Skip to main content
Talking about Art on KMUZ at 88.5 & 100.7 FM and KMWV at 98.3 (Capitol Community Media)

Talking about Art on KMUZ at 88.5 & 100.7 FM and KMWV at 98.3 (Capitol Community Media)

By Jz

Talking about Art FB: www.facebook.com/TalkingAboutArt
EMAIL: talkingaboutart@kmuz.org
Talking about Art is presented every 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month and it's the mission of Talking about Art to be a resource for artists and all those who relish and support the arts in our community. Through our programming I wish to provide in-depth interviews and stories about the artists, writers and poets of our community.
Anchor archive: anchor.fm/jz89
KMUZ: kmuz.org/kmuz-programs/talking-about-art/
KMWV: www.capitalcommunitymedia.org/kmwv
Currently playing episode

Indelible; artist portraits by Diane Beal - Talking about Art 061022

Talking about Art on KMUZ at 88.5 & 100.7 FM and KMWV at 98.3 (Capitol Community Media)Jun 10, 2022

00:00
44:05
There's a new co-op gallery in Salem - AIA and Elsinore

There's a new co-op gallery in Salem - AIA and Elsinore

Changes are afoot ahhhh…but in more ways than just the weather. Salem has received its first big Co-op gallery in years. Yes, there's a new co-op gallery in town and its initials are AIA. That's what our show is about today.

Right off go to the TAA FB page for images of the grand opening of the new Co-op. AIA, artists in action has been an arts organization thriving in Salem for over 20 years. They are most noted for several annual events that they present over the course of every year. Their artists range from just starting out in the business to seasoned professionals. And yet for all that they've never had their own gallery. Not that that thought hadn't been bandied about many a time, but it always rang hollow in an empty meeting room. And who could blame them? Afterall it takes sheer herculean effort to open a gallery from a simple retail shell. It is an expensive and daunting undertaking. And then AIA heard a knock on the door.

I sat down with Jim Richards, the president of AIA along with one of their long-time artists, Patricia Young, the other day to chat about this new evolution in the timeline of Artists in Action but also this new addition of a brand new Co-op gallery in downtown Salem. Listen in…


Mar 22, 202447:19
Events in the Mid-Willamette Valley for March 2024

Events in the Mid-Willamette Valley for March 2024

March it is.. indeed the fickle month of March with Mother Nature showing off best schizophrenia regarding our weather. “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” But where does it come from?

Alright, in like a lion and out like a lamb. Like many of our folkloric expressions they are usually rooted in deep history. This one may have roots as old as the stars themselves given that the constellation Leo (the lion) rises at the beginning of March and is followed by the rise of the constellation Aries (the ram or lamb) at the end of March.

But then here's something else that corresponds to those two celestial events that comes from Thomas Fuller’s 1732 compendium, “Gnomologia; Adagies and Proverbs; Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and British.” Fuller compiled numerous proverbs and studied weather lore across many countries through the late 1600s and early 1700s. Weather folklore contained in books like Fuller’s were often ways to help people prepare for typical weather conditions that lay ahead, often times in reference to planting and harvesting of crops, and can often be accurate, thanks to prevailing winds and weather patterns.

Typically across the US, the month of March is still in the grip of winter, providing more of the same brutal cold, wind and snow, especially in the first days of the month. But as the transitional month moves along, it often leads to glimpses of spring.

It didn’t take long for early American colonists to realize that the New World’s weather pattern was much like their native lands across England and surrounding countries, where extreme weather shifts could profoundly affect their livelihoods from one week to the next. The Northern Hemisphere shares the same jet stream, providing similar swings in weather, in America as they do across Europe. A similar pattern of mainly westerly influence with cold, harsh north winds bringing heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures are common in winter, while warm winds from the south can bring tranquil warmth more frequently as the month progresses.

Ahhh…but March is noted for something else as well isn't it? Sunday March 17th is St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick is the national apostle of Ireland and lived during the fifth century. He was born in Roman Britain and kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He escaped from Ireland but returned and was credited with bringing Christianity there.

Following his death, a lot of mythology about him became ingrained in Irish culture. The most well-known story is that he explained the Holy Trinity – father, son and holy spirit – using the three leaves of an Irish clover, or shamrock.

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the death of St. Patrick but has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, food, music, dancing, and of course: Green beer.



