Connected.

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.

Alex has a conversation with artist and art educator Branstarr Sihanath. They discuss Branstarr’s teaching philosophy, encouraging students, and what it's like being a working artist and a teacher.

Side Street Founder and Executive Director Erin Rehberg closes the 2023 Vote Local series with Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain. Vote Local is Side Street's series about the arts in politics and attempts to speak to as many local candidates as possible about their participation in and views on the arts in Elgin.

Side Street Founder and Executive Director Erin Rehberg continues the 2023 Vote Local series with Elgin City Council Candidate Christina "Tia" Aagesen. Vote Local is Side Street's series about the arts in politics and attempts to speak to as many local candidates as possible about their participation in and views on the arts in Elgin.

Alex has a conversation with artist Kaius Kirby. They discuss what led Kaius to create art, their practices, and their experience as a disabled artist. They also dive into Kaius’s piece in SSSA’s February show Soul Food.