ARTifacts Podcast

In this episode, Marisa interviews the duo behind synth-pop band Bliss Nova, Daniel and Joel Trzcinski. Growing up, the brothers learned piano from their mom and were exposed to different instruments at church. Now, Daniel and Joel continue to experiment with new sounds, connecting listeners to their dreamy melodies and groovy beats. They discuss their music-making process, origin of the band’s na...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Australian actress and dancer Cariba Heine. Cariba grew up dancing at her mom’s studio until a hip injury led to her discovery of acting. They discuss some of her acting roles in shows like H20: Just Add Water and Everyone is Doing Great. When she is not busy on set, Cariba continues to spread her love for dance in her online fitness classes. With classes like Co...

In this episode, Marisa interviews founder of national, non-profit Ballet & Books Talia Bailes. Talia talks about the inspiration behind Ballet & Books and how the organization works to reduce the literacy gap in children through the mergence of reading and dancing. With dance classes, dialogic reading, and mentorship, children are able to improve their reading skills and gain confidence....

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Michael Provenza. Michael talks about personal inspirations like his grandfather’s art, cartoons, and art history. From painting commercial signs to creating backgrounds for video games, Michael is now collaborating with Disney where he is licensed to feature Disney characters in his colorful worlds. Over 30 years of being an artist, Michael continu...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Toledo photographer and videographer Joni Johnson. Joni shares how she was first introduced to art and the camera. They discuss her new production agency, “Storied,” which aims to capture autobiographical video, audio, or photo documentation of loved ones. She then gives insight into her documentary called the “Storied Series.” Over 14 episodes, Joni presents int...

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Bernadine Rais. They talk about her distinct night scene paintings, and how she works to capture “beauty in the mundane.” They discuss the inspiration behind her works and the techniques she uses like underpainting. Bernadine then shares some art fair tips, and encourages people that it is never too late to pursue their passions. Follow Bernadine @...

Cheers to 2023 and season 4 of ARTifacts! In the episode, Marisa interviews dancer, choreographer, and founder of 567Broadway Joseph Corella. Joseph shares his journey of beginning dance at age 7, performing on Broadway, and dancing in Dolly Parton’s “Mountain Magic Christmas” special. He also talks about his dance fitness program 567Broadway and his goal of “connecting people through art.” Throug...

In this episode, Marisa interviews textile-based conservator Marissa Stevenson. Currently an assistant conservator for the Toledo Museum of Art, Marissa gives a behind the scenes look into the process of treating artworks. They discuss topics like fashion, art history, and the resurgence of textile art in museums. Marissa also talks about the Toledo Museum’s new “State of The Art: Revealing Works...

In this episode, Marisa interviews pastry chef Chad Conklin. Chad shares the process behind his delicious desserts, experimenting with texture, flavor, plating, and consumer experience. As a teacher, he discusses topics like sustainability and finding confidence in cooking. Through his experiences both in and out of the kitchen, Chad reminds listeners that food has the ability to build community a...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Ohio-based, visual artist Natalie Lanese. As an artist, Natalie plays with color, line, and pattern in painting, collage, and installation. She shares her inspiration and process for works like Depthless Without You at the Akron Art Museum and The Dazzle Colonnade at the ProMedica Headquarters parking garage. Natalie uses her works to challenge how audiences trad...

In this episode, Marisa interviews British music composer and multi-instrumentalist, Adiescar Chase. Adiescar discusses her role as score composer for Netflix’s “Heartstopper.” She shares her music-making process and gives a behind the scenes look into the post-production of the show. She also provides insight into the music industry, encouraging artists to persevere and network. At the heart of h...

In this episode, Marisa interviews documentary photographer and devoted Star Wars fan Rhynna Santos. Rhynna talks about her photography panel held at the 2022 Star Wars Celebration called “This is the Diversity We Are Looking For! Race & Body Positivity: Redrawing the Boundaries of Inclusion Through Photography and Fashion.” She discusses her love for the films and shares her goal of capturing...

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional dancer Raúl Casasola. Raúl shares his journey from dancing in Madrid, Spain to becoming a company member with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. He talks about his recent shift into teaching, reminding students to always find the joy in dance. At the end, Raúl shares that everyone should have access to dance and although ballet has become more inclusive...

