In this heartfelt episode of Art After Dark, host Randy Ham sits down with Nycole Ray, Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore, to reflect on the company’s 25th anniversary and her 15-year milestone as artistic director. Nycole opens up about her late start in dance, the mentors who shaped her, and her passion for developing not just great dancers—but great human beings.From her first steps in high school to shaping a company that now attracts talent from around the world, Nycole shares the ups, downs, and legacy-building moments of her incredible career. Don't miss the powerful conversation about commitment, recovery, and why being present in the moment matters more than ever.

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Art After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

In this episode of Art After Dark, presented by Odessa Arts, host Randy Ham sits down with Sydney Guine, dancer and choreographer with Dallas Black Dance Theatre Encore.Sydney shares her creative process, her journey from L.A. to Dallas, and what it’s like to perform during the company’s milestone 25th season. She also opens up about the importance of body positivity in dance and what it means to inspire the next generation of performers.From international travel to superhero costumes to dream performances in New York, Sydney's passion is contagious—and her dedication to the arts is clear.Chapters0:00 – Introduction1:11 – Sydney’s second visit to Odessa1:51 – Her origin story in dance2:33 – Performing during Encore’s 25th season3:16 – Favorite performance venues3:44 – This year’s performance program4:11 – Preparing for Dance Africa5:06 – Collaborating across both companies5:50 – Black on Black performance & choreographing for peers6:59 – Sydney’s collaborative approach to choreography7:28 – Upcoming European travel plans8:19 – Favorite travel memories: Italy & Barbados10:11 – The role of color and culture in dance11:19 – Her favorite dance costume experience12:28 – Dancing vs. choreographing—her true love13:22 – Teaching kids and the value of movement14:44 – Encouraging body positivity in dance15:28 – Dream stages and future goals16:49 – Final thoughts and gratitudeArt After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

Welcome to Art After Dark, the official podcast of Odessa Arts, hosted by Randy Ham. In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Marcus Johnson, a dancer with Dallas Black Dance Theatre Encore, who’s performing in Odessa as part of the Juneteenth celebration.

Marcus shares his journey from dancing in his Chicago church at age 12 to performing professionally with one of the nation’s leading Black dance companies. He reflects on mentorship, meaningful performances, and what it means to perform with heart—not to prove, but to share.

This conversation is a powerful look at the intersection of artistry, opportunity, and impact.

Presented by Odessa Arts
Filmed at the historic Ector Theatre

Produced by Forty Wolves Studio
https://fortywolves.com

Join us for an exclusive episode of "Art After Dark" as Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham, sits down with the talented artist, Tabata Ayup. Originally from Mexico, Tabata shares her incredible journey of becoming a renowned muralist and artist in the Permian Basin. Discover her inspirations, her contributions to the community, and her thoughts on the importance of art and kindness. This episode promises to be a heartfelt exploration of art and culture. Don't miss out on learning how Tabata's unique background and vibrant murals shape her contributions to the Texas art scene.Watch now to see her stunning works and hear personal anecdotes that bring color to her artistic narrative. If you enjoy this video, please like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and insights into the world of art!CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Art After Dark 00:45 Welcome and Introduction of Tabata Ayup 01:26 Tabata's First Meeting with Randy Ham 02:29 Tabata's Journey from Mexico to Odessa, Texas 03:48 Starting a Family and Art Career in the Permian Basin 04:15 Artistic Inspiration from Family Heritage 06:11 The Role of Discipline in Tabata's Art 09:14 Creating Murals as a Tribute to Community 11:03 The Symbolism of Tabata's Murals 12:54 Designing an Ornament for the State Christmas Tree 16:31 Representing the Permian Basin Art Community 18:31 Importance of Kindness and Community Representation 20:04 Current and Favorite Art Projects by Tabata Ayup 20:44 Closing Remarks and AppreciationArt After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioFilmed at: Copper Rose Buildinghttps://copperrosevenue.my.canva.siteOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

In this episode of Art After Dark, host Randy Ham welcomes Rachel Ritter, Executive Director of Midland Festival Ballet, for a conversation about the role of ballet in the cultural landscape of West Texas. Rachel shares insights into the organization’s mission, upcoming performances, and the importance of keeping the performing arts thriving in our community.Presented by Odessa Arts, Art After Dark explores the stories behind the people and organizations driving creativity in the Permian Basin and beyond.Subscribe to stay connected to the West Texas arts scene.#OdessaArts #ArtAfterDark #MidlandFestivalBallet #RachelRitter #RandyHam #WestTexasArts #PerformingArts #BalletMidland #ArtsPodcastArt After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioFilmed at: Copper Rose Buildinghttps://copperrosevenue.my.canva.siteOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

