Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast

The Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast team had the pleasure of hosting an in-person episode at the Icehouse Punk & DIY: Open House + Artist Meetup on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 1-4 pm at the Ice House (56 River St. Bethlehem, PA). While there, we got to sit down with a few of the vendors, attendees, and artists! This event was in partnership with Elise Schaffer and Brandon Dominguez, who have been hosting artists meetups all around the Lehigh Valley. All types of artists are encouraged to attend these events and enjoy hands-on art making and networking with other artists! The list of guests on today's episode and where to find them will be updated throughout the day on the Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast post about this episode!

On this episode, Elise and podcast alum Robin Gow (@robin_gow_poet) sat down with Chloe Cole-Wilson from Basement Poetry (@basementpoetry) and special guest Khalid Taylor (@khalidantonio). Basement Poetry is an organization dedicated to empowering diverse communities through the performing arts and poetry. They create opportunities for cultural participation and education in theatre, focusing on works that address contemporary issues while amplifying the voices and talents of women, LGBTQ, and BIPOC individuals/communities. Chloe Cole-Wilson is a multi-disciplinary artist as well as Artistic Director of Basement Poetry. Khalid Taylor is a teacher, podcaster, musician, and Music Director for Basement Poetry's program "Joyful Voices." You can follow Basement Poetry on Instagram (@basementpoetry) or Facebook. If you would like to get in contact with them, you can email them at basementpoems@gmail.com. This episode's opportunities are: Joyful Voices is back! Join Basement Poetry for their second choir experience on February 22nd from 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM—come sing, connect, and enjoy some snacks on us @ BAPL. Keep an eye out for our brand-new Inspire Cr8tivity Micro-Grants, designed to support artists and small businesses that uplift the arts community. And coming April 2025… Basement Poetry presents DreamLAB: An Artist Escape—an overnight retreat designed to fuel your creativity. Scholarships will be available for artist to attend! More details coming soon! Follow Basement Poetry on social media for information about all of these upcoming opportunities.

This week, we interview Damian Appiotti. Damian Appiotti is a multi faceted musician and educator who has been playing the guitar for about as long as he can remember. He grew up with parents who both have musical backgrounds, and has had a life surrounded by music, film, and art at large. The style that Damian often works in is referred to as Prog, which some have gone on to describe by saying it’s not so much a genre as is just people making music on the guitar and making unique and interesting compositions. His experiences to date have culminated in his first EP, Automoton. And since its release, he has been hard at work on his next project which is expected to release in the coming months. Over the next 2 months (as of the release of this episode), Damian be will giving free live online soloing masterclasses via zoom. They’ll be free to attend but the dates are tbd. Follow him on social media to stay up to date about this opportunity and when it is officially starting up. In addition, he recently started a Facebook group for people stuck in the intermediate stages of guitar playing. This group is free to join for anyone and he is posting multiple times a week with advice and exercises that should help push past plateaus in the learning process. To stay up to date with all of these opportunities and more, make sure to give Damian a follow on Instagram @Damian_appoitti, as well as Facebook, and your favorite streaming platform. Streaming Links: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/damianappiotti/automaton-ep/ https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/damianappiotti/flannel-single/ Social Media Links: https://www.instagram.com/damian_appiotti?igsh=MTNmeGt1ejh2ajF2eg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.facebook.com/share/1BK8QF9agZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://bsky.app/profile/damian-appiotti.bsky.social Intermediate Guitarist Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DEmUMUYMr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode, Ben sits down with Doug Boehm and Josh Berk of PLANET INFAMY. PLANET INFAMY is an art rock collective of Lehigh Valley musicians playing innovative original compositions and irreverent improvised jams. The group features Josh Berk and Bryan Lazewski on guitar, Doug Boehm on bass, "Big Dom" Haberstumpf on drums, Shaun Adickes on keyboards, and Al Johnson on percussion--with many talented instrumentalists joining in the jam from time to time. Berk says of their lyrics: "I like to write songs with equal parts heartbreak and humor." They draw inspiration from experimental rock forefathers like Frank Zappa, Grateful Dead, Ween, and Flaming Lips--each PI show is a one-of-a-kind experience! Their debut EP, Forever, was just released (August 2024) and can be found on all the streaming services. Planet Infamy on Apple MusicPlanet Infamy on SpotifyPlanet Infamy on Amazon MusicPlanet Infamy on YouTube Instagram: @planetinfamy Planet Infamy has 3 upcoming shows: March 8, 2025 - Soft Machine Gallery with Bombs Eat Sharks Allentown, PA March 14, 2025 - Godfrey Daniel’s Bethlehem, PA May 3, 2025 - Eleven20 Art Studios Easton, PA For more information about their upcoming shows, follow them on social media!

