Let's Chat Creative Pathways Podcast

In this episode, Beth sits down with painter Nancy Cloonan in her vibrant, plant filled home studio. Nancy shares her journey from studying printmaking and photography to finding her "true love" again through abstract painting. They dive deep into the technical side of acrylics, the value of repetition in art, and how Nancy’s commitment to a daily sketchbook practice has transformed her work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Painting Wall: Why working on multiple pieces at once is a dream for maintaining momentum.

• Material Geek Out: Using wood panels, gloss mediums, and the magic of Neocolor II water soluble crayons.

• The Visual Language: How Nancy transitioned from 2D mixed media to bold, graphic abstract painting.

• Creative Mentorship: Nancy’s experience with Janelle Douglas and the Art2Life Creative Visionary Program.

• The South Shore Art Bloom: Why the local creative community in Massachusetts is feeling more vibrant than ever.

Shout outs in the ep:

@nancycloonan17

@creativepathwaysproject

@bethbaileystudio

@lifealivecafe

@hartwickcollege

@theoddcow

@katharinekreisher

@pcaplymouth

@nicholaswilton

@art2life_world

@framecenter

@insidetheframepodcast

@janelledouglasfineart

@northriverartssociety

@paula_locuststreetstudios

@s.b.washburn

@artypantsmag

@herantenna

@victoriajfry

@dinambrennan

@pam.golden.626

@fullercraft

@andrealopezgallery

@christinamarygodfrey

@savagegodfreygallery

@oh_pleeze

@suzlews

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

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Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this inaugural episode, Beth Bailey introduces a new interview series dedicated to uncovering the many ways people build creative lives. Beth shares her own "weird niche" journey, from her early days as a dual major at MassArt to her experiences as the "YMCA Art Lady" and a sign painter at Trader Joes. This series is born out of pure curiosity and a lifelong obsession with community building. Whether you are a woodworker, an engineer, a baker, or a puppeteer, there is a creative path for you. Beth explores how we can bridge gaps and find connection in a disconnected world through the power of collaborative art.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Curiosity Gap: Why Beth is obsessed with asking "non artsy" friends about their local arts community.

• Generational Creativity: Moving from a working class background where knitting and quilting were side gigs to building a full time creative career.

• The "YMCA Art Lady" Years: How a physical therapy appointment led to a foundational job in community arts education.

• The "Sneaky" Transfer: How Beth navigated the jump from community college to MassArt and why she switched her major before her first class.

• Creative Pathways: The origin of Beth’s nonprofit and how a simple sketchbook project with her kids evolved into collaborative greeting cards and museum programs.

• The Future of Creativity and AI: Why automating the "boring stuff" might actually open more doors for human creativity.

Connect With the ShowDo you know an "undercover creative?" Someone who thinks they aren't creative but actually uses those skills every day? Drop a comment or reach out!

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

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Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

In part two of episode 28, we rejoin community arts educator Beth Bailey to wrap up our exploration of the Greetings from Duval Elementary residency.

This half of the conversation focuses on the "how" of community art. Beth shares insights on collaborating with guest artists, the technical process of building woven pop up cards, and the strategy behind a successful community Family Night. We also discuss the importance of sustainability in arts programming and how to use resources like Spare Studio to make large scale projects possible.

Whether you are an educator, an artist, or a community leader, Beth’s approach to making art "pliable" and accessible offers a masterclass in impactful residency work.

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

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Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Host Beth Bailey takes us behind the scenes of her latest community art residency, "Greetings from Duval Elementary."

In this deep dive, Beth breaks down the logistics of running a grant-funded program for over 400 students. She shares the reality of balancing artistic vision with school budgets, the importance of paying visiting artists, and why she chose to personally absorb a funding gap to ensure the project’s success in her home district.

Highlights include:

• Scaling a project for K-5 students using a "production line" philosophy.

• Partnering with mentors and local creatives to show students viable artistic paths.

• Navigating the "Double Life" of being an artist-parent in a community facing financial challenges.

Perfect for educators, grant-seekers, and anyone believe in the power of a "woven" community.

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

__________________________________________________________

Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

I am back with a solo update on everything happening in my studio right now. In this episode, I am giving you a behind the scenes look at how I manage grant funded projects without hitting burnout. Whether you are curious about my experience with multi site residencies or wondering how I transition between mediums like ceramics and painting, I am sharing the lessons I have learned from my recent career shifts.

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

__________________________________________________________

Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Music by ⁠ ⁨@gregloftusmusic⁩ , find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. @theloungeatthebrew

In this very special episode of Let’s Chat Creative Pathways, I am joined by a woman who has been a foundational part of my own creative journey: my mom, Marian. We sit down to explore the evolution of her life as a maker and the many ways her creative practice has shifted over the decades.

Marian shares her earliest memories of sewing alongside her grandmother, a skill that eventually gave her the confidence to design and create her own prom gown. We talk about the busy years of motherhood where her creativity was poured into making elaborate and memorable Halloween costumes for us kids, and how that practice has now blossomed into a deep passion for the intricate art of quilting.

This conversation is a beautiful look at how creativity doesn't always have to be a straight line or a professional title. Instead, it can be a constant companion that adapts to the season of life you are in.

Marian's List of Tools for Beginning Quilters:

1. Havel’s 69000 scissors (they cut fabric like cutting through butter)
2. Any seam ripper
3. Fiskars’ cutting board
4. Clippers
5. Find a quilt shop in your area

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠ ⁠@bethbaileypottery

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Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Music by ⁠ ⁨@gregloftusmusic⁩ , find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. @theloungeatthebrew

Welcome back to Episode 25 of Let’s Chat Creative Pathways!

