The CornerStore

The CornerStore episodes:

• 02.16.2021

  Monique Meloche | The Monique Meloche Gallery and the current state of the art market

  The Cornerstore spoke with Monique Meloche about The Monique Meloche Gallery and the practices they plan to continue post-pandemic; the strength of the contemporary art market; and much more.

  
• 02.09.2021

  Demetrius Amparan | Surveillance Alert; Being a girl-dad; The loss of his father, Edward; and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Demetrius Amparan about his latest project, “Surveillance Alert”, and all of the works he’s recently dropped including music videos for “Real” + “Say Something”. Demetrius also talks about being a girl-dad; the recent loss of his...

  
• 01.26.2021

  Kathy Iandoli | The importance of centering women, writing ‘Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah’, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Author Kathy Iandoli about continuously ensuring women are at the center of her writings; writing the definitive biography of Aaliyah titled “Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah”; and shares stories about the early beginnings of her...

  
• 01.12.2021

  Chris Silva | Being a mixed-media artist, keeping art adventurous, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Mixed-Media Artist Chris Silva about the many disciplines he specializes in; the importance of the graffiti and skateboard scenes in his creation process throughout the years; and the constant goal of keeping art adventurous.

  
• 12.29.2020

  Brittney Carter | ‘As I Am’, Loop Theory, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Brittney Carter about her debut album “As I Am” and the importance of collaboration throughout it, being a part of the Loop Theory collective, this year in music, and much more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore...

  
• 12.22.2020

  Vic Lloyd | Drive of a hustler, Fat Tiger Workshop, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Vic Lloyd about staying busy during quarantine and picking up new activities, the formation of Fat Tiger Workshop and being 1 of the 4 Fat Tigers, continuously inventing and reinventing himself, and more. Stay connected with...

  
• 12.15.2020

  Atlas | Transitioning from graffiti to fine art, life beyond the art, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Atlas about expanding beyond graffiti and transitioning into the fine art side, his life beyond the art, and much more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download episodes via Spotify and...

  
• 12.08.2020

  Julia Miller | Delmark Records, her undying love for the guitar, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with President & CEO of Delmark Records, Julia Miller, about the history of Delmark Records, her journey through music and her love for the guitar, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access...

  
• 12.01.2020

  Myron Laban | ‘Sitting With My Thoughts,’ being a pharmacist, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Myron Laban about his solo exhibition “Sitting With My Thoughts” at the Elephant Room Gallery & the constant growth/expansion of his craft, actively working as a formerly trained pharmacist, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore...

  
• 10.13.2020

  Naira | The intersectionality of art, activism, and organizing

  The Cornerstore spoke with Naira about stepping “out of her shell”; her experiences with supporting and organizing protests; the creation of BLCK RISING and the crucial work they’ve been doing all summer; and much more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore...

  
• 10.06.2020

  Delilah Martinez| Owning Vault Gallerie, The Mural Movement, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Delilah Martinez about all of the work she’s been doing throughout the entirety of the stay-at-home order including volunteer work, finding innovative ways to support the Black Lives Matter Movement, and more. Delilah sheds light as...

  
• 09.29.2020

  Mashaun Ali | Trap House Chicago, Restorative Justice Street-Wear, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Organizer and Community Architect Mashaun Ali about the restorative justice based street-wear brand & boutique Trap House Chicago, Feed 79th initiative, and much more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download...

  
• 09.22.2020

  VLA #ChangeTheName | Changing the name of Douglas Park and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Bianca and Raniya of VLA #ChangeTheName about their ongoing efforts to change the name of Douglas Park to honor Frederick & Anna-Murray Douglass instead of Stephen Douglas. Bianca walks us through the process of getting the...

  
• 09.15.2020

  No Cuts x No Glory Barber Shop | The history of the shop, the cultural importance of the barbershop, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with TJ & Drew The Barber of No Cuts x No Glory Barber Shop about how they began working together, the on-going importance of the barbershop and what it means for the culture, the type of environment...

  
• 09.08.2020

  Alan Ket | Museum of Graffiti, his personal evolution as an artist, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Alan Ket, Co-Founder of the Museum of Graffiti, about the museum and it’s dedication to the graffiti art form. Alan also talks about the significance of the museum’s location in Wynwood, his personal evolution as an...

  
• 09.01.2020

  Jeff Zimmermann | Beginnings of becoming a muralist, the role graphic design plays in his work, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Jeff Zimmermann about the challenges of creating murals during quarantine, the integral role graphic design plays in his aesthetic, the transition from street art to gallery work, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You...

  
• 08.26.2020

  Charlie Kane & Maria Mora | Documenting Women DJs and their experiences in “For The Record”

  The Cornerstore spoke with Charlie Kane & Maria Mora about their Documentary, “For The Record” that covers women DJs and their experiences in the music scene; how they got their start in their respective art forms, and more. Stay connected...

