Your adventure begins with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today we have Jan Ramsey, the founder of Offbeat Magazine, as she engages in a captivating dialogue with host Rob Lee on The Truth In This Art Beyond: New Orleans. Discover Jan's enduring passion for New Orleans' unrivaled musical and cultural identity, meticulously cultivated over decades. Offbeat Magazine, a beacon of the city's music scene, thrives under Jan's leadership, fostering genuine representation and business success. Tune in to explore Jan's mission of instilling a deep appreciation for New Orleans' distinct culture, her vision for a music museum, and the influential role Offbeat plays in promoting and preserving the city's artistic essence.

About Offbeat Magazine

OffBeat is a New Orleans, Louisiana monthly local music magazine founded by Jan V. Ramsey in 1987. The magazine, published by OffBeat, Inc., focuses on the popular music of New Orleans and Louisiana, which is generally R&B, blues, jazz, rock, hip-hop, funk, and many other traditional styles of music popular in Louisiana. OffBeat was the first magazine in New Orleans to resume publishing after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, despite losing all its staff and its printer.

OffBeat publishes several music festival-oriented issues, including the "French Quarter Festival Souvenir Guide" in early April, and the "Jazz Fest Bible," a special Jazz Fest issue. These issues contain schedules of local music festivals, detailed information on performers and club listings, and interviews with local musicians. The magazine hosts a local music awards series, "The Best of the Beat Awards", to highlight local music and musicians, and also runs the "Louisiana Music Directory," containing listings of bands, musicians, record labels, and clubs in the state.

The magazine's website was the first magazine website online in the state of Louisiana.

OffBeat is featured in the HBO series Treme. Its editorial resulted in the creation of characters (such as "DJ Davis McAlary", in reality local musician/DJ/writer Davis Rogan), and storylines in the series.

Within this chat, we shed light on:

• How Jan Ramsey's passion for music and artistic roots led to the birth of Offbeat magazine, a vibrant platform spotlighting New Orleans' music scene.
• The mission of Offbeat magazine - not just guiding music enthusiasts to local tunes but also fueling the city's music economy.
• Jan Ramsey's proactive contributions to the music industry, including advocating for education and creating a vital resource hub for musicians.
• The unique musical landscape of New Orleans and the imperative for greater recognition and backing for emerging artists and genres like hip-hop and bounce.
• Jan Ramsey's impactful Mojo Mouth column within Offbeat magazine, addressing pertinent music industry challenges and presenting actionable suggestions for advancement.

Jan discusses her passion for music and the cultural scene in New Orleans. She shares her journey of starting the magazine and her efforts to promote and develop the local music industry. Jan also highlights the challenges faced by musicians and the importance of supporting and appreciating their creative output.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

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Tune in and be inspired by 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by the engaging Rob Lee. Together with our guest today, Ariel Davis, co-founder of The Arts Administrators of Color Network, engages in a dynamic conversation with host Rob Lee on The Truth In This Art. Ariel, a Maryland-based cultural organizer and communications expert, brings her expertise in supporting diverse cultural expressions in communities to the forefront. Co-chair of the board of The Arts Administrators of Color Network, Ariel's impact reverberates through her work with organizations like Save the Music Foundation, The Lewis Prize for Music, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With a French Horn player's roots and a Howard University alumna, Ariel's journey reflects her passion for cultural enrichment and community development.

About The Arts Administrators of Color Network

The Arts Administrators of Color Network (AAC) is a 501(c)3 service organization founded in July 2016. The network provides a platform for arts administrators and artists of color to voice their experiences and collaborate towards equity in the arts. With over 25 events held since 2016, AAC has connected and expanded BIPOC leadership across the US creative sector, serving over 1,000 arts leaders in DC/Maryland/Virginia and over 200 nationally. The network's vision is an anti-racist, anti-oppression, human-centered creative sector with cultural institutions led by People of the Global Majority. AAC is made possible through donations.

In this feature, we unravel:

• Ariel Davis' advocacy for diversity and inclusion, shaping the landscape of arts administration and cultural expression.
• The impactful role of The Arts Administrators of Color Network in fostering support and opportunities for arts leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ariel's inspiring message to aspiring arts administrators and artists, urging them to embrace fearlessness and find their supportive community.