This episode, Ben and Elise talk with Derick Fiedler. Growing up, Derick never saw his father without a camera in his hand. His Father’s passion for photography inspired him to become a photographer himself. After graduating from College, Derick made backpacking throughout the world a priority. He took with him his Fathers Olympus mirrorless camera with a 20mm lens that easily fit into his pack. Derick traveled throughout the US and places such as Spain, the Sahara Desert, Thailand, Galapagos Islands and Peru, where he captured moments of beautiful places, people, and cultures. Behind each photograph is a story that means everything to Derick. After the pandemic, Derick switched gears and was able to combine his love of music and photography. He now photographs DIY live music shows and band portraits in the greater Philadelphia area. You can follow Derick on instagram at @tumbleweed_photographer. This episode's opportunity is for Derick's solo show opening at The Gallery at Steel Pixel Studios titled "What A Long Strange Trip It's Been." It features both the band and travel photography of Derick. The opening reception will be on December 14, from 6-9pm, and will feature acoustic performances by Kaile of Mars Counsel, Wyatt Davidick of Felt Rite, and Miles H of Food Truck. The Gallery at Steel Pixel Studios is located at 701 N New St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. For more information, check out the gallery's website or instagram.

This week, Ben, Elisabeth and Elise all got to sit down at the start of this episode to both catch up about what they've been doing and talk about a few events and opportunities they're excited about. That includes the Pennsylvania Playhouse looking for directors for their upcoming season, Allentown Art Museum's 2024 Cocktails and Collecting's Sunday Free for All, and Touchstone Theater's Festival Unbound! This episode's interview is with Oliver Reilly and Becca Maye of Soft Guts Collective. Oliver Reilly & Becca Maye started Soft Guts Collective in 2019 with their friend Lee Nobody. The trio strives to create safe spaces and uplift marginalized identities. Their mission is to host events that prioritize and uplift bands/musicians that are women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, & other marginalized identities. Reilly and Maye are also multi talented musicians and members of various music groups in the Lehigh Valley. You can follow them on instagram at @softgutscollective and follow their band Ghost Lilly at @ghostlilyband. You can follow Oliver at @ohholiver and Becca at @dancepartyghoul. Join Soft Guts Collective at their 3rd annual Goth Prom. Come get spooky, dance your moody black heart out, and dress for the occasion, darling. Costumes welcome. Live performances by: THE NORMAL COLLEAGUES (performing STRAWBERRY SWITCHBLADE) - LV/NJ/NY SOFT NO (originals) - Philly NOW IS NEVER (performing THE VELVET UNDERGROUND) - Lehigh Valley CIGARETTES FOR BREAKFAST (originals) - Philly LOVE THEM (performing THE SMITHS) - Philly Vendors will be announced closer to the date. This event is on Friday October 11th, 2024 at National Sokols. Doors open at 6:30pm and Music starts at 7:00pm. Masks are strongly encouraged. Cover charge is $10-20 on a sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds. A portion of proceeds will be donated to a local nonprofit. For questions and/or accessibility, softgutscollective@gmail.com. Get your tickets to reserve your spot at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/softgutscollective/1382173.

