Spark: Igniting Dynamic Dialogue

Art in Action is right around the corner, and we’re taking you behind the scenes!! We talk with Deidre McDonald of Bronzelens, who is partnering with SFA and ArtsXchange on this free film screening highlighting 4 portrait documentaries from our Filmer series! 

Deidre McDonald is an award-winning producer, writer, and educator with over 30 years of media experience. She is the Founding Artistic Director of the Academy Award-qualifying BronzeLens Film Festival, a pioneering platform for diverse filmmakers and a charter member of ARRAY. A former Senior Producer at WXIA-TV, she has earned eight regional Emmys and over 25 nominations. McDonald led the Georgia Entertainment Media workforce initiative and served in key academic roles at Clark Atlanta University. Her leadership spans organizations including Women in Film and Television Atlanta, the Black Women Film Network, and multiple national and international film festivals.

We’re talking Create partnerships this week, and for National Mental Health Month we had to bring in Individual Partner Jaha Knight! She’s taking on teen mental health with a new arts workshop series titled Inkspirations, slated for the end of June.

Ms. Knight is an accomplished art director with over 30 years of expertise and a passion for visual storytelling that enhances every project she undertakes. Her journey began at an early age; at just 22, she founded an African American newspaper, driven by a commitment to representation and impactful communication. Jaha's professional path also encompasses significant roles in education, where she has taught both graphics and art. These experiences have solidified her dedication to creativity and education, blending her artistic vision with a mission to empower others through the arts.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Associate

As we continue our lead-up to Exchange on May 14th, our latest episode features the multi-talented Trey Carlisle, aka Emcee Poetrey. Trey is a spoken word artist, singer-songwriter, mindfulness coach, and conflict mediator whose work blends rhythm, rhyme, and radical empathy. Through his platform, P.O.E.T.R.E.Y PRODUCTIONS, and his work with Music in Common and Soul Food Cypher, Trey is building bridges across communities using the power of music and storytelling. Tune in to hear how he’s helping us all imagine—and create—a world where everyone belongs.

Hosted by : Jennifer Bauer Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

It’s National Poetry Month in April, but we’ve decided to extend the celebration! We’re less a month away from our next Exchange event on May 14th, and we can’t wait to see you there! Today we sit down with Spoken Word artist Theresa Davis about her artistry and her upcoming performance opposite Trey Carlisle or Emcee P.O.E.T.R.E.Y. 

Theresa Davis is an educator, poet, storyteller, author, and poetry slam champion. Host of the award-winning open mic Java Speaks, she has published seven poetry collections, including Rock Star Poet and Simon Says. A member of the spoken word group MoDaSo, she’s released two albums and collaborated with the City of Atlanta on anti-bullying poetry. In 2011, she won the Women of the World Poetry Slam. Honored with “Theresa Davis Day” by Atlanta, she was also named the 2012 McEver Chair in Poetry at Georgia Tech. She teaches poetry throughout Atlanta and is inspired daily by her children Imani, Tia, and Zion. 

Hosted by : Jennifer Bauer Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

We're rewinding to one of our favorite episodes, just in time for National Poetry Month!

This week we take a look back at Soul Food Cypher, and its Founding Executive Director Alex Acosta. Listen with us as he shares how SFC continues to make a mark with Atlanta children and with the community.

*Disclaimer: Due to the name of the project, this episode contains slight profanity.

We are delving into our CREATE class for 2025, and first up is theatre griot Dalyla McGee!! She talks with us about her new project Pepsi Cola Bi***, embracing play in everyday life, and directing our playreading of 2Across!

Atlanta born and raised, Dalyla has been a vested multidisciplinary theatre maker with a  deep love for the arts & culture as her roots.  She holds a B.S. in Anthropology & Human Biology with concentrations in Theatre Studies from Emory University where Dalyla combined her zeal for people, international cultures, and developing community into the theatre-making process. In addition to supporting a community of multi-media creatives as founder & CEO of HTD & Company, Dalyla’s works across local Atlanta stages including  Alliance Theatre, Hush Harbor Lab, Out Front Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Theatre Emory, 7 Stages Theatre, Working Title Playwrights, Theatre Du Reve, Essential Theatre, Horizon Theatre and South Fulton Institute. More broadly, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Workshop Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, and Pocket VR theatre along with professional ventures in Trinidad, Haiti, Holland, and Australia. She is passionate about engaging in community hosting frequent arts led discussions or sharing ‘a word’ in 3 minutes or less on her TikTok platform. Dalyla is also a proud board member of Working Title Playwrights supporting our local creative communities and intersectional sustainability practices. Her work always returns to the love of global community, compassionate bridge building, and a good story.

