Zero Empty Spaces Podcast

In this episode of the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast, Co-Founder Evan Snow sits down with acclaimed artist Francesca Azzara, a resident of our Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) location. Francesca has been an exhibiting artist for over 30 years through out the NJ/NY area. She has received numerous awards including two HEART grants from the Union County Division of Cultural Affairs, and sited in many publications including the New York Times and the Newark Star Ledger. After years of working in encaustic, she is currently, she is focusing on mixed media: ink, oil stick and acrylic on paper.

Until recently, Francesca taught encaustic painting at the Newark Museum and New Jersey Center for Visual Arts, as well as private lessons to individuals and small groups. She is a member of NAWA, NYC, the oldest women’s art organization in the U.S. She is a member of Pro-Arts Jersey City, the Art Alliance of Red Bank and a board member of the Westfield Art Association. In 2021 and ’23 she participated in Art Fair 14C, New Jersey’s only art fair. Her experience includes curating and jurying the work of other artists.

To see more of her work log on to - www.francescaazzara.com

At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.

Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!

For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]

#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces #DCOTA

In this episode of the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast, Co-Founder Evan Snow sits down with acclaimed artist Janet Siegel Rogers, a resident of our DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) location. Known for her evocative use of light, layered textures, and contemplative abstraction, Janet shares her journey through decades of creative exploration, education, and exhibition.

Janet opens up about her artistic process, the philosophy behind her “light from within” technique, and the deeper emotional language of her work. She also reflects on the meaningful story behind two major pieces now part of the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s permanent collection—both donated by collectors who believed deeply in her vision.

To see more of her work log on to - https://www.janetsiegelrogers.com/

At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.

Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!

For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]

#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces #DCOTA

Welcome to the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast – where we spotlight the artists transforming once-vacant spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and community.

In this episode, we sit down with Frank Papandrea, a visual storyteller whose abstract paintings pulse with color, movement, and emotion. Based in South Florida, Frank’s work explores the unseen—internal landscapes, fleeting thoughts, and quiet awakenings—through bold composition and intuitive brushwork. Each canvas becomes a whispered dialogue in color and form, inviting viewers into reflection and revelation.

With more than 20 years as an award-winning art director, Frank has shaped national campaigns and cultural landmarks. Yet it’s in the quiet chaos of the studio where his true voice emerges—raw, layered, and searching. His paintings, which have won Best in Show honors and found homes with collectors seeking not just beauty but meaning, embody a balance between discipline and spontaneity, structure and emotion.

We talk about the evolution of his creative process, how a career in advertising and design informs his practice, and the role that shared creative community plays in deepening inspiration and connection.

🎨 Highlights from this episode:

How Frank’s background in advertising and design influences his visual storytelling

The dance between structure, intuition, and creative freedom

Insights into his studio practice and current body of work

What it means to be in community with other working artists

How emotion, memory, and space shape his artistic vision

💬 “Art isn’t just something I create—it’s a language I live through.”

Subscribe for more stories of transformation through creative placemaking, art, and purpose.

At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.

Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!

For more information, log on to www.zeroemptyspaces.com
or e-mail [email protected]

#ZeroEmptySpaces #Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces

In this episode of the #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast, we speak with Alexandra Komara, Commercial Investment Specialist with Reach Commercial and founder of the arts and sustainability nonprofit Space Swap.

In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra to talk about her work bridging the worlds of commercial real estate, arts, and community sustainability. From her expertise in investment strategy to her passion for creating cultural and environmental impact, Alexandra shares how she’s leveraging her professional and nonprofit platforms to support the activation of underutilized properties.

We also dive into her collaboration with Zero Empty Spaces to help open new creative studio spaces in #BrevardCounty—expanding affordable opportunities for artists while bringing vibrancy and walkability to the community.

Tune in to hear how commercial real estate and creative placemaking can come together to transform vacant spaces into hubs of culture, connection, and sustainability.

🎧 Subscribe for more artist stories, studio insights, and the voices behind the work.

At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.

Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach,, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!