On this week's episode, Ben sat down with We're from Antarctica! Easton, Pennsylvania’s very own indie quintet, We’re From Antarctica, emerged onto the scene in late 2018 through a series of serendipitous events that would lead Carlos “Paco” Brown (Vocals, Rhythm guitar), Jessie Rae (Vocals, Keys), Jon Blanco (Lead guitar), Mackenzie Kressley (Bass) and Christopher Kendall (Drums) to meet. The group’s debut album, “The People We Knew”(2019) took off to much acclaim. The reviews are in: “The kind of music you play in the background as you make dinner for the friend you’ve been secretly in love with for two years now.” “Wistful make-out music.” While extensively touring through the years, the band has had the opportunity to open for national touring acts such as: Frankie Cosmos, The Unlikely Candidates, and Ryan Cabrera. Their sophomore album, “We’ll Figure It Out” is releasing on September 27. Recorded December 2022-January 2024 at Headroom Studios, the album is a culmination of the sonic stylings of each member entering a new era that defines this group’s sound. The album is being produced by Kyle Pulley, who has engineered artists such as Alex G, Cafuné, and Dr. Dog. You can follow We're from Antarctica on Instagram at @werefromantarctica, or TikTok, Bandcamp, Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. You can also email them at werefromantarctica@gmail.com for scheduling/booking. You can find Jon Blanco at @jonny_devito, Carlos “Paco” Brown at @timespentpoet, Mackenzie "Mack" Kressley at @theturtlehouse24, Jessie Rae at @jr.jrae, and Christopher Kendall at @organic_coconut. You can follow their manager, Ryan Susko, at @musicgardenpa. Some upcoming show dates are: 9/21 - West End Food Festival (Allentown, PA) 9/27 - Free Parking with Death By Indie (Newark, DE - DM Band or Venue for Address) 10/4 - Album release show with My Cousins Girlfriends House and Just at sokols (Bethlehem PA) For details on these shows and more, follow We're from Antarctica!

This week, Ben talks with Daniel Djuro-Goiricelaya. Daniel, a native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, was the second of three sons of a Cuban Basque mother and first generation Ukrainian/Russian Father. He was raised in a colorful, multicultural home where different languages were spoken, and traditions upheld; opening the windows of his imagination and awakening his artistic soul and curiosity at an early age. In 2004, due to the turbulent political climate in Venezuela, Daniel and his family received political asylum and moved to the US. As an interdisciplinary artist, he describes his process as Chromatic Immersion Journeys. He uses the language of color to develop works through different concrete forms such as pigments, materials, and textiles as well as non-tangible forms such as light and performance, bodies of work in which he involves political, social, aesthetic and universal issues. Aesthetically he has a great influence by the arts and crafts of the Wayuu people. He grew up as child exposed to the work of Venezuelan artists such as Armando Reveron, Carlos Cruz Diez, Jesus Soto, Francisco Hung, Lia de Bermudez. He learned directly from Frank O'Cain in the Arts Student League New York. Daniel was featured in Italian L’UOMO Vogue as one of New York’s up and coming artists. Daniel is the Art Director and Co-Founder of the artist community project EL PATIO DE MI CASA (@lptdmcs) and Residency program La Casita de Bambú. Today, Daniel lives in Bucks County PA working in both his studio sharing with people the power of emotional growth through art making and as a Community Engagement and Arts Integration Manager for Arts Academy Elementary Charter School (@artsacademyelementary) in Allentown, PA And Art Commissioner of the Allentown Arts Commission (@allentownarts), and the Art Community and Action Fellow with the Allentown Arts Museum (@atownartmuseum). You can follow Daniel Djuro-Goiricelaya on Instagram at @ddjuro or check out their website at https://www.ddgart.com/.