In this episode, Marisa interviews emerging music artist and Toledo native Eric Lewandowski AKA Cawfee. At a young age, Eric learned how to play the drums on Rock Band which lead to his role as drummer for the band Blue Walls. After studying music production in college, Eric moved to LA where he currently writes and produces his own music. He talks about his single “Time,” shares the origin of the...

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Cydnee Moore. Cydnee shares that with no formal art education, she cultivated her artistry through Youtube videos and art books. At the heart of her colorful portraits, she works on capturing the beauty and goodness of all people, and reminds listeners that art should be accessible and affordable because it is for everybody. Make sure to check out h...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Chicago-based wedding photographer, Emma Petersen. Emma takes listeners on her journey from dance photography, to advertising and design, and to launching her own wedding photography business. She talks about the “curated messiness” found on Instagram and also shares some fun wedding tidbits. Full of passion and warmth, Emma loves telling stories with her work by...

Happy 2022 and a new season of ARTifacts! For this episode, Marisa interviews Executive Director of the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center, Taylor Burciaga. Taylor shares the non-profit’s mission of preserving and sharing the Latino culture through art, agriculture, and culinary programs. They also discuss the annual Dia De Los Muertos event, honoring loved ones through ofrnedas and the monarc...

In this episode, Marisa interviews dancer, writer, and co-founder of T.H.E. (Toledo’s Human Experience) Modern Dance Company Ashley Hill. They discuss how her early exposure to art led to the creation of the first non-profit, modern dance company in Toledo. Ashley then talks about her new blog The Food Cabaret , where she combines her love for cooking and writing. Through her blog, Ashley reveals...

In this episode, Marisa interviews founder of the Hero Project Zach Crowe. Zach shares how his non-profit fitness organization fights against the secondary impact of substance abuse. They discuss the Hero Project’s recent dodgeball event and its collaborations with local businesses, revealing Zach’s goal of bringing up the local Toledo community. Zach then flips the mic and asks Marisa questions,...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Chef Chris Nixon. Chef Nixon talks about his training in French cuisine and food plating, working at Noma in Denmark, and choosing ethical ingredients over local ingredients. We talk about his Toledo restaurant, Element 112, and the preparation that goes into creating some of his colorful and delicious dishes. Full of passion and insight, Chef Nixon shares that h...

In this episode, Marisa interviews author Chelsea Bobulski . Chelsea talks about the young adult genre and the intricate process of publishing a book, reminding storytellers to never give up on their craft. We discuss her two published books, The Wood and Remember Me and reveal the first book in her new 4-part series All I Want for Christmas is the Girl Next Door which comes out October 28th. Grab...

In this episode, Marisa interviews fierce dancer, singer, and actress Sarah Sigman. Sarah reflects on her decision to move to New York and shares her audition experiences and tips. They also talk about her recent role as June in the National Tour of Chicago , her work with Dance Lab New York, and her up and coming role as dance captain in On Your Feet! at The Muny Theatre. Follow Sarah @sarahsigma...

In this special episode, Marisa interviews her friend of over ten years, Dominic Shamas. This July marks two years since Dom was in a car accident. Dom shares his story, talking about his injury and rehabilitation process. They also discuss Dom’s early travels to Spain and Syria, his work with the refugee agency Us Together, and his experiences with Starbound Talent. Full of heart and fun memories...

In this episode, Marisa interviews local Toledo artist, Michelle Marie Mears. They talk about Michelle’s work with acrylic paint and how she creates joyful art centered around childhood and 80s and 90s pop culture references. Michelle also reveals that through times of illness, painting gave her a chance to find joy and build intimate connections with other artists. At the end, Michelle answers ra...

In this episode, Marisa interviews emerging artist in the film industry, Pablo De la Fuente. Pablo talks about the process of creating Laius , a film collaboration with friend Diego Ramírez. He also chats about co-hosting the podcast Macondo Filmmaking , taking on a new role as an assistant at New Cadence Productions, and his favorite aspects about the film industry. Pablo even touches on the impo...