  
• 08.18.2020

  Georgina Trevino | Breaking the norms of fashion and art, enjoying the endless possibilities of collaboration, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with contemporary jeweler Georgina Trevino about the power of social media with endless possibilities for collaboration, constantly changing and evolving as an artist, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download...

  
• 08.11.2020

  Tracy Baim | What the future holds for the Chicago Reader, the early house scene in the city, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Chicago Reader Publisher and Hall of Famer, Tracy Baim, about the never-ending desire to be a journalist and covering queer stories/news the right way, what the future holds for the Chicago Reader, and more. Stay connected...

  
• 08.04.2020

  Henry Chalfant | Documenting Hip-Hop Culture, Style Wars, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Henry Chalfant about documenting hip-hop as a cultural form, the creation of Style Wars, advocating for hip-hop culture/the youth, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download episodes via Spotify...

  
• 07.28.2020

  Liz Flores | Cubism and geometry, the power of social media in art, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Liz Flores about the use of cubism and geometry throughout her work; the power of social media in art; and the relationship between being a business owner and an artist. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud!...

  
• 07.21.2020

  Michael Caplan | Nelson Algren documentary, finding true fulfillment in the arts, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Columbia College Chicago Film Professor Michael Caplan about the Premiere of his Nelson Algren documentary on WTTW, the journey of entering the creative world and finding true fulfillment in the arts, and more. Stay connected with...

  
• 07.14.2020

  Tubsz | Bringing Black and Brown communities together through art, blending graffiti and calligraphy, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Artist and Designer, Tubsz, about style-writing, blending the practices of graffiti and calligraphy, his work with the Mural Movement in efforts to bring the Black and Brown communities together, and much more. Stay connected with The...

  
• 07.07.2020

  Maya Schenwar | Truthout, Coming into abolitionist work, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Writer & Editor Maya Schenwar about her work with Truthout, what it means to defund the police, coming into abolitionist work, how non-black people can be better allies, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud!...

  
• 06.30.2020

  CoolOut Chris & Amina | Urbanized Music, creating as a family, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Chicago Hip-Hop Couple CoolOut Chris and Amina about Urbanized Music, being Hip-Hop parents during this time, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download episodes via Spotify and Apple!

  
• 06.23.2020

  Emily Jungmin Yoon | Life in Hawaii, the journey of becoming a writer, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Emily Jungmin Yoon about life in Hawaii, studying Korean poetry, the journey of becoming a writer, A Cruelty Special to Our Species, and much more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and...

  
• 06.16.2020

  Jahmal Cole | My Block My Hood My City, serving the communtiy, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Jahmal Cole, CEO & Founder of My Block My Hood My City about learning from other activists about criminal justice reform during this time, being a self-published author, working on behalf of the community, and much...

  
• 06.09.2020

  Sir Charles | Made in Chi-Town With Love, fatherhood, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Sir Charles about the recent protests and his role in his community, the importance of the messages in his work, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download episodes via...

  
• 06.02.2020

  Liz Abunaw | Forty Acres Fresh Market, creating neighborhood infrastructure, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with Liz Abunaw, Owner and Operator of The Forty Acres Fresh Market, about the work the organization is doing, the importance of reaching disadvantaged neighborhoods, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access...

  
• 05.26.2020

  DJ Step | Studying the roots of DJing, the importance of always getting a fit off, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with DJ Step about the process of developing his own musical taste and the importance of sports in his upbringing; learning the ins and outs of DJing; the importance of continuing to get fits off even during...

  
• 05.19.2020

  William Camargo | Growing up around Disneyland, finding liberation through photography, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with William Camargo about growing up around Disneyland, photojournalism as a way to travel and get to know people, and his ever-growing ability to document history/taking images as a means of re-remembering. Stay connected with The Cornerstore...

  
• 05.12.2020

  Rick Kogan | Freelance Journalism, remaining curious in the city, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with WGN’s own Rick Kogan about the beginnings of his journalism/broadcasting career, formidable experiences in the UK, and documenting notable characters of Chicago, and more. Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download...

  
• 05.05.2020

  José Olivarez & Willie Perdomo | LatiNext, working together, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with José Olivarez & Willie Perdomo, 2 editors of The Breakbeat Poets Vol. 4: LatiNext, about their current experience with releasing this new anthology into the world right now. José & Willie also express what kind of...

  
• 04.28.2020

  Yvette Mayorga | Multi-dimensional art, Latinx experience, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with visual artist Yvette Mayorga, about the shift she’s experienced with her creation process during the stay-at-home order. Yvette also touches on her various techniques and use of different color pallets throughout her work, using her art...

