Arts Fell on Alabama

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.  

Have you ever visited a Greek Orthodox church and wondered who painted the ceilings and walls? The answer could easily be Huntsville's own Elias Katsaros! The Byzantine-style iconographer shares how he paints "inside-out" and sheds light on the history and meaning behind this ancient and continuing liturgical art form.

Discover the inspiration behind Dothan's newest mural, now gracing the walls of the historic Dixie Depot area. Evangeline Reynolds-Gunn, executive director of the Tri-State Expo on Juneteenth Affairs, shares her Juneteenth story.

Musician Russell Gulley brims over with lyrical inspiration and finds his voice at last. 

Actor Greta Lambert knows a good performance can inspire great feeling in the audience. It might also lead to a conversation in the produce section of your local grocery store.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.