Mar 08, 202427:33
Coming Into Spring - NEW SHOWS and EVENTS

Coming Into Spring - NEW SHOWS and EVENTS

Today it's all about the myriad events and shows occurring throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley. The last time I did this was around Christmas/New Years' time to highlight everything going on duri9ng that season. Here we are nearing the end of February and the beginning of March and you know what that means…Yes, winter is passing and new shows are coming in featuring the heralds of Spring. And have I got a line-up for you. Some of these you'll have to get to pretty fast as they are coming down soon but then I'll alert you to new ones coming up in march and into April. Oh and by the way, there's a new co-op in town. Yes, a brand new co-op and it's being brought to you by one of the oldest art organizations in the Valley and hosted by one of the best galleries and professional framers around…I' tell you all about it

Feb 23, 202435:16
The ARTISTS of Salem Reads 2024

The ARTISTS of Salem Reads 2024

What you're hearing is the ambient street sounds of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Guayquil is located 4189 south of Salem and it is this city that serves as a backdrop that looms large in the book titled, The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina. You see this is Orquidea's home town and yet Four Corners in America becomes her last home. Along her journey from Guayaquil to Four Corners there is a long, long story of family, friends, and relationships created and torn asunder. The book opens with this invitation to her children: You are invited to my home on May 14th, the Year of the Hummingbird. Please begin to arrive no earlier than 1:04 pm, as I have many matters to settle before the event. The stars have shifted. The earth has turned. The time is here. I am dying. Come and collect your inheritance. Eternally, OR Montoya

There's natural magic, a stellar figure and a disastrous pact. The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by author Zoraida Cordova is this year's Salem Reads choice for 2024. Salem Reads is the opportunity for our community to come together, read the same book and contemplate the author's intent amidst a month-long series of events put on by the Salem Library. One of those events is the art exhibit at the Art Hall right in the Salem Library on the main floor. And today this broadcast is all about 4 of those artists:

  • Victoria Tim - who creates Zines, poetry and textiles
  • Carlos Marques - acrylic, poetry and photography
  • Jen Hernandez - gouache on watercolor paper
  • Ryan Hopper - printmaking, oils, lino cut and watercolor

I brought them together to find out about their artistic lives, what prompted them to enter the art world and then about what specifically inspired them about Cordova's book The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina…


Feb 08, 202452:12
A great January-read,,,errr, listen.

A great January-read,,,errr, listen.

Well you made it! It started with Halloween, then segued to Thanksgiving, pounded into Christmas and hung over into New Years. Yup, the holidays where each year we seem to careen from one demand to another to another. But it's over and now we settle in to that long slog toward Spring as each day becomes slightly longer and each night slightly shorter. That means it's book-time. Settle in to that comfortable chair and as the dark gradually eases into light we immerse ourselves in our favorite realm of words. Know any good books? I have a wonderful suggestion for you.

Jan 09, 202454:59
Something Red 2023 - Talking about Art
Dec 03, 202326:21
Brent Allen with Elsinore Framing and Gallery

Brent Allen with Elsinore Framing and Gallery

On today's broadcast I am highlighting one of the more difficult decisions artists have go through every time they produce a piece of 2D or other flat-ish piece of artwork. Whether it will become a gift or a show piece in a gallery or donated to boost proceeds for a good cause. I am talking about FRAMING. Hah! Do I sense a wave of "cringing" going on right now? Framing ranks right up there with my other two favorites: How should I price this? And Is it good enough or am I just an artist-fraud?

Fortunately for mid-Willamette artists we have a valuable resource in Salem that presents worthwhile, professional and affordable framing solutions: Elsinore Gallery.

Nov 24, 202355:58
Gary Westford (Miraculous Occurrences) at Level 2 Gallery and Art Hall Library

Gary Westford (Miraculous Occurrences) at Level 2 Gallery and Art Hall Library

This last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Salem artist Gary Westford. Gary is currently showing at the Level 2 Gallery which is part of the Salem Convention Center and in order for you to hear from both Oregon Artist Series Foundation (OASF), the board member and curator of Level 2 Chris Darcy and now-showing artist Gary Westford,

Nov 09, 202351:54
Philomath Open Studio Tour 2023

Philomath Open Studio Tour 2023

October is also all about the POST -the Philomath Open Studio Tour 2023- which is held on the last two weekends of October. This is their 18th year. This weekend is your last shot at getting on the tour. There are 11 locations, some 24 artists and students from two high schools. What you will find are gracious artist-hosts who have opened their studios so that you can see first-hand their works in acrylic, watercolor, ceramics, printmaking, encaustic, jewelry, aqua media, photography, glass mosaic and much, much more.

