The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Welcome, art enthusiasts! Get ready to dive deep into the world of art on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast with Rob Lee. Today, our guest is Tiffany Holmes, the esteemed Chief Academic Officer, responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of educational programs at the College. With expertise in curricula, faculty, facilities, and budget management, Tiffany ensures academic excellence across all disciplines. Join her on The Truth In This Art podcast as she delves into "The Art Of Racing" and shares her insights and experiences in the world of academia.About the Art of RacingThe Art of Racing is an initiative that celebrates the legacy of George E. Mitchell and honors individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the Park Heights community. It is part of the partnership between 1/ST and the Park Heights Renaissance and includes the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the George E. Mitchell Park Heights Community Fellowship Grant. The Art of Racing commemorates the Preakness Stakes, one of the most iconic sporting events in Maryland, through modern visual interpretations. Artists from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and across Maryland provide their artistic interpretations of Maryland's time-honored tradition of Thoroughbred racing. Tiffany Holmes, MICA's Chief Academic Officer, plays a key role in this initiative, bringing her expertise in digital media art and a passion for art and design education to the project.On this edition:Delve into the role of Tiffany Holmes as Chief Academic Officer of MICA and her impact on art and design education.Explore how Tiffany Holmes oversees MICA's programs and works towards providing top-notch art education to students.Discover MICA's vision of forging partnerships in Baltimore and their unique approach to integrating classroom learning with real-world experiences.Learn about the exciting collaboration between MICA and Pimlico Race Course, "The Art of Racing," and how it allows students to celebrate thoroughbred racing through their artwork.Find out more about the open contest for Marylanders of all ages, offering a chance to win a $4,000 prize and race tickets in "The Art of Racing" partnership.Get ready to be inspired as Tiffany discusses her role as an administrator and the college's ambitious vision for art and design education. She shares her personal connection to MICA as an alum and talks about the importance of creating a lower-risk environment for students during the pandemic. Tiffany also highlights a new partnership between MICA and the Pimlico Race Course, where students have the opportunity to create artwork celebrating thoroughbred racing in Maryland.Mentioned in this episode:MICAArt of Racing🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Tune in to 'The Truth in This Art' and join Rob Lee on a journey through the minds of artists and the essence of their masterpieces. For today, our guest is Alvin Gray, the talented director and producer hailing from Baltimore with a remarkable 15-year journey in the DMV area. Leaving behind CBS radio, Alvin pursued his passion for creative expression and cinematography, paving the way for a successful career as a producer and director. From working with NFL and NBA players to Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artists, Alvin's visuals have left a lasting impact. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the director's seat for the production of the suspense film "Sweet Dreams." With a unique storytelling style, Alvin Gray continues to captivate audiences with his cinematic creations. Meet Alvin Gray, the talented director and producer hailing from Baltimore with a remarkable 15-year journey in the DMV area. Leaving behind CBS radio, Alvin pursued his passion for creative expression and cinematography, paving the way for a successful career as a producer and director. From working with NFL and NBA players to Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artists, Alvin's visuals have left a lasting impact. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the director's seat for the production of the suspense film "Sweet Dreams." With a unique storytelling style, Alvin Gray continues to captivate audiences with his cinematic creations.For this insightful chat:Alvin Gray delves into the significance of embracing trial and error as a vital learning process in the world of filmmaking.Exploring the role of a director, Alvin Gray discusses the essential qualities of understanding character and storytelling to create compelling films.Alvin sheds light on the hurdles faced in independent filmmaking, from navigating limited resources to the art of resourcefulness.In his insightful conversation, Alvin Gray talks about the challenges of scouting locations and handling comparisons to larger productions.Drawing from his own experiences, Alvin Gray shares the importance of editing and the art of trimming unnecessary scenes to enhance the impact of a film.This is an episode you don't want to miss! Alvin shares his journey in the film industry. He talks about his background, growing up in Baltimore, and his decision to pursue filmmaking. Alvin discusses the challenges and advantages of working on different types of projects, such as music videos and feature films. He emphasizes the importance of trial and error in learning the craft and shares his experiences with editing and storytelling. Alvin also touches on the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, including funding and finding locations. He concludes by discussing his most recent project, "Sweet Dreams," a psychotic thriller about a girlfriend who can see into her boyfriend's dreams.