On this week's episode, Ben sat down with We're from Antarctica! Easton, Pennsylvania’s very own indie quintet, We’re From Antarctica, emerged onto the scene in late 2018 through a series of serendipitous events that would lead Carlos “Paco” Brown (Vocals, Rhythm guitar), Jessie Rae (Vocals, Keys), Jon Blanco (Lead guitar), Mackenzie Kressley (Bass…

This week, Ben talks with Daniel Djuro-Goiricelaya. Daniel, a native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, was the second of three sons of a Cuban Basque mother and first generation Ukrainian/Russian Father. He was raised in a colorful, multicultural home where different languages were spoken, and traditions upheld; opening the windows of his imagination and aw…

This week, we interviewed the multitalented Michael B. Judkins. Michael B. Judkins is creating stories that reach, teach, and empower. He has 10+ years of experience in the creative industry as an independent Creative Director, Screenwriter/Writer, Content Creator, and Mental Health Advocate. Michael believes that art can truly change lives! He hol…

In this episode, Ben talks with Danny Finocchio. Danny Finocchio is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Easton, PA. A designer by trade, Danny has enjoyed a long career producing graphics, apparel, and footwear for brands like Mitchell & Ness, Reebok, and La Colombe. Danny meshes his diverse design experience and a love of experimentation within h…

In this episode, Elise talks with Florence-Susanne Reppert and Daulton Reppert from Poetry as Promised. Florence-Susanne Reppert (@schizo_trash_poet) is a neurodivergent, nonbinary poet/photographer from the Lehigh Valley. They run Nowhere as Promised open mic at Nowhere Coffee Co (@nowherecoffeeco), and they are the founder of Poetry as Promised L…

This week, Ben sat down with the band Food Truck. Food Truck is an indie/alternative trio formed in 2017, based out of Bethlehem, PA. They are comprised of Miles Hiebsch on guitar and vocals, John Mackey on bass and vocals, and Ryan Flynn on drums. You can follow Food Truck on Instagram at @foodtruck and check out their music through their linktree…

This week, Ben interviews Danny Moyer (@dannymoyer.artist). Danny is an artist, teacher, administrator, father, and so much more. He was born in northeast Philadelphia and raised in central Connecticut, but Easton, Pennsylvania is where he has called home for most of the last 25 years. Through his studio practice, he wants to make Art that makes pe…

In this very special LVAP: Backstage episode, we went to the Lehigh Valley Music Industry Information Share presented by Icehouse Punk & DIY. While there, we chatted with a few of those in attendance. Follow Ice House Punk & DIY for info on when the next LV Music Industry Information Share will be held! Here is a list of those interviewed in this e…

This week, Elise interviews author and poet Robin Gow. Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle) is a critically acclaimed trans poet from rural Pennsylvania. He is the author of several poetry collections, an essay collection, and Middle-Grade and YA novels. Faer novels include Ode to My First Car, A Million Quiet Revolutions, and Dear Mothman. Fae works …

This week, Ben interviews Brandon Dominguez. Brandon Dominguez is a boundary-pushing contemporary artist navigating the realms of abstract and pop art. At the heart of his creative universe are the iconic characters Brian(the Brain) and Moonie(the Moon), who take center stage in his vivid compositions. Dominguez masterfully employs vibrant colors, …

This week, Elise and Elisabeth interview Larry Mason. Larry Mason, is a writer, musician, Theatre Artist, and Disability Advocate. He works within the theatre world to try to build shows that talk honestly about his history with Disability, and how to build a more accessible theatre experience. To follow Larry Mason on Social Media, you can check o…

This week, Elise interviews the incredible Arta Brito. Arta Brito is a classically trained oil painter who has studied with various professional artists in New York City. She’s worked for the world renowned Jeff Koons studios from 2014-2016, has had several group and solo exhibitions throughout the U.S. and is in the permanent collection of the Hun…