On today's broadcast I have three artists from the studio tour who came in to chat about the tour but also to talk about their art and what they do as artists. Justin Wolford is a hosting artist who works in wood and resin. Jean Lawrence who does painting on silk and Antho9ny Gordon, she works in ceramics. Let's start with Justin Wolford…then move to Jean Lawrence and then Anthony Gordon…

Oct 26, 202350:27
Lillian Pitt: Past and Present Interview

Lillian Pitt: Past and Present Interview

This last Monday was Indigenous Peoples Day and also this last week I had the distinct pleasure chatting with NW Native American Artist, Lillian Pitt. I have to say right now that she has an exhibition at Salem Art but it will close on October 29th so its days are numbered. I cannot stress emphatically enough to GO SEE THIS SHOW.

Oct 09, 202359:03
Jam Jar Looms - Talking about Art

Jam Jar Looms - Talking about Art

This morning is a rebroadcast from last year and it focuses on an artist you may have met while wandering this year's Salem Art Fair last weekend. Steve McGrath of Jam Jar Looms.

Jul 27, 202331:22
Poetry on the Air 5 Year Launch Anniversary-Talking about Art

Poetry on the Air 5 Year Launch Anniversary-Talking about Art

In July of 2018 Steve Slemenda was about to launch his KMUZ broadcast titled Poetry on the Air. To do so I asked Steve and three other poets to join me on a broadcast of Talking about Art to chat about the beginnings of his show and how it all came about.

Jul 14, 202301:00:04
Pentacle Theatre with Ed Schoaps and Chris Benham on Talking about Art

Pentacle Theatre with Ed Schoaps and Chris Benham on Talking about Art

Now for something completely different. I had the great opportunity to chat with Ed Schoaps and Chris Benham before the pandemic struck about producing the shows we enjoy at the Pentacle Theatre here in Salem.

Jun 23, 202359:06
Summer of Love on Talking about Art

Summer of Love on Talking about Art

Wow, summer has hit the Willamette Valley and it isn't even summer yet. I have a rebroadcast coming to you from the Summer of Love and The sixties poster art with Gary Westford.

Jun 09, 202334:14
Wild Women 2023 (2019) Talking about Art

Wild Women 2023 (2019) Talking about Art

I have a great rebroadcast for you today. Wild Women at River Gallery is back and alive. Today you can listen to Wild Women 2019 a rebroadcast featuring the event and River Gallery with two of their artists, Ann Durley and Becki Hesedahl. The opening party for Wild Women will take place at River Gallery on Main St in Independence on June 3rd, Saturday evening from 5 to 9 PM. The actual show dates are from June 1st to July 7th. I will see you out there!


May 26, 202353:52
Talking about Art with Salem poet and Author Jim Merrill

Talking about Art with Salem poet and Author Jim Merrill

I have a rebroadcast of a wonderful interview with Salem author and poet Jim Merrill this morning. Salem poet and author Jim Merrill, started life unassumingly enough…Here’s what Jim Merrill did with his life… Got born in Martinez, Contra Costa County, grew up east of Berkeley, went to college somewhere and finished at San Francisco State University. BUT THEN THINGS CHANGED…


May 12, 202332:58
Henry Hughes on Talking about Art

Henry Hughes on Talking about Art

I have a rebroadcast of a wonderful interview with author, poet and educator Henry Hughes this morning. Henry Hughes has been working as a Professor of Literature and Writing at Western Oregon University for 23 years. Western Oregon University is part of the Colleges & Universities industry, and located in Oregon, United States. Right after the interview I've got a few announcements about shows and gallery events that you may want to hear.


