Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

Dr. Niyati Dhokai, the Director of the Veterans and the Arts Initiative Program at George Mason University talks in this podcast about how effective music therapy is for Veterans returning from active duty, battling PTSD and other injuries, and how their families and children benefit from these sessions. Among some of the benefits achieved are more feelings of relaxation, improved sense of well-being, more effective social interaction skills and the development of a sense of comfort outside the rehab center. Also find out what additional research she is working on and what areas she sees necessitate additional study.

The new Executive Director of the Arlington Artists Alliance Christina Papanicolaou briefed us on her plans for the organization including a revamp of the organization's website, creating a centralized online site, opening an educational center/artist studio spaces, build up their social media presence and reopening the Academy. Also learn about how her New York City gallery helped emerging artists with their first shows, the unique "gold leaf" art technique, and two exciting upcoming events at the Alliance.

Director Eleanore Tapscott and Actor Simone Jackson-Charles appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about Dominion Stage's production of "The Bluest Eye" based on the novel by Toni Morrison. Find out how they both got into the theater business, what it felt like to rehearse in person with the other cast members and how they dealt with the hard issues in the play of racism, violence, sexual abuse and mental illness. Also learn where Toni Morrison got the idea for her book.

Visual artist Agata Peszko joined us to talk about her unique artwork with felt (which is working with wool, soap and water). Find out how she learned about this unique art medium, her creative process of working with the felt, her career journey from Poland through Paris through London and ultimately landing in Arlington. Also hear how the pandemic has impacted her, where her work has been exhibited and where she loves to see her work shown. And find out her very original thoughts on why art is like teenagers.

Musicians and duo founding members of the 9th Street Chamber Music organization Liz O'Hara Stahr and Matt Richardson talked about their new entity (which evolved from the 9th Street Chamber Quartet) and its focus on three primary areas: Education, Concerts and Community Collaboration to help achieve their vision of becoming ore involved in their community through chamber music. Also get all the details about the July 16th launch party and the origins behind those "clapping non-no's" between movements during concerts.

The President of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington Scott Taylor joined us on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about the museum, how it came into existence, its mission, exhibits, and plans for the future. Also hear about Scott's experiences growing up in Halls Hill, the wall that surrounded the community, and background on Freedmen's Village which was created for freed slaves and also welcomed Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass as special guests. Such an interesting chat we had!

The new Executive Director of the Arlington Arts Center (AAC) Catie Anchin discussed her goals for the Center and how to prepare it for the next 50 years. She also gave us all the details on three current exhibitions: "We Can't Predict Tomorrow" featuring the works of 9 artists with the theme of the pandemic, resiliency and ironically optimism; "Portrait of a County by a Young-ish Man" that honors County employees who take care of the AAC grounds and facility; and "Parking Lot is Beautiful at Dawn" which is sculptures and other art pieces made from paper pulp left in parking lot cracks. Also learn what she has noticed about artwork made during the pandemic.

Dr. Thalia Goldstein from George Mason University's Applied Developmental Psychology  Department, talked about the many studies providing strong evidence on the benefits of being involved in theater and children developing social and emotional understanding and empathy. Also learn how visual arts, music and dance helps children of all ages. Less detention issues, higher school attendance, better grades and test scores, more regulated emotions, being able to express themselves in a healthy way, and better social skills are only some the benefits of theatrical activity for children.

The Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) Kim Klingler appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about their upcoming Hybrid Columbia Pike Blues Festival with both in-person and live-streamed concerts by local bands. Also find out what movies will be shown this summer as part of the Drive-In Movie Nights, other events being planned for the fall and how they plan to celebrate the 35th Anniversary for CPRO.

Arlington actor Regina Aquino returned as a guest on "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" to discuss her new one-person show "We're Gonna Die" opening at Roundhouse Theatre. Find out how it felt going on stage with a limited audience for the first time, how she prepared for the role, and why she thinks the show is uplifting. Also learn about her exciting new venture as a director coming in August, as well as the first play she has written along with her other gigs at Adventure Theatre, Rep Stage and the Kennedy Center's American College Theater Festival. Phenomenal work during a pandemic!