Ariel shares her background and experiences in the arts. Growing up in Detroit, she had influential band directors who encouraged her to pursue music. However, when she moved to the East Coast for college, she noticed the lack of diversity in the classical music world. This led her to question the selection process and representation in the arts. Ariel discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in arts administration and cultural expression. She highlights the work of the Arts Administrators of Color Network in providing support and opportunities for arts leaders of diverse backgrounds. Ariel also shares her advice for aspiring arts administrators and artists, emphasizing the importance of being fearless and finding your tribe.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
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Open your ears to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee is at the helm. Our today’s guest Keith Mehlinger, is a tenured professor of cinematic arts and director of the Screenwriting and Animation program at Morgan State University. As he engages with host Rob Lee on The Truth In This Art. With a robust background in marketing, film production, and corporate collaborations, Keith delves into his film industry journey, the innovative vision for the SWAN program, and more. Holding a Bachelor's from UC Berkeley and an M.F.A. from UCLA, Keith's career spans successful tenures with Fortune 250 companies and prolific contributions to storytelling and filmmaking.

About Screenwriting and Animation (SWAN)

Screenwriting and Animation (SWAN) is Morgan's cinematic arts and sciences major and the most technology immersive program in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). Much more than just a film major, SWAN lays the groundwork for evolving artists, filmmakers, and content producers to forge career paths in entertainment, education, science, and business at a time when visual storytelling is the dominant narrative form of the 21st Century.

In this talk, we navigate through:

• How Keith's love for storytelling via movies and cartoons ignited his film career journey.
• Keith's hands-on experience in film and video production with companies like Northrop and TRW.
• Keith's insights on the vital role versatility and sustainability play in creative careers, alongside his encouragement for skill diversity in students.
• The innovative integration of technology and creativity within the Swan program, shaping students for screenwriting and animation careers.
• Keith's emphasis on guiding students to strike a balance between creative dreams and practical considerations, urging openness to unexpected opportunities.

Keith shares his journey in the film industry and discusses the importance of storytelling. He talks about his early experiences with film and animation, his time working in the corporate world, and his transition into academia. Keith also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the Swan program and the value of integrating technology and creative skills. He emphasizes the importance of versatility and sustainability in a creative career and the need to balance creative aspirations with practical considerations.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, host Rob Lee interviews Victoria Adams-Kennedy, a Baltimore-based writer delving into the complexities of Black Love. They explore her influences, including inspiration from Zora Neale Hurston, and much more. Victoria is a published author of two novels and a contributor to anthologies. Beyond her writing, she's the visionary behind Zora's Den, a dynamic support group for Black women writers. Rooted in the legacy of literary icons like Zora Neale Hurston, Zora's Den is a nurturing space fostering Black sisterhood in Baltimore and beyond. Victoria and her co-founders host monthly readings at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center, spotlighting The Fire Inside, a captivating anthology of poems and stories. With an MFA in Creative Writing and publishing Arts, Victoria champions Black women's voices, embodying the essence of authenticity and unity through Zora's Den.

In this dialogue:

• Victoria Adams Kennedy's upbringing in an artistic family has deeply influenced her creative journey, shaping her perspective on art and life.
• Delve into Victoria's unique writing process, which can spark from a single title, a character's essence, or a snippet of dialogue.
• Explore the inception of Zora's Den, and its purpose to foster a close-knit community and supportive haven for black women writers.
• Uncover the essence of the anthologies "The Fire Inside" from Zora's Den, capturing the fierce essence of Zora Neale Hurston's spirit in the written word.
• Take a closer look at the captivating monthly reading series "In Our Own Words," a platform showcasing the powerful narratives of black women writers while preparing to welcome the voices of black men writers.

Victoria shares her background growing up in an artistic family and her first experiences with writing and creativity. She discusses her writing process, which can start with a title, a character, or a line of dialogue. Victoria also talks about the motivation behind founding Zora's Den, a community and support group for black women writers, and the impact it has had on the writing community. She highlights the importance of community and support in the writing journey and the need for black women writers to have a space to share their experiences and stories. Victoria also mentions the anthologies published by Zora's Den, titled "The Fire Inside," which feature writing that reflects the fiery spirit of Zora Neale Hurston. She concludes by discussing the monthly reading series called "In Our Own Words," which showcases the work of black women writers and will soon feature black men writers as well.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
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Welcome, listeners, to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, guided by the insightful Rob Lee. Today our special guest is Kip Omolade, a celebrated mixed media artist renowned for his futuristic portraits inspired by his Nigerian heritage, is the featured guest on this episode of The Truth In This Art. Rob Lee interviews Kip as they delve into his career trajectory, artistic inspirations, and more. Born in Harlem, NY, Kip began as a graffiti artist, interned at Marvel Comics, and pursued studies at The Art Students League of New York and the School of Visual Arts. His diverse body of work has been showcased at esteemed galleries and publications such as Opera Gallery, Good Morning America, and Hi-Fructose. Kip's exceptional pieces have garnered recognition in special projects and have found permanent homes in collections, including Viacom and Hallmark Cards.

