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The Truth In This Art with Rob Lee Each week, Rob Lee sits down with artists, cultural leaders, and community builders to get straight to the point: how their work shapes people and places. Recorded in Baltimore but tuned in worldwide, the show cuts through buzzwords and PR fluff to share clear, practical insights on creativity, identity, and impact. With 800‑plus episodes in the archive, expect sharp questions, honest answers, and real stories that show why art—and the people behind it—matt ...
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Contemporary figurative painter Xenia Gray unpacks how post-Soviet Siberia, spiritual retreats, and life in D.C. converge in canvases that pulse with raw feeling. Growing up in 1990s Siberia—creating a protective “shell” and turning to art for what words couldn’t say Finding her visual voice later in life: mixed media, unseen faces, and the recent …
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Founder and director Tony Gittens returns with the inside story of steering the Washington DC International Film Festival—now in its 39th year—through last-minute venue shake-ups, budget poker with distributors, and a mission that never changes: bring global cinema to everyone in the nation’s capital. Losing a flagship theater six weeks out—and the…
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Visual artist Alexi Abi returns to talk new work, new influences, and what it takes to stay visible in Washington’s competitive arts scene. How her Lebanese heritage and years in the Caribbean shape today’s bold color fields Building momentum since her last visit—grants, gallery shows, and a pivot toward larger canvases Balancing three lanes: studi…
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Designer Jerrill Sankey (formerly “Creative King”) returns to talk evolution—name change, sharper focus, and bigger ambitions. 90s music videos and Vogue tear‑outs that still shape his color and form Turning a one‑man label into Jerrill Sankey Headwear—process, pricing, perseverance Artistry × craft: why materials and fit matter as much as concept …
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Co‑Executive Director Ariel Shelton returns to map out how CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia functions as a co‑op for creatives—and why that matters right now. From co‑founding Arts Administrators of Color Network to leading CultureWorks Turning fiscal sponsorship, shared services, and workspace into real‑world leverage for artists Lessons Philly c…
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President & CEO Chad Helton lays out how Baltimore’s flagship public‑library system is reinventing itself for a 21st‑century city. Small‑town roots to big‑city stacks—what shaped his collaborative leadership style Building a “library for everyone”: equity, free access, and programs that change lives Community engagement that goes beyond books—tech …
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Founder & editor-in-chief Natasha Magino is back to break down how The Vibe Room spotlights under-represented DMV talent—and why the new art-book series is her biggest swing yet. From frustration to platform: launching The Vibe Room in 2017 on a $35K salary and a lot of grit Bouncing back after the pandemic valley—re-growing the team and pulling 20…
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Chicago-raised, Baltimore-based Terry Thompson returns to chart the evolution from his “Alien Conversations” dreamscapes to a bold new series of vein-laced canvases—while still dropping four-hour house sets on Europe’s airwaves. Mixing oils, collage, and heavy black “veins” that pump energy through his latest figures How military structure (and DJ …
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back Baltimore-based sculptor Sebastian Martorana. We discuss the evolution of his career over the past few years, including his work on notable projects like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in DC and carvings at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Sebastian shares how these experiences h…
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On this episode of The Truth In This Art, I'm excited to share my conversation with Philippa Pham Hughes, a social sculptor, educator, speaker, and writer who designs spaces for honest conversations across political, social, and cultural differences. We explore Philippa's work and her approach to fostering meaningful connections, drawing from the a…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back creative entrepreneur Melissa Hunter Davis to the podcast. Melissa is the founder of Sugarcane magazine, a Black art and culture media company known for its commitment to recognizing Black culture's global influence and the rise of Black visual art, music, dance, design, and literature. We ex…
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On this episode of The Truth In This Art, I'm excited to share my conversation with Lex Marie, a DC-based multidisciplinary artist whose powerful work I've been eager to explore for years. Lex creates compelling paintings, sculptures, and installations that reflect personal experiences and deeply resonate with the African diaspora, often using ever…
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In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I welcome Roxanne Sauriol Hauenherm, a self-taught Montreal-based artist whose captivating paintings of female figures have garnered international recognition. We explore her journey as a self-made artist and single mother, discovering how the birth of her daughter ignited her passion for painting and becam…
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In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I chat with media personality and author LaDawn Black. We discuss her journey from Baltimore's airwaves to New York's legendary WBLS, highlighting her expertise in building engaged audiences through radio and beyond. LaDawn shares insights into her successful writing career, including her top-selling relati…
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In this episode of The Truth In This Art, we explore the heart of Baltimore's art community with Martha Robichaud, a passionate art educator and the driving force behind Meander Art Bar, a vital art space Baltimore. Discover how Martha cultivates a thriving creative community Baltimore through accessible art Baltimore and impactful community art pr…
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In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I welcome back Alex Madaus, an entrepreneur and visionary dedicated to bringing the healing power of nature indoors. Alex is a biophilic interior decorator and biophilic designer, and the owner of Cultivated Studios,, a Baltimore-based biophilic design studio located right here in Baltimore. We explore Alex…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art: Run It Back, I welcome back mixed media artist Caitlin Gill to the podcast. Caitlin is the Exhibition and Program Director at Maryland Art Place (MAP) and a member of the all-female arts collective Gossip Girl Collective. We delve into Caitlin's artistic practice, which explores themes of patriarchy, gender…
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On this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome 2024 RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year, Rochelle Cooper, from The Duck and The Peach, La Collina, and more. We start with her story, looking at her early kitchen memories and the moments that made her want to work in pastry after culinary school. Then, we talk about how she creates, discussing how memo…
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On this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back artist, Melanie Royster. We discuss her artistic evolution, from commercial projects to her current focus on fine art and powerful storytelling. Melanie shares how her Jamaican heritage and focus on women of color deeply inspire her work, driving her commitment to authentic expression. We als…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I reconnect with Jerrell Gibbs, a renowned painter whose work explores the complexities of life through deeply personal and universal experiences. Jerrell shares insights into his evolving artistic practice, reflecting on how his perspective has shifted since our last conversation. We delve into his creativ…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I reconnect with Jerome Chester, also known as The Groovy Vandal, for his second appearance on the podcast. A multidisciplinary artist known for his bold, colorful work, Jerome shares updates on his artistic journey, including his ongoing self-portrait series and his upcoming solo show. We discuss how his c…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Alicia Waller, a vocalist whose music defies easy categorization. Blending soul, jazz, and a touch of the unexpected, Alicia captivates audiences with her powerful voice and innovative songwriting. As the leader of Alicia Waller & The Excursion, she's known for taking listeners on a musical …
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I'm joined by returning guest Tonya Miller-Hall, Senior Advisor, Office of Arts & Culture for the Mayor's Office in Baltimore City, and acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and first time guest Derrick Adams to discuss "Inviting Light," a groundbreaking public art project transforming Station North. Curated b…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I reconnect with Baltimore-based visual artist Qrcky for his third appearance on the podcast. Known for his bold black-and-white "Stripes" series, Qrcky shares how his work explores themes within the Black diaspora, urban landscapes, and the power of art to foster community dialogue. We dive into his evolut…
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In this episode of The Truth in This Art: Run It Back, I reconnect with acclaimed author, writer, and professor D. Watkins for his second appearance on the podcast. Known for his powerful storytelling, D. shares how his work continues to explore themes of identity, community, and resilience. We dive into the impact of his recent accolades, includin…
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