Arts Fell on Alabama

Edy Aguilar: Making and Breaking Traditional Piñatas

Piñatas are made to be broken. But in Athens, Alabama, artist Edy Aguilar is making sure her family's art of traditional piñata making stays intact.

Jenny Fine: Grief, Water, Chaos, Art

As a child, artist Jenny Fine lived for the magical stories she, her cousins, and her grandma would make-believe during summers spent at the pool. Today, Jenny shares how she draws on these memories to create art that helps her navigate the grief of losing her grandmother and sister.

Jason Russell: Carving a Connection to Nature

If it looks like a duck and floats like a duck...it might be a decoy! Traditional artist Jason Russell shares how carving duck decoys has deepened his connection to nature and his commitment to wildlife conservation. 

Jeanie Thompson: Leading With Words

We're waxing poetic about one writer's place in Alabama's literary landscape. Jeanie Thompson is a poet and the founding director of the Alabama Writers Forum. Jeanie is the recipient of the 2024 Albert B. Head Legacy Award. 

Lauren Woods: Visions in Pink

Creativity is one of the great mysteries of human existence. Discover artist and Auburn University professor Lauren Woods's creative process and learn why it's important to spend time with your inspiration when it strikes. Lauren Woods is a 2024 recipient of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts Fellowship.

Kevin King: Reimagining Community Through Art

Artist and cultural organizer Kevin King describes how he uses art to impact his Montgomery neighborhood, Washington Park. Kevin is the Executive Director of The Kings Canvas and a recipient of the 2024 Alabama Arts Impact Award. 

Bards and Brews: Loud at the Library

Al Elliott introduces us to Birmingham Public Library's monthly poetry event, Bards and Brews. Featuring an original poem and performance by Jahman Hill.

Muffinjaw Designs: Sculpting Liquid, Blowing Glass

The artists at Mobile-based glass studio Muffinjaw Designs (Freddie Blache, Tres Johns, Gage Nobles) let us in on the secrets behind making gorgeous, blown glass ornaments.

Valerie Accetta: Everyone Has a Beautiful Voice

UAB's Professor Valerie Accetta shares how science + art = musical theatre magic. Professor Accetta received an Arts in Education Fellowship for her work towards becoming an Estill Mentor and Course Instructor.

Michelle Jones: Painting The Southern Wild

Visual artist Michelle Jones shares what she has in common with big cats, and how she finds artistic inspiration in the Southern environment. Michelle is a 2024 recipient of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts Fellowship. 

KM Dance Project: Choreographing Repair

Catherine Caldwell and Kesha McKey of KM Dance Project discuss their multidisciplinary work, Raw Fruit. What started as a reflection on Kesha's relationship with her mother and grandmother became a dance and story that anyone can relate to. New Orleans' based KM Dance Project was the guest company at the 2024 Alabama Dance Festival.

Karen Thornton: Designing Mardi Gras

Cinderella's fairy godmother made her a gown fit for a princess. The late Karen Thornton created magical dresses for Mardi Gras queens. In this episode, rediscover Mardi Gras through Thornton's eyes in a 1995 archival interview between Thornton and folklorist Aimee Schmidt.