Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

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...

Ever wondered how opera can stay relevant in a world of TikTok and Netflix? Join us as we sit down with Kerriann Otaño, Vice President of Engagement, and Brendan Cooke, General Director of Opera Delaware, who are proving opera still has its place in contemporary culture. They share their unique journey of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in a pandemic-stricken environment, bringing...

Brace yourselves to be captivated by the Executive Director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO), J.C. Barker, as he opens up about how the DSO sailed through the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. With an unyielding commitment to their musicians, we uncover the commendable decision by the DSO board to honor all contracts amidst the crisis. This episode is a tribute to the resilient spirit of the...

 Ever wondered how the magic of art can transform a city? Prepare for an insider's tour into the innovative world of the Downtown Dover Partnership with Diane Laird and Jordan Resch , as we unpack how creativity is revitalizing our city. We're spotlighting Paint Dover , a unique plein air painting experience that breathes life into downtown Dover, capturing its spirit in vibrant colors a...

Have you ever wondered how trials and hardships in life can shape and strengthen your creativity? Join us as we share an intimate conversation with Liz DeJesus, a Puerto Rican author whose journey from a literature-deprived childhood to becoming a 2023 emerging individual artist fellow in the field of literature creative nonfiction is nothing short of inspiring. Marvel at her audacious decision to...

Ever wondered how art can be harnessed as a transformative power in communities? Well, you'll find answers in our enlightening conversation with Melissa Pelerchio and Jay from the Center for Creative Arts in Yorkland, Delaware. They reveal the rich tapestry of their artistic space, filled with art classes, summer camp programs, a music festival, art galleries, an outdoor market, and open mic...

Terrance Vann speaks with James Ray Rhodes, the Executive Director of Christina Cultural Arts Center, on today's Delaware State of the Arts Podcast. CCAC provides affordable arts, education, instruction, career pathways paid internships, gallery exhibitions, and live performances accessible to all in a welcoming environment. CCAC offers one of the only integrated arts and academic programs in...

An interview with Dr. James Wilson (Delaware Choral Society) and Heather Schwartzentruber (Delaware Youth Chorale) on their upcoming joint concert. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware S...

Andy Truscott speaks with Bryant “Tee” Bell, a 2023 DDOA Emerging Individual Artist Fellow in the field of painting. Bell is a native of the First State who grew up in Greenwood, Delaware with his two brothers, and he was in the first graduating class of Woodbridge High School. The artist attended school in Hampton, Virginia, but received Bachelor and MBA degrees from Delaware State University, wh...

Andy Truscott speaks with James Morgan, a 2023 Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellow in the field of Media Arts (Video/Film).  Videographer James Morgan has been at work in a studio for over two decades, making recordings and following his profession as both a cinematographer and YouTube Channel designer. But the project for which he’s been named a Division Emerging Artist Fellow...

Andy Truscott speaks with Brianna Hansen, the Marketing Manager of The Queen in Wilmington, Delaware. Originally built in the 1800s, “The Indian Queen Hotel” was a popular place for traveling sailors to spend the night. From 1916-1959, the hotel was repurposed into a movie theater and brought joy to thousands of locals. Sadly, it was abandoned and sat dormant for over 50 years. With water pouring...

Andy Truscott speaks with Kim Hoey Stevenson, a 2023 Individual Artist Fellow and award-winning journalist. A Delaware native, Stevenson grew up in Milford, the oldest daughter in a family of four children. Though she graduated from college with degrees in psychology and biology, “I’ve always been a writer.” Kim is a nationally recognized award-winning writer and journalist who specializes in feat...

Andy Truscott speaks with Lauren E. Peters, a 2023 Established Individual Artist Fellow and well known painter in Delaware. Lauren E. Peters believes that “all clothing is a costume. We are costuming ourselves daily in the roles we play for those around us.” This belief is the basic tenet of her artistic practice. Fighting the urge to hide, Peters attires herself in a variety of clothing to “add a...

Andy Truscott speaks with representatives from Spur Impact Association and the United Way of Delaware, the organizers of the DoMore24 Delaware campaign. Do More 24 Delaware is designed to be a fun and easy way for the entire community to impact philanthropy and be inspired to donate to nonprofits serving Delaware. It is a unique 24-hour giving event that showcases the amazing and vital work of non...

Andy Truscott speaks with Board President Steve Greifer and Music Director Jim Anderson from SODELO (Southern Delaware Orchestra). SODELO is a musical ensemble of over forty string musicians whose mission is to provide a welcoming environment for orchestra musicians in Southern Delaware to learn, play and perform classical music for the community and to enhance the richness of our cultural environ...

Terrance Vann speaks with Greg Watkins, a Delaware State Arts Council member and the co-founder of AllHipHop.com. As the Founder of the Urban website and music destination, AllHipHop.com , Grouchy Greg Watkins is fulfilling his childhood dream as an entertainment business pioneer and entrepreneur. With his partner, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Watkins has built AllHipHop.com into the Internet voice of...

Andy Truscott speaks with IVA. Known professionally as IVA, Emily Samson Tepe is no stranger to working hard, digging deep and crossing boundaries. She was trained as a classical soprano at Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, but she has truly found her voice in writing and singing her own songs. Born Emily Samson Tepe , IVA trained at Princeton University , the Juilliard School , and the Man...

This week on Delaware State of the Arts, Kaitlin Ammon interviews Kristen Matulewicz, the curator of community and academic programs at the Biggs Museum of American Art, about the Biggs’ latest exhibition, Visions & Voices , a juried exhibition of Mid-Atlantic African American artists. Visions & Voices features 32 artworks by 20 artists, including nine Delaware artists. Tune in to learn ab...

This week on Delaware State of the Arts, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald interviews Dan Gallery and Brent Edmondson of JBD MusicWorks. After a brief history of JBD MusicWorks, Michelle, Dan, and Brent jump into discussing JBD’s World Premiere of Flamingos which was performed by the Wilmington Community Orchestra on March 20, 2022. Learn more about JBD MusicWorks and its new album on the JBD MusicWork’s...

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald interviews Sara Crawford and Andre Wright, Jr., co-founders of The Original Coloure Collective. Their venture is an artistic and media resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Collective provides multimedia support in photography, video, and design as well as mentorship and exposure for emerging businesses. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts,...

During National Poetry Month, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald interviews 2022 DDOA Artist Fellow in Poetry, Caleb Curtiss. Curtiss talks about his work, the process of creation, his inspirations, and some of his favorite poets. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the q...

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald talks with Christina Cultural Arts Center’s Artistic Director Brandi Bey Neal and Delaware hip-hop artist & activist, Richard Raw. The two discuss their respective artistic visions and their collaborative work, as well as their artistic process and what is ahead for both CCAC and individual artists. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the...

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald interviews artist Mark Harris about his past and upcoming works honoring individuals lost in the COVID pandemic. His work, A Thousand Thousand: Remembering 1,000,000 COVID Deaths” will be on view throughout the state in coming weeks. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and c...

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald interviews Natalie Kim Ramos, the 2022 Delaware State Poetry Out Loud Champion, about her experience throughout the competition and her thoughts on discovering the world of poetry through this unique program. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to...