Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

The "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast this week features the Artistic Director of Ballet Nova Matthew Powell. A former professional ballet dancer, Matthew regales us with some of his most memorable moments on stage, as well as the changing trends in ballet training. Also hear details about their upcoming production of "The Nutcracker," a special guest performing in that show and his goals for the next five years for the organization.

The President of Opera Nova Miriam Miller and the organization's Treasurer David Ryan talked with Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver about the organization and specifically how they are making opera fun for children while nurturing in them a love for this musical genre. Learn about all their exciting productions throughout the year, as well as their proactive efforts on exposing young audiences to social justice issues while listening to music and having fun.

Dominion Stage is presenting "Last Summer a Bluefish Cove" - a play written by Jane Chambers about feminism, lesbianism, relationships and so much more. Find out about the characters from one of the actors (Judy Lewis), the plot summary, marketing tips from AJ Campbell, and some historical discussion about the feminist movement happening at the time when this play was written. Some plays stand the test of time, and this is one of them.

Two representatives from the Arlington Historical Society - Cathy Hix and Mark Benbow - appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast. Find out what about Arlington's history surprised them the most, as well as two iconic historical places to visit - the Ball-Sellers House and the Arlington Historical Museum. Plus how the Society can help you with your own research and how they are helping Arlington students learn more about their County. Wealth of historical information in this interview.

The Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) Kim Klingler was the latest guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast. CPRO has so much going on, especially in the arts arena including their Fall Fest and ever popular Blues Festival, as well as the Columbia Pike Artists Studios. Find out her views on challenges and benefits for arts organizations in Arlington, the Career Center project (which could include a black box theater) and what is on her arts bucket list.

The Founder of the Russian Chamber Art Society Vera Danchenko Stern provided lots of interesting background about Russian art songs and how her organization tries to perform these least performed lovely pieces of music. What sets this genre apart from Russian operas? How does Tchaikovsky music fit into their upcoming production schedule? Where did she get the inspiration to found this organization. Also find out about their upcoming performance to start the holiday season off right.

Madaline Langston, Education Programs Director for Encore Stage & Studio talks about a program ("Flip the Script") with High School students to teach them about segregation, desegregation, race relations and more. From stories told by residents and field trips, the students write a play that is performed in the community. Among the dignitaries with whom they spoke was one of four students who desegregated Stratford Junior High in 1959 Michael Jones, his sister Wilma Jones, and SAG actress Dawn Douglas.

Visual artists Melanie Kehoss and David Carlson provided details on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast about the Arlington Visual Artists Studio Tour (AVAST). Their goal in organizing this event is to provide more visibility to the county's numerous visual artists - especially those who work in individual studios. Also find out their views on why visual arts are so important and some of the work they are doing.

Lauren Feliz-Durishin was the featured guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to chat about her non-profit organization "Mother 2 Mother" (M2M). By producing biennial cabarets, M2M helps at risk women and children by raising funds for organizations that offer assistance to these populations. Why did she found this organization? How does she determine which songs to include? Who does the singing? Plus find out details about their next performance and organization with whom they are working.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver sat down with Blair Murphy, Curator for the Arlington Arts Center about their biennial exhibit entitled "Assembly 2019." The event will feature 16 contemporary artists working in a range of media from drawing to painting to performance. Find out how she chooses the artists to highlight, trends in the visual arts arena, and her aim to look at artists at different stages of their careers. Plus find out about their winter exhibit featuring performance art.