In this captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art," we're joined by Desmond Beach, a visionary artist and educator from New York City, whose work boldly navigates the intersections of race, identity, and justice. Desmond, a revered figure with roots in the Maryland Institute College of Art and exhibitions from The Phillips Collection to the Neuberger Museum, shares his journey of transforming pain into celebration through art. Inspired by the resilience of the African Diaspora and the wisdom of ancestors, his creations challenge stereotypes and invite reflection on Black history and repres ..read more

In this episode of the Truth in This Art podcast, host Rob Lee talks with Maurice James Jr., a self-taught contemporary artist and graphic designer from Washington, DC. They discuss Maurice's creative process, his strategic planning for art exhibitions, and the influence of cities like DC and Philadelphia on his work. Maurice emphasizes the importance of truth and real history in his art, aiming to challenge perceptions and maintain authenticity. They also explore the concept of creative fasting, the role of comedy and satire in black art, and the impact of different environments on creativity ..read more

In this episode of The Truth in This Art podcast, host Rob Lee talks with Tony Gittens, the founder of Filmfest DC. Gittens recounts his upbringing in Brooklyn, his move to Washington, D.C., and his early involvement in the civil rights movement. He shares his journey from managing a bookstore to founding the Black Film Institute and eventually establishing an international film festival. Gittens discusses the selection process for the festival, emphasizing the importance of quality and diversity in film programming. He also touches on the hard work behind organizing the festival, the trend to ..read more

?️ In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews Alex Farkas, co-founder and gallery director of UGallery. They discuss Alex's upbringing in an artistic community, his education, and the inception of UGallery. Alex reflects on UGallery's evolution, from supporting student artists to curating established and emerging talents. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, human connection, and adapting to online trends in the art market. Alex also offers advice to artists on perseverance and finding the right gallery fit. The conversation touches on personal growth, the sig ..read more

In this podcast episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews James Watkins, an advocate for social change and youth empowerment. Watkins shares his journey from Southeast DC to empowering youth through the Queen Bees music program. He discusses the transformative power of storytelling and music, highlighting the creation of "Lifeguard," a song about suicide prevention. Watkins reflects on his screenwriting pursuits, emphasizing character-driven stories and the importance of relatable or unique narratives. The episode delves into the significance of diverse inspirations and maint ..read more

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee is joined by Michelle Faulkner-Forson, Barry Wright III, and Brian James O'Connell to discuss the world of improv. They explore the misconceptions that improv is only for the funny or certain types of people, emphasizing its accessibility and importance in everyday life. The conversation highlights improv's applications in communication, teamwork, and even medical training. They reflect on the challenges of fostering a creative community in a capitalist society and share their joy in teaching and community building. They also discuss the ..read more

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee is joined by Michelle Faulkner Forson, Barry Wright III, and Brian James O'Connell to discuss the world of improv. They explore the misconceptions that improv is only for the funny or certain types of people, emphasizing its accessibility and importance in everyday life. The conversation highlights improv's applications in communication, teamwork, and even medical training. They reflect on the challenges of fostering a creative community in a capitalist society and share their joy in teaching and community building. They also discuss the ..read more

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish of the band Outcalls. They explore the band's genre-fusing music, their collaborative songwriting process, and the challenges of defining their eclectic sound. The duo reflects on their first creative endeavors and the role of their artistic backgrounds in shaping their current work. The conversation also delves into the excitement surrounding their upcoming single "Blast," live performances, and their participation in Remington Fest. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, a ..read more

In this episode of "The Truth in Its Art," host Rob Lee interviews Domonique Brown, a Pomona-based artist, designer, and marketing professional. Domonique discusses her creative journey, from early recognition in high school to founding Domo Ink, aiming to bring black art into retail spaces. She recounts her educational background, her initial office job, and her breakthrough with a solo art show. Domonique's art is influenced by her culture and Los Angeles's vibrancy, and she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and resilience in her work. The episode also explores the dynamics of brand ..read more

In this special episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee sits down with accomplished stage director, producer, and playwright Troy Burton, in celebration of World Theatre Day. They delve into Troy's remarkable journey in the world of theater, exploring his experiences as a teacher and mentor, and delving into his recent projects. Troy shares profound insights on the importance of family, the empowerment of self-identity, and the transformative impact of his near-death experience on his creative endeavors. ??‍?? Episode Highlights: Troy's early introduction to theater and the profound ..read more