a ride as he travels across America in a truck that also serves as his camera. We discover how the performing arts support well rounded students as we look at the Circle Theater Company’s 50th performance, “Hello Dolly. And we visit The Doll Museum in historic downtown Worthington, Ohio which features an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century dolls.
Discover painter Thomas Hart Benton, an artist who brings a cinematic approach to the art in his paintings stemming from the days he worked alongside early filmmakers. Get a look inside the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in Wisconsin and the life of the legendary performer Liberace. We visit PlatteForum, the non-profit arts organization in Denver, Colorado that combines working artists with at-risk youth. And artist Larry Vienneau creates visual narratives that tell stories about the Raven and Crow.
Actress Sirena Irwin gives audiences more of the beloved character Lucy Ricardo in the new stage adaptation of “I Love Lucy. We visit “Canstruction, a place where groups gather to create their own designs out of canned goods. Artist Jonathan Wolfe shares his fascination with how fractals mirror patterns in nature and Rahul Kadakia, the Head of Jewelry at Christie’s Americas & Switzerland discusses the significance of emeralds throughout history.
St. Louis photographer Angela Vories applies her experience with other visual arts to her pictures, to create effects that elicit feelings and thoughts about the nature of photography. Meet Bernard Gaddis, owner of the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, and discover the love for his craft and the art of dance. Artist Rebecca Rose sculptures are both decorative and functional as each ring is crafted with exquisite detail and tells a story. And artist Brian Keeler shares how light and nature are constant themes throughout his work.
Visit the Sideshow of Pamela Joseph that leads viewers through contemporary notions of female power while delivering the underlying theme of tolerance. Go on a photo shoot with Eric Anderson as he captures a world of imaginary creatures and fire. Meet the SMAG Dance Collective that will dance everywhere and anywhere and discover the cultural influence to an artist’s work.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s director of 25 years has recently announced she will be stepping down. We chat with her about why it’s time to go and the theft that still haunts her. Painter George Kovach, best known for his landscapes of Texas, shares with us that nostalgia is what inspires his work. We talk with notable comic book artist Jason Aaron. And The Urban Conga works to make a difference by getting people out in the community.