Hosted by : Solana Ramirez Garcia, Individual Partner Resource Manager

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

This year Academy Theatre, one of the two venues hosting this event, is also a subject! We could think of no better way to close out this series than to talk with Artistic Director Robert Drake, and the filmmaker of Beyond The Script, Dr. Arshely Emile. 

The Academy Theatre is the longest running professional theatre in Georgia. Founded in 1956 by Frank Wittow, Academy has premiered over 400 new plays and continues its outreach work to people without a theatrical voice, incubates new theater companies, produces mainstage works, and remains a vital component of the Southeast’s theater community. Robert Drake is in his 14th season as the Academy Theatre’s Artistic Director and has been affiliated with the theatre since 2005. 

Dr. Arshley Emile is an award winning documentary director and cinematographer. His love and passion for filmmaking was something he was aware of as early as 8 years old, but it was not until he embarked on his dissertation on racism in public schools, that he realized that his admiration for visual arts spanned well beyond the classroom. Today he is the CEO and co-founder of Timberhouse Films, which he heads with his wife Stephania. 

Hosted by : Solana Ramirez Garcia, Individual Partner Resource Manager

Produced by:Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

For our last episode on Filmer, who better to cap the series than an Atlanta icon?

Alice Lovelace is a cultural worker, performance artist, teacher, poet, organizer, author, and playwright. In 1978, she discovered the Neighborhood Arts Center and met Ebon Dooley (Leo Hale) and Toni Cade Bambara. Together, they organized poetry readings and classes while conducting meetings for the Southern Collective of African American Writers (SCAAW). In 1981, Ebon and Alice founded the nonprofit: Southeast Community Cultural Center located at the former Grant Park Elementary School and in 1984 opened the former school as The Arts Exchange – a studio space for artists, a theater, recording studio, two galleries, a dance studio, and home to the Atlanta Writers Resource Center. Between 1998 and 2000 Alice became executive director of Alternate ROOTS, an artists-led southern regional organization; and along with Dr. Lisa Delpit and actress Jane Fonda, she founded and stepped into the role of executive director of the Atlanta Partnership for Arts in Learning (APAL). Currently serving as the president of the board of ArtsXchange, Alice continues to serve the public need through programs implemented at the nonprofit’s newly renovated facility in East Point, GA. 

Hosted by: Solana Ramirez Garcia, Individual Partner Resource Manager

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

We’re less than three weeks away from our screenings for Filmer 7 and we can’t wait to see you there! For this episode, we talk with Will Feagins and Kiara Gilbert as they analyze their film Kiara, Portrait of a Printmaker. 

Kiara Gilbert is a Jacksonville Florida native and a graduate of Florida State University. Their art explores how their emotional landscape is informed by growing up black and queer in the south. Through the use of print media and sculptural installations, they create scenes that speak on feelings of frustration, love, listlessness, and ancestral triumph and loss. They are a recipient of the Six Creative Grant, the Janice Hartwell Award in Printmaking, and participated in the Humanity in Action Berlin Fellowship.

A graduate of Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Will Feagins’ cinematography and direction often reflects the realness of the subject matter. His passion for film and hip hop has inspired his love for film, but his extensive portfolio has matured into documentaries that beautifully chronicle the complexities of the human experience through the lens of Black and Brown people. Feagins’ unique style continues to evolve as he finds more beautiful and innovative ways to tell a story.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

We continue our series on Filmer with our next film KARLA, directed by Elisee Junior St Preux and starring jazz artist Karla Harris!!

