Wrapping up this Season with Episode 12, it is a bittersweet “sunsetting” for Northern Lights MN. This Twin Cities based arts nonprofit has supported artists and programs featured in the public, for 15 years. Executive Director Sarah Peters expresses gratitude for the many Makers that have impacted her personal decade with this organization. We discussed the final event June 10 “A Night with the River” with artist Studio Strange and well-known past Northern Spark Festivals. Sarah fills this 30-minute audio interview session quickly, disclosing on set for lasting memories and finding calm amongst quilted creations, soothing sound bath music, and the ultimate goal of Watershed Whisperers by Bayou Bay.

Peters invites everyone to come share their memories with Northern Lights centering around any impactful moments captured from Art(ists) on the Verge, Creative City Challenge & Artist Council to name a few. This final chat invites you to slow down and spend a quiet collective listening and remembering. Bring a blanket and listen for St Paul’s farewell Saturday for Northern Lights MN.

A finale of loving reflection, best wishes, and support for all Creators, on all canvases.

Episode 10 catches recently featured Artist Residency Winner Rachael Burlow of RaeMarie Photography before she hits the road again.

This talented creative has been blowing up the professional photography world post pandemic days and it’s easy to see why when you check out her online media portfolios. “Charge Your Worth…” Rachael gives sound advice for any level of photographers seeking success. The thirty-minute conversation gives a clear audio story of how a visual artist turned a side childhood passion into an inspirational gifted photographer selected to highlight the month of April with Studio Apparatus in St. Paul. April blooms Rae Marie’s amazing concept inspired in honor of her late brother’s birthday. Rachael started taking photographs at 15 years old and by the time she was a senior in high school, started shooting weddings professionally.

The conversation gets intensely intriguing as Ms. Burlow explains the parallels with careers as a labor and delivery nurse along with highly requested boudoir photo shoots professional. Bringing new life into the world each day as a delivery nurse prompts Rachael to advocate for physiologic birth and human empowerment! This motivational episode might bring you from laughter, to tears and ending with irresistible sighs of joy!

We got together with a fantastic trio of musical performing artists in Episode 9, representing a youth organization ComMUSICation. This amazing after-school choir program is centered within the Rondo, Midway and Frogtown communities of Saint Paul. They are celebrating 10 years building community through high quality music education. This organization is amplifying young voices and cultivating skills for success through equitable access to music, collaboration, and opportunity. 

Executive Director Georgina Chinchilla Gonzalez and Music Director Carey Shunskis discuss the vision of giving a safe creative space that allows young people to use their voices to lead and make change, inspiring and inspired by their community through music expression. This is a fun endearing interview highlighting motivated creative aspiring Singer and Mentor Betsy. These ladies’ glow with confidence sharing personal inspirations, stories of beginning passions, and the exciting honor of showcasing “No One Stands Alone” at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts! 

Episode 8 dives into the wide range of artistic platforms with creator, Mike Altobell-Resendez in this Creator’s Canvas interview. In Mike's spare time he enjoys creating wood, pour painting, and resin projects. Mr. Resendez has homed in mostly with cribbage boards and household items, but it’s anything from quiet or boring. We discuss his continued exploration of resin artwork expanding one-of-a-kind pieces around the new inspirations discovered beyond his home base of the Como Park community. This year will be his third annual entry for the MN State Fair. 

Known by many as “Mike Rez”, he is also a self-described audio junkie. He is the creator and producer of the “Nine-45 Radio Show” running 5 years going strong currently on WFNU-LP 94.1FM Saturday mornings at 9:45am. He also co-hosts the “Amazing Pop Culture Podcast” as well as riding the synthwave era, booking shows with band Nitrowave Twin Cities. Recently launching a website and releasing the album “Artificial”, he stays balanced and centered humbly expressing individual resin art pieces as they flow or motivate the creative itch. Try to keep up and listen all the way through this episode or you might miss what is coming next!

Episode 7 of Creator’s Canvas interrupts band practice with Twin Citizen band members Adam Lifto and Joe Hartley. Born out of the Twin Cities, it’s not surprising this band has already had early success headlining bigger venues such as the 331 Club and First Avenue's 7th St Entry. Twin Citizen is a fantastic mix of funk, alternative, synth, progressive and independent style of rock music. Each member brings their own genre of preferences reflecting a wide range of musical interests, influences, and musical experiences. This 30-minute episode crams in an uplifting, funny, and authentic conversation with vocalist Joe Hartley and lead guitarist, Adam Lifto. 

