Talking Art

This week on Talking Art, host Ben Gougeon sits down with Brian Baxter, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, to discuss the orchestra's upcoming season, its role in the Quad Cities arts community, and the experiences that bring audiences together through music. From classical performances to special events like Disney's The Lion King in Concert and Elf in Concert, Brian shares w...

This week on Talking Art, Ben Gougeon sits down with children’s author Deborah Kutsunis to explore the real-life experiences behind her stories. Deborah shares memories from her years rehabilitating a variety of animals, the unique personalities and adventures she encountered along the way, and how those experiences inspired the characters and stories in her children’s books.

This week on Talking Art, Ben Gougeon talks with metal sculptor John VandeWalle about transforming metal into art, his creative process, and where people can find his work locally, including Skeleton Key Art and Antiques. They also look ahead to the 38th annual Riverssance Festival of Fine Art, happening September 19–20 at Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport, and the experience of connec...

In this episode of Talking Art, filmmaker Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films discusses his journey in documentary filmmaking, the creative process behind bringing true stories to the screen, and the importance of preserving regional history through film.

In this episode of Talking Art, host Ben Gougeon sits down with director Tristan Tapscott to discuss The Mockingbird’s upcoming production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at Black Hawk College. With Ben taking the stage as Biff Loman, the two explore the process of bringing this American classic to life, Tristan’s background in theatre, and the ideas and relationships at the heart of the pl...

In this episode of Talking Art, artist Matt Pulford discusses how the natural world inspires his creative practice through painting, drawing, printmaking, and installation. He reflects on his recent artist residency, the ideas that continue to shape his work, and the inspiration behind his current exhibitions. Matt also shares how immersing himself in nature influences his artistic process and inv...

In this episode of Talking Art, Genesius Guild directors Cait Bodenbender and Michael Callahan discuss the enduring appeal of Greek drama and Shakespeare, the creative process of directing classical theatre, and this season's free outdoor productions in Davenport. They explore how centuries-old stories continue to resonate with modern audiences and why preserving these timeless works remains an im...

Singer-songwriter Charlotte Blu joins Talking Art to discuss her musical journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her original songs. From The Voice to writing music rooted in soul, blues, and pop, Charlotte shares how authenticity continues to shape her career.

In this episode of Talking Art, singer-songwriter David G Smith discusses his upcoming album, Hero Street, inspired by the remarkable stories and history behind one of the Quad Cities' most meaningful landmarks. David shares the creative process behind the album, the power of songwriting to preserve history, and how music can connect communities through storytelling and shared experiences.

In this episode of Talking Art, Kelli and Estlin Feigley of Fresh Films discuss their ambitious vision to bring a multi-stage film and television production facility to Rock Island, Illinois. The planned $12 million soundstage project aims to create new opportunities for filmmakers, artists, students, and creative professionals while strengthening the region's growing creative economy. The convers...

In this episode of Talking Art, acclaimed chalk artist Katie Bush joins the conversation ahead of Quad City Arts’ 10th Annual Chalk Art Fest at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island. Serving as a guest judge and visiting artist, Katie discusses the creative process behind large-scale 3D chalk art and how perspective, color, and illusion transform ordinary pavement into immersive public artwork...

In this episode of Talking Art, Miguel Peña, director of Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande, joins the conversation to explore the artistry and cultural significance of folklórico dance. Composed of alumni from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley—home to the only folklórico dance major in the United States—the company brings the rich regional traditions of Mexico to life through vibrant moveme...

In this episode of Talking Art, Monica Leo of Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre joins the conversation to explore the art and impact of puppetry. As founder and lead puppeteer of the West Liberty–based company, Monica has spent decades creating original works, building puppets by hand, and bringing stories to life for audiences across the country and around the world.

In this episode of Talking Art, director and cinematographer Stephen Folker joins the conversation to explore the craft of filmmaking and the path that shaped his career. Stephen and host Ben discuss the intricacies of directing and cinematography, from visual storytelling to the technical decisions that bring a project to life. The conversation also looks at the realities of working in the film i...

In this episode of Talking Art, Tech/Arts Education Specialist Meghan Hollister joins the conversation to discuss her recent work illustrating a map of the Quad Cities Ecological Corridor for the National Wildlife Federation in collaboration with Quad City Arts.

In this episode of Talking Art, multimedia artist Maddeline Parketon joins the conversation to discuss her upcoming exhibition in Quad City Arts’ 2nd Avenue Window Gallery. A former Metro Arts student participant, Maddeline reflects on her creative journey from student artist to exhibiting her work publicly in the Quad Cities. The discussion explores her approach to multimedia art, the influences...

In this episode of Talking Art, Jeremy Mahr joins the conversation to explore the art of directing and what it takes to bring a script to life on stage. As director of The Playcrafters Barn Theatre’s upcoming production of God of Carnage, Jeremy reflects on shaping performance, guiding actors, and building tension within a sharply satirical story about civility unraveling.

In this episode of Talking Art, music educator and performer CJ Parker reflects on building a creative life with intention. As band director at Rivermont Collegiate, lead vocalist for 10 of Soul, and a solo artist preparing to release his new album "Move", CJ shares how he balances teaching, performing, and songwriting while staying grounded in what truly matters.

In this episode of Talking Art, theater artist Ashley Becher discusses her work as a director, performer, and creative leader in the Quad Cities. Currently directing Circa 21’s Lucky Stiff and serving as Mainstage Artistic Director at Junior Theatre, Ashley reflects on her career journey and the collaborative power of theatre.

This episode of Talking Art features visual artist David Zahn, whose paintings and sculptures are currently on display at the Quad City Arts exhibit in Rock Island. David discusses his creative process, from early drafts to finished works, and reflects on the importance of patience, revision, and experimentation in art-making. The conversation offers insight and encouragement for emerging artists,...

This episode of Talking Art looks back on the arts in 2025 with arts journalist Jonathan Turner. The conversation reflects on major moments, trends, and stories that shaped the cultural landscape over the past year, offering insight into how the arts responded to change and continued to connect communities.

This episode of Talking Art features Hallie Weis, an editor at Fresh Films, a nonprofit focused on building strong foundations in filmmaking for youth and young adults. Hallie discusses Fresh Films’ programs that support emerging creators, highlighting hands-on learning, mentorship, and the importance of post-production skills in shaping confident storytellers. The conversation explores how early...

Talking Art welcomes Marc Zyla, longtime arts contributor and former Director of Community Engagement at WVIK. Marc reflects on the role of art and music in strengthening community bonds in the Quad Cities, while sharing insight into his upcoming move and exciting new role leading the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as Executive Director.

In this episode of "Talking Art," host Ben Gougeon sits down with Benjamin Fawkes, the custodian and curator of Rozz-Tox, a vibrant cultural hub in Rock Island, Illinois.

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