WBOI Artcentric

Fort Wayne area artist, Joel Fremion, has more than three hundred major "paintings" to his credit, and his medium of choice for all of them is fabric. This very tactile artwork is an intricate blend of fabric and leather that is further enhanced with painted details. The result is a cleverly complex image, sometimes mistaken for paint at first sight, that intrigues and pleases art lovers and artists alike. For a close-up look at the artist and his off-beat methods, WBOI's Julia Meek joined up with him to talk about how this technique evolved, his local artist series, and the satisfaction he derives from this passion-turned-profession. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Friends of the Rivers, a local conservation organization, is challenging the entire community to be River SmART (W/ ART!) The project, called Clean Drains Fort Wayne, a collaborative effort between the group and Fort Wayne City Utilities, is a three year initiative that officially begins today with a series of storm drain street-art mural installations throughout the city that will be completed by September 19th. Neighborhoods and schools are also being enlisted to join the movement and create chalk drawings and install awareness medallions at nearby drain sites, in preparation for Clean Drain Fort Wayne Fest on World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 26th, in Promenade Park. For a behind the scenes look at what this means to all involved, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with Nancy Stewart and Pam Holocher, project co-chair and committee member respectively, to discuss the initiative's scope and purpose as well as its official city-wide celebration. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne author, Mary Ann Cain, has written a new book devoted to the life of Chicago artist and activist Margaret Burroughs. The saga, which traces Margaret's cultural contributions within her beloved southside Bronzeville neighborhood, also documents the history of the cultural renaissance Chicago enjoyed in the 20th century, which as Cain notes, "followed directly on the heels of the Harlem Renaissance." The work will be launched and celebrated locally on February 8th, with a multimedia celebration at the United Arts Center. WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with the author to learn the lasting impact Burroughs has made on her community, what Margaret's friendship meant to Cain, and how the story is being unfolded. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Multimedia creative Darren Hunt has just written, produced and directed his first film, a dramatic work called Paper Angel. Though Hunt's intentions were to work with seasoned filmmakers once the screenplay was completed to his liking, his ten year journey with the project would come to include doing all of the casting, production and sets for the movie himself. Besides the attention paid to all of the visual components of the story, he then went on to collaborate with local musicians and flesh out a riveting musical score of their gritty originals that they all felt would complement the "vibe of the film" he was building. It's local premiere is at Indiana Tech's Magee Theatre. For Darren's reflections on this grass roots cinematic adventure, WBOI's Julia Meek invited him into the studio to discuss its origin and evolution, the passion for the craft he developed along the way and why the "purely Fort Wayne" flavor of the piece resonates so deeply with his art centricity. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

James and the Drifters is a four piece rock band with a smooth sound, a positive message and a curious name. This band of brotherhood, as the group likes to call itself, which began in Huntington, Indiana, back in 2010, now calls Fort Wayne its home, and the JATD fan base continues to build throughout the midwest, as does their touring circuit. Kyle Jackson, one of the founding members, is pleased with the band's evolution, and ongoing musical journey, being quick to point out, "I'm more excited now than I've ever been." With their newest album, The Glow, ready to be released on February 1st, WBOI's Julia Meek decided to sit down with Jackson and his bandmate, Andy Scheer, earlier this week, to get the inside story on their name, signature sound, and musical staying power. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

The Bradley is a new local enterprise in downtown Fort Wayne, located at the gateway of the city's waterfront revitalization zone. Born of Midwestern charm and modern design sensibilities, the flavor of the arts-forward boutique hotel resonates with locals and travelers alike from its west Main street address, evoking a sense of warmth from an inviting front lobby all the way up to the dramatic skyline view to be found from its popular rooftop bar. For a look behind the scenes and into the heart of this unique operation, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with its founder, Barbara Bradley Baakgaard and Carmen McGee, general manager of its restaurants, Birdie's and Arbor, to discuss what it's bringing to the community. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

While most everyone is avoiding the frigid outdoor temperatures, a brave bunch of area residents are gearing up for the 2019 Special Olympics Polar Plunge, which takes place a week from this Saturday at Metea County Park. Plungers are seeking donations to benefit Special Olympics athletes around the state, and ensure continued opportunity for participation at all levels of activity. For a sneak Peek at what this celebration means to both state and county Olympic organizations, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with event chair, Jake Pickett, and Olympian, Alise Hazelett, to learn about the cause, plunge day's festivities, and the satisfaction to be found in "freezin' for a reason." WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association's semi-annual Festival in Kendallville is finally back on track this Labor Day weekend after a year and a half hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. The four day celebration begins at the Noble County 4-H Fairground and welcomes both walk-in visitors and camping enthusiasts to its spacious grounds. The group, which was formed in 1976 by a group of musicians from the Fort Wayne area who shared a passion for the genre and an affinity for homemade music, has hosted these festivals at the Fairground during Memorial and Labor Day weekends since 1990. The stage show, with its large and prestigious variety of bluegrass talent features eleven bands, twenty-one sets and nearly non-stop informal jamming in the side yard throughout the event. Among this year's headliner acts is Fort Wayne's own Debutants newgrass band. For a look behind the scenes at the community of bluegrass enthusiasts that has grown along with the organization, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with its top officers, Jim Winger and Joe Steiner, to discuss how this year's event is taking shape and where the organization, as well as the genre it promotes, is headed. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne Youtheatre has been going strong for eighty-five years now, and this season is off to a great start, thanks to its new Executive Artistic Director, Todd Espeland. For a look at Todd's philosophy, and what he's bringing to the youngest members of our local theater scene, WBOI's Julia Meek invited him into the studio to share his insights on the craft, and its place in our community. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

After switching to a virtual celebration last year due to COVID restrictions, Fort Wayne is getting ready to enjoy its 13th annual Taste of the Arts Festival in person. With an emphasis on CDC guidelines and local health agency guidelines, the event's greatly expanded footprint will allow festival goers to self select and choose their own adventure, giving everyone the chance to celebrate the special day in their own way. For a look at the new shape things are taking as the event holds true to its cultural legacy, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with festival marketing chair, Rachel Reinking, and committee chair, Thad Tegtmeyer, to talk about the vast network of community connections that plays into it. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.