During this conversation:

• Explore the Artistic Empowerment: Unveiling Kip Omolade's Journey to Empower Black Youth through Positive Imagery.
• From Graffiti to Africa: Unraveling Kip Omolade's Diverse Inspirations Fueling Artistic Innovation.
• Breaking Boundaries with Art: How Kip Omolade Utilizes Creativity to Challenge Stereotypes and Expand Black Cultural Representation.
• The Artistic Integrity: Understanding Kip Omolade's Vision-Driven Approach to Collaborations in the Creative Industry.
• Mastering the Canvas: A Sneak Peek into Kip Omolade's Magnum Opus and Anticipated Exhibitions in NYC and France.

Kip discusses his journey as an artist and the influences that have shaped his work. He emphasizes the importance of representation and creating positive imagery for black people in the art world. He also talks about the impact of hip-hop and other forms of media on shaping cultural narratives. Omolade shares his process of creating sculptures and paintings, which often incorporate elements of graffiti, comic books, and African identity. He highlights the need for a more diverse and three-dimensional representation of black culture in art.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
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Abdul Ali is a prolific poet, writer, and cultural worker with a diverse background in nonprofit consulting. Having held significant roles in Maryland's arts programs and academia, including teaching positions at prestigious institutions, Abdul's contributions to the literary world have been recognized through awards like the 2019 Ruby Grant. As a co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Thrive Arts, he ardently fosters capacity building within communities of color. Raised in Queens, New York, Abdul's journey underscores his commitment to nurturing creativity and empowering artists on their paths to success.

In this broadcast, we dive deep into:

• The omnipresence of art and its various creative expressions that enrich our community.
• The importance of providing artists a nurturing environment to push boundaries and catalyze both personal and artistic development.
• The pivotal concept of capacity building for artists, and how it paves their path to realizing creative triumphs.
• The profound influence artists wield within our community, and how our collective support can amplify their contributions.
• The transformative power of curiosity and vulnerability in shaping artistic endeavors, fostering impactful and authentic artistry.

Abdul discusses his upbringing, creative philosophy, and the mission of Thrive Arts. Abdul shares how his early exposure to art and poetry in school shaped his love for the written word and the power of voice. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, curiosity, and creating a safe space for artists to take risks. Abdul also discusses the need for capacity building in the arts community and how Thrive Arts aims to provide resources and support to artists of color. He highlights the diverse forms of art and creativity that exist in all corners of our community and encourages embracing and valuing these expressions.

Mentioned in the episode
Thrive Arts

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
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Settle in for a captivating journey on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, led by your host, Rob Lee. For today’s episode, our guest is Jonathan Goldman, the Chief Curator of B&O Railroad Museum, as he joins host Rob Lee on The Truth In This Art. Explore the legacy of the Underground Railroad, illuminated through B&O Railroad's pivotal role while delving into immersive exhibitions, collections, and educational initiatives. Uncover the remarkable journeys of 27 individuals towards freedom along the B&O line, revealing insights into the Black travel experience and ingenious use of railroad terminology as a coded language. With a passion for storytelling and history, Jonathan bridges the past and present, making history engaging for all.

In this session:

• Explore the origins of American railroading and how the B&O Railroad Museum uniquely captures its societal impact.
• Delve into the exhibition "The Underground Railroad" and uncover the pivotal role played by the B&O Railroad, spotlighting narratives of 27 courageous freedom seekers.
• Immerse yourself in an experiential journey through the exhibit, designed to captivate visitors with its power and thoughtfulness, creating an engaging experience.
• Learn about the collaboration between the museum, community partners, and scholars to authentically represent black voices in the Underground Railroad exhibit.
• Discover the digital database's role in enabling visitors to navigate the stories of freedom seekers, gaining insights into the intricate railroad network they utilized on their quests for freedom.

Jonathan discusses his journey into museum work and the latest exhibition he curated, "The Underground Railroad: The Freedom Seekers of the B&O Railroad." The exhibition explores the role of the B&O Railroad in the Underground Railroad and highlights the stories of 27 freedom seekers who used the railroad on their journey to freedom. The exhibit provides an immersive and experiential experience, with interactive elements and a digital database of the freedom seekers' stories. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of elevating black voices and creating a meaningful connection between history and contemporary society.

Mentioned in the episode
B&O Railroad Museum

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
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• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Chris Haley, a multi-talented individual known for his exceptional contributions as an Actor, Writer, Singer, Director, and Public Speaker in the fields of Black History and Genealogy. As the Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland at the Maryland State Archives Research Department and the Director of the Utopia Film Festival in Greenbelt, Maryland, Chris is deeply dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and legacy of African Americans.

