Behind the Studio Door

In this episode, Lunchador Co-Founder Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) interviews Erica Fee, the CEO and producer of the Rochester Fringe Festival! The Rochester Fringe Festival, heralded as New York State's largest multidisciplinary performing arts festival, serves as a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. The festival, taking place from September 9th to 20th, features an impressiv...

In this deeply personal episode of Behind the Studio Door, Molly discusses their upcoming duet exhibition with Rivkah Simcha. Mothering in the Dark is an intensely collaborative multidisciplinary art exhibition in which Molly and Rivkah present their non-traditional and raw experiences of motherhood. Their dialogue emphasizes the significance of artistic expression as a means of coping with the co...

In this episode, we talk with Davida Rogers about the raw, vivid power of personal expression through art. Known for her bold use of color and fearless themes that blend beauty with gore, Davida shares how her work has become a way to process big emotions — from grief to joy — and to make sense of what’s hard to put into words. We also dive into the complicated relationship many creatives have wit...

In this episode, we sit down with collage and mixed media artist Erica Bryant to explore the mysterious terrain of dreams and how they show up in our waking lives. Erica shares how her fascination with vivid dream imagery led her to start capturing not only her own dreams, but the dreamscapes of others — turning the ephemeral into tangible works of art. We talk about what it means to honor the unc...

In this episode, we chat with Hana Acabado—a Filipino author, illustrator, packaging designer, and mom of two—about how she brings her whole self into her work. Hana is the founder of Filipinta Beauty, a playful, imaginative makeup brand that celebrates Filipino culture and serves as a creative playground for her ideas. She shares how her experience as an immigrant shapes both her art and entrepre...

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Carter and Justin Ducett, the duo behind Explore Rochester , to talk about how a simple hashtag turned into a decade-long love letter to the city. As  Explore Rochester  just celebrated its 10th anniversary with a powerful exhibition at Rochester Contemporary Arts Center—featuring the work of over 500 local contributors—we reflect on what it means...

In this episode, we dive into the impact of Studio 678, an after-school program where middle school students explore analog photography and poetry. Our guests are Markus Essien, Photography Program Coordinator at Flower City Arts Center, and Emma Rathe, Manager of Programs and Exhibition Production at the George Eastman Museum. Together, they reflect on what it means to help young people find thei...

Creativity thrives in uncertainty, and for artist Magnus, that uncertainty is part of the magic. In this episode, we explore his journey as an artist, thinker, and wanderer—someone who has fully embraced the unpredictability of a creative life. Magnus shares how his early experiences shaped his artistic sensibilities and why he chooses to live without a backup plan, fully committing to his craft....

Masculinity is evolving, and so is the conversation around it. In this episode, we’re exploring  Positive Masculinity  with curators Abby Lupi and Derek Dirizio, who have been asking open questions about what masculinity can look like through their exhibition,  Positive Masculinity  at Muck Duck Studio. Abby shares the inspiration behind the show, which challenges outdated narr...

In this episode, we chat with artists Nala Ward and Emily Collins about their collaborative exhibition,  Conjunction . Their partnership started with a strong friendship and a shared respect for each other's work. We dive into the themes of growth, self-acceptance, and how poetry and collage come together in their creative process. Nala’s poetry and Emily’s visuals create a unique conversatio...

In this episode of Behind the Studio Door, we're talking to artist, activist and teacher, Unique Fair. Unique Fair is a Fine Artist from Rochester, NY who seeks to use his skill set as an artist and activist to empower people to be the change they wish to see in the world. This vision has led Unique to craft artwork that focuses on the themes of oppression, liberation, and the friction betwee...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the intersection of music, healing, and the evolving role of artists within the community, particularly in Rochester. We engage in a profound discussion with Sean, a multi-instrumentalist and performance arts medicine practitioner, who elucidates the significance of music therapy and the therapeutic applications of sound in various settings, including h...

