unchARTed Creative Communities Network

Ever met someone whose conversation is like a jazz improvisation – weaving through seemingly unrelated topics only to find they were connected all along? That's REN. Starting with the tale of how she moved from her biblical name Rachel to become REN ("free as a bird"), she takes us on a wild ride through the unexpected intersections of life, art, and communication.

Hold onto your seats as we bounce from nuclear meltdowns to zombie apocalypses (turns out they're terrifying for reasons you'd never expect), and discover how REN's journey from theater stages to ivory towers to nonprofit corridors shaped her unique view of human connection. These aren't just random tangents – they're pieces of a puzzle that reveal how we really communicate with each other.

For the artists in our audience, REN drops some serious knowledge about grant writing that you won't find in those $100 webinars. Spoiler alert: AI isn't your secret weapon, but your voice recorder might be! Her fresh take on storytelling and authenticity might just change how you approach your next funding application.

Whether you're a theater buff, a struggling grant writer, or just someone who enjoys conversations that zig when you expect them to zag, this episode is a master class in what it means to truly connect – whether you're on stage, writing a proposal, or just trying to pick the perfect emoji (yes, they're more important than you think).

Want to learn more about arts funding in Montgomery County? Find REN and information about Culture Works' grant opportunities at cultureworks.org.

If you have any comments or questions about this episode or unchARTed Creative Community Network, you can email Craig and Tim and [email protected]

And remember to give us that 5 star rating!

Grant Writing with REN of Culture Works

In the unchARTeDeepDive series, we offer tips and advice on specific topics of interest to the creative community.

This episode features highlights from our conversation with REN of Culture Works in Dayton, Ohio, originally featured in unchARTeDayton. While you can find our complete interview with REN in the full episode, this focused deep-dive concentrates specifically on advice for writing grants as an artist.

Connect With REN

To contact REN with questions about art grants in Montgomery County Ohio, she can be reached through the Culture Works website at [cultureworks.org/about](https://cultureworks.org/about/)

Connect With Us

Have topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes of unchARTeDeepDive? Contact us at:

* Email: [email protected]

Ready for an Adventure? Meet Tom Helbig, the Fun-loving Force Behind Tomfoolery Outdoors! 🚐✨

Get ready to be inspired! We sat down with Tom Helbig, and wow - his enthusiasm for life and adventure is absolutely contagious! This conversation will light up your day and might just inspire you to add more outdoor fun to your life.

What's This Episode All About?

Picture this: A guy with an incredibly colorful van who's made it his mission to help people rediscover the joy of outdoor adventure. That's Tom for you! For the past 11 years, he's been creating amazing experiences and building communities through Tomfoolery Outdoors. His approach? Pure, authentic fun with a dash of childlike wonder!

Tom's energy is unlike anything else - he's that friend who reminds you how awesome it is to play outside and try new things. Whether he's:

- Creating unforgettable outdoor adventures

- Building community through epic events

- Teaching people how to rediscover simple joys like rock skipping (yes, really!)

- Spreading smiles from his eye-catching painted van

Why You NEED to Listen to This Episode

If you're:

- Looking to add more adventure to your life

- Wanting to connect with nature in new ways

- Curious about how passion can fuel positive change

- In need of a massive dose of inspiration and good vibes

Then this episode is YOUR ticket to adventure! Tom's infectious energy and genuine love for bringing people together outdoors will leave you excited to explore and play.

The Good Stuff You'll Learn

- How to tap into your natural sense of wonder and play

- Why connecting with nature makes life more vibrant

- The power of building community through shared adventures

- How following your passion can create ripples of positive change

Catch More Tom Adventures!

Want more of this incredible human? Follow his adventures:

- Instagram: @tomfooleryoutdoors (Warning: May cause severe wanderlust!)

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@tomfooleryoutdoors

Show Some Love! ❤️

If this episode gets you fired up (trust us, it will):

- Smash that 5-star rating button on your podcast app

- Leave us a review telling us how much you loved it

- Share it with your friends who need some adventure in their lives!

Let's Connect!

Got questions? Want to share your story? Ready to be our next guest? Hit us up at:

[email protected]

Thanks for joining us. Catch you on the next adventure! ✌️

Shadow Girls Cult: Where Shadow Puppetry Meets Cinematic Dreams

Sit down with us as we chat with Zane and Cass of Shadow Girls Cult, a shadow puppetry duo from Seattle who are crafting immersive visual stories through a fresh, cinematic lens.

When most of us think of shadow puppets, we remember casting shadows of bunny rabbits on our bedroom walls. But Shadow Girls Cult takes this familiar medium into advanced storytelling well beyond casting bunny rabbits, creating intricate performances using multiple projectors, carefully crafted puppets, and masterfully coordinated movements that bring stories to life through analog technology and live performance.

Shadow Girls Cult emerged from a perfect storm of creative interests. Zane's background in sculpture and printmaking merged with Cass's theater and lighting design experience, leading them to discover shadow puppetry as their ideal medium. Starting in 2017, they've grown from performing at local puppet slams to touring nationally with their full-length production while conducting workshops and nurturing local performance communities across the country.