Elisee is a Haitian-American Filmmaker born in Miami, FL. A self-taught artist and pure cinephile, Elisee is the owner of the nostalgic multimedia company, "À La MODE Films" for Black artists that use the power of storytelling to uplift the Black experience on and off the screen. In addition to his creative work, Elisee is an Advisory Board member of the Morehouse Human Rights Film Festival, a brass musician, a community youth mentor, a mental health advocate, and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

We continue our series on Filmer with our next film KARLA, directed by Elisee Junior St Preux and starring jazz artist Karla Harris!!

 Karla Harris has made a career within the art form she loves for more than three decades, captivating audiences from Portland to Provence. Her performance credits include events such as the Sarasota Jazz Festival, Portland Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Oregon Coast Jazz Party, Nantucket Arts Festival, Atlanta Jazz Party, and a TED Talk. In addition to performing, writing and recording, she is an artist-in-residence with the dynamic Jazz Studies department at Kennesaw State University, teaching Applied Vocal Jazz to aspiring singers.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist

We’re starting Season 3 talking about Filmer! We speak with Ethan Payne and Nzzy this week regarding their film, Nzzy’s Ark! 

Ninel Nekay (preferably known as Nzzy) is a poet, filmmaker, teaching artist, theorist, and practitioner of the philosophies she depicts within her portfolio. She seeks to entice fellow worldbuilders to reimagine their pursue agency and their own utopias. She recently screened her visual poem “Bless Your Heart”, a film about Black women and the complicated relationship they have with femicide and intimate partner violence. Her craft has been recognized by artists such as Nile Rodgers, Pearl Cleage, and Julie Lythcott-Haims.

Ethan is a documentary filmmaker based in the southeast US. His feature and short documentaries have screened and won awards internationally. He loves tiki culture, vanilla ice cream, playing music with his band Easter Island, and telling stories about the often overlooked south. 

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing and Admin Specialist

For our last episode of 2024 we sit down with Robert Drake, Artistic Director of Academy Theatre! He talks about artists cultivating relationships and shares what resources they need in order to thrive in 2025.

Founded in 1956 by Frank Wittow, Academy Theatre is the longest running professional theatre in Georgia. Academy has pioneered a number of developments in Atlanta’s professional theatre community including the first professional theatre in the South to be integrated, and the first Southeastern Shakespeare Festival.Robert is in his 14th season as the Academy Theatre’s Artistic Director and has been affiliated with the theatre since 2005. At the Academy, he has directed and helped artistic associates create several shows, including eight world premieres. He directs the Academy Theatre intern programs and has directed educational videos for the Georgia Municipal Association, Emory University, and the GOOD Acting Studio.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing and Admin Specialist

Ninel Nekay (preferably known as Nzzy) is a second-generation Jamaican-American Southerner and interdisciplinary cultural worker whose art demonstrates the stifled desires and salvation of Black non-men in the American South. As a poet, filmmaker, teaching artist, theorist, and practitioner of the philosophies she depicts within her portfolio, she seeks to entice fellow worldbuilders to reimagine their pursue agency and their own utopias. As Atlanta's former Youth Poet Laureate, previous National Black Arts Festival Fellow, Alternate Roots grantee, We Are Family Youth To The Front Fund recipient, and Next Doc Film Fellow, Color Congress intern, Nzzy has been active in arts and culture for nearly a decade. Her craft has been recognized by artists such as Nile Rodgers, Pearl Cleage, and Julie Lythcott-Haims.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing Specialist and Admin Assistant

We sit down with Sheri Winkelmann, who plays talented baker and conflicted mother figure Della in The Cake!

Sheri Winkelmann is from Chicago and is a graduate of the Theater School at DePaul University. She has worked in theater off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally for over 25 years. Prominent film and television roles include NBC's, Chicago PD/Fire/Med, comedy series, 'Play by Play' on Roku, and many independent films. She was a featured writer/performer at Chicago's famous IO Theater with POV Weekly News Show with her original sketch characters. Her play, Love and Madness premiered at Silk Road Rising Theater in Chicago to sold-out audiences. Kelmann Films, Sheri's company, is passionate about elevating women and shedding light on pressing social issues. With a penchant for blending comedy and drama, Sheri enjoys crafting narratives that celebrate the strength and resilience of quirky, underrepresented people who prevail against all odds.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Loren Bray, Marketing and Admin Specialist

It’s opening night for our play reading series of The Cake, and we decided to invite members of our cast to offer their insights!!