For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]

#ZeroEmptySpaces #Podcast #UniteUsGroup #JudyGaggero #AlcoholInkArt #LegacyPlaceShops #PalmBeachGardensArt #ZESPodcast #CreativePlacemaking #SpaceSwap

Welcome to the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast – where we spotlight the artists transforming once-vacant spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and community.In this episode, we sit down with Helen Parchment-Linton, a self-taught artist whose journey spans from Treasure Beach, Jamaica to the Treasure Coast of Florida. With a background in banking and a lifelong love for painting, Helen brings a unique story of discipline, resilience, and liberation through art.Working primarily in oils and acrylics, Helen paints whatever inspires her — from the vibrant memories of her hometown in Jamaica, to sweeping Florida seascapes, to imaginative anime creations. She describes art as “so very liberating” and credits her time painting with mentor Karen Leffel-Massengill at The Nook for pushing her to grow more confident in her practice.Now a resident artist at Zero Empty Spaces in Jensen Beach, Helen embraces the freedom of having a dedicated studio outside of her home, where she can create, connect, and share her process with the public. For her, the greatest reward comes in knowing that her work brings joy to others.🎨 Highlights from this episode:Helen’s journey from Jamaica to Florida, and how both places influence her artThe leap from banking into a self-taught artistic careerWhy painting feels liberating and how it fuels her creativityThe role mentorship plays in her growth as a confident painterWhat she loves most about having a Zero Empty Spaces studio outside her homeHow sharing her art with the public has shaped her process and connections💬 “There is nothing more fulfilling than to know you are bringing joy to someone through your art.” – Helen LintonSubscribe for more stories of transformation through creative placemaking, art, and purpose.At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces

In this special episode of the Zero Empty Spaces podcast, we’re joined by Damon Lehrer, founder of the Boston Figurative Art Center (BFAC), for a deep dive into how and why he created one of the Northeast's most respected hubs for figure drawing and classical art training.Damon shares the story behind BFAC’s founding, his passion for preserving the tradition of observational drawing, and why these spaces are vital to nurturing community, discipline, and artistic growth in an increasingly digital age. We explore how BFAC has become more than just a place to practice drawing—it’s a gathering space, a learning environment, and a cultural anchor for the artists of Greater Boston.We also unveil the exciting new partnership between BFAC and Zero Empty Spaces to bring figure drawing and studio space together under one roof in the Natick Mall. Learn how this collaboration will create a hybrid model of working studios with built-in figure drawing classes—offering artists a unique, affordable space to create, study, and connect with fellow creatives in a thriving retail environment.If you're curious about the future of artistic community-building, placemaking through classical arts, and how partnerships like this can reshape underutilized commercial space, this episode is for you.For more information on BFAC and classes offered at our Natick Mall location log on to - https://www.bostonfac.com/At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces

Welcome to the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast – where we spotlight the artists transforming once-vacant spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and community.In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Love Gironda, a powerhouse of artistic energy, daily discipline, and vibrant expression. Based in South Florida, Jennifer is known for her bold commitment to creating a new piece of art every single day — a practice she’s upheld for over a decade.A mixed media artist, fashion enthusiast, and former art educator, Jennifer brings color and intention to everything she touches. From teaching high school students to exhibiting her work across the state, her story is one of passion, consistency, and connection. We talk about how her daily art-making practice began, how she stays inspired, and how being part of a shared creative studio space has shaped her most recent work.🎨 Highlights from this episode:The origin of her daily art series and how it's evolvedThe intersection of art, fashion, and personal ritualHer experiences teaching and inspiring the next generation of artistsWhat it means to be in community with other creativesHow she organizes, stores, and shares a massive body of work💬 “Art isn’t something I do... it’s who I am.”Subscribe for more stories of transformation through creative placemaking, art, and purpose.Celebrate the launch of our newest artist studio location and experience firsthand how we're reimagining underutilized commercial space for creative placemaking.Come meet the resident artists, explore their studios, enjoy light refreshments, and discover how vacant commercial real estate can be activated for good through the power of the arts.At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces

