The Chico Creates Podcast

This is an episode rich in insight and real talk! Cameron & I discussed the role of arts & artists in society, why one might decide NOT to monetize their art, and bespoke outerwear for rocks, among other things! Please enjoy this episode with Cameron Kelly, who you might know as the Gallery Director at Chico Art Center or as a Professor at Butte College. Let us know what you think! Follow...

I am so excited to share Lindsay Hook, of Lantern Print Co., with you! She is a digital illustrator who balances her creativity and home life in order to create lovely works of art available as prints, products, and most recently, the Lighted Window Tarot Deck! Take a listen to learn what inspires her and how she gets it all done. Follow her on Instagram @lanternprintco and check out her website,...

I had an absolutely delightful conversation with Rebecca Shelly of @weftandwillowstudio all about how her journey brought her from Maine and painting, to Chico and fiber arts! Rebecca is an artist and teacher who recently opened a studio here in town where she teaches workshops on natural dying, sewing, weaving, embroidery, and more. The Chico Creates podcast is made possible by supporters like yo...

I had a great conversation with Jonathan Greenfield of  @greenfieldpetphotography  on how great it is to be a pet lover in Chico! We talk about how he got into photography and how his life came to revolve around pets and animals, as well as his Chico Pets Calendar Fundraiser for the  @chicoanimalshelter . You can enter the contest now and vote to help raise money for the Chico Animal Shelter's...

I'm so excited to share this episode with the creator of Bonfire Storytelling, Bonnie Pipkin! Bonnie is an author who was raised in Chico, moved to New York, found her way back to her hometown, started a family, and found a creative community ready to share their stories - we discuss the crazy path life took her on and learn more about her writing process. Bonfire is a very special multi-gener...

Ama and I talk all about how she strikes something akin to a balance between her studio practice, teaching classes for kids and adults here in Chico, and raising a family between Chico and Sacramento, and especially how so much of it all started in just the last few years and has become the thriving business it is today! It was awesome to get her insights on figuring out how to do your best work,...

Musician Kirk Williams and I chat about the highs and lows that most creatives in today's world face, such as the balancing act between finding the time to write, to enjoying the freedom to experiment while working and living in Chico! It was great to hear from a born and raised Chico musician on how much things have changed in the best way for new artists to be able to join the scene and keep...

I had a really an enlightening & fascinating conversation with Dragonboy, a Chico art scene icon! In this episode, you'll hear about his history with Chico and his artistic and spiritual path. Dragonboy is always good for some esoteric/metaphysical talk, and our conversation is a great inspiration to tune in, get outside, look at things from a new perspective, and put your creativity to wo...

Ross Weigel, local printmaker and market scene frequenter, and I discuss everything we love about Chico, the story of why he got into printmaking and why he loves it so much, how becoming a father has evolved his art, and so much more. Join us on this inspiring and honest talk about making art in Chico and what it means to be part of this creative community! You can find Ross on Instagram at @Ross...

It was SO much fun to chat with the four members of Furlough Fridays! The band is comprised of two married couples: Minnie Mental (lead vocals) and JP (drums) and Meagatron (bass and backing vocals) and Adam (guitar). 💚 The four of them have so much chemistry and so many good vibes. We talked all about the way the band formed and how they're still going strong! So much love for Chico and the...

In this episode, Maevyn tells all! She shares her whole story about the major health event that launched her art career, and it gives so much context to the kind of work she creates. If you've been to the Bizarre Bazaar or to the Chico Art Center during Open Studios season in the last couple of years, without a doubt you've noticed her creepy-cool art that gives dead things new life! Her s...

In this episode, Michael and I talk about all the things that fascinate him (the list is long!) and the secret to his approach to improving on any/all of his skills (hint: do what interests you!!). His approach to his craft can be adopted by anyone for an infinitely more interesting and exciting life. I loved listening to him tell his stories about how his processes have changed and how he's e...

In this special year-end bonus episode, I interview... myself! Well, sort of. COVID and the holidays got the better of me and we did not get any new episodes with guests scheduled or recorded, so instead I found a quiet moment to let you get to know a little more about your host, me, Ciara Barsotti. I hope you enjoy this little musing episode and that it gives you some pleasant company wherever yo...

In this episode, I interview local musician Cody "Kat" Johns, who is a local music teacher, punk rock drummer, guitarist and singer-songwriter, among many other things! We dive deep into how events in her life have shaped her music, and how the community she has found through music has, in turn, shaped her life. Such a great conversation that I can't wait for you to hear! Follow Kat...

In Episode 8, I interview Christian Laney-Clark, the designer and artist behind Therros Western, a brand new art-forward handmade Western shirt brand! We talk about how he ended up sewing and the story behind his latest series, "A Westerly Direction," which you can find at the 1078 Gallery this December! Follow Christian at @therroswestern and catch him at the artist reception at 1078 on...

In Episode 7, I interview two guests! Lorna Such and Webster Moore share how their love of music and this funky little band has grown over the years into something truly spectacular, how they weathered the pandemic, and what is next for the band Lo & Behold. This is a super fun episode that I think you'll enjoy! Lo & Behold is a seven-piece groove band from Chico, California. Bringing...

In Episode 6, artist Christian Davila and I discuss why as artists we make what we make and how to discover your artistic voice, as well as all things bird-obsession and some of her innovative techniques to create her stunning bird sculptures. I don't know about you but I definitely want to add one of these beautiful birdies to my art collection! Christian Davila's instagram is @visual_dis...

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Lauren Meichtry on the relationship between cities and the humans that inhabit them! We discuss growing up in Chico, comparing the differences between US cities and European ones, and the creativity in all of us. Lauren Meichtry's Instagram is ⁠⁠ @likem_design and her website is www.laurenmeichtry.com. The Chico Creates podcast is made possible by supporte...

Thanks for listening to episode 4 of the Chico Creates Podcast! In this episode, I interview local musician Pat Hull! Check out my conversation with him on managing the creative process, teaching as a spiritual practice, parenting, the natural ebb and flow of energy and how it all intersects to create our lives and add depth to our experience. Pat Hull's Instagram is ⁠ @pathullmusic  and his w...

Thanks for listening to episode 3 of the Chico Creates Podcast! In this episode, I interview local artist, long-time Butte County resident, and retired art high school teacher, Reta Rickmers! She shares stories of her travels around the world and the country and California before settling in Chico, and goes into detail about her latest bodies of work. - Reta Rickmer's Instagram is ⁠ @chicoartg...

Thanks for listening to episode 2 of the Chico Creates Podcast! In this episode, I interview local Chico artist and art teacher, Julian LaCombe! We talk about growing up as nerdy kids in rural areas, managing all the different aspects of a creative life, and our shared love of fantasy. - Julian LaCombe's Instagram is @moonshadowmakersworkshop . - Take a class with Julian at the CARD center . -...

It's the Pilot Episode of the Chico Creates Podcast! In this episode, I interview local Chico artist, Greg Shafer, about his "Working Gods" show created during his tenure in the Idea Fab Labs Incubator program in Fall of 2022 as well as his thoughts on life in Chico, the honor of taking up a person's wall space, and tea. You can find Greg Shafer's work on his Instagram @grego...