This week, we interviewed the multitalented Michael B. Judkins. Michael B. Judkins is creating stories that reach, teach, and empower. He has 10+ years of experience in the creative industry as an independent Creative Director, Screenwriter/Writer, Content Creator, and Mental Health Advocate. Michael believes that art can truly change lives! He holds an Associate Of Science in Journalism, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. In addition, he has a Product Management Certification, Safe Set Certification, and is an Award Winning Director/Writer/Producer (Lonely Girl - Short Film 2022) Michael was Signed to AOIS 21 Media Publishing House, which published his Second Poetry Collection titled “Interlude to Sentimental Me.” Later, he turned the poetry collection into a stage play with two sold-out nights In Bethlehem, PA. You can follow Michael by checking out his instagram at @oct14entertainment or his linktree by clicking here. Michael wants to spotlight the upcoming film "Steve Brosky: Living in Allentown" which will delve into the life of a young man growing up in the inner city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, during the late '60s. With a logline that promises a journey encompassing happiness, personal conflicts, the allure of substance, and ultimately finding salvation, the biopic will provide a deep insight into Brosky's transformative experiences. Written collaboratively by Michael B. Judkins and Steve Brosky during the development stage, the film is poised to become a significant milestone in the singer-songwriter's remarkable career. By sharing his story with the world, the aim is to inspire and uplift audiences while showcasing the vibrant city of Allentown. For more information about the film and to contribute to the fundraiser, please visit the official indiegogo link! This episode's opportunity of the week is for the 2nd Annual Arts and Care 2024 held on August 30th & 31st, 2024 at the Charlie A. Brown Ice House. The purpose and mission of this event are to merge the worlds of creative arts and mental health/self-care through education, information, and accessibility. Arts and Care's core mission is to create a place of creative expression, education and community. Stay tuned to Oct 14th Entertainment's social media, website and linktree for more information about this upcoming event!

In this episode, Ben talks with Danny Finocchio. Danny Finocchio is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Easton, PA. A designer by trade, Danny has enjoyed a long career producing graphics, apparel, and footwear for brands like Mitchell & Ness, Reebok, and La Colombe. Danny meshes his diverse design experience and a love of experimentation within his art practice drawing upon memories, abstraction, pop culture, and sport as touch points of inspiration. With deliberate playfulness, Danny's pieces reflect a perpetual pursuit to develop his own artistic voice through story, illustration, color, repetition, and form. You can follow on instagram at @dannyfinocchio, visit his personal website at https://dannyfinocchio.com/ and his studio website at https://studiofinocchio.com/. To inquire about a project, you can email him at danny@studiofinocchio.com. To check out Danny's episode of The Social Tour Podcast, check it out here! And to check out Danny and Brandon's short conversation about the Bodies of Knowledge Sketch Book he designed for Lehigh University Art Galleries, check out this post. This episode's opportunity of the week is for the Dear Misty x Glass Mask show on June 1st at the Bethlehem Rose Garden as part of the Live in the Garden series. It’s a free, outdoor, all ages concert with food trucks, wine and beer vendors, a nearby playground for the kids, and all the summertime neighborhood vibes you could dream of. Festivities start at 5:30PM. This event is organized by @bethlehemchamber and @tapeswapradio for @cityofbethlehempa. There is such a variety of good music through the whole series, so be sure to check out all the dates, every Saturday in May and June. The gig poster and custom animation for this show were done by Danny Finocchio! To learn more about his event and the Live in the Garden series, check out this post or this web page.

In this episode, Elise talks with Florence-Susanne Reppert and Daulton Reppert from Poetry as Promised. Florence-Susanne Reppert (@schizo_trash_poet) is a neurodivergent, nonbinary poet/photographer from the Lehigh Valley. They run Nowhere as Promised open mic at Nowhere Coffee Co (@nowherecoffeeco), and they are the founder of Poetry as Promised Literary Magazine (@poetryaspromised). They also occasionally Co-host Noble Quills (@noblequills) at Barnes and Noble. You can often find them on instagram talking about books, birds, and their children non-stop. Daulton Reppert (@daulton_reppert) is poet/writer/musician from Allentown PA. He co-hosts Nowhere as Promised Open mic and is one of the -co-hosts for Unraveled Conversations (@unraveled_influence). When he is not hosting poetry related shows and events, he likes long walks down the hallway with his cat. Poetry as Promised Magazine is a unique homemade and handmade literary magazine devoted to publishing your poetry, prose, short stories, photography, and visual arts in a way that speaks to the readers. It's Editor/Founder Florence-Susanne Reppert spends their time to compiling the accepted works alongside beautiful pages and stickers as a form of scrapbook art. They pride ourselves on their eye for detail and do everything in their power to deliver a masterpiece the featured poets can be proud of. You can follow Poetry as Promised on instagram: @poetryaspromised You can check out their website at https://poetryaspromisedsu9.wixsite.com/poetryaspromisedmaga If you're interested in picking up an issue, click HERE! For a full collection of links and others ways to get/stay involved, check out their linktree! This week's opportunity of the week is for the Nowhere as Promised Open Mic #18. This event will feature Cord Moreski (@cord_moreski) & Andy Morales (@theeandymorales). It will be on Saturday, May 18 from 6-8:30pm. This event is for all ages, but please be advised of occasional adult content or language, as artists are not censored. This is a safe space for everyone interested in poetry and all forms of poetry, art, music and vulnerability in creation are welcome. This is a judgement free zone welcome to all. For more information on this event, keep an eye on the Poetry as Promised instagram page.

