In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I chat with Greg Mike, a renowned street artist and founder of Atlanta's ABV Gallery. Greg opens up about his path from skate culture and cartoons to creating murals known for their vivid colors and playful characters, like his signature Larry Loudmouth. We talk about how his travels—from Amsterdam to the Swiss Alps—influence his work and how he channels his vision into community-driven projects. Greg also shares the story behind the Outer Space...

In this episode, I sit down with Andy J. Pizza, a New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and the creative force behind the podcast Creative Pep Talk. Known for his bold, maximalist style, Andy J. Pizza brings an electric energy to his work, seen in books like A Pizza with Everything on It and Invisible Things. During our conversation, Andy opens up about how his ADHD shapes his artistic approach, fueling a vibrant, layered aesthetic that captures the imagination. We dive into Andy’s...

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Carini, the neurodivergent artist famously known as the "Acrylic Alchemist." Michael has captivated audiences worldwide, with over 100 exhibitions showcasing his journey of transforming pain into purpose through a method he calls acrylic alchemy. We explore how Michael, a San Diego-based artist with a background of resilience and determination, discovered a creative process that channels his life's challenges—like Tourette's and a traumatic brain...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee engages in a captivating conversation with award-winning choreographer, dancer, producer, and educator Dominic Moore-Dunson. Known for his community-centered approach and recently recognized by Dance Magazine as one of 2023's “25 to Watch,” Dominic Moore-Dunson shares insights into his latest project, The Remember Balloons, a moving dance-theater production exploring memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and intergenerational storytelling....

In this episode, Rob Lee sits down with Jennifer Murray, a Chicago-based artist, educator, and cultural producer who serves as the Museum Manager at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. They dive into Jennifer Murray's dynamic role in art curation, her journey from academia to museum management, and her experience fostering community connections through contemporary art. Jennifer Murray also shares insights into the unique mission of 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, balancing creativity with art handling, and...

In this special Election Day episode of The Truth In This Art, join me as I sit down with Diana Jean Schemo, co-founder of  100Reporters and the visionary behind Double Exposure,, America’s first and only film festival dedicated to the exciting intersection between investigative journalism and visual storytelling. Diana Jean Schemo’s career spans over 25 years, including work at The New York Times and The Baltimore Sun, where her investigative reporting earned her a Pulitzer Prize...

 In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I had the pleasure of speaking with horror scholar and freelance writer, Lea Anderson. Lea Anderson's work, especially at the intersection of Black feminism and monster theory, brings a fascinating and unique perspective to the genre. We dive into her FANGORIA column Eaten Alive, where Lea Anderson explores the devouring Other in horror, film, myth, and literature. Lea Anderson also shared her academic background and how Black feminist thought shapes...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Gigi Murakami, the Queen of Black Horror Manga. Gigi Murakami is an Ignatz-nominated mangaka, illustrator, and writer from New York City. Her work masterfully blends Japanese manga with vintage American pulp and comic aesthetics, creating dark and dramatic themes that captivate readers. Gigi Murakami shares her passion for horror and sci-fi, drawing inspiration from Tales from the Crypt and Silent Hill, and we dive into her acclaimed...

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Dukes III and Tony Diallo, the creative forces behind Pixalfest, a short film festival in Washington, DC, that showcases the work of young filmmakers. We discuss the origins of Pixalfest, its mission to provide filmmakers a space to test and improve their work, and the importance of inclusivity in creating a supportive community. Keith and Tony share insights into how they balanced the creative and business sides of organizing the festival, their...

In this episode, I interview ultra-marathon open water swimmer and visual artist Katie Pumphrey. Katie Pumphrey's work explores the connections between human instincts, play, and the influence of her swimming career on her abstract paintings, sculptures, and installations. As the first person to complete the 24-mile Bay to Baltimore Swim, Katie Pumphrey draws inspiration from the water, and we dive into how these two worlds intertwine. We also touch on Katie Pumphrey's creative journey, her...

In this episode, I interviewed Kait Kluswitz, the creative force behind Kait K Designs. Kait’s journey to becoming a full-time artist followed an unconventional path. Originally a mathematics major who worked in retail management, she transitioned to art in her mid-thirties. During the pandemic, she discovered her passion for painting, particularly florals, which sparked the creation of her brand, Kait K Designs. Known for her vibrant works and her love of retro aesthetics—especially the...

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, Rob Lee sits down with Freako Rico, an Atlanta-based visual artist known for his bold and humorous works. Freako shares his creative journey, shaped by his love for pop culture, BMX, skateboarding, and hip-hop. He opens up about navigating stereotypes in the art world, staying true to his unfiltered style, and working with major brands—all while balancing his love for gin and maintaining authenticity. This conversation offers a unique look into the...

