Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

What if a story about addiction was fast, funny, and fiercely compassionate—and left you more connected than when you walked in? We sat down with New Light Theatre ’s artistic director Lena Mucchetti, co-directors Allison Heishman and Charlie DelMarcelle, and actor Owen Corey to unpack The White Chip, Sean Daniels’ candid, high-velocity play about substance use disorder and the hard-won road to re...

A diner outside Richmond. A napkin. And a flash of inspiration that turned into a global invitation to write. We sit down with author and ghostwriter John Riddle to unpack how I Love to Write Day began, why it stuck, and what keeps it thriving twenty-plus years later. From a long drive to a Writers Digest interview to an unexpected USA Today spotlight, John walks us through the turning points that...

 In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Arden’s founding, the Arden Artisans Collective presents A Living Legacy , a two-part exhibition series that honors the vibrant, ongoing tradition of creativity in the Ardens. Featuring the work of past and present artists from this unique Arts and Crafts community, the exhibitions span generations and mediums—offering visitors a rare opportunity to expe...

What does it feel like when time slips away and creativity flows effortlessly? For Gina Wilson, this unexpected state of "flow" during writing became the bridge between her established career as an executive coach and her emerging identity as a novelist.  Wilson brings a unique perspective to her writing, grounded in her Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology and years of helping l...

Storytelling has the power to transcend barriers, even prison walls. Meet Cassandra Lewis, an award-winning writer whose creative journey illuminates how literature can build bridges where society often constructs divides. When Lewis began mentoring through PEN America's Prison and Justice Writing Program, she expected to guide an incarcerated writer. What emerged instead was a profound partn...

What does it mean to be fearless? To be American? To pursue your dreams against all odds? These questions lie at the heart of "Fearless," a groundbreaking new opera by composer Derrick Wang that tells the extraordinary true story of Hazel Ying Lee, one of the few Chinese-American women to serve as a pilot during World War II. Derrick Wang, known for his critically acclaimed opera "S...

Unlock the cultural richness and transformative power of art with Estefania, the dynamic new executive director of the Hispanic American Association of Delaware (HAD). Estefania shares her compelling vision of empowering Latino families through art and culture, revealing the heartbeat of community programs that celebrate heritage and foster belonging. From the vibrant Folkloric Ballet that educate...

Ready to be inspired by the literary world? Join us for an engaging conversation with Tanerra Willis, the powerhouse author and visionary behind The Amazing Corner. Tanerra shares her journey to becoming a beacon of empowerment for self-published authors, especially women and teens. Discover how her online bookstore and community hub are breaking down traditional publishing barriers, all while pro...

Discover the fascinating tapestry of Delaware's history and culture with our special guest, Laura Earls, the director of Read House and Gardens. Laura's passion for museums and local history is infectious as she takes us on a journey through Delaware's rich past. From exploring the architectural gems of the Reed House to uncovering its connections to Declaration of Independence sign...

Unlock the future of ballet in Delaware with our special guest, Joan Beatson, from  First State Ballet Theatre. Learn how Delaware's only professional ballet company is revolutionizing the local arts scene, with their academy ranking in the top 5% of U.S. Ballet Academies. Discover the magic behind their intimate "Up Front on Market" series, offering a unique close-up experience for...

What happens when a state representative doubles as a stand-up comedian? Meet Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, who took the unconventional path from Delaware's 26th District to the halls of the state legislature, with a side gig in the comedy clubs. Initially inspired by her comedian uncle and Saturday Night Live, Madinah's career took a sharp turn during a revealing internship at th...

Have you ever wondered how one can transition from a taxing job at a student loan company to becoming a celebrated fiction writer and filmmaker? Join us as we sit down with Jon McConnell, whose journey from computer engineering to creative writing is nothing short of inspiring. Jon sheds light on his initial struggles and how his acceptance into Emerson College's MFA program became a turning...

When Fred and Cora Reed opened their hearts to the children of Wilmington, they sparked a revolution with Reed's Refuge Center, and their story is one that will inspire and uplift you. Their dedication has created a sanctuary where music, education, and comprehensive support blend into a harmonious symphony of hope for at-risk youth. In our intimate conversation, we uncover the depths of thei...

