Art Works Podcast National Endowment for the Arts

Bonnie Jo Campbell discusses her novel, "The Waters," its fictional setting in Southwest Michigan, and the focus on the intricate dynamics within a family of women living in a swamp:  Hermine, the herbalist grandmother; her restless daughter, Rose Thorn; and Rosie’s mathematically gifted daughter, Dorothy.  Campbell discusses how the landscape shapes the characters' identities and lives, reflecting the struggles and changes in rural American communities. The women are outsiders in their own town, facing suspicion and blame from the men who feel displaced and troubled by the changing times.Campbell also explores the novel’s use of fairytale tropes to deepen the storytelling, the importance of place in Campbell’s writing,  and the role of animals like donkeys and rattlesnakes. Campbell shares insights into her writing process, emphasizing the authenticity and depth she strives to achieve, and the challenges she has in portraying female characters because of their layers of complexities. This episode offers a look into Campbell’s creative journey and the themes that make "The Waters" a compelling read. My thanks to Recorded Books for allowing us to use an excerpt from the audiobook The Waters, narrated by Lili Taylor.

A conversation with Lissa Frenkel, the CEO of the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Lissa shares the story of the Gaillard Center, a multidisciplinary cultural hub--whose renovation was completed in 2015 under the guidance of National Medal of Arts recipient  Mayor Joe Riley-- that has since become a cornerstone of the Charleston arts community.  Lissa discusses center's mission to present diverse cultural programming, its state-of-the-art acoustics, and its commitment to serving as a platform for essential dialogue on historical and contemporary issues.Lissa Frenkel also reflects on her role in steering the center’s initiatives, highlighting key projects such as the Denmark Vesey Bicentenary and the production of "Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls." She emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local institutions and the impact of community-focused programming. She also discusses the center's educational outreach, which reaches thousands of students annually,  the upcoming "Fall for Democracy" series-- which aims to foster conversations around democracy and inclusion through the arts, and  how the Gaillard Center is not just a venue but a vital part of Charleston's cultural and social fabric, working to present art that is accessible and relevant to all members of the community. 

An in-depth interview with 2021 National Heritage Fellow Joanie Madden, the legendary Irish musician and leader of Cherish the Ladies.  In this podcast, Joanie recounts her early life in the Bronx, New York, where she was born to Irish immigrant parents from County Galway and County Clare and shares how her father, an All-Ireland Champion accordion player, profoundly influenced her musical journey. She discusses her initial struggles with the fiddle and piano gave way to a passionate love for the tin whistle at age 12, guided by National Heritage Fellow Jack Coen. She also recounts how her determination led her to become an All-Ireland Champion herself, despite initial resistance from her father about pursuing music full-time.Joanie also discusses the formation and evolution of Cherish the Ladies, an all-female Irish music band that has faced and overcome numerous challenges in a male-dominated field. She highlights the band's notable collaborations, including performances with the Boston Pops, and her dedication to composing music true to traditional Irish roots.  We talk about her commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians (which has seen three of her students achieve All-Ireland Championship success.) Finally, Joanie  reflects on her numerous awards, including the National Heritage Fellowship, and expresses deep gratitude for the recognition and support from the Irish music community. Throughout the episode, Joanie Madden's joy in performing and her impact on audiences worldwide shine through.

This July 4th, let's revisit Lin-Manuel Miranda and his revolutionary musical "Hamilton."

A conversation with Adriana Pierce, a trailblazing dancer, choreographer, and director, who is reshaping the ballet world through her initiative, Queer the Ballet. Pierce discusses her early dance experiences and how her passion for dance led her to notable positions at the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet, where she spent seven years honing her craft.   But at the same time, there was much to negotiate: Pierce discusses the challenges of navigating gender and sexual identity in the ballet community. She reflects on the rigid gender-specific roles taught in partnering classes and her desire to break down these traditional dynamics through her choreography. This led, during the pandemic, to the creation of Queer the Ballet, a pioneering initiative aimed at creating inclusive spaces, work, and choreography for queer artists. Pierce talks about some of the work she’s created, including the evening-length piece “Dream of a Common Language” which she directed, and the positive reception from the ballet community and audiences. She also shares her vision for the future of Queer the Ballet, emphasizing the need for ongoing support from the ballet community and inclusive training. 

Community Activist, Organizer and 2024 National Heritage Fellow Pat Johnson, a pillar of the Pocahontas, Arkansas community, shares her work preserving local history and fostering community fellowship through the Eddie Mae Herron Center. She founded the Center in the very building where she once attended a segregated one-room school, transforming it into a cornerstone for celebrating Black culture and heritage. Named in honor of her beloved teacher, Miss Eddie Mae Herron, the Center stands as a testament to the enduring impact of education and community memory and solidarity.  She is a dedicated and tireless advocate of remembering, researching, and highlighting Black history and material culture in Randolph County. Throughout the episode, Johnson discusses the rich history of the Eddie Mae Herron Center, her personal experiences growing up and living in Pocahontas, and the impact of her efforts on the community. She highlights the significance of Juneteenth celebrations at the Center, the restoration of historical Black cemeteries,  and her outreach to the Marshallese community.   Johnson shares her vision, challenges, and triumphs in preserving African American history and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community.