In this episode, I sit down with Ainsley Burrows, a multidisciplinary artist originally from Kingston, Jamaica, now based in Baltimore. Ainsley Burrows's groundbreaking methodologies, including NeoChaos and Raktism, have established him as a powerful voice in abstract art. During our conversation, Ainsley Burrows shared how he channels untold stories and emotions through various mediums—poetry, music, performance, and painting. Starting his journey as a self-taught artist in 2009, Ainsley...

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee sits down with Christopher Williams, known as The Black Da Vinci, a visual artist originally from the West Coast, now based in Philadelphia. Christopher's work radiates Black joy through his powerful portraiture and figurative painting. They discuss his journey, the importance of celebrating Black identity and culture in art, and his choice to move away from depictions of Black pain. This conversation offers deep insights into his...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist, curator, and award-winning filmmaker Imani Dennison. Imani’s work delves into the rich narratives of Black culture in the South and the African diaspora, blending folklore, fantasy, and hidden histories in her storytelling. We explore her journey growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, her time at Howard University, and how these experiences have shaped her artistic voice. Imani shares her passion for documentary...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Zach Michel, co-founder of the Charm City Fringe Festival, as we celebrate its 10th anniversary. We dive into the world of fringe art and the unique performances that highlight Baltimore’s vibrant and unconventional arts scene. Zach shares how Charm City Fringe has become a platform for bold, innovative theater, offering a space for artists to take risks and experiment. We also talk about the challenges and triumphs of running the...

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I sit down with Terry Guy, the visionary founder of Secret Walls. Since launching in 2006, Terry has been a key figure in revolutionizing the global art scene with Secret Walls' live paint battles. We dive into Terry’s journey, from his early days in the UK street art scene to founding Secret Walls, and how his passion for the arts has shaped his career, leading him to work with top brands like Posca, Apple, and Reebok. Terry also gives us an inside...

In this episode, I sit down with Lesley Malin, the Producing Executive Director of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. Lesley helped grow this Baltimore gem into one of Maryland’s largest theaters, taking it from a passion project to a major player in the Shakespeare world. We talk about how she led the renovation of a historic 1886 bank into their now iconic venue, and what it’s like to manage a theater that never stops evolving. But it’s not just about Shakespeare. Chesapeake Shakespeare is...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Chinai Routte, an accomplished actor with performances spanning off-Broadway, regional theater, and film. Chinai is currently playing Margaret in Everyman Theatre’s production of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive By Selina Fillinger, Directed by Laura Kepley.  We explore the sharp political satire of the play, which dives into themes like gender equality and the pressures women face in...

Christina Delgado underscores the importance of connection, collaboration, and uplifting cultural identities. In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee welcomes back Christina Delgado, a Baltimore-based photographer, curator, and founder of Tolas Room, a Puerto Rican home museum and cultural space. The discussion centers on Christina's efforts to celebrate and educate visitors about Puerto Rican and New York Rican culture and history, particularly within Baltimore's local...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I talk with BRUSH Mural Fest co-founders Jaz Ehrenberg and Saba Hamidi, along with Mac Campbell, Executive Director of the Baltimore Convention Center. We discuss the BRUSH Mural Fest Celebration, taking place on September 14th, which highlights Baltimore’s talented local artists. Jaz and Saba share the story behind BRUSH, their focus on uplifting emerging muralists through a hands-on mentorship program, and their commitment to creating...

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee interviews Yesenia Mejia Herrera, an interdisciplinary artist, activist, and educator originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, now based in Baltimore. Yesenia shares her journey of preserving and uplifting Indigenous Latinx traditions, focusing on her work with Creative Alliance's CIELO initiative and the importance of honoring cultural heritage. They discuss the intersection of Latinx arts, cultural preservation, and community building through...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee interviews LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase, the visionary executive producers behind the Baltimore MET Gala, an event that blends art, fashion, philanthropy, and culinary innovation, making it a standout in the Mid-Atlantic region. LaRian, with over 30 years of experience in marketing and event production, and Derrick, founder of Stand Up Baltimore, dive into the inspiration behind the gala and what makes the 2024 edition special. The...

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I talk with Katie Chung, a Korean-American visual artist from Chicago. We explore her artistic journey, from her roots in drawing and painting to her work in sculpture. Katie opens up about how her identity and heritage shape her creative process, especially through the use of unconventional materials. Our conversation touches on the power of visual storytelling and how her work connects with diverse audiences. This is a deep dive into the evolution...