First up is Alexandra Ficken, who plays bride-to-be Jen. Alexandra Ficken was born and raised in Atlanta, and is also a graduate of the University of Alabama with a BA in both musical theatre and dance. Atlanta credits include: Small Mouth Sounds, Goodnight Tyler, Hand to God, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, In Love and Warcraft (Alliance), Red Speedo, Appropriate (Actor's Express), ThanksKilling the Musical (Dad's Garage), Grand Concourse (Horizon), A Nice Family Gathering, A Nice Family Christmas (Stage Door Theatre), fml: How Carson McCullers Saved My Life (7 Stages), Sherlock Holmes (Georgia Ensemble). TV/Film: "Stranger Things", “Vice Principals”, “The Originals”, POMS, My Sweet Holiday, The Duff, An Actor Prepares. She sends a big thank you to Clifton for always cheering Atlanta actors on! 

This week we sit down with Pamela D Stegall, founder and Executive Director of the Pamela D Franklin Cultural Center.

Today, we’re speaking with Christopher Mosley, the owner and director of MPA Productions, a musical production company focused on increasing the visibility of minority string players in and around metro Atlanta communities

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from South Fulton Arts.

Today, we’re speaking with Stephanie Owens, Executive Director of NBAF!

As the Executive Director since 2019, Stephanie has led the organization in cultivating vibrant community-oriented programming. Before her role at NBAF, Stephanie served as the Executive Director of the P&J Foundation in Vallejo, CA, where she focused on empowering middle and high school students through education and mentorship programs. Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie has been actively involved in community initiatives, co-founding Anchor of Hope Ministry and serving as a Career Pathway Trust Consultant at Solano Community College.

Welcome back to Spark, a podcast from South Fulton Arts! --

Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Sylvia Carter, Founder and CEO of the Crossfire Movement and one of our 2024 Partners! 

After 30 years of being an educator, Dr. Sylvia Carter knew that a global non-profit organization that brings people together to positively impact the lives of impoverished women and children through education, mentorship and inspiring them to achieve their highest potential would be the game-changer. She believes in every community there is untapped potential that can make a community a better place. Whether it is leading a team on the mission fields of Kenya, teaching at-promise children, or breathing life into a woman's business, Dr. Carter works tirelessly to stand in the gap for those with limited access or society has forgotten.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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South Fulton Arts is supported by Fulton County Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, The Atlanta Foundation, Georgia Council for the Arts, Publix Super Markets Charities, Greystone Power Corporation, the Waffle House Foundation, and the Zeist Foundation.

Welcome back to Spark, a podcast from South Fulton Arts! -- Today, we’re welcoming back to SPARK SFA friend and collaborator Clifton Guterman!

Originally from Iron City, Georgia, Clifton Guterman is an Atlanta casting director, acting coach, and director. Founder of Thrive Acting Hive and Clifton Guterman Casting, he formerly served as the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre's Artistic Assistant, as Casting Director and National New Play Network Producer in Residence at Actor's Express, and as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director for eight seasons at Atlanta's Theatrical Outfit. Clifton has directed in Atlanta with Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Opera, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit. He has cast over 150 productions locally for companies such as Actor's Express, Agnes Scott College, Horizon Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and True Colors Theatre Company. As an actor, Clifton has appeared on multiple Atlanta stages, Off-Broadway, and many top regional theatres across the U.S. He has appeared in several Atlanta-filmed movies, TV shows and commercials. Clifton holds a BA in Drama from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He, his husband, and their son live in Cabbagetown, Atlanta.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

-- South Fulton Arts is supported by Fulton County Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, The Atlanta Foundation, Georgia Council for the Arts, Publix Super Markets Charities, Greystone Power Corporation, the Waffle House Foundation, and the Zeist Foundation.

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark! A podcast from South Fulton Arts

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Today, we're excited to chat with Atlanta actor, Brian Ashton Smith.