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Sweet Dreams (IMDB)🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rob Lee on 'The Truth in This Art' as we delve into the art world, exploring its impact on culture and society with our guest Charlie Visconage, a self-taught artist based in Washington, DC, who discovered his passion for painting in 2014, breaking free from past negative beliefs. Through vibrant colors and intense portraits, he seeks to capture the soul of his subjects and better understand people through his art. Inspired by his experiences in Japan and the urban landscapes of DC, Charlie's unique style showcases neon-drenched features, bulging eyes, and clenched teeth, accompanied by text that reveals the subjects' innermost emotions. His work has been exhibited locally and internationally in Poland, Slovenia, and Japan, and he continues to recharge his creative energy through artistic residencies. Charlie's quest to explore the essence of humanity through his art is evident in his captivating and evocative portraits.Throughout this presentation:Delve into the artistic journey of Charlie Visconage, a self-taught artist based in Washington, DC.Explore how Charlie's painting journey began in 2013, leading to the development of his unique and vibrant style featuring intense portraits.Discover the influences behind Charlie's captivating artwork, as he draws inspiration from his experiences in Japan and the urban landscapes of DC.Uncover the emotional depth of Charlie's pieces, crafted to be arresting and evoke powerful responses from viewers.Learn about the diverse exhibition locations where Charlie's art has been showcased, spanning from DC, Maryland, and Virginia to international settings in Poland, Slovenia, and Japan.Get ready to be inspired! Charlie started painting in 2013 and has since developed a unique style that incorporates vibrant colors and intense portraits. His work is influenced by his experiences in Japan and the urban landscapes of DC. Charlie's art often features head portraits that convey a sense of intensity and energy. He aims to create pieces that are arresting and evoke a strong emotional response. Charlie has exhibited his work in various locations, including DC, Maryland, Virginia, Poland, Slovenia, and Japan.Mentioned in this episode:Charlie's website1/29-2/22 - LAID BARE at the Notre Dame University Gormley Gallery (https://www.gormleygallery.com/exhibitions)May 6-22 at Homme Gallery (@homme_DC on IG) my solo show "POSITIVE FURY", Opening May 6th from 6-9 PM🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Get inspired by the passion and vision of artists as we delve into their stories on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast with Rob Lee, the esteemed host and creator of "Getting to the Truth in This Art," a transformative podcast that celebrates the brilliance and beauty of underrepresented communities in Baltimore. In a unique twist, Rob takes the guest seat as he is interviewed by artist and previous podcast guest, Kelly L. Walker. Together, they delve into Rob's artistic journey, his commitment to uplifting diverse voices, and the power of his documentary-style podcast in fostering creativity and empowerment. With a deep passion for the arts and a love for his native city, Rob uses his platform to create connections and pride within the cultural scene. Throughout the conversation, Kelly skillfully guides the discussion, uncovering Rob's artistic vision and the lasting impact of his work. From being a resident podcaster at the Baltimore Improv Group Theater to delivering inspiring talks at esteemed institutions, Rob's influence continues to grow, resonating with a wide and appreciative audience. Don't miss this special episode as they explore the truth in the art of storytelling and its profound effect on the arts and culture landscape.As we uncover today’s episode:Rob Lee cherishes a cherished childhood memory of a family trip to Six Flags.In a poignant moment, he encountered a traumatic experience while playing football, stumbling upon a dead body near the field.Rob's upbringing in East Baltimore was surrounded by a close-knit family that left a lasting impact on his life.After graduating from Baltimore City College and earning a business degree from Morgan State University, Rob's education laid the foundation for his future endeavors.Discovering his creative inclinations early on, he eventually found his true passion in podcasting, sparking a transformative journey.With a strong work ethic, Rob effectively manages his time by combining tasks to maximize productivity.His podcast guests are carefully chosen based on their involvement in the arts and small businesses, adding diverse perspectives to the conversation.Rob's personal mission centers on showcasing Baltimore's positive aspects, countering negative stereotypes with inspiring narratives.Join Kelly L. Walker as she delves into the world of Rob Lee and "The Truth in This Art," discovering his passion for arts and culture. Rob shares childhood memories, from a fun trip to Six Flags with family to a somber encounter with a dead body during football. Growing up in East Baltimore, he cherishes his close-knit family and discusses his education, attending Baltimore City College and earning a business degree from Morgan State University. Exploring his creative journey, Rob finds his calling in podcasting and shares insights into his daily life, managing his day job, podcasting, and watching wrestling. Focused on uplifting Baltimore, Rob's mission centers on showcasing the city's positive aspects and breaking negative stereotypes, spotlighting individuals involved in the arts and small businesses.