Apr 28, 202333:30
Talking about Art - The Art of Kimono

Talking about Art - The Art of Kimono

I have a fun re-broadcast for you today. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the week long practice of Yozakura (picnicking and observing the cherry blossoms in the evening hours) just recently ended. And for those who attended either or both of those events you were likely treated to seeing ladies dressed in the traditional, elaborate and beautiful costumes of kimono. Some while back I interviewed advisor to the Salem Multicultural Institute (think World Beat at Riverfront Park each summer), Mako Hayashi-Mayfield. At that time she was producing a kimono exhibit for the institute and I thought it would be the perfect time to touch base with her about the art of kimono.

Apr 14, 202338:09
Featuring Salem author Ezra Sandborn (rebroadcast)

Featuring Salem author Ezra Sandborn (rebroadcast)

(REBROADCAST) On this morning's Talking about Art I interview local author Ezra Sandborn along with his acting-agent Juliette Jessop. Ezra has written the first of what will be a four-book series called the Legacy of Vinge. The first book of the series is titled: Seph-The Reflection of Divinity. 


Mar 10, 202348:52
Salem author Peter Sandel launches his Rimrock Trilogy.

Salem author Peter Sandel launches his Rimrock Trilogy.

Today's show was a re-broadcast of the show I aired on Feb of 2020. You can now find it on the archive site to listen/link/download at achor.fm/jz89. That was Salem author Peter Sandel as he just got through launching his first of trilogy of books in the Rimrock series. And again this was a re-broadcast so any mention of events. Times and dates are of course invalid.

Feb 24, 202352:30
The Artists of Salem Reads 2023

The Artists of Salem Reads 2023

Today's broadcast is all about this year's Salem Reads and the artists of Salem Reads particularly 4 of those artists. As part of the parade of events put on by Salem Reads we have the artists of Salem Reads. Essentially local artists read or listen to Noah's Born a Crime and based on their impressions of the book or of specific circumstances or scenarios that they read, they create works of art that interpret their inspirations. There are several artists whose work will be on display through the month of February but on today's broadcast I'd like to highlight and feature the work of 4 specific contributing artists: John      and Judy Mohney, Dayna Collins and Caroline Lehl.

Jan 27, 202346:48
Re-broadcast of Salem Reads. Lilly Brooks-Dalton's book "Good Morning, Midnight".

Re-broadcast of Salem Reads. Lilly Brooks-Dalton's book "Good Morning, Midnight".

January is kind of the kick off month for Salem Reads.      Salem Reads 2023, like prior years, is a community reads project that      invites everyone in Salem to read the same book, take part in discussions,      and enjoy related programs each year during February. The Salem Public      Library Foundation sees Salem Reads as an opportunity to increase the      Library’s visibility, and act as a catalyst to bring the community      together for discussions relevant to our time.

This      year the chosen book is titled Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Born a Crime      is available to read (or listen to) in English and Spanish in preparation      for Salem Reads, February 2023. In addition, multiple copies of the eBook      and eAudiobook are available to download and enjoy on the cloudLibrary and      Libby apps.

I'll      be featuring the book and Salem reads on the 4th Friday Talking about Art.      But in the meantime I'm re-airing the interview I did with the author of      the 3rd year book titled Good Morning Midnight by Lilly brooks-Dalton.      During that broadcast I also have guest artists who were part of the      Artists of Salem Reads event. This is where artists read the book and then      create their own artistic expressions which then went on display at the      Library through the month of February. Here you go.

Jan 13, 202353:05
A Christmas Message 2022.

A Christmas Message 2022.

A Christmas Message 2022.

Dec 23, 202212:46
It's All About Something Red!

It's All About Something Red!

As of the beginning of December and through until December 31st, Artists in Action (AIA) has on display at the Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery their 20th annual "Something Red" event. It is a collection of some 89 images by 44 artists and each one features the color red in one fashion or another. 

Something Red is AiA’s crown jewel annual event! It's where they invite Oregon visual artists, working in any style or medium, to create compelling art that features true RED as a focal point or primary color in the composition. Artists may submit up to three pieces and each one is juried in or out for the event. Something Red is open to all AIA members as well as non-members. The entry fee is discounted if you are a member so it would be a good time to consider becoming a member since Something Red is only one of several yearly events that AIA produces.