Their current production, "Unraveling," explores themes of personal and societal transformation through a series of surreal vignettes that challenge our understanding of what puppet theater can be. Through their work, they invite audiences to explore complicated characters and worlds that can transform in an instant.

Beyond creating their own work, Zane and Cass are passionate about growing the puppet arts community. They co-produce Seattle's Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam, teach workshops, and actively work to show people that puppetry extends far beyond their preconceptions.

Their advice for fellow artists? Find your community - the people who will support you and grow with you. Follow the fun and joy in your creative process. Create from authentic personal experience. Remember that not everyone will connect with your work - and that's okay.

Want to dive deeper into the world of contemporary shadow puppetry?

- Website: shadowgirlscult.com

- Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @shadowgirlscult

- Email: [email protected]

Join their growing "cult" of shadow puppet enthusiasts and discover how this age-old art form is finding new life through innovative artists willing to play in the shadows.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, feel free to contact Craig and Tim at [email protected].

We'd appreciate your support of our podcast by giving us a 5 star rating on the podcasting site you listen to unchARTeDayton.

*Recorded for unchARTeDiscussion, a series of interviews with creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists outside the Dayton area. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.*

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Dixon, the visionary behind the Edward a Dixon Gallery, to uncover the untold stories and unexpected twists that have shaped his path as an art patron and champion of the local creative community.

The gallery's annual "We're Doing It All Wrong" exhibition, now in its fourth year, is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal issues and systemic challenges that plague our world. Through this exhibition, Ed aims to foster crucial conversations and inspire action, using art as a powerful medium to confront the uncomfortable truths we often overlook.

Over the course of our conversation, we'll delve into Ed's motivations for opening the gallery, which stemmed from his desire to provide more outlets and opportunities for art to be seen in Dayton. His innovative approach to programming and exhibitions like "We're Doing It All Wrong" reflects his relentless pursuit of the unconventional, as he seeks to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what a gallery can achieve.

From his personal evolution as a vegan foodie to the serendipitous connections that have brought international artists to his doorstep, Ed's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to elevating the arts in his community.

Join us as we explore the uncharted territories of creativity, where Ed's unwavering dedication has transformed not just the gallery, but the very fabric of Dayton's cultural landscape. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and perhaps even compelled to rethink the way we're "doing it all wrong."

Get ready for an exciting new chapter in the unchARTeDayton podcast journey! We're thrilled to introduce unchARTeDiscussion, a fresh series that dives deep into the minds of creative entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers from all walks of life. We're breaking boundaries and venturing beyond Dayton, Ohio, to bring you inspiring stories from across the globe.

Kicking off this electrifying series is our conversation with the multi-talented George Bryant. He's not just an entrepreneur and coach; he's a podcast maven, author, and even has a secret past life as a photographer! With over two decades of entrepreneurial wisdom under his belt, George brings a treasure trove of insights to our discussion.

Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through a dizzying array of topics! We're talking about finding your authentic artistic voice, mastering the art of customer retention, and unlocking the secrets to attracting new clients. We dive into the power of mindset, especially when you're venturing into uncharted waters and developing new skills. George also shares his expert take on leveraging social media effectively, boosting visibility, nurturing leads, and converting prospects into loyal customers. Plus, he drops some truth bombs about the dangers of getting too comfortable when your business is on the rise.

But it's not all serious business talk – we also uncover why George believes chocolate chip pancakes reign supreme in the culinary world!

For all you book lovers and movie buffs out there, George drops some must-read and must-watch recommendations:

1. "The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter

2. "Get Different" by Mike Michalowicz

3. "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Vincent Norman Peale

4. Jonah Berger's book on the customer journey

5. "Holy Frit" (an eye-opening documentary)

Hungry for more of George's wisdom? You're in luck! Dive deeper into his expertise on the customer journey and the four levels of competency by tuning into his podcast, "The Mind of George Show," available on all major podcast platforms. For a full immersion into George's world, including info on his mastermind group The Alliance and his coaching services, head over to mindofgeorge.com.

We'd be over the moon if you could spare a moment to leave us a glowing 5-star review on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us continue bringing you these electrifying conversations!

Got thoughts? We'd love to hear them! Drop us a line at [email protected]. Let's keep the conversation going!

# unchARTeDayton Podcast - S1E14: Reinventing Art in Retirement with Bob Coates

Get ready for a wild ride through the imaginative world of Bob Coates in this episode of unchARTeDayton! Bob isn't just an artist; he's a creative powerhouse who expertly works across multiple mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture. Oh, and did we mention he's also an educator with 25 years of art teaching under his belt?

But don't let the word "retired" fool you. Since stepping away from the classroom a few years ago, Bob has been busier than ever, diving headfirst into his own art projects. And boy, does he have a story to tell!

Picture this: a 16-year-old Bob looking at photos of sunbathers and thinking, "Hey, these people look like lizards!" Fast forward to today, and that quirky observation has blossomed into a full-blown creative odyssey. Bob's been crafting ceramic lizard men and building an entire world around them, set in a future version of Earth. Intrigued? You'll have to tune in to hear Bob spin this tale himself – trust us, it's worth it!

