ArtMoves-The Podcast

What actually is a docent? In time, the role has evolved from didactic teaching to facilitating rich multifaceted experiences for visitors. In this episode our eyes (and ears) are opened by this unique class of service-oriented art mentors, exemplified by Cheryl Cotterman and Diane Botwin. Here they graciously share their experiences with us, including a couple of heartwarming stories that are at the core of why they do what they do. Listen and be inspired.

Resilience is what you call it when a person still finds a path toward their goal, despite many hurdles along the way. That’s what SK Reed has in abundance. Running the Waiting Room Gallery and uplifting other artists are but two of their ongoing achievements, as is deftly churning out art that organically reflects their diverse interests & inner self.  All this, while navigating difficulties in our social world, keeping anxiety at bay, and trying to figure out next moves! As you listen, don’t miss the endearing story of The Waiting Room’s name.   And bonus: The accomplished Harold Smith serves as co-host on this episode!  

In this episode, we’re free-flowing about art in the Kansas City region. An impressively productive Renaissance man, Harold Smith has contributed to the creative ether in so many ways. A mere sampling of these includes painting, writing, curating, and fostering the growth of others through his “Urban Kore” initiative. In this episode he tells us which artists have caught his eye recently, and he speaks his mind about under-appreciated artists — how can they be better seen?  With years of experience, Harold’s got his finger on the pulse of our region’s art world, and he rounds out our discussion with progressive ideas for revamping how we think about, and promote, visual art.

The role of a curator is not static! Meet Jessica Hong, the new chief curator at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and hear how her forward-minded ideas are expanding what it means to be a curator, going beyond the confines of the art institution.  Jessica highlights her deep love of working directly with artists, whom she considers the lifeblood, and she cultivates a sense of curators working as a “collective fabric”. And, in her eloquent way, she also considers how to move forward in the current political climate.  

Creative capacity can extend beyond the production of compelling art.  Case in point: Elise Gagliardi has found passion and talent in the worlds of art curation and gallery operations, and now she has expanded on this by becoming the director of the new ION Gallery in Kansas City. All while balancing her own art career and being the mother of 3 children! As an artist herself, she can more precisely hone in on the under-appreciated needs of fellow artists.  Stay tuned -- she has some hopeful ideas about meeting these!

Meet the new executive director of The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Jessica May. What a joy to find that she is a bright, creative, and down-to-earth leader who is poised to help the museum reach a fuller potential. Building on its already strong foundation, Jessica brings fresh eyes and inspiring ideas to her role at the Kemper, forging in a new direction. What does the future hold for this treasured institution of art? Her answers may both surprise and delight you.

The accidental artist… The road to Mikey Yates’ discovery of his own creative talent & passion is winding, but the art world is a better place for him having arrived. In this episode we hear about his muses, his artistic philosophy, and some timely support he has received along the way.  Plus, he provides great insight on the similarities between referencing other artists in visual art, and sampling other music when making new beats. Listen in…

First thoughts of internationally acclaimed artist Amir Fallah are of a talented creator who has "made it" in the art world. But did he really get his first big exhibition break right here in Kansas City? In this ArtMoves podcast episode, Amir shares his sage thoughts ranging from impressions of the art scene in the Midwest, to fresh perspective on the roles of curators and gallerists, to advice that may help new artists avoid a common mistake. Plus, what are his next steps?

What makes an art collector tick? In this episode we have a great conversation with down-to-earth Matt Strange. He and his wife Mandi have built a wonderful visual art collection. And here Matt shares his insights on motivation, the value of focusing, and the impact of exposing children to art at an early age. Listen in as he knocks down the perceived elitist and financial barriers to entering this passion and pastime called art collecting. It's really for anyone!

In this episode, we speak with artist, curator, and champion of the immigrant experience, Kiki Serna.  Listen along, as she so eloquently immerses us into her world, both with her poignant art and her thought-provoking words. Leaving other jobs, she has now taken a leap of faith to focus just on her art, and she’s had an inspiring path to this point …imagine being a wide-eyed 7-year-old seeing the grand Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for the first time, then one day showing your own artwork there!  The stories of some of her experiences in this country may tug at your heart, but you will feel all the better for having heard them.