They make sure to acknowledge the other members of this group of 5, including Paul Narlock on bass, Will Hanson on keys and Joe Diaz on drums. Adam and Joe don’t hold back what motivates them, what key factors give them true camaraderie and more profoundly the unique stories that have led them to be one of the few amazing all recovery bands living a life without substance use. Twin Citizen recently completed recording in studio mastering nine original songs and premiered their newest release Splinter. One of the best episodes yet … with proud members of the Minnesota Music Coalition Non-Profit, Twin Citizen!

Episode 6 of Creator’s Canvas sits down with Minnesota History Theatre’s new Artistic Director, Richard D Thompson. Richard brings his wisdom and life experience from many walks of life as a choreographer, dramaturg, educator, director, and performer. He shares his beliefs and extensive knowledge openly, “art is inspired by life”.  This 30-minute interview explores Richards early start joining his childhood friends in cultural dance and following him through his years in a true career of passion for artistic expression. Being present in the moment, today Mr. Thompson will be seeking to build on History Theatre’s important legacy of creating new and existing work within the Midwest’s home base stories. 

Learn more at: https://wfnu.org/creators

Episode 5 of Creator’s Canvas sits down with multi-talented artist Yacharmi Guidavicci. Yacharmi has completely self-produced his solo career beginning as a musical director constructing several creative performance productions from large church organizations to the McNally Smith College of Music. Mr. Guidavicci is known by his fans as the “Rising Phoenix” of Pop, Rock and Soul. This talented singer, song writer and performer made the decision to come to St Paul to develop his skills only to shortly experience struggle with his dream schools immediate closing. 

Growing up in Milwaukee and moving to the Twin Cities brought a welcoming “purple” sound that founded from childhood influences. Front Man of the band Royal Pop and now transitioning solo artist for Emerging Music Entertainment, Yacharmi continues to release music of multiple genres. His catchy intoxicating song creations captures the essences of Michael Jackson, Prince, The Neptune’s, following the Apostolic Pentecostal movement. Don’t get left behind in this episode and definitely listen in to follow Yacharmi words of wisdom, “Don’t get in your own way!”.

Episode 4 of Creator’s Canvas presents… performing artist Hillary Lor. Widely known as the “Flute Whisperer”, Hmong Storyteller and Inspiring Hulusi, Khlui, Dizi instrumentalist. Playing and performing for over 15 years, she lets the flute become her voice expressing the deepest thoughts and emotions that have gone on to touch the heart of so many in various communities. Hillary’s creative stride is limitless, awarded "Hmong Woman of the Year" by the organization Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together.

This interview brings passion and powerful moments that not only touched Hillary, but also the Saint Paul Hmong community. She shares her experiences as a gifted and creative woman in a challenging environment and her profound ability to go beyond struggles with limited resources. The personal journey that has brought her to the success she has had today, also speaking openly and heartfelt about one of the most supportive hardworking genuine loving people in her life. Hillary is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and she continues with many endeavors as an actress, model, and community organizer. This podcast episode will keep you immersed throughout!

Episode 3 of Creator’s Canvas explores DJ CPN’s world of music creation. Chan is a self-proclaimed “amateur” pianist, music composer, and musician. Many would disagree as his videos and songs are anything but amateur. He has the amazing ability to listen to any song and re-create it almost effortlessly with his chosen instrument, the keyboard. In this conversation, you get to understand how profound this artist with autism brings together various sound element ques that most would not have the courage to attempt.

Chan has a genuine big heart and has spent time volunteering for the mental health community and living with a disability. He performs for the senior living residences and for over 9 years he commits to creating a new masterpiece every 2 weeks. This is an episode you will want to share to inspire with everyone, especially those that know and cherish astounding wonderful people with autism.

Check out Chan's music on his Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DJ-CPN

Episode 2 of Creator’s Canvas features an authentic in-depth interview with Tierra Diaz. “Start now, step out

of your comfort zone”, Ms. Diaz brings inspiration to anyone that meets her. She is humble, down to earth,

and yet a transcendent leader raising the bar for those that can think outside the box.

Multi-talented, down to earth, up and coming entrepreneur, born, and raised in Saint Paul. Tierra is Mexican

and Filipino, separated into foster care from her family of 7 other siblings. Overcoming early childhood

struggle, negative criticism in high school, and lingering self-doubt, many of her artistic pieces reveal the

beautiful authentic strength of positive affirmations.

Tierra’s creations range from building murals, one-of-a-kind jackets, to painting capital political moments

exhibiting hidden truths for those misrepresented in the news media. Ms. Diaz builds strong connections

easily with the art social and community groups from pop-up stands to art crawls. Many are internally moved

by her natural ability to express emotions, thoughts, and visions that genuinely reflect the circumstances in

the world today.