Dec 09, 202220:00
The artistry of Mary Lou Goertzen

The artistry of Mary Lou Goertzen

Mary Lou Goertzen who is nearing 90 years and lives in the small town -village really, of Deadwood Oregon. Mary Lou's story is an intriguing one of a life of artistry that took her from her simple Mennonite-influenced beginnings in Kansas to the glittering realms of every major retail department store across the country. I'll bet that many of you listening right now perhaps unknowingly decorated your Thanksgiving table yesterday with her art.

Nov 22, 202247:57
TENACITY! That’s what it takes to be a working, selling artist in today’s environment.

TENACITY! That’s what it takes to be a working, selling artist in today’s environment.

Today’s broadcast is a journey through the mid-Willamette Valley to discover all the new shows and events trending during the Holiday Season. It’s here that patrons will find those unique and special gifts of art made by artists up and down the valley. PLUS...How Thanksgiving came to be the 

third Thursday of November.

Nov 11, 202245:30
The 16th Annual Philomath Open Studio Tour

The 16th Annual Philomath Open Studio Tour

 After a two year hiatus, This is the second and last weekend for the 16th annual Philomath Open Studio Tour.  They invite you to stop by and see what they've been up to over these last two tumultuous years. Visit them in the participating wineries and their studios, where they create with paint, pencil, pastels, fabric, glass, fiber, wood, clay, metal, photos, and jewelry.

See and buy the artists’ work, discover how it is made and what inspires it. This is a free, self-guided event at 10 locations in and around Philomath that features 23 unique artists. 

They've planted Distinctive yellow Tour signs along the roadways to keep you on track. Go to their website, http://www.philomathopenstudios.com/ to download a brochure and map.

A side note about COVID here: I'd recommend you grab a few masks just to keep with you. Since you'll be welcomed in the artists homes and studios some may request utilizing a mask.


Oct 27, 202241:29
SPECIAL-Honoring artist George Johansen

SPECIAL-Honoring artist George Johansen

Hello you're listening to a special broadcast by KMUZ: Talking about Art. I'm your host Joel Zak. Local artist George Johansen, printmaker, teacher, painter died at the age of 94 over this past October weekend, Talking about Art is making this special broadcast available. This is an interview local artist and founder of T/Art, Eric Wuest conducted with George for broadcasting in July of 2015.

Oct 17, 202227:27
Re-broadcast Behind Colorful Doors + Important Events

Re-broadcast Behind Colorful Doors + Important Events

Here is a re-broadcast of an interview with 3 of 14 authors who produced the book, Behind Colorful Doors. Behind Colorful Doors is a compilation of 14 short stories written by these selected authors. The reader is transported to several countries over the span of three centuries. These escapades are brimming with imagination and insight, revealing discoveries behind each colorful door.

Oct 14, 202240:47
Salem author Will Cook with his 4th in the Driftwood Mystery series: Dungeness and Dragons.

Salem author Will Cook with his 4th in the Driftwood Mystery series: Dungeness and Dragons.

 I've got a re-broadcast coming up. It was aired in June of 2021 and features local Salem author Will Cook. He had just released his 4th book in the Driftwood Mystery series: Dungeness and Dragons. But more on that in just a moment… As of Thursday at precisely 6:02 PM we officially crossed over the astronomical line of demarcation from Summer into Fall. Good bye Summer of '22 and hello Fall.

Sep 23, 202257:05
Carton Art?? Who knew? And September art events in the Mid-Willamette Valley

Carton Art?? Who knew? And September art events in the Mid-Willamette Valley

Good morning, it's the 2nd, Friday of September, 9 I'm your host Joel Zak and right now you're listening to Talking about Art.   September! September already. Back to school, crickets chirping in the evening and we're approaching that incredible time of year: Indian Summer. A great time to order some take out and head for the park. Have you ever noticed those iconic take out containers? There's an art behind their design you know. Yes, there is. Go to the T/A FB page for examples.

Sep 09, 202232:05
The Art of the Loom with Steve McGrath -Jam Jar Looms

The Art of the Loom with Steve McGrath -Jam Jar Looms

For the many thousands of you who attended the Salem Art Fair in July after a forced absence for these last two years, you may likely have met an artist displaying an incredible variety of runners, mats and rugs. That was weaving artist Steve McGrath with Jam Jar Looms. I was immediately struck by his work but it took me a while to fully understand what it was that captured my attention. Steve approached me and began to chat about what I was seeing and slowly the beauty, the intricacies and the incredible workmanship and attention to detail began to emerge. 