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Join host Rob Lee in this captivating episode of "The Truth In This Art" as he sits down with LaFontaine E. Oliver, a veteran radio executive and the esteemed president and CEO of Your Public Radio (WYPR) in Baltimore. Oliver, who has led NPR member stations in both Baltimore and Orlando, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the conversation.In this insightful interview, we delve into:Leading Public Radio: Explore Oliver's role as the president and CEO of WYPR, one of Baltimore's prominent NPR member stations. Gain insights into his leadership strategies and his vision for the station's growth and community impact.A Veteran Radio Executive: Learn about Oliver's extensive experience in leading NPR member stations, including his previous role in Orlando. Discover the challenges and triumphs he has encountered throughout his career and how they have shaped his approach to public media.Nurturing Community Engagement: Delve into Oliver's dedication to fostering community connections and engagement through public radio. Explore his initiatives to ensure that WYPR serves as a vital resource for diverse communities in Baltimore and beyond.Don't miss this enlightening conversation with LaFontaine E. Oliver, where we unravel the inner workings of leading public radio in Baltimore, explore the impact of community engagement, and gain valuable insights into the future of public media.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome aboard 'The Truth in This Art,' a podcast that celebrates the power of creativity, hosted by Rob Lee. Today, we have Steve Anderson, the passionate owner of Third Eye Comics, a renowned comic book superstore based in Maryland. With a steady diet of punk rock, monster movies, hip hop, and comic books shaping his identity, Steve's journey in the industry began in 2008 when he co-founded Third Eye Comics with Trish Rabbitt. Despite facing skepticism, they transformed the humble 800-sqf space into a colossal 10,000+sqf superstore, now accompanied by a second location and a sister gaming store. Third Eye Comics is internationally recognized for its incredible selection, offering a comprehensive range of graphic novels, current comics, back issues, records, games, toys, and more. With a friendly and welcoming staff, Third Eye has become a go-to destination for comic fans worldwide. Steve's unwavering passion for curating exciting products and creating a unique experience has shaped the success of Third Eye Comics, making it a must-visit for comic enthusiasts. For more information on hours and locations, visit their website!In this exclusive interview:Explore the challenges and intricacies of opening a successful comic book store, from securing funding to navigating leases and managing inventory.Delve into the impact of online platforms and live selling apps on the comic book industry, revolutionizing the way comic books and related products are sold.Uncover the dynamic and diverse landscape of the modern comic book industry, influenced by various mediums like manga and popular TV shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender.Discover the unique approach of Third Eye Comics, focusing on curating a wide range of products to create an exhilarating and captivating experience for their valued customers.Get to know Steve Anderson's personal favorites in the world of wrestling and comic books, as he reveals his admiration for Taz and his preference for the work of acclaimed comic writer Grant Morrison.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Steve as he shares his journey of opening and growing his comic book store. He talks about the challenges he faced in obtaining funding and how the industry has evolved over the years. Steve also discusses his love for comics, music, and horror movies, and how he strives to create a space where customers can find something that excites them. He emphasizes the importance of bringing in new product categories and catering to a diverse audience. Steve also highlights the impact of Blade as a groundbreaking comic book movie and shares his favorite and least favorite comic book movies. He concludes by discussing the growth of the comic book industry and the opportunities available for both sellers and artists.Mentioned in this episodeThird Eye Comics🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Discover the magic of artistic expression with 'The Truth in This Art,' where Rob Lee uncovers the hidden truths within art with today's guest: Ros Paris or Rosalind Paris, a local comedian who cohosts Mondo Baltimore as Frau Ankenstein. An avid lover of bizarre pop culture, she’s been a part of the Mondo Committee for 3 years. Prior to Mondo, she was a founding member of Free Range Improv in Annapolis. On the other hand, Michael Ridgaway is a cohost of Mondo Baltimore. With Ros, Michael