  
• 04.21.2020

  Krista Franklin | Too Much Midnight, the essence of time, and more

  The Cornerstore spoke with writer and visual artist, Krista Franklin, about her experience thus far during this quarantine and her relationship with time. Krista also shares details about her latest book, Too Much Midnight,; her love for science fiction and...

  
• 04.14.2020

  Bambi Banks-Couleé & Khloe Park | Unfriendly Black Hotties, Virtual Drag Shows, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with Bambi Banks-Couleé & Khloe Park, 2 of the 4 founders of Unfriendly Black Hotties. Bambi and Khloe share the history of Unfriendly Black Hotties, the transition to holding virtual drag shows, the importance of...

  
• 04.07.2020

  Kristen Kaza | SloMo From Homo, finding new inspirations online, and more

  As we continue our quarantine interviews, Kevin speaks with Kristen Kaza (Party Producer and Community Enthusiast) about her continuous efforts to host cultural events within the virtual world. Kristen talks about making the monthly SloMo Party, typically hosted at The...

  
• 03.31.2020

  Alex Boutros of Chicago Votes | Advocating for incarcerated individuals, encouraging young voters, and more

  As we continue to practice safe quarantine procedures, Kevin spoke with Alex, Community Organizer for Chicago Votes, via a virtual call to learn more about how she and other organizers are handling the transition into virtual conversation in order to...

  
• 03.24.2020

  Max The Snacktor | His 5 years in Chicago and working in the art scene; Curating shows with Young Chicago Authors, and more

  On this episode, Kevin Coval and Mercedes Zapata talk with Max The Snacktor as he shares insight into his upbringing in LA; his visual artistry and being the co-founder of Chicago Sleepers; working with Young Chicago Authors and the various...

  
• 03.17.2020

  Raych Jackson & Idris Goodwin | LIVE from Soho House Chicago

  In a special live edition of the Cornerstore, authors Raych Jackson and Idris Goodwin read from and speak about their new books, “Even the Saints Audition” & “Can I Kick It.” Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud!

  
• 03.10.2020

  David Heo | "Honey & Smoke" Solo Show, arts education, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with David Heo about growing up as an Asian American in the south, how he truly feels about his arts education, his solo show at Vertical Gallery “Honey & Smoke” on display now and more!...

  
• 03.10.2020

  David Heo | “Honey & Smoke” Solo Show, arts education, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with David Heo about growing up as an Asian American in the south, how he truly feels about his arts education, his solo show at Vertical Gallery “Honey & Smoke” on display now and more!...

  
• 03.03.2020

  Kirsten Valentine | Wine to the art world, the process of subject selection, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with Kirsten Valentine about her work experience from wine to the art world, her intriguing process of subject selection, where you will be able to find her work next and more.   Stay connected with...

  
• 03.03.2020

  Kirsten Valentine | Wine to the art world, the process of subject selection, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with Kirsten Valentine about her work experience from wine to the art world, her intriguing process of subject selection, where you will be able to find her work next and more.   Stay connected with...

  
• 02.25.2020

  Tanji Harper | Her early life and early professional experience, The Happiness Club, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with dancer and educator Tanji Harper about her early life and early professional experience, her work with Blu Rhythm Chicago and her experiences and incredible work as the Artistic Director of The Happiness Club for...

  
• 02.25.2020

  Tanji Harper | Her early life and early professional experience, The Happiness Club, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with dancer and educator Tanji Harper about her early life and early professional experience, her work with Blu Rhythm Chicago and her experiences and incredible work as the Artistic Director of The Happiness Club for...

  
• 02.18.2020

  The Cornerstore Podcast LIVE at FieldHouse Jones for Allstar Weekend

  In a special live edition at @fieldhousejones , the Cornerstore spoke with Ahmed Taofik @ahmed5ebd , founder of EBD basketball camp @ebd_africa in Benin, Africa, Shala @followshala , solar artist creating solar power murals, structures and more, & Daniel Poneman...

  
• 02.18.2020

  The Cornerstore Podcast LIVE at FieldHouse Jones for Allstar Weekend

  In a special live edition at @fieldhousejones , the Cornerstore spoke with Ahmed Taofik @ahmed5ebd , founder of EBD basketball camp @ebd_africa in Benin, Africa, Shala @followshala , solar artist creating solar power murals, structures and more, & Daniel Poneman...

  
• 02.11.2020

  Jesse De La Pena | The rich history of Chicago's music scene, Blue Groove Lounge, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with Jesse De La Pena about his roots in Chicago, his place in the rich history of Chicago’s hip hop and music scene, his tenure at Vocalo Radio and more.   Stay connected with The...

  
• 02.11.2020

  Jesse De La Pena | The rich history of Chicago’s music scene, Blue Groove Lounge, and more

  This week the Cornerstore spoke with Jesse De La Pena about his roots in Chicago, his place in the rich history of Chicago’s hip hop and music scene, his tenure at Vocalo Radio and more.   Stay connected with The...