Aug 21, 202241:18
What about August? - Art Events in the Valley

What about August? - Art Events in the Valley

On a beautiful summer weekend like we have in front of us we have every opportunity to discover new art shows and shows that should have seen already but you haven't quite gotten around to it -perhaps the needs of your garden got in the way or kayaking called - but now some of these important shows are reaching their final days and you can't miss 'em.

Aug 12, 202232:18
Events in the Valley; Vacations, volcanos and selfies

Events in the Valley; Vacations, volcanos and selfies

Vacations, volcanoes and snapping selfies is a dangerous combination. PLUS... On a beautiful summer weekend like the one that's right in front of us, we are sorely tempted to take in the incredible variety of art events that have exploded in the Valley this July. So jump in the car, roll down the windows and let's get going…ART EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

Jul 22, 202234:08
The Salem Art Fair is BACK!

The Salem Art Fair is BACK!

An old Salem summertime favorite is back and alive; The Salem Art Fair. Yes after a two year hiatus and much hand wringing, patient anticipation, not to mention a devastating ice storm along with cultural issues, the Salem Art Fair continues its some 70 year history come the 3rd weekend in July…Ahhh but there's more to this year's re-opening than what meets the eye. Changes are afoot.

I interview Matthew Boulay. Matthew is the executive director of the Salem art association and an artist himself. He holds a PhD in Sociology and Education from Colombia University and is a self-confessed writer of really bad poetry. I had the opportunity to chat with Matthew a couple weeks ago and got to know a bit about him as the director of Salem Art and an as artist himself. I thought I'd first share his remarks with you on today's program and then secondly move into the other subject at hand, the re-opening of the Salem Art Fair.

Jul 08, 202243:12
Strange Origins of the American Flag - Art Events in the Valley

Strange Origins of the American Flag - Art Events in the Valley

We're coming up on July 4th, our Independence Day. When do you think our American flag first began to fly over US soil? 1776 right? And who created the first flag with its stars and stripes? Betsy Ross right? Well maybe not so. More on that in just a bit,

Jun 24, 202231:49
Indelible; artist portraits by Diane Beal - Talking about Art 061022

Indelible; artist portraits by Diane Beal - Talking about Art 061022

Some words have incredible impact. Take the word, Indelible. It means Unable to be forgotten; memorable. Impossible to remove, erase, or wash away; permanent. There is a new exhibition in Salem and it's at two locations, the new Level 2 Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Salem Convention Center and its companion exhibition location at the Art Hall in the main branch of the Salem Library. The exhibition is called Indelible; artist portraits by Diane Beals.

Jun 10, 202244:05
Zachary Stocks & Salem Art

Zachary Stocks & Salem Art

Even in a small town like Salem there are deep roots that stem back to the fact that it rose from Native American Calapooya land and that in the 1850's and forward it was a local crucible for issues of slavery that were reflected nationally which went on to devolve into the Civil War. But here it involved Asahel Bush, newspaper founder and journalist, yes that Bush, as in what is now the city of Salem's own Bush House, the Bush Barn Art Center and Bush Park. But there's a deeper story.

May 27, 202239:55
Renaissance Art Yields Clues to Italy's Extinct Biodiversity - Art Events in the Valley

Renaissance Art Yields Clues to Italy's Extinct Biodiversity - Art Events in the Valley

I ran across an interesting story about how an Italian agronomist discovered clues to long lost fruits and other produce as Italy's biodiversity changed over time. Where did she find those clues? Renaissance art.

May 13, 202234:48
Ice is Nice and Will Suffice + Art Events in the Valley

Ice is Nice and Will Suffice + Art Events in the Valley

I thought this was supposed to be Spring! You know, sunny skies, warmer weather, and rainy days less than winter. But no, it seems Spring only shows its head briefly amidst a torrent of days and days of rain upon cold, icy rain. But artists prevail regardless and for that matter artists are likewise opportunistic. If ice and hail come- so be it. There's beauty to be found in ice. To brutally paraphrase Robert Frost's poem: Fire and Ice: Ice is nice and will suffice. Alright so what beauty can be found in ice?   I've got a story about that…


Apr 22, 202225:16
Events April 8th, 2022 - A Resurrected Small Town Through Art

Events April 8th, 2022 - A Resurrected Small Town Through Art

So your small town which once relied on forest products is dwindling as the young population move away to large cities for better opportunities. Sound familiar? Sounds like some of the small cities up in the Santiam Canyon area doesn't it?