In this episode, we delve into:

• Chris's diverse background in English and Drama, highlighting his remarkable career as an actor, writer, singer, and director, and his involvement in esteemed organizations and foundations such as the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation and the Annapolis Film Festival.
• His role as the Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, shedding light on the importance of exploring and understanding the historical impact of slavery in the state and its ongoing implications.
• Chris's passion for genealogy and African American history, and his tireless efforts to educate and inspire others through public speaking engagements, empowering individuals to embrace their heritage and uncover the hidden stories of their ancestors.
• The legacy of his uncle, Alex Haley, and the profound influence it has had on Chris's work, inspiring him to continue promoting positive representation and preserving the rich cultural heritage of African Americans.

Join us as we embark on a journey with Chris Haley, unraveling the hidden narratives and inspiring legacies of African Americans, and gaining valuable insights into the power of genealogy and historical exploration.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
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Delighted to have you join 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee is your host with today’s guest André Mazelin, the Executive Director of Dance Place, a prominent dance presenting organization in Washington, D.C. With a strong background in arts leadership, André spearheads the development and expansion of Dance Place, focusing on strategic direction, talent acquisition, and legal matters. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at Creative Alliance, Motorhouse, and Prince George's Community College Center for Performing Arts. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, André is dedicated to supporting artists and fostering growth in the arts community.

In the course of this episode, we explore:

• Dance Place's journey as a grassroots organization that has played a pivotal role in uplifting emerging and mid-career artists in the vibrant arts scene.
• André's insights on the significance of offering artists the necessary organizational support to effectively manage the administrative aspects of their creative endeavors.
• The importance of creating a supportive workplace environment that acknowledges the emotional and mental well-being of employees, and how it contributes to effective leadership.
• André's perspective on the remarkable can-do attitude and limitless creative potential that artists bring to the table, and how fostering this spirit can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

André shares his journey from being a member of a hip-hop group to becoming an arts leader, and how he stumbled into the profession of arts management. He discusses the grassroots nature of Dance Place and the importance of supporting emerging and mid-career artists. André also reflects on the challenges and rewards of his role, emphasizing the need for artists to have organizational support and the importance of providing space for employees to navigate their emotions and mental health.

Interview conducted in November 2022.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Begin your experience with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by the one and only Rob Lee. Today we have Jenenne Whitfield, the president of The Heidelberg Project since 2017, who has propelled the project to international recognition as one of the most influential art environments globally. She has collaborated with institutions worldwide, expanding the project's reach. Whitfield and Tyree Guyton, the project's founder, introduced "Heidelberg-ology," exploring discarded materials' impact on urban communities. Her leadership has garnered over 27 awards and global acclaim for The Heidelberg Project. Beyond her executive role, Whitfield lectures teaches art courses, and mentors emerging art thinkers. She's also a co-founder of Detroit's United Artists of Detroit collective. With her appointment as director of the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Whitfield continues her journey at the intersection of art, community, and spirituality.

​

Rebecca Alban Hoffberger stated: “From idea to sustained fruition, the American Visionary Art Museum has occupied more than half my life. Without reservation, and with unanimous AVAM Board and staff accord, I have the utmost peace and joy in our rightful selection of Jenenne Whitfield as my successor.”

About the AVAM

The American Visionary Art Museum—a Congressionally-designated national museum and education center dedicated to showcasing intuitive, self-taught artistry and thought—welcomes only its second director in its 30+-year history with the appointment of Jenenne Whitfield by the Board of Directors to succeed Founder and director and Primary Curator Rebecca Alban Hoffberger.  Ms. Whitfield was previously the President & CEO of The Heidelberg Project and worked with the Detroit-based outdoor artistic organization for 28 years. Ms. Whitfield formally takes up her new role with AVAM in September 2022.

Inside this recording, we venture into:

• A discussion about the universal nature of creativity, going beyond traditional definitions to explore how connecting with our inner selves can unleash artistic expression.
• The perspective of Whitfield on the terminology "outsider art" and delve into the idea that artistic power is not confined to formal training, opening up conversations about the value of diverse creative voices.
• The concept of perfection in art, shedding light on the deeper motivations behind the pursuit of flawlessness and how it can sometimes hinder true artistic growth.
• The transformative potential of authentic creativity, exploring how art that originates from a soulful place can bring about profound changes within individuals and communities.
• The evolving cultural landscape and the renaissance in art and creativity, driven by a collective shift towards soul-centered values over materialism, and its impact on the artistic and cultural reawakening.

Jenenne shares her journey from corporate America to the world of art and spirituality. She discusses the power of metaphysics and the importance of tapping into the soul to create meaningful art. Whitfield also reflects on her time at the Heidelberg Project in Detroit and the challenges and triumphs of building an innovative art environment. She shares her excitement about joining AVAM and the serendipitous events that led her to this new role. Whitfield believes that creativity is innate in all of us and that it is essential to tap into our childlike qualities to create meaningful work.

Interview conducted in October 2022.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
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• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
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