This week, Elise talks with jazzy drawing artist Doug Trachtman. Doug Trachtman is a 26 year old artist, musician, and food pantry coordinator. He grew up in Allentown, Pa, went to school at Temple University and is now living in the Lehigh Valley area. Doug began making art as a child and drew frequently until high school when he took drawing clas…

This week, Ben sits down with artist and curator Elizabeth Johnson. An artist and exhibition curator, Elizabeth Johnson began writing reviews for artpractical.com in San Francisco, California, and later covered exhibitions in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley for theartblog.org. She has written for artcritical.com, Artvoices Magazi…

This week, Ben interviews Lauren McChesney & Matthew McClanahan, the owners of Shankweiler's Drive-in as well as The Moving Picture Cinema. Matt has always known he wanted to work in the movie industry. He has a filmmaking degree from Temple University and has produced numerous independent short and feature films. After completing an internship in …

This week, we talk with interdisciplinary artist, designer and arts administrator, Melissa R. Strom. Melissa R. Strom is an interdisciplinary artist based in the Lehigh Valley and New York City Metropolitan area. She earned her BFA in Studio Art and Graphic and Interactive Design at Moravian University. Primarily working with oil paint and found ob…

On Saturday, January 21st from 11am-3pm at Art Beat Café (@ArtBeatStudioCafe) in Emmaus a group gathered for a New Years Artist Get Together. They made artist trading cards, worked on some of their personal projects, had coffee, and talked with us about what they were most excited for in the Lehigh Valley arts scene this year! This event was planne…

Daniel Paashaus was born and raised in Coopersburg, went away to college. He studied English literature and writing at Temple University and Temple's Rome Campus. While there, he immersed himself in film culture, stop motion animation, and self-portrait photography. He spent time in New Mexico at the Santa Fe Photography Workshops and as a resident…

This week, Ben talks with Christa Neu about finding connection through photography, Christa's career, and how the world of photography has morphed and changed over time. Christa Neu is a photographer and photo editor for Lehigh University. She serves on the board of Healing Through the Arts, a non-profit organization that provides information and r…

This week, Ben and Elise interview Doug Boehm LIVE from Studio 248A at the Banana Factory. The conversation focus on Doug's career as an artist, how he developed his style, the meaning behind the colors and subjects he creates in his work, and so much more! Doug also provided the bass loops we used at the beginning and end of the episode! Doug Boeh…

SPOOKY & EXPLICIT CONTENT LIES WITHIN THIS EPISODE: LISTEN IF YOU DARE!!! In this special episode, we talk with Kiki Keyser from Mission Spooky about all things death and dying! More specifically, we talk about the history of art in gravestones & graveyards! In our conversation, we talked about gravesites around the world, in the state of Pennsylva…

This week, Bruce Ward sits down to talk about his documentaries, photographs, and time as a worker at Bethlehem Steel with Andria Zaia, the Curator of Collections at the National Museum of Industrial History. This episode was created alongside the National Museum of Industrial History as a way to uplift the prominence of Bethlehem Steel on the hist…

This week, Elise is joined by Eliana Vélez, a mixed-media collage artist who focuses heavily on self portraiture in her works. Born and raised in rural Eastern PA, with a Jewish mother and a Puerto Rican Father Eliana was inspired to create art that could encapsulate her specific experiences with adversity and trauma throughout her life. As a survi…

This week, we feature a fun conversation between Matt Molchany & Josh Berk about local music, the importance of participating in the local music scene, and why accessible recording studios are important to the community! Josh Berk is the Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library as well as an author and musician in the Lehigh Valley. …

This week, Elise talks with Devyn Briggs & Katie Hovencamp about their work in the community and how it ties to their personal art practices. Katie Hovencamp received her BFA from Arizona State University in 2009 and her MFA from the Pennsylvania State University in 2014. Hovencamp has exhibited her work in numerous exhibitions within the United St…

