ARTifacts Podcast Marisa Dickens

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional dancer, Fábio Mariano. A native from Brazil, Fábio shares his journey of coming to the US and becoming a professional dancer with the Collage Dance Collective. Since moving, Fábio creates dance wear with his business, Fabiolous Crochet, and is the co-founder of Blacks in Ballet, a media platform highlighting black dancers. Weaving activism and art, Fábio continues to generate dialogue about making dance more inclusive.

Follow Fábio @fabiocmariano

Follow Blacks in Ballet @blacksinballet

To order his crochet creations DM @fabiolouscrochet

Check out more of his work on his website at https://fabiocmariano.wixsite.com/fabiocmariano

In this episode, Marisa interviews Phoenix visual artist, Alegre Lopez. Growing up, Alegre’s mom nurtured her creativity. With a couple of art classes and YouTube videos, Alegre taught herself how to paint both traditionally and digitally. Now, she sells her works at local stores in Arizona, and shares more about her art as a business. Drawing influence from 60s and 70s culture, Alegre creates colorful and joyful pieces that allow viewers to escape and daydream.

Follow Alegre’s Daydream shop on instagram @shopdaydreamart

Check out her website at https://www.shopdaydreamart.com

Purchase her work on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopDaydreamArt

In this episode, Marisa interviews contemporary visual artist based in Portland, Oregon, Laine Kolesar. Laine began her career as a social worker, but found healing in creating art. Laine’s art is influenced by Cubism, and draws inspiration from the female form, exploring both vulnerability and confidence within the body. Now, she is dedicated to becoming a working artist, and provides insight into her process, color research, and exhibitions.

Follow Laine @lainekolesar

Purchase her art on her website at https://www.lainekolesar.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning, Toledo choreographer Alyssa Brutlag. Dance was always a part of Alyssa’s life growing up especially having a mom as a dance teacher and studio owner. Now, she is an established choreographer and teacher who travels across the US creating works, finding inspiration from music and improving. When she is not busy at the studio, Alyssa can be seen teaching Dance Church classes, and working on her new piece, “If Tears Were Diamonds,” to present in the spring.
Follow Alyssa @alyssabrutlag
Check out her website https://www.alyssabrutlag.com
Sign up for Dance Church classes here https://go.dancechurch.com/irl

Donate to support Alyssa’s new work “If Tears Were Diamonds” here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-alyssas-new-work-to-st-louis?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional violinist, Diana Anderson. Diana talks about growing up in a musical household, attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, and performing with the Toledo Symphony. They discuss the audition process along with her memorable shows and favorite composers. With 23 years of teaching and 38 seasons with the Toledo Symphony, Diana continues to share her passion with students and audiences in the community.Follow Diana on Facebook at Diana Dyer AndersonCheck out the Toledo Symphony Website for Upcoming Showshttps://www.artstoledo.com/toledosymphony/

In this episode, Marisa interviews dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of Toledo Ballet, Eric Otto. Eric shares his story about growing up dancing at his mom’s ballet school in New York and then training at the School of American Ballet. They discuss his experiences performing in classical ballets and on Broadway, working with icon Twyla Tharp in Movin’ Out. Eric provides insight into the world of dance, and encourages dancers that success comes from being authentic and passionate.Follow Eric @ericotto79Check out his website at https://ericottoballet.comCheck out Toledo Ballet’s website for classes and upcoming performanceshttps://www.artstoledo.com/toledoballet/