It's fascinating to see how Bob's teaching experience has influenced his personal work. Throughout his career as an educator, Bob consistently challenged his students with assignments designed to help them see and understand their work from different perspectives. One such approach involved taking individual works and combining them into a cohesive piece. Now, in a beautiful full-circle moment, Bob finds himself applying these same principles to his own creations. It's a testament to how the techniques used to inspire students can continue to shape an artist's practice long after leaving the classroom.

The conversation takes an exciting turn as we dive into the practical aspects of bringing Bob's vision to life. Bob and our very own Craig have already been collaborating on building and welding display stands for the ceramic lizard men and cocoons. But that's just the beginning! We couldn't resist a lively brainstorming session, exploring innovative ways and potential venues for Bob to showcase this captivating new body of work. It's a perfect example of how the art community comes together to problem-solve, create, and push the boundaries of exhibition possibilities.

Curious to see what happens when a lifelong educator unleashes his full creative potential? You won't want to miss this episode. Bob's journey from teaching art to fully immersing himself in his professional practice is sure to inspire artists of all ages and stages.

Ready to dive into Bob's lizard-filled world? Check out his work at BobCoatesArt.com and prepare to be amazed!

Tune in to this episode of unchARTeDayton for a glimpse into the boundless creativity that can flourish after retirement. Bob's story proves that when it comes to art, the best may be yet to come!

As always, if you have questions or comments about this episode, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

And we would greatly appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on the podcast app.

# unchARTeDayton Podcast - S1E13: A Journey Through Nature's Lens with Ryan Taylor

Step into the world of nature photography as we welcome Ryan Taylor to unchARTeDayton. Ryan isn't just a photographer; he's a podcast host, YouTuber, and artist who's carved out a unique niche in capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Our conversation with Ryan takes us back to his roots, where a first-grade teacher's words sparked a lifelong passion for photography. It's amazing how a simple piece of advice can shape a person's entire career! We also learn that Ryan comes from a family of business owners, which instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age. This background of hard work and entrepreneurship clearly shines through in his approach to his art and career.

As Ryan shares his experiences, we get a glimpse into the challenges of nature photography. Ever wondered what happens when you drop your expensive camera in water? Ryan's got a story or two about that! He also opens up about the interesting dilemma of photographing familiar places and how it's pushed him to seek out the roads less traveled (and photographed) in his local area.

But it's not all smooth sailing in the world of nature photography. Ryan candidly discusses his bout with burnout a few years back and how he's navigating his way out of that creative rut. It's refreshing to hear about the ups and downs of an artistic journey and the new ideas and goals that can emerge from challenging times. His family's background in business ownership seems to have equipped him with the resilience needed to push through these tough periods.

Of course, we couldn't chat with an artist today without touching on the hot topic of AI in art. Ryan shares his thoughts on this technological revolution and its impact on the creative world.

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation revolves around finding authenticity in artwork. Ryan emphasizes the importance of creating art for oneself rather than for social media likes – a valuable reminder in our connected world. Though, ironically, he admits his April Fools videos have sometimes garnered more attention than his regular content – and not always the kind he was expecting!

For those inspired by Ryan's journey and wanting to see more of his work, you can find him at:

- www.ryanltaylor.com

- YouTube: @ryanltaylorphoto

- Podcast: All Outdoors Photography

- Instagram: @ryanltaylorphoto

- Facebook: Ryan Taylor Photo

Tune in to this episode of unchARTeDayton for a deep dive into the world of nature photography, artistic authenticity, and the evolving landscape of creative expression. Ryan's story of blending a strong work ethic with creative passion is sure to inspire both budding photographers and seasoned artists alike!

The Art of Teaching and Breaking Rules with Robin Dakin

In this episode of unchARTeDayton, we welcome artist and educator Robin Dakin, who recently left teaching high school ceramics after 27 years.

Episode Highlights:

Join us for a fascinating conversation that weaves through ceramics, folk art, MAD Magazine to Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol to Patti Smith to Taylor Swift, and the ever-evolving definition of what constitutes "art." Robin shares insights from his Masters degree focus on folk art and Appalachian artists, and how these influences inspire his work.

Discover how Robin's background in a military family influenced his artistic journey, and hear his reflections on being "outside the herd" in the art world. From his painted art truck to his advocacy for low brow art, Robin's story is one of constant evolution and creative exploration.

Connect with Robin:

Tune in for an inspiring discussion about breaking rules, embracing diverse art forms, and the lifelong journey of artistic discovery!

If you have any comments or questions about unchARTeDayton, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of unchARTeDayton, we welcome Australian photographer Kelly Ingerson, who shares her unique journey from Dayton, Ohio to the beaches of Australia.

Episode Highlights:

Dive into Kelly's world of sand photography and wanderlust as we discuss everything from camera gear to community engagement through art.

Find Kelly's work:

Got questions or comments? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Join us for an episode filled with stunning visuals (described in audio), unexpected adventures, and the power of art to connect us to our environment.