Here's something a little different for Connected. The Artistic Director of the Elgin Fringe, Nick Mataragas recently attended the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) conference in Ottawa, Canada. In this episode, he recounts his experience at the con, opening up the festival planning curtain a little.

Executive Director Tanner Melvin chats with Material Messengers guest curator Samuel Shwindt. Sam and Tanner discuss how the new exhibit came to be, the talented artists involved, and why extending your reach is so important. Check it out, and make sure to visit MATERIAL MESSENGERS: Ephemeral Environments, on display at the Side Street Gallery at 15 Ziegler Court AND in the windows of their "new" building at 62 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin from August 2nd-September 1st.

Executive Director, Erin Rehberg has a conversation with artist Javi Azuna. They discuss his journey to Elgin, his growth as an artist, and the reception he receives for his work. Javi Azuna's show, Illegal Artist opens in the gallery April 5th.

Executive Director Erin Rehberg has a conversation with Going Dutch Artist in residence, Luiza Moreas. They discuss Luiza's journey from Brazil to Europe, to Elgin, her approach to dance, and the struggles of becoming a resident.

Alex has a chat with Side Street Studio Arts Exhibitions Coordinators, Chris Arrecis and Andrew Vo. They discuss the current show in the gallery, Monochrome: Purple, as well as the process of selecting producing an exhibition.

Alex has a conversation with Rachel Benzing. They discuss dance, trends in the performing arts, and her upcoming show at the Winter Fringe.

You can see Rachel perform the Elgin Fringe Festival Winter Fringe on January 27, 2024 at the Elgin Public House. Tickets available at elginfringefestival.com/tickets

To learn more about Rachel, visit her website at rachelbenzingartist.com

Alex has a conversation with improviser Nelson Velazquez of Los Improviachis. They discuss the founding of the group, the parallels between improv and traditional acting, and comedy in general.

You can see Los Improviachis perform the Elgin Fringe Festival Winter Fringe on January 27, 2024 at the Elgin Public House. Tickets available at elginfringefestival.com/tickets

To learn more about Los Improviachis, visit their website at losimproviachis.com

Alex has a conversation with Side Street Studio Arts artist in residence Nicole Prokop. They talk about Nicole's journey of becoming a working artist, imposter syndrome, and the pressure from family to find a "normal job".

Alex has a conversation with artist and illustrator Adrian Mesino. They talk about Adrian’s use of artificial-intelligence in his artwork, AI effect on the art world, and the relationship between art and technology.

Alex has a conversation with artist, Joshua Dixon about his April 2023 show at Side Street, Connective Tissue.

Joshua Dixon is a Chicago-based photographer and fashion designer. Dixon's work is based on his personal experiences of a pitbull mauling incident that occurred in 2007, which has led to a lifelong journey of self-discovery and advocacy for issues that are often silenced, such as mental health, ableism, and racial discrimination. The powerful photographs create a sense of inclusion for those who feel discarded by society due to their unapologetic flaws.