Brian is a multifaceted talent whose extensive career spans genres and media. His many credits in telveision and film include Cobra Kai, The Ms. Pat Show, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, and The Evil Inside Her in which he starred opposite his wife Melissa and Oscar nominee Eric Roberts. Brian is a member of the Sketch Comedy groups Black AF and Critical Crop Top. He'll be performing in the role of Jackson Moore in our production of Smart People, which runs March 15th through the 23rd.

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Hosted by Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by Aaron Rib

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/south-fulton-instit/support

Welcome back to Spark! A podcast from South Fulton Arts

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Today, we have the honor of speaking with Atlanta Filmmaker, Writer, and Director: Ebony Blanding. 

As the co-founder of the art film house, House of June, Ebony has not only presented her films at esteemed educational institutions like Spelman College, Emory University, and John H. Hopkins University but has also left an indelible mark on prestigious film festivals including SXSW, Capetown International Film Festival, and the Atlanta Film Society.

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Hosted by, Jennifer Bauer-Lyons

Produced by, Solana Ramírez-García

Welcome to Spark, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute!

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Caitlin King is an Innovative and action-oriented leader with experience in nonprofit development, personnel management, facilities management and event execution. She prides herself on being a resourceful problem solver who is well-versed in leading a wide variety of events with a focus on increasing community awareness and involvement. Caitlin has worked as the director of Red Oak Festival along with many other arts institutions in Atlanta. We are so happy for her most recent path of being the executive director of Onward Theatre, a new company who specializes in comedy and improv with a mission to create accessible and diverse theatre experiences within the community.

Welcome to Spark, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute

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Today we talk to ANON the Griot! ANON is a dynamic force at the intersection of spoken word, education, and Hip-Hop culture. Drawing inspiration from the impactful ideologies of Gil Scott-Heron and the subtle subversion of James Baldwin, he wields words as his sword and shield. As an educator, ANON passionately believes in the transformative power of education as a noble revolution. He prioritizes the holistic growth of students over standardized assessments, challenging the status quo. ANON has reimagined the poetry club as “The Griot Circle,” a space where he cultivates empowerment through creative expression. An avid emcee and devoted advocate of hip-hop as a culture, movement, and music, ANON seamlessly integrates his passions into the realm of education. He is the author of “Locked Up but not Locked Down: A Guide to Surviving the American Prison System” and “Poems for a Barfly.” Additionally, he serves as the Cypher Master for the freestyle rap organization, Soul Food Cypher, and pioneers his original course, “Criminology in Hip Hop,” at Pendulum Ink. ANON The Griot’s latest musical endeavor, “Alchemy,” can be discovered on bandcamp.com and all major digital streaming platforms.

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

This week, we sit down with Tatiana Fitata (he/they) about all things flower arrangements, being a filmmaker, an artist, and an organizer in the city of Atlanta. Tatiana will be leading a flower arrangement workshop titled "Harmonious Gardens" this Saturday, October 14th, at the Red Oak Arts Festival in partnership with the Red Oak District. Join us for an insightful conversation as we explore his artistic journey, his unique blend of talents, and his remarkable impact on diverse communities, and get a sneak peek into what to expect at his upcoming floral workshop.

Welcome back to SPARK! A podcast from the South Fulton Institute. This week we sit down with Jessy Díaz.

Jessy is a highly motivated and energetic musician (singer, percussionist, musicologist, and teacher) with international exposure. Originally from Cuba, as a performer she focuses on the Latin jazz, cha-cha-cha, danzón, son, mambo, and bolero genres. Not only is she an excellent singer, she is also competent in playing a wide range of musical instruments. As a multi-instrumentalist artist and music teaching professional, she endeavors to give her all in each single performance and project and is fully committed to providing a solid education and instilling music appreciation in all her students.

Before emigrating to the U.S., Jessy had the opportunity to perform with the Matanzas Symphonic Orchestra (Matanzas, Cuba), University of Arts Symphonic Orchestra (Havana, Cuba), Failde Youth Band (Matanzas, Cuba), and Suns of Cuba (Matanzas, Cuba).

One of the highlights of her career include a performance for President Barack Obama during a Cuban State Dinner in Havana, Cuba, on March 21, 2016. Since arriving in the U.S. in 2017, she has performed at various venues in Florida and Georgia.