is doing monthly Mondo Baltimore shows and other screenings. During the pandemic lockdowns, Michael helped launch a weekly Mondo movie stream. Mondo Baltimore film series shows horrible and bizarre cult films.Ros Paris and Michael Ridgaway are the hosts of Mondo Baltimore, a movie night in the city that is devoted to bad movies. They have been co-hosting and on the committee for Mondo Baltimore for several years, taking over from the original hosts. Ros has a background in comedy and improv, while Michael has degrees in physics and theater. They both bring their unique skills and personalities to the Mondo Baltimore events, creating a fun and entertaining experience for the audience.During this special feature:Discover the unique charm of Mondo Baltimore, a movie night that celebrates the endearing appeal of "so bad, they're good" films.Delve into the immersive world of Mondo Baltimore's hosts, who transform into horror hosts, sparking audience engagement through participation and heckling.Explore the realm of obscure and delightfully weird movies showcased at Mondo Baltimore, offering an unusual and captivating cinematic experience.Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mondo Baltimore's events, where hosts orchestrate fun with drinking games, skits, and exciting raffle prizes.Uncover the allure of watching movies that may be considered failures, yet remain entertaining and enjoyable in the context of Mondo Baltimore.Understand the skillful approach of the hosts in addressing sensitive or problematic content in the movies, fostering open discussions with the audience to provide valuable context.Tune in and be amazed as Ros and Michael discuss their experiences hosting a movie night dedicated to bad movies. They talk about the origins of Mondo Baltimore and how they became involved in the organization. They also share their interests outside of Mondo Baltimore, including Ros's background in comedy and improv and Michael's work in the science and theater fields. They explain what Mondo Baltimore is all about and how they create a unique and entertaining experience for the audience. They discuss the challenges of hosting niche programming and how they navigate sensitive or problematic content in the movies they show. Overall, they provide insight into the world of Mondo Baltimore and the joy of watching and discussing bad movies.Mentioned in this episode:Mondo Baltimore🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Meet Angie Kelley, a dedicated Baltimore city resident for over 16 years and the Community Engagement Manager of Moveable Feast, a renowned non-profit organization in Baltimore. With six years of experience at Moveable Feast, Angie's journey began as a volunteer before becoming a valued employee. Her passion lies in fundraising and providing support to individuals facing the challenges of food insecurity and chronic illness. As an advocate for vulnerable communities, Angie plays a vital role in making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.About Moveable Feast:Home delivers medically tailored meals at no cost to Marylanders living at the intersection of critical illness and food insecurity. Our goal is to Feed People, Fight Disease, & Foster Hope by removing barriers to food access, provide nutritional education, and make sure our clients always feel supported. We started in 1989 to directly address the AIDS crisis, and 32 years later are still here and have expanded to serve cancer, diabetes, heart/liver/renal/lung disease, and those living in hospice.For today's topic:Discover how Movable Feast addresses the complex needs of individuals facing food insecurity and chronic illness by providing medically tailored meals.Delve into the significance of emotional accessibility and trauma-informed care in effectively supporting and assisting Movable Feast's clients through their challenges.Explore the indispensable role of volunteers, contributing to Movable Feast's mission by actively engaging in meal preparation and delivery, creating a positive impact in the community.Learn about the Ride for the Feast fundraiser, a remarkable opportunity to support Movable Feast's programs and services, making a difference in the lives of those they serve.Angie shares her journey of getting involved with the organization and the impact they have on the community. Movable Feast provides medically tailored meals to individuals living with food insecurity and chronic illness. Angie discusses the significance of their work in Baltimore, particularly in addressing the HIV crisis and the challenges faced by their clients. She emphasizes the importance of emotional accessibility and trauma-informed care in their services. Angie also highlights the need for volunteers and donations to support Movable Feast's mission.Mentioned in this episodeMoveable Feast🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Step into the world of creativity and imagination with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, led by your host, Rob Lee. Our guest today is Ellen Levy, the Director of Groundwork Kitchen, a groundbreaking culinary arts training program in Baltimore's Pigtown community. As the program celebrates the graduation of its first cohort, Ellen and the dedicated staff, including Training Chef Shavonya Bracken and Executive Chef Kimberly Triplett, have nurtured students aged 18 to early-60s, equipping them with essential front-of-house and back-of-house