This week, Kendal Conrad, singer/songwriter, and Kate Hughes, Director of Fig Lehigh Valley, talk about Kendal's music, inspiration, story, and so much more! You can follow Kendal Conrad on Instagram at @kendalconrad and follow her food page at @kendalsbites. Make sure to check out her new song, I Don't Need You Now, at https://distrokid.com/hyperf…

This week, we talk with Rachel Peri. Rachel Peri is a lifestyle and portrait photographer as well as jewelry maker who operates out of the Lehigh Valley. In addition to being an artist, she is the current acting president of ACE, also known as the Arts Community of Easton. ACE was founded in 1999 and incorporated in April 2000 by artists, business …

This week, we talk with local musician Seth Witcher. Seth is a seasoned musician described as being "Current, contagious, and in demand" according to Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley Style Magazine. He is the Season 2 winner of FOX 29’s “Spotlight Under the El,” and has also recently been featured on both WFMZ 69 News and the Q Show on FOX 29. Seth is …

This in this episode, we went to the opening reception for Anthony Smith (@ansmithjrnyc) and Doug Boehm's (@dougbohemart)exhibition Sweet Distress at The Art Establishment (@theartestpa). We talked with Ellen Flynn, the owner and general manager of The Art Establishment. and both artists about the show, space, and the exhibited works. We also talke…

This week, we kick off our 3rd season with an interview between Elise and Hannah Ehret! Hannah is a local artist and gallery owner who recently found herself back in the Lehigh Valley! She is a visual artist and self proclaimed mud larker with a master's degree in art from Fontbonne University. Currently living in Easton, Hannah is also the owner o…

This week, Ben and Elisabeth talk with Rachel Bell (@rachellbel). Rachel Bell is a mixed media artist living and working in the Lehigh Valley. After graduating from Tyler School of Art at Temple University with a BFA in painting and drawing and a minor in art history, she immersed herself in the Lehigh Valley art scene. She began working as the fro…

This week, Elise talks with local pet portrait artist, beer can designer for Lost Tavern Brewing, wife, and mother of 2 Gretchen Gross. Gretchen, who goes by @thetwistedplottco on Instagram, was recently had a design of hers voted "Best Beer Can Design in PA" for a can she designed for Lost Tavern Brewing. The can featured a realist depiction of Al…

This week, we talk with abstract artist, Abraham Darlington! Abraham Darlington is originally from Philadelphia, PA. He has always had an interest in art, especially tattoo art; but, was not until he developed a shoulder injury that he began to pursue his artistic interests. Abraham has no formal art training, except for taking a small number of co…

This week, Elisabeth is joined by guest-host and former season one podcast guest Ikechukwu Okorji! At the beginning of this episode, we cover what Ikechukwu has been up to since he was last on and talk about musical inspirations! This week's special guest is singer/songwriter Stefanie Johnson! Singing and writing songs since a young girl, Stefanie …

This week, we recorded live at Godfrey Daniels with the Managing Director, Ramona Labarre. Ramona is a Texas native who came to Bethlehem in 1985. Looking for music on the left end of the dial, she found Hep Cat’s Holiday - hosted by Dave Fry - on WMUH radio, where she heard that Nanci Griffith would be performing at a place called Godfrey Daniels.…

This week, we kick off the episode by thanking everyone for coming out to Nina Boodhansingh's artist reception at the Gallery at Steel Pixel Studios. After that, Ben and Elisabeth talk with Marie Jeanna Haba about her artwork. Marie Jeanne is an independent artist working and living in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. Her interest in art and stained glass…

This week, Elise and Ben interview featured artist, Marlow Rodale (@wolram)! Marlow Rodale paints imaginary landscapes, rich in color and texture, to capture the ephemeral world of dreams. The surreal color combined with the skewing of perspective and geometric form is an attempt to capture the otherworldly feeling of being in a dream; a world fami…

