Arts Fell on Alabama

Lifelong seamstress Diane Hall shares how the sewing skills she learned growing up formed the foundation for a fulfilling and creative career as a seamstress for the Florence, AL-based sustainable fashion brand, Alabama Chanin.
Katie Kooper interviewed Diane in 2021 as part of Project Threadways' initiative to document the rich textile industry history of northwest Alabama.

Ikebana artist Miki Jinno explains the meditative art of traditional Japanese flower arranging and how getting to know Alabama's flowers helped her start to feel at home in a new place.

Dr. Zanice Bond, associate professor of English at Tuskegee University, describes how her family has made use of "memory quilts" to honor and remember loved ones who have died.

Taylor Cunningham, a music student at Birmingham's Firehouse Community Arts Center, shares how learning to rock out with new friends taught him how to play instruments and find his own voice.

You may not think of turmeric-spiced carrots when you think of Southern fare. But in Greensboro, Alabama, Chef Sarah Cole dishes up Egyptian food using locally sourced produce from the Black Belt.

Alabama-raised, New York-based photographer Chester Higgins bears witness to challenging history through the lens of his camera.

Food, shelter, and creative expression. Dani Parmar (Program Director) and Nate (artist) share how InToto Creative Arts provides opportunities for artistic expression, healing, and connection for people affected by social and economic hardships in Birmingham. 

Fairhope-based photographer Pinky MM Bass shares the joy of letting go of control and leaning into the possibility of the creative process. 

Charlie Mato-Toyela, a traditional Native American flute maker from Cottonwood, AL, shares how tradition and innovation play into his approach to making musical instruments.

Unpack civil rights experiences from Birmingham's Jewish community. Historian and co-curator Melissa Young describes the creativity and history behind the Beth-El Civil Rights Experience, an immersive exhibit and guided tour. 

You've heard about bringing balance to the Force. But what about to a local dance scene? 2024 Alabama Arts Impact Award recipient Monique Ryan discusses why she has devoted her career to bringing variety to Huntsville's dance landscape. 

What in the world is a bodhrán? Take a sonic trip to Huntsville, to visit percussionist and bodhrán expert Andy Kruspe. He teaches us about the Irish frame drum that’s a staple of traditional Celtic bands.