PLUS art events and openings in the Mid-Willamette Valley

Apr 08, 202242:33
Depth of Field panel discussion

Depth of Field panel discussion

Go here for the panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V3mpgr1kkQ  

I'm doing something completely different for this morning's broadcast. You'll hear my introduction here but then I'm going to direct you to go over to the Talking about Art FB site for the entire program. I attended a panel discussion on Zoom and most of the photographers on the panel presented images along with their talk. Images on the radio doesn't work too well as you might imagine. The edited Zoom meeting is already on FB so here's the introduction first:

  In the creation of our art we talk about those happy accidents and those serendipitous moments. We're thrilled how their influences manifest themselves so brilliantly in our art work. Happy accidents and serendipitous moments are things that just seem to appear out of nowhere borne by magical and mystical circumstances in time. A slip of the brush, a splash of the wrong oil, being present in the middle of a landscape when all the light just wraps you up in a stupendous and unpredictable moment of unparalleled beauty. But this serendipitous moment lasted decades. It started in the art of photography here on the West Coast in the 60's, 70's and into the 80's and its influence echoes to this day. What happened? That's what today's show is all about…

Mar 25, 202206:54
New Gallery Called Level 2

New Gallery Called Level 2

Yes a new gallery right in the heart of downtown Salem. The reason you might have missed it is because well, that's part of the story on this morning's show. and I hope that once you've heard the why's and wherefores' about this new gallery that you'll want to make plans for your first visit.

Mar 11, 202237:40
February 2022 Art Events & the 007's of the Art World

February 2022 Art Events & the 007's of the Art World

In the heart of Rome there sits a small, three-story unassuming building that is passed by every day by hundreds of tourists. You and I could walk by and be completely oblivious to knowing that inside there are thousands upon thousands of art that spans back centuries, through WW2 and the Nazis and through the rise of China in the art market. And each and every piece of art stored here has one thing in common: a criminal background. What is that all about?

Feb 25, 202232:38
February Art Events & Discovering a Missing van Dyck

February Art Events & Discovering a Missing van Dyck

My bet is that most of you listening have been around the art world for a while and enough to maybe know a good thing - or suspect a good thing, when you see it. Suppose you bought a painting on the mere hunch that it was far more valuable than what others thought it was? What would happen when you tried to prove it?

Feb 11, 202228:58
Talking about Art: Salem Reads Annual Event

Talking about Art: Salem Reads Annual Event

On this morning's show we focus on this year's Salem Reads choice of book by author Ruth Ozeki, A Tale for the Time Being (a title that can be read two ways but really has only one meaning). It's a novel that warps time and vaults through the 20th century to present day. All of the characters' timelines run in parallel and yet on different planes simultaneously in an often confusing warp and weft of space and distance.

Jan 28, 202226:08
The Year Was 1939. Talking about Art

The Year Was 1939. Talking about Art

(https://www.facebook.com/TalkingAboutArt)
The year is 1939 and you are living in Paris. The dreaded rumors that have been swirling throughout the city for weeks have now been verified. The Nazi German army will be invading Paris within mere days and soon will be on your very doorstep. What will you do? Where will you go? Sound familiar? I've posted images on the Talking about Art FB page that relate to a little something I came across a while ago. (https://www.facebook.com/TalkingAboutArt)

Jan 14, 202227:46
A Christmas Message - Talking about Art

A Christmas Message - Talking about Art

I thought I would send out to you a Christmas message as I did last year. Perhaps we have a new tradition in the making! So this show will be relatively brief.

Dec 24, 202114:25
Giving the Gift of Art & The First Christmas Tree

Giving the Gift of Art & The First Christmas Tree

Have you ever wondered when the first decorated Christmas tree came into existence? How did one of the most beloved Christmas traditions come to be? I'll toss out that possibility in just a moment…

Dec 10, 202122:58
Thanksgiving to Artists

Thanksgiving to Artists

On today's show I will be highlighting most if not all of those galleries and stores that are featuring local artist's work on display and available for sale --- probably many of you listening have work out in the public right now and on display.

Nov 26, 202120:56