A well-rounded music professional, in addition to performing live on stage, working on several studio recording projects, and being a dynamic and energetic teacher, she is also a sought-after Cuban and Afro-Cuban music lecturer. Keep up with Jessy through here website, jessydiaz.com and on Youtube at Jessy Diaz Music!

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with cellist Jenn Cornell. Jenn Cornell is a performer, composer and educator bringing cello across boundaries with her visionary style of playing, creating songs that stretch what a cello can be, and inspiring young musicians with her mentor approach to teaching.  Jenn has had a diverse career as a professional musician beginning at age 11 when she realized she desired to play cello the rest of her life.  Since then, she has crossed over from classical into the genre-bending music she creates today in performance, film scoring, and education of the arts.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with Co-founders of Reentry Arts Connection. The Reentry ARTS Connection was established in Atlanta, Georgia, in the Spring of 2021, by co-founders Curtis Alexander King, CEO, and Garry Yates, Creative Director.  With combined experience, King and Yates have spent over 50 years of service and patronage in the arts. They understand, on a personal and professional level, how the arts can be transformative and have life-long effects on individuals and communities.

The Reentry ARTS Connection seeks to serve individuals impacted by the justice system by creating platforms, places, and possibilities where their creative voices can be expressed through the arts.

For over 30 years, Curtis Alexander King has been a champion for the arts, beginning in the mid-1980s with his involvement at the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center, a multi-arts institution founded as a positive response to the Watts Riots. He relocated to Washington, DC, and worked in public relations and marketing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. King distinguished himself as a leader in audience development as the Community Relations Director for the Alliance Theatre Company and for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, respectively. During his tenure at the Alliance, he also led the Patron Services Team.

Garry Yates has worked in Theatre Arts, Television, Film, and higher education from Atlanta to LA for over 20 years. He has consulted with various organizations on innovative curriculum design and performing arts creations and has memberships with the Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, Stage Directors, the Choreographers Society - Associate Member, and the North American Association of Drama Therapy. He is an academician, actor, director-writer, a pioneer in theatre. Yates has held leadership roles throughout Atlanta as the Chair of the Theatre Arts and Mass Media Arts academic programs at Clark Atlanta University and the Educational Director for Theatre in the Square.

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with Atlanta quilter and CEO of the Atlanta Quilt Festival, O.V. Brantley. In her own words: "I started quilting to relieve stress, but now I quilt for the sheer joy of it. My quilts have become such a part of my life that I renovated the attic in my home so that I could have a private studio that I call paradise. My quilts tend to be inspirational and autobiographical. I try to convey the importance of living a life of simple abundance with joy and gratitude." You can find O.V.'s work at ovbrantleyquilts.com and @ovspeaksquilts on Instagram!

Make sure you don't miss out on the Atlanta Quilt Festival August 4 - September 2 at the Southwest Arts Center with a special showing of "Stitch" on August 6th at 1:30.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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This week we sit down with McKinley Stinson, Jr. Dr Stinson is the band director at J.C. Booth Middle School in Peachtree City, GA. His responsibilities include directing the 6th, 7th and 8th grade concert bands, BMS Warrior Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Winds, and Percussion Ensemble. McKinley is the co-founder of Atlanta based trio, North Star Percussion. Mr. Stinson has also performed with Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass, Habib Kiote, The Marcus Young Jazz Quintet, and Aretha Franklin at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

- In this episode we will be speaking with Alexander Acosta of Soul Food Cypher. Alexander “Cost One” Acosta is a Community Leader, Arts Advocate, and the Founding Executive Director of Soul Food Cypher. In 2011, he had a vision of creating the cypher while mentoring at-risk teenagers at the Whitefoord Intel computer clubhouse in in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally, he aimed to teach students media production at the clubhouse, but quickly found he could reach them directly through their shared passion of hip-hop. Experiencing their brilliance and spontaneous ingenuity, he became a believer in their ability improve themselves and their communities through their words. From this Soul Food Cypher was born in 2012. Since then, he has lead Soul Food Cypher from the basement of Wonderroot community arts center to stages at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, A3C Music Festival, and Coca-Cola Headquarters and to classrooms on Emory University and Georgia State University's campuses.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode, we’ll be talking with Actor Jeff Hathcoat. After living and performing in NYC for almost a decade, Jeff Hathcoat moved back home to Atlanta in 2018. That year, he made his Atlanta debut at Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown, followed by an appearance at Essential Theatre during the summer of 2019 performing in Slaying Holofernes by Emily McClain. Jeff recently appeared in South Fulton Institute's Connect play reading of Clyde's by Lynne Nottage as Jason. -

Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Jordan Battle, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode, we’ll be talking with Robert Drake the Artistic Director of Academy Theatre. Robert has 25 years of experience producing, stage managing, performing in, and directing shows. He has served as Artistic Director of two major Georgia theatres, as Production Manager for two different radio theatre companies, and has experience as a Creative Director. Robert is an Instructor at Emory University’s Osha Life Long Learning Program, teaching semiotics and theatre. He has also been a guest instructor at Decatur High School, DeKalb School of the Arts, and the Good Acting Studio.

website: https://academytheatre.org/

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode, we’ll be talking with K. Parker. She is a director, writer, and actor. Parker began her Atlanta career as a directing and acting dual apprentice at Actor’s Express during the 2019-2020 season. In 2021, Parker produced her short piece, On Being Born as a DK Fellow with Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company as well as being a writer for the serialized podcast drama, Crossroads, produced by Actor's Express. Shortly after, her documentary, Maschood was commissioned as part of the Alliance Theatre’s Spotlight Studio. Parker wrapped 2021 by producing her comedy one-act, How to Be A Lesbian, as a part of Synchronicity Theatre's Stripped Bare Arts Incubator project. Parker is excited to be directing a Lynn Nottage piece for the first time and gives a special thank you to the South Fulton Institute.

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Jazz vocalist Karla Harris. Karla Harris has made a career within the art form she loves for more than three decades, captivating audiences from Portland to Provence. Her performance credits include events such as the Sarasota Jazz Festival, Portland Jazz Festival, Oregon Coast Jazz Party, Nantucket Arts Festival, Siletz Bay Music Festival, Atlanta Jazz Party, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and a TED Talk. She has performed for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Arts Across America live performance series, and in 2022 was awarded a distinguished Jazz Road grant through the South Arts foundation.

Website: https://www.karlaharris.com/

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Angelica Hairston. Known for her fiery performances and passion for social change, Angelica Hairston is a highly regarded harpist, educator, and activist. Throughout her career, she has made it a priority to create social impact through the power of the arts. Actively using music as a tool for equity, Angelica serves as Executive Director of Challenge the Stats and is an in-demand performer, speaker, and presenter for virtual and in-person engagements across the globe.

Website: www.angelicahairston.com

https://challengethestats.org

Instagram:

@angelharpist

@challengethestats

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Shannon M. Turner.

Shannon M. Turner is the Founder/Creative Director of StoryMuse. She serves as an independent consultant who conducts workshops and provides coaching to individuals and organizations seeking to use true, personal stories for transformative potential. Shannon has two decades of professional experience and an MFA from Virginia Tech.

Website: www.storymuse.net

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Clifton Guterman who is the director of our upcoming play reading of Actually by Anna Ziegler

Originally from Iron City, Georgia, Clifton Guterman is an Atlanta casting director, teacher, and acting coach. Currently Head of the Film and TV Division of Big Picture Casting, he formerly served as the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre's Artistic Assistant, as Casting Director and National New Play Network Producer in Residence at Actor's Express, and as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director for eight seasons at Atlanta's Theatrical Outfit. Clifton is a member of the Advisory Committee for The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Shuler Hensley Awards). He chairs the Artist Advisory Council of ArtsATL and was in the Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta's class of 2020. Clifton has directed in Atlanta with Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Opera, and Theatrical Outfit. He has cast productions for Actor's Express, Agnes Scott College, Horizon Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and True Colors Theatre Company. As an actor, Clifton has appeared on multiple Atlanta stages, Off-Broadway, and many top regional theatres across the U.S. He has appeared in several Atlanta-filmed movies, TV shows and commercials. Clifton holds a BA in Drama from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He, his husband, and their son live in Cabbagetown (Atlanta).