This week, we are sitting down with Kristina Junco, a local artist and elementary special education teacher who beautifully blends her passion for creativity with her work in the classroom.

In this episode, Kristina takes us back to her childhood in Lancaster, PA, describing what it was like growing up with a mother who made creative play a part of their daily routine (including some legendary Halloween costumes). We discuss how that foundation influenced her path and how she now brings that same spirit to her students.

We also dive deep into "The Sketchbook Project." We look at the "Pizza Sketchbook" and Kristina shares how she used a sketchbook in her special education classroom to teach social skills like turn taking, patience, and the idea that art doesn't have to be "finished" to be beautiful.

In this episode, we cover:

• Kristina’s journey from a creative childhood to becoming an artist and educator.

• The philosophy that "kids do well when they can, not when they want to."

• How The Sketchbook Project originated from Beth's experience with her daughter.

• Practical ways to use sketchbooks in the classroom for diverse learners.

Follow along with Kristina and her art on Instagram at @kjunk_co

Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileystudio

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Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Music by ⁠ ⁨@gregloftusmusic⁩ , find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. @theloungeatthebrew

See Melissa and her work live and in person at her gallery opening "Requiem in Bloom" on January 10th from 2-6pm at Clemens Gallery, Hingham Public Library.

Work is on view from January 10th - February 5th

In Episode 24, I sit down with photographer Melissa Diane Clayton to discuss the unexpected path that led her to the lens. We talk about her early, powerful exposures to both visual arts and music, and how those influences eventually guided her toward photography.

It was an art form she took to almost immediately. We discuss how having access to a decent camera and a college level photography class with a darkroom changed everything for her. Melissa describes the "dance" of developing film and the magic of seeing an image come to life.

But her work goes much deeper than technique. We navigate the profound personal experiences that shape her vision, specifically the early loss of her mother. You can see this influence woven throughout her work. 

Her subject matter has evolved over the years, spanning from the stark landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park to the flowers she grows right now in her own backyard here in Massachusetts. Her melancholy portrayal of these blooms is haunting, familiar, and stunningly beautiful.

Whether you are listening or watching, you really need to see these images. Check out the links below to view her portfolio and, if you are looking for art to guide you through the year, pick up one of her 2026 calendars.

Melissa on Instagram: @_melissadiane

Shop Melissa's 13 month 2026 calendar:

https://shop.melissadiane.me/product/2026-still-life-calendar

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating bringing art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

__________________________________________________________

Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Music by ⁠ ⁨@gregloftusmusic⁩ , find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. @theloungeatthebrew

In this episode, I talk with musician and sound engineer Emily Smith Payton about the creative thread that has run through her life from childhood to her career today.

Emily and I grew up in the same community and shared many of the same early arts experiences, especially Mrs. Lewis’s school productions, which shaped so many of us. Although we were in different years and never on stage at the same time, those productions helped spark Emily’s love for the team aspect of music and theater.

Emily followed her older brother into drumming at a young age and carried that interest into her studies at Emerson College in Boston, where she took audio and sound very seriously. After graduating, she kickstarted her career at the legendary Avedis Zildjian Company, connecting her percussion background with one of the most iconic names in music.

Over time, Emily found her way back to her original goal of running sound in professional theater. It is a role that suits her well, blending technical skills, calm energy, and a genuine appreciation for helping performers feel supported.

In our conversation, she shares stories from behind the scenes, including memorable moments working with artists like Mick Fleetwood and Billie Joe Armstrong, as well as the everyday work of helping people feel comfortable on stage, whether they are seasoned performers or wearing a mic for the first time.

We also talk about her band Ali and the Biddies, which she performs in with longtime friends and her husband, keeping music in her life in a way that feels authentic and fun.

What stands out about Emily is her grounded, working class approach. She brings a steady presence to every room and treats everyone with the same level of respect, whether they are rock legends or first time actors.

Our conversation went so long that we did not even cover much of her more recent career and life updates, so I have already rebooked her to continue the conversation in a few months. There is much more to explore.

🎧 Listen now to hear Emily’s journey and the many paths a creative life can take.

Link to Emily's Interview with Mick Fleetwood

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Shout outs in the ep:

@emilybongos

@aliandthebiddies

@alihow611@enthusedkyle

@zildjiancompany

@emersoncollege

@mrslewis

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Support Creative Pathways Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing art programming to Brockton youth. Donate at creative-pathways.com/donate.

Follow on Instagram:
@creativepathwaysproject

 @bethbaileypottery

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Music by ⁠Greg Loftus⁠ — find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

⁠Greg on Instagram⁠

Intro/outro music “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full licensing permission of the artist.

In this very special episode I share the recording of my MAEA 2025 Community Arts Educator of the Year award presentation. Earlier this fall I missed the official ceremony that honored arts educators from across the state, including the Museum Educator of the Year from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and a Lifetime Achievement recipient from Marlborough Public Schools.

I am incredibly grateful to my friends at Levitate for opening their warm backyard space so I could gather with friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate and document this moment.

A huge thank you goes to Cari DiCicco, the president of the MAEA, for traveling to present my award in person. In the speech you will hear today I share the story of Creative Pathways, how it began, what drives the work, and how I hope it continues to grow through community collaboration.

I hope you feel inspired listening and consider this an open invitation to dream up future opportunities for art making in community. It is my passion, my niche, and the path I am excited to continue exploring.

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating bringing art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

__________________________________________________________

Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