This week, Elise interviews featured artist, Rei Ukon (@reiukon)! Rei Ukon is a queer and trans Japanese collage artist with a fascination for the hidden, spiritual world. Their art reflects a journey of understanding the relationships that make up our lives and towards inner peace. Specifically, collage has been a healing medium. The act of taking…

This week, Elise is joined by guest host Nina Boodhansingh to interview this week's featured artist, Andi Grunberg. Starting off the show, Elise and Nina talk about what Nina has been up to. Later on, they talk (and often times laugh) with Andi about her studio, process, and so much more! Andi Grunberg is a sculptor and mixed media artist living an…

This episode was recorded LIVE at Allentown Art Museum's Annual Cocktails and Collecting (2021). We interviewed a few of the artists, collectors, and patrons in attendance. Thanks to the Allentown Art Museum for inviting us to come and cover this event. This annual event is a great place to shop for new art pieces from incredibly talented local art…

2 weeks ago we went and saw Reservoir Hill play live at 7 Sirens Brewing. We had a chance to chat with the band and a few of the people who were there at the concert. Reservoir Hill will be playing LIVE at PA Bacon Fest on Sunday November 7th from 1-2:30 at the “Hog Wild Stage”, 3rd and Ferry St in Easton. To follow Reservoir Hill, go to @reservoir…

This week, Ben is joined by guest host Keith Garubba to interview this week's featured artist, Domenick Naccarato. Starting off the show, Ben and Keith talk about what Keith has been up to. Later on, they talk with Domenick about his process, inspiration, and much much more. Domenick Naccarato began his professional career in 1998 after receiving h…

This week, we thank everyone who came out the the opening of the Gallery at Steel Pixel, featuring the works of Michael Freeman, and talk with visual/collage artist Kailey Atkinson about the art of collage! Kailey Atkinson is an artist and creative professional from Easton, PA. Her primary mediums are mixed media collage with 2D and 3D elements, il…

This week, we have theater director and arts administrator Randall Forte. Randall's most recent play, Room for Rent, played at this year's Festival Unbound.By Steel Pixel Studios

This week, we talk with multi-instrumentalist, engineer, and songwriter Matt Molchany. Matt owns Shards Recording studio, which is a brick-and-mortar creative space in Bethlehem Pennsylvania's Southside Arts District. To find out more information about Matt Molchany or Shards Recording Studio, visit their website or check them out on Instagram @sha…

This week, Ben talks with Brad Kramer and Dylan Flaherty of Reservoir Hill! Reservoir Hill is an original Americana rock band co-founded by friends Dylan Flaherty and Brad Kramer in Allentown, PA. The band currently comprises Brad Kramer (Lead vocals), Tommy Pogash (Bass), Dylan Flaherty (Lead Guitar) and Charles Kicska (Drums). Formed in the Winte…

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast! In this episode, we talk with visual artist, Anthony Smith! Anthony is an extremely talented multimedia artist and an experienced teaching artist. He is currently a Resident Artist at the Banana Factory Arts Center and a drawing instructor at Northampton Community College. To learn more ab…

This special episode is the pilot episode in a new Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast sub-series LVAP: Backstage! In this episode, we go to Allentown's 47th Annual Art-in-the-Park and talk with an abundance of the artists in attendance!By Steel Pixel Studios

This week we talk with the abstract-conceptualism painter Mary Ann Dunwoodie, who has coined the term Dunwoodieism when referencing her artistic style. We talk about her process, inspiration, and favorite artists. At the end of the show, Elisabeth and Elise talk about the anniversary of the ADA and announce that the show has officially surpassed 10…

In this episode, we talk with local artist Cody Abrachinsky! Our conversation covers the importance of discovering your artistic voice, the role of education in the world of the arts, and what it means when the life you designed doesn't quite go as planned! If you're looking for more ways to connect with Cody, check him out on Instagram at @codyabr…