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/south-fulton-institute-60058939143

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Filmmaker Dr. Arshley Emile.

Dr. Arshley Emile is an award winning documentary director and cinematographer with 7 years to his credit. His love and passion for filmmaking was something he was aware of as early as 8 years old, but it was not until he embarked on his dissertation on racism in public schools, that he realized that his admiration for visual arts spanned well beyond the classroom. Instead of just going the traditional route of dissertation writing, Dr. Emile ventured on a journey that would eventually lead to a career focused on film. Today Dr. Emile is a full time creator. He has already been selected for numerous film festivals and has recently won Best Documentary for 2022 in the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, all of which highlights how remarkably gifted he is considering his short time in the business. Furthermore, Dr. Emile has projects ranging from television news programs, corporations, music videos, public school settings, as well as nonprofit organizations. His primary focus is to help portray the black and brown community in a more positive light as opposed to the narrative historically perpetuated by the general public. He is competent in all aspects of the production process from initial stages of researching and organizing production to script writing, interviewing, camera and editing. Dr. Emile hopes to one day film and produce feature films and to have his own soundstage campus where both young and seasoned filmmakers can gather and create.

@dr.emileinspires

Website: www.timberhousefilms.com

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

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In this episode we’ll be talking with Visual Artist Miriam Robinson.

Miriam is a conceptual artist, painter, and metal worker. She lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Working across multiple disciplines, Miriam works with the mission of using art to inspire hope and possibility across the globe. Predominantly auto-biographical in nature, Miriam’s work expresses personal narratives involving relatable human experiences and current social issues in approachable ways.

Website: www.miriamrobinson.com

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

Some history about the South Fulton Institute, we are an arts organization founded on the vision of artistically vibrant, deeply connected communities, spreading from South Fulton County into the broader Southeast region and beyond. At SFI, we work to embody this vision through our commitment to offering meaningful and accessible programming, cultivating a diverse range of community partnerships, and directly connecting both institutions and individuals with tangible resources.

SPARK is one part of our five program Courageous Conversations series that works to provide year round community focused programming. The other programs include FILMER: A Short Documentary Film project, CONNECT: A Play Reading Series, REFLECT: A Book Club and EXCHANGE: An Information Forum.

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In this episode we’ll be talking to one of our long-time partners, Filmmaker Ethan Payne.

Ethan is a documentary filmmaker based in Atlanta, Ga. His work has been featured in Pitchfork, Stereogum, Oxford American, ArtsATL, Southern Foodways Alliance, and The Bitter Southerner. His award-winning short documentaries have made international festival rounds and his first feature-length documentary "The Green Flash" is in post-production.

IG: @ethanpayne

Website: http://www.ethanpayne.com/

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager

Welcome to SPARK, a podcast from the South Fulton Institute.

Some history about the South Fulton Institute, we are an arts organization founded on the vision of artistically vibrant, deeply connected communities, spreading from South Fulton County into the broader Southeast region and beyond. At SFI, we work to embody this vision through our commitment to offering meaningful and accessible programming, cultivating a diverse range of community partnerships, and directly connecting both institutions and individuals with tangible resources.

SPARK is one part of our five program Courageous Conversations series that works to provide year round community focused programming. The other programs include FILMER: A Short Documentary Film project, CONNECT: A Play Reading Series, REFLECT: A Book Club and EXCHANGE: An Information Forum.

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In this episode we’ll be talking to one of our long-time partners, Author, Poet and Playwright Jon Goode .

Jon Goode is an Emmy nominated author, poet, and playwright currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a featured performer on HBO’s Def Poetry, TVOne’s Verses & Flow, and BET’s Lyric Café. Jon’s debut collection of poems and short stories, Conduit, has received to date 54 five star reviews, spent 16 weeks as a #1 title on Amazon and is the best reviewed book of poetry on Amazon for 2015/16. Jon has released his first novel, Mydas, which also debuted as a #1 title on Amazon. He is the regular host of The Moth StorySLAM in Atlanta, GA.

IG: @jon_goode

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Hosted by: Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

Produced by: Nathan Jones, Partner Resource and Admin Manager