Get ready to transport yourself to the vibrant performing arts scene of Southern Delaware with our special guests, David Button, the Artistic Director and Stephanie Hudson-Whitcomb, the Director of Development and Outreach at Clear Space Theatre Company. They'll take you behind the scenes of their inspiring journey and the intriguing story behind the theater's unique name, pulling back t...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of choral music as we sit down with David Christopher, the Founder and Artistic Director of Delaware ChoralArts. This is a fascinating journey into the heart of an organization that's not just about music, but about building community and nurturing talents in Wilmington and beyond. Listen closely as David shares the unique dynamics of a chorus that ca...

Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the enchanting world of opera with the Wilmington Concert Opera. We explore their upcoming performance of Hansel und Gretel, a German opera that's rarely seen on stage but holds a wealth of beauty and emotion. Attendees of the family-friendly performance on November 12th are in for a treat with crafts, snacks, and a gingerbread house building activity...

Join us as we highlight our remarkable guest - Jill Althouse-Wood, an emerging DDOA fellow in the world of visual arts, whose work is heavily influenced by the culture of Arden, Delaware and the serene landscapes of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Jill shares her artistic evolution, from gilded abstract forestscapes to the forest as a symbol of mystery and transformation, and how she's manage...

Lift the curtain and catch a glimpse into the harmonious world of the Newark Symphony Orchestra. Our guest, Simeone Tartaglione, the orchestra's esteemed music director, offers an enchanting narrative of how the orchestra has woven its magic into the fabric of the local community. Simeone talks about everything from the orchestra's collaborations with local art organizations to their ann...

What if you had the opportunity to unlock the hidden stories of historic artifacts in the collections of the Historic Odessa Foundation? You're about to get a front row seat on a journey through time as we navigate the captivating tales of the Corbett and Wilson family collections, objects that have witnessed history unfold, from the 1770s to later generations. Executive Director of the Histo...

Prepare to be inspired as we share an enlightening conversation with Coney Maderyaga, a uniquely talented artist and 2023 fellow from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Discover how her roots in Santiago, Chile and her passion for Frida Kahlo have shaped her artistic journey. Alongside her, we unravel the fascinating crossroads where her background in behavioral sciences meets her creative endeavo...

Step into the vibrant world of hip hop with "Grouchy" Greg Watkins, the founder of AllHipHop.com. We're thrilled to have him as our guide as we navigate the pulsating journey of hip hop, right from that climactic day on August 11th, 1973, when it all began, to its evolution into an unbeatable cultural phenomenon. We're celebrating half a century of hip hop, and what's bett...

Let's paint a vibrant picture with Sara Ganter, the Executive Director of the Rehoboth Art League. As we traverse through the storied 85-year history of this unique organization, you'll gain a deep appreciation for its journey from humble beginnings in 1938 to its current status as a celebrated arts hub. Sara intricately details how the league, formed as a congregation and exhibition spa...

Get ready to make your entrance into the entertainment world with Loren LoRosa. She's a powerhouse in pop culture, news, and entertainment, and she's got a tale or two to share about her transition from TMZ to founding her own production company, Brown Girl Grinding. As a first-generation college student hailing from the inner city, Loren will provide you with an abundance of invaluable...

Get ready as we journey into a tale of resilience and triumph amidst adversity with Lauren Foraker and Caitlyn Kuhn of Pursuit for Peace . This multi-state nonprofit, passionately run by women, has found creative ways to uplift children's spirits grappling with severe trauma and medical conditions. They've meticulously crafted unique methods of igniting joy, like deploying character amba...

Ever pondered how the arts and government can meld to create vibrant, inclusive communities? Well, let's sweeten your curiosity with insights from Tina Betz, the Director of Cultural Affairs in Wilmington. Tina, with her special blend of creativity and administrative expertise, has been a key advocate for the arts in Wilmington, helping foster cultural initiatives that breathe life into the c...