Join host Randy Ham on Art After Dark as he sits down with Oneks, a talented tattoo artist from Sacrificial Needle in Odessa, TX. In this episode, Oneks shares his journey from a childhood fascination with tattooing to becoming a professional artist, exploring graffiti, digital art, and large-scale murals along the way.Discover the artistic passion behind tattooing, the challenges of transitioning between different mediums, and the vibrant art scene growing in West Texas.#TattooArtist #SacrificialNeedle #WestTexasArt #ArtAfterDark #TattooCulture #GraffitiArt #OdessaTXYouTube Chapters:00:00 The Therapy of Painting00:13 Welcome to Art After Dark with Randy Ham00:26 Meet Oneks from Sacrificial Needle00:41 How Oneks Got into Tattooing01:19 Growing Up in El Paso and Moving to Odessa02:16 Life in Different Cities as an Artist02:45 First Tattoo and Transition to Professional Tattooing03:25 From Graffiti to Tattoos: Finding His Style04:32 Creating Original Artwork and Developing a Unique Voice05:29 Adapting to Odessa’s Art Scene06:10 Selling Paintings and Working on Art Daily07:19 Digital Art vs. Traditional Art08:02 Dreaming of Large-Scale Murals10:05 Bright Colors and Bringing Art to the Permian Basin10:47 Tattoo and Art Show at Sacrificial Needle11:42 First Full Sleeve Tattoo and Learning the Craft12:40 The Addictive Nature of Tattoos13:23 Advice for First-Time Tattoo Clients14:46 Big Canvas Projects and Going Larger in Scale15:43 Inspired by Large Murals Around the World16:49 Seeking a Building for a Large-Scale Mural17:01 Wrapping Up and Supporting Local ArtArt After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioFilmed at: Copper Rose Buildinghttps://copperrosevenue.my.canva.siteOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

Discover the inspiring journey of Desiree Laviro AKA Dez, a talented tattoo and visual artist from Odessa, Texas. In this episode of "Art After Dark," hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director Randy Ham, Dez shares her unique path from a young art enthusiast to a professional tattoo artist at Sacrificial Needle.Uncover her influences, favorite mediums, and the drive that keeps her passion alive. Whether it's bringing tattoos to life or creating stunning visual art, Dez embodies the vibrant and often overlooked art scene in West Texas. Don't miss this engaging interview where passion meets creativity. Remember to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from artists in your community!Art After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioFilmed at: Copper Rose Buildinghttps://copperrosevenue.my.canva.siteOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

Join us for a captivating episode of Art After Dark, hosted by Randy Ham, Executive Director of Odessa Arts. In this special segment, we dive into the fascinating world of tattoo artistry with Sevyr Calderon, owner and operator of Sacrificial Needle Tattoo.Discover how Sevyr's journey began amidst the vibrant art scene of Southern California, influenced by rock bands and comic books. He shares his passion for both painting and tattoos, detailing how each medium uniquely informs his creative process.Sevyr's story is one of exploration and mastery, as he transitioned from tattoos as a hobby to making it his professional endeavor. You'll learn about his geographic journey across Mexico, the U.S., and ultimately to a thriving tattoo studio in West Texas. Randy and Sevyr also discuss the fusion of tattooing and visual arts, revealing the dynamic community of tattoo artists in the permian basin.Engage in an inspiring conversation on art, creativity, and community, and gain insight into Sevyr's dual life as a painter and tattoo artist. Don't miss out on this exciting journey into the heart of tattoo culture and artistry.Stay tuned for more episodes and remember to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more arts and culture insights.Art After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.https://odessaarts.orgProduced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)https://fortywolves.comMusic by: Sam Weakshttps://samallen.studioFilmed at: Copper Rose Buildinghttps://copperrosevenue.my.canva.siteOdessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.#TattooArt, #VisualArt, #SeirCalderon, #ArtAfterDark, #OdessaArts, #TattooCulture, #ArtisticJourney, #WestTexasArt, #GangCultureInfluence, #ComicBookArt, #TattooStudio, #TattooCommunity, #CreativeProcess, #FineArt, #ArtAndCulture

Join us for an inspiring episode of "Art After Dark," presented by Odessa Arts, as Executive Director Randy Ham engages in a captivating conversation with accomplished artists Sheila Miles and Greg Piazza. Recorded at the Museum of the Southwest, this discussion explores the transformative power of art, isolation, and inspiration in the creative process.Sheila Miles, a celebrated painter with roots in the John Herron Art Institute and the Hans Hofmann School of Art, shares insights into her intuitive approach to capturing architectural landscapes and her deep connection to the land. Greg Piazza, a Dallas-based artist whose journey into art was shaped by personal loss, reveals how his work bridges permanence with the ephemeral, from painting to stunning photography.Discover how these two artists find solace and motivation through art, their unique coping mechanisms, and their reflections on the quiet yet profound beauty of forgotten spaces and stark landscapes. Learn more about the role of art in expressing universal emotions and fostering community through shared experiences.Tune in to celebrate the arts, culture, and the mission of Odessa Arts in promoting arts education, cultural tourism, and advocacy. Be inspired by the stories, perspectives, and creativity of these remarkable artists. Don’t miss this engaging exploration of art and its ability to connect us all.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:07 - Artistic Inspiration07:39 - Daily Routine for Creatives10:43 - The Impact of Isolation14:01 - Ansel Adams and Alan Ross Influence15:33 - Exploring Santa Fe19:50 - Greg's Painting Process Explained22:34 - Early Artistic Calling23:14 - Journey into Art24:07 - Making a Living as an Artist29:40 - Irreplaceable Art Pieces30:20 - Dream Projects and Aspirations33:57 - The Proust Questionnaire Insights36:51 - Thank You and Closing Remarks

Discover the journey of a rising star in Shakespeare's world with Sydney Deone Cooper on Art After Dark.