culinary skills. This free 12-week program not only creates a skilled workforce for Baltimore's restaurants, hospitals, and catering businesses, but it also fosters confidence, purpose, and self-pride in the students. With a vision of providing 122 jobs and $12.2 million in annual economic activity, Groundwork Kitchen continues to shape the culinary landscape in Baltimore, actively recruiting for its upcoming cohort in January.ABOUT Groundwork KitchenGroundwork Kitchen’s program, operated by Paul’s Place, is founded on the nationwide initiative of FareStart’s Catalyst Kitchens, a proven model implemented in nearly 60 other facilities across the country. The program utilizes four integral program components:  culinary skills training, life skills training, hands-on experience, and individualized case management support and coaching throughout training, job placement, and for six months after students begin their post-graduate careers.Throughout this conversation:Explore the transformative impact of Groundwork Kitchen's culinary training program, preparing individuals for thriving careers in the dynamic food service industry.Delve into the immersive hands-on training experience offered within a restaurant environment, where participants receive comprehensive support to surmount employment obstacles.Discover the success stories of program graduates as they venture into diverse sectors of the culinary industry, from restaurants and catering to healthcare, showcasing the program's versatility and efficacy.Uncover the key attributes of collaboration, desire, and grace that play pivotal roles in fostering success in both leadership and the realm of culinary training at Groundwork Kitchen.Join us for a captivating episode as Ellen and Shavonya join host Rob Lee to discuss Groundwork Kitchen's culinary training program. The program aims to prepare individuals for careers in the food service industry and provide support to overcome employment barriers. The training takes place in a restaurant environment, offering hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials. The first cohort recently graduated, and the program has seen success in helping students gain employment in various sectors of the culinary industry. Levy and Bracken emphasize the importance of collaboration, desire, and grace in leadership and culinary training.Mentioned in this episodeGroundwork Kitchen🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us on 'The Truth in This Art' as we explore the beauty and complexity of art in all its forms, with your guide, Rob Lee. For today’s episode, we have Emon Surakitkoson, a self-taught artist hailing from Thailand and currently based in Washington, DC. Her artistic journey began after emigrating to the United States, where she overcame discouragement and pursued her passion for the arts. Transitioning from various jobs in the food and beverage industry, Emon ventured into painting and mixed media in 2018, leading her to develop a distinctive style of sculptural, black and white paintings that have earned her recognition. Employing a restricted palette, bold contrast, and repetition, Emon's artwork captivates viewers with its immediate impact and reveals intricate details upon closer inspection. Her exploration of minimalism, abstraction, and natural beauty through paint and ink has resulted in unique and visually compelling pieces. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Emon actively supports local artists and makers through event production and partnerships with reputable institutions like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Her artwork has graced exhibitions and galleries across the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area and Canada, and can also be found in hotels throughout the continental U.S. Notably, she has contributed to the international mural festival POW! WOW!, showcasing her artistic versatility. Emon Surakitkoson continues to thrive as a full-time artist, enriching spaces and connecting with viewers through her emotive creations.Within this edition:Explore the artistic world of Emon Surakitkoson, a self-taught artist renowned for her captivating minimalistic and abstract artwork.Delve into Emon's creative process as she draws inspiration from nature and expertly employs diverse media like paint and ink to breathe life into her pieces.Discover Emon's philosophy of authenticity and balance, as she shares her belief in staying true to oneself while maintaining harmony between work and personal life.Uncover the deeper meaning behind Emon's artistic journey, as she emphasizes the significance of kindness and authenticity in the pursuit of creativity.Follow Emon's aspirations and dreams, as she looks forward to continuous growth as an artist and envisions a future where she can fulfill her desire for owning a farm.You won't want to skip this one! Emon discusses her journey as a self-taught artist and her exploration of minimalism, abstraction, and natural beauty in her artwork. She shares her experience of finding her own style and the importance of staying true to oneself in the art world. Emon also talks about the significance of balance in her life and the role of nature in inspiring her work. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic and kind in the creative process and shares her aspirations for the future.Mentioned in this episode:Emon's Website🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★