ARTifacts Podcast

In this episode, Marisa interviews contemporary visual artist based in Portland, Oregon, Laine Kolesar. Laine began her career as a social worker, but found healing in creating art. Laine’s art is influenced by Cubism, and draws inspiration from the female form, exploring both vulnerability and confidence within the body. Now, she is dedicated to becoming a working artist, and provides insight into her process, color research, and exhibitions.

Follow Laine @lainekolesar

Purchase her art on her website at https://www.lainekolesar.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning, Toledo choreographer Alyssa Brutlag. Dance was always a part of Alyssa’s life growing up especially having a mom as a dance teacher and studio owner. Now, she is an established choreographer and teacher who travels across the US creating works, finding inspiration from music and improving. When she is not busy at the studio, Alyssa can be seen teaching Dance Church classes, and working on her new piece, “If Tears Were Diamonds,” to present in the spring.

Follow Alyssa @alyssabrutlag

Check out her website https://www.alyssabrutlag.com

Sign up for Dance Church classes here https://go.dancechurch.com/irl

Donate to support Alyssa’s new work “If Tears Were Diamonds” here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-alyssas-new-work-to-st-louis?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional violinist, Diana Anderson. Diana talks about growing up in a musical household, attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, and performing with the Toledo Symphony. They discuss the audition process along with her memorable shows and favorite composers. With 23 years of teaching and 38 seasons with the Toledo Symphony, Diana continues to share her passion with students and audiences in the community.Follow Diana on Facebook at Diana Dyer AndersonCheck out the Toledo Symphony Website for Upcoming Showshttps://www.artstoledo.com/toledosymphony/

In this episode, Marisa interviews dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of Toledo Ballet, Eric Otto. Eric shares his story about growing up dancing at his mom’s ballet school in New York and then training at the School of American Ballet. They discuss his experiences performing in classical ballets and on Broadway, working with icon Twyla Tharp in Movin’ Out. Eric provides insight into the world of dance, and encourages dancers that success comes from being authentic and passionate.Follow Eric @ericotto79Check out his website at https://ericottoballet.comCheck out Toledo Ballet’s website for classes and upcoming performanceshttps://www.artstoledo.com/toledoballet/

In this episode, Marisa interviews owner of Culture Clash Records, Tim Friedman. Tim chats about the resurgence of vinyl and the history behind Culture Clash. He also shares his favorite customer moments and discusses music trends. With over 2,000 records in his own personal collection, Tim connects with everyone who comes to his store, sharing stories, art, and music.Culture Clash Websitehttps://www.cultureclashrecords.comAddress912 Monroe StToledo OH 43604Hours:Closed MondayOpen Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pmSunday 11am-5pmPhone:419-536-5683

In this episode, Marisa interviews dancer, choreographer, and president of T.H.E. (Toledo’s Human Experience) Modern Dance Company, Dom Glover. Growing up, Dom was always moving. He was involved in football, baseball, and track and in college joined the step dance team. He then was invited to take dance classes at Spelman College where he learned jazz, modern, and ballet. Since returning to Toledo, Dom has choreographed for multiple musicals and has performed in over fifty Nutcracker ballets. Now as the president of Toledo’s dance company, Dom invites collaboration and strives to create professional dance opportunities for adults. This episode is full of mimosas, crazy dancer energy, and funny outtakes, so give it a listen!Follow Dom @dom_dances5Follow him on Facebook at Dom Glover

In this episode, Marisa interviews the duo behind synth-pop band Bliss Nova, Daniel and Joel Trzcinski. Growing up, the brothers learned piano from their mom and were exposed to different instruments at church. Now, Daniel and Joel continue to experiment with new sounds, connecting listeners to their dreamy melodies and groovy beats. They discuss their music-making process, origin of the band’s name, and their favorite moments on stage. Make sure to check out their most recent single "Always Be Young" now on Apple Music and Spotify!Follow Bliss Nova @bliss_nova Follow Joel @joelybillFollow Joel’s record label @magicmoodrecords Follow Daniel @cosmic.sensFollow Daniel’s independent music @shoresofecho Check out their work at https://blissnovamusic.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews Australian actress and dancer Cariba Heine. Cariba grew up dancing at her mom’s studio until a hip injury led to her discovery of acting. They discuss some of her acting roles in shows like H20: Just Add Water and Everyone is Doing Great. When she is not busy on set, Cariba continues to spread her love for dance in her online fitness classes. With classes like Core, Ballet, Strength and Flexibility, Cariba teaches injury prevention and focuses on what exercise makes you feel instead of what it makes you look like. At the end of the episode, there is a little surprise so make sure you stick around!Follow Cariba @thelibratine Follow Cariba's classes @cariba.online Check out her classes at www.cariba.online

In this episode, Marisa interviews founder of national, non-profit Ballet & Books Talia Bailes. Talia talks about the inspiration behind Ballet & Books and how the organization works to reduce the literacy gap in children through the mergence of reading and dancing. With dance classes, dialogic reading, and mentorship, children are able to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. Currently a dancer and medical student, Talia hopes that through this program kids and young people “feel connected and a sense of belonging and are ready to thrive in life.”Follow Ballet & Books @balletbooksCheck out their website https://www.balletandbooks.orgBuy When We Read: A Children's Book

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Michael Provenza. Michael talks about personal inspirations like his grandfather’s art, cartoons, and art history. From painting commercial signs to creating backgrounds for video games, Michael is now collaborating with Disney where he is licensed to feature Disney characters in his colorful worlds. Over 30 years of being an artist, Michael continues to share his passion and wants people to “feel good, safe, and familiar” while viewing his works.

Follow Michael @mjprovenza

Follow him on Facebook at Michael Provenza Fine Art

Check out his work at https://michaelprovenza.com