In this episode of Behind the Studio Door, we dive into the innovative concept of the Red Dot Challenge, a fantasy art collecting game designed to enhance engagement within the Rochester art community. This unique initiative, orchestrated by Rome Celli, aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for local artists while simultaneously fostering a vibrant atmosphere for art enthusiasts. We delve into t...

The Mini Mystery Art Machine, an innovative venture initiated by Jack Ballou, serves as a conduit connecting budding art collectors with a rotating ensemble of artists from Rochester. In this episode, we talk about the conceptualization and execution of this unique art vending machine, which aims to democratize art access by providing miniature works in unexpected locales. The discussion also expl...

Join Molly Darling, Christian Rivera, and Chris Lindstrom as they dive back into the world of creativity and collaboration after a summer hiatus. The trio discusses the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout while exploring the dynamics of artistic collaboration in Rochester. They reflect on their experiences over the past months, sharing insights on how personal and professional relationshi...

In this exciting second half of our live podcast recording at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), we dive deeper into the vibrant and diverse 6x6 exhibition. Hosts Christian Rivera, Molly Darling, and producer Chris Lindstrom chat with artists and attendees alike, uncovering personal stories and creative processes that fuel this unique art experience. From Carmela Casuccio, an artist red...

In this captivating episode of  Behind the Studio Door , hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera sit down with interdisciplinary artist Hayley Davis to discuss her unique approach to painting using natural, foraged pigments from the Colombian landscape. A Rochester native, Hayley spends half of each year in Colombia, where she collects vibrant earth pigments from riverbeds, construction site...

In this episode of  Behind the Studio Door , hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, along with producer Chris Lindstrom, sit down with Jo, the founder of The Op Shop in Rochester's East End. Jo shares her inspiring journey from a nine-to-five job to creating a vibrant space for sustainable fashion and community connection. Jo discusses the origins of The Op Shop, how it grew from a small p...

In this special live episode of "Behind the Studio Door," we bring you to the heart of Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) for the vibrant opening night of the annual 6x6 exhibition on First Friday. Join us as we immerse ourselves in the buzz of this unique event, chatting with a diverse array of attendees and participants, including the visionary director of RoCo, Bleu Cease. Experience the...

In this episode of "Behind the Studio Door," host Molly Darling and producer Chris Lindstrom sit down with Bleu Cease, the director of the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo). Bleu shares his journey with RoCo, from its early days as the Pyramid Art Center to becoming a key cultural space in downtown Rochester. He delves into the history of the artist space movement, RoCo's evolution, and the...

In this episode of Behind the Studio Door, hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, along with producer Chris Lindstrom, dive into a lively conversation with interdisciplinary artist Susan Begy. Susan, who explores themes of humanity, power dynamics, and cooperation through her graphite drawings and stone sculptures, shares insights into her creative process and the evolution of her work. The dis...

In this episode of Behind the Studio Door, hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, along with producer Chris Lindstrom, welcome Erich Lehman, the curator behind Rochester’s 1975 Gallery and the driving force behind Wall Therapy. Erich shares the journey of founding the 1975 Gallery, a space that has significantly shaped the city's cultural landscape. From its beginnings as a dare to its evolutio...

Join us for an inspiring episode of "Behind the Studio Door" as we dive into the world of multimedia artist and educator Taylor Kennedy. Originally from Sodus Point, New York, Taylor's work explores themes of childhood, domesticity, womanhood, and middle-class life through large-scale ephemeral installations. She candidly shares her unique, non-academic approach to creativity, integrating personal...

Join hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera on this episode of "Behind the Studio Door" as they delve into the "Myth of the Artist Personality." Together, they challenge the stereotypical notions that often define who can or cannot be considered an artist. Through personal anecdotes and lively discussions, they examine how appearances and societal expectations shape our understanding of artistic...

Join us on today's episode of Behind the Studio Door as host Molly Darling, cohost Christian Rivera, and producer Chris Lindstrom welcome the incredibly versatile artist Nala Ward. In today’s episode, Nala shares an intimate look at her multifaceted journey as a poet and visual artist. She discusses how her personal experiences and emotions significantly influence her creative output, revealing th...