In this episode of the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast, we sit down with Palm Beach Gardens-based artist Judy Gaggero, a seasoned creative whose journey spans decades, mediums, and continents. From her early roots in watercolor and acrylic to her current passion for alcohol ink, Judy shares how a lifetime of exploration, teaching, and travel has shaped her distinct artistic voice.Now a resident artist at our Legacy Place Shops studio location in Palm Beach Gardens, Judy opens up about what drew her to the Zero Empty Spaces community, how the alcohol ink process fuels her creative freedom, and what she hopes viewers experience when they connect with her work.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, artistic flow, and the power of embracing change at any stage in your creative journey.🎧 Subscribe for more artist stories, studio insights, and the voices behind the work.#ZeroEmptySpaces #UniteUsGroup #JudyGaggero #AlcoholInkArt #LegacyPlaceShops #PalmBeachGardensArt #ZESPodcast #CreativePlacemaking #ArtistStoriesAt Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces

Welcome to the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast – where we spotlight the artists transforming once-vacant spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and community.In this inspiring episode of the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast, we sit down with Jamie Reed Lapidus, a powerful voice in the intersection of art, healing, and personal legacy. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 37, Jamie turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet—and in doing so, unlocked a deep connection to her family's creative lineage.Raised in a home filled with artwork by her grandmother and great uncle, Jamie shares how embracing her artistic instincts helped her process emotional pain, rediscover a sense of purpose, and transform her parents’ dining room into a vibrant studio space. Through mixed media, bold colors, and fearless expression, she’s creating beauty not just for herself, but for others to enjoy and find solace in.We talk about:How art became her lifeline after diagnosisThe emotional bridge to past generations through creativityFinding space to create—literally and figurativelyThe joy of self-expression and building something from withinWhether you're an artist, a caregiver, or someone navigating a life pivot, Jamie’s story is a moving reminder of the power of creative resilience.Subscribe for more stories of transformation through creative placemaking, art, and purpose.🎉 Save The Date To Join Us for the Grand Opening of Zero Empty Spaces at DCOTA!Celebrate the launch of our newest artist studio location and experience firsthand how we're reimagining underutilized commercial space for creative placemaking.🗓 Thursday, June 13, 2025⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT (Ribbon Cutting At 6PM)📍 Zero Empty Spaces at Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA)1855 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL 33004📌 Suite B-102 (Atrium B)🎟️ RSVP Now: https://zes-dcota-grand-opening.event...Come meet the resident artists, explore their studios, enjoy light refreshments, and discover how vacant commercial real estate can be activated for good through the power of the arts.At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces

Welcome to the Zero Empty Spaces Podcast – where we spotlight the artists transforming once-vacant spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and community.In this episode, we’re honored to feature Elizabeth Vitale, a Collage and Fiber Artist and retired Art Educator based in Delray Beach, Florida. From her early days hand-embroidering tapestries at 17 to her expressive, nature-inspired works crafted with a sewing machine, Elizabeth’s journey is one of reinvention, texture, and bold creativity. Tune in as we explore her evolution, inspiration, and insights into the fiber art world.🎉 Join Us for the Grand Opening of Zero Empty Spaces at DCOTA!Celebrate the launch of our newest artist studio location and experience firsthand how we're reimagining underutilized commercial space for creative placemaking.🗓 Thursday, June 13, 2025⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT (Ribbon Cutting At 6PM)📍 Zero Empty Spaces at Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA)1855 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL 33004📌 Suite B-102 (Atrium B)🎟️ RSVP Now: https://zes-dcota-grand-opening.event...Come meet the resident artists, explore their studios, enjoy light refreshments, and discover how vacant commercial real estate can be activated for good through the power of the arts.At Zero Empty Spaces, we are dedicated to transforming vacant commercial real estate into working artist studios that serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. We activate these spaces where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price while having the ability to be discovered and sell artwork out of their studio. Our innovative approach addresses the challenge of urban blight and retail vacancies by temporarily occupying unused spaces until permanent tenants are secured by property owners.Through this model, we breathe fresh life into new and neglected areas, fostering artistic expression and economic revitalization. All with the goal of expanding the appreciation of various genres of visual art and helping to create a thriving cultural community in more cities across the world. Current Florida locations include Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Jensen Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, & Boca Raton. Other locations include Natick Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia, and more coming soon!For More Information Log On To www.zeroemptyspaces.com Or E-mail [email protected]#Podcast #ZeroEmptySpacesPodcast #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces