Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of choral music as we sit down with David Christopher, the Founder and Artistic Director of Delaware ChoralArts. This is a fascinating journey into the heart of an organization that's not just about music, but about building community and nurturing talents in Wilmington and beyond. Listen closely as David shares the unique dynamics of a chorus that can expand and contract depending on ...

Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the enchanting world of opera with the Wilmington Concert Opera. We explore their upcoming performance of Hansel und Gretel, a German opera that's rarely seen on stage but holds a wealth of beauty and emotion. Attendees of the family-friendly performance on November 12th are in for a treat with crafts, snacks, and a gingerbread house building activity. We also delve into the significan...

Join us as we highlight our remarkable guest - Jill Althouse-Wood, an emerging DDOA fellow in the world of visual arts, whose work is heavily influenced by the culture of Arden, Delaware and the serene landscapes of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Jill shares her artistic evolution, from gilded abstract forestscapes to the forest as a symbol of mystery and transformation, and how she's managed to keep her creativity alive in t...

Lift the curtain and catch a glimpse into the harmonious world of the Newark Symphony Orchestra. Our guest, Simeone Tartaglione, the orchestra's esteemed music director, offers an enchanting narrative of how the orchestra has woven its magic into the fabric of the local community. Simeone talks about everything from the orchestra's collaborations with local art organizations to their annual youth concerto competition for ...

What if you had the opportunity to unlock the hidden stories of historic artifacts in the collections of the Historic Odessa Foundation? You're about to get a front row seat on a journey through time as we navigate the captivating tales of the Corbett and Wilson family collections, objects that have witnessed history unfold, from the 1770s to later generations. Executive Director of the Historic Odessa Foundation, Debbie Buxto...

Prepare to be inspired as we share an enlightening conversation with Coney Maderyaga, a uniquely talented artist and 2023 fellow from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Discover how her roots in Santiago, Chile and her passion for Frida Kahlo have shaped her artistic journey. Alongside her, we unravel the fascinating crossroads where her background in behavioral sciences meets her creative endeavors. As a dedicated teaching artist,...

Step into the vibrant world of hip hop with "Grouchy" Greg Watkins, the founder of AllHipHop.com. We're thrilled to have him as our guide as we navigate the pulsating journey of hip hop, right from that climactic day on August 11th, 1973, when it all began, to its evolution into an unbeatable cultural phenomenon. We're celebrating half a century of hip hop, and what's better than doing it in Delaware, a sta...

Get ready to make your entrance into the entertainment world with Loren LoRosa. She's a powerhouse in pop culture, news, and entertainment, and she's got a tale or two to share about her transition from TMZ to founding her own production company, Brown Girl Grinding. As a first-generation college student hailing from the inner city, Loren will provide you with an abundance of invaluable insights into how her upbringing fu...

Let's paint a vibrant picture with Sara Ganter, the Executive Director of the Rehoboth Art League. As we traverse through the storied 85-year history of this unique organization, you'll gain a deep appreciation for its journey from humble beginnings in 1938 to its current status as a celebrated arts hub. Sara intricately details how the league, formed as a congregation and exhibition space for artists, now offers an impre...

Get ready as we journey into a tale of resilience and triumph amidst adversity with Lauren Foraker and Caitlyn Kuhn of Pursuit for Peace. This multi-state nonprofit, passionately run by women, has found creative ways to uplift children's spirits grappling with severe trauma and medical conditions. They've meticulously crafted unique methods of igniting joy, like deploying character ambassadors into clinical facilities, an...

Ever pondered how the arts and government can meld to create vibrant, inclusive communities? Well, let's sweeten your curiosity with insights from Tina Betz, the Director of Cultural Affairs in Wilmington. Tina, with her special blend of creativity and administrative expertise, has been a key advocate for the arts in Wilmington, helping foster cultural initiatives that breathe life into the city.

In this fascinating c...

Ever wondered how opera can stay relevant in a world of TikTok and Netflix? Join us as we sit down with Kerriann Otaño, Vice President of Engagement, and Brendan Cooke, General Director of Opera Delaware, who are proving opera still has its place in contemporary culture. They share their unique journey of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in a pandemic-stricken environment, bringing opera to the people in the form of ...

Brace yourselves to be captivated by the Executive Director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO), J.C. Barker, as he opens up about how the DSO sailed through the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. With an unyielding commitment to their musicians, we uncover the commendable decision by the DSO board to honor all contracts amidst the crisis. This episode is a tribute to the resilient spirit of the Delaware arts community and the st...

 Ever wondered how the magic of art can transform a city? Prepare for an insider's tour into the innovative world of the Downtown Dover Partnership with Diane Laird and Jordan Resch, as we unpack how creativity is revitalizing our city. We're spotlighting Paint Dover, a unique plein air painting experience that breathes life into downtown Dover, capturing its spirit in vibrant colors and strokes. Learn about the selection...

Have you ever wondered how trials and hardships in life can shape and strengthen your creativity? Join us as we share an intimate conversation with Liz DeJesus, a Puerto Rican author whose journey from a literature-deprived childhood to becoming a 2023 emerging individual artist fellow in the field of literature creative nonfiction is nothing short of inspiring. Marvel at her audacious decision to pen her first novel at 18, her tra...

Ever wondered how art can be harnessed as a transformative power in communities? Well, you'll find answers in our enlightening conversation with Melissa Pelerchio and Jay from the Center for Creative Arts in Yorkland, Delaware. They reveal the rich tapestry of their artistic space, filled with art classes, summer camp programs, a music festival, art galleries, an outdoor market, and open mic nights. We also unravel the center&...

Terrance Vann speaks with James Ray Rhodes, the Executive Director of Christina Cultural Arts Center, on today's Delaware State of the Arts Podcast.

CCAC provides affordable arts, education, instruction, career pathways paid internships, gallery exhibitions, and live performances accessible to all in a welcoming environment. CCAC offers one of the only integrated arts and academic programs in Delaware, utilizing the power of ar...

An interview with Dr. James Wilson (Delaware Choral Society) and Heather Schwartzentruber (Delaware Youth Chorale) on their upcoming joint concert.

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers...

Andy Truscott speaks with Bryant “Tee” Bell, a 2023 DDOA Emerging Individual Artist Fellow in the field of painting.

Bell is a native of the First State who grew up in Greenwood, Delaware with his two brothers, and he was in the first graduating class of Woodbridge High School. The artist attended school in Hampton, Virginia, but received Bachelor and MBA degrees from Delaware State University, where he also took studio art classes....