This week, Ben sat down with the band Food Truck. Food Truck is an indie/alternative trio formed in 2017, based out of Bethlehem, PA. They are comprised of Miles Hiebsch on guitar and vocals, John Mackey on bass and vocals, and Ryan Flynn on drums. You can follow Food Truck on Instagram at @foodtruck and check out their music through their linktree to find your preferred streaming platform. To keep up with Miles, check out @mileshiebsch or @mileshphoto. To keep up with John, check out @john_mackeyy. To keep up with Ryan, check out @ryanflynnstagram_. Stay connected with Food Truck for more information on when their sophomore album is coming out! This episode's opportunity of the week is for The Spring Thing concert presented by the avenue. This fun night will include performances by Just Say When, Food Truck and Willowbrook. The door open at 7 and music starts at 7:30. This event has free admission but is 21 and up. DM any of the bands involved for the address! Hope to see you there! This music at the beginning of this episode is an instrumental of "So Distant" by Food Truck. Recorded/Mixed by Matt Molchany at Shards Recording Studio. Mastered by Matt Poirier at Miner Street Recordings. The drum fill used throughout the episode is from the song "Below the Sea" by Food Truck. Recorded/Mixed by Matt Molchany at Shards Recording Studio. Mastered by Matt Poirier at Miner Street Recordings.

This week, Ben interviews Danny Moyer (@dannymoyer.artist). Danny is an artist, teacher, administrator, father, and so much more. He was born in northeast Philadelphia and raised in central Connecticut, but Easton, Pennsylvania is where he has called home for most of the last 25 years. Through his studio practice, he wants to make Art that makes people feel as good as he does when he sees work that he likes. He likes to use every tool he sees fit to communicate visually with people who are open to seeing how he feels. In addition to being an artist, he has been teaching for the Whitehall-Coplay School District full time, serving as a Drawing teacher, Graphic Design teacher and Director of the Zephyr Art Gallery at Whitehall High School. He has received awards in Arts Education from Kutztown University, Lehigh Valley Arts Council, and the Scholastic Arts and Writing Organization. To keep up with Danny, you can follow him on instagram at @dannymoyer.artist! Here is a list of individuals who submitted remarks for the beginning of today's episode. They are listed by order of appearance. Maryann Riker (@maryannriker) Anthony Smith Jr. (@asmithjrnyc) Doug Boehm (@dougboehmart) Giancarlo DeMarchi (@notgiancarlo) Peter Mayes (@wcsdwhs) Kate Hughes (@ih8kate) Todd Frankenfield (@wearemostaliveindreams) DJ Brad Scott (@djbradfscott) Al Johnson (@aljohnsonart) Anthony Marraccini (@connexions_gallery) This episode’s opportunity of the week is for the ongoing figure drawing sessions every Thursday in the Williams Visual Arts Building. Thank you to Lafayette College for making this possible. Sessions are from 6-8:45 pm and is free for all, however, tips for the model are gratefully appreciated, but not required. The doors unlock at 5:45 pm, and re-lock at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit their facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/499807193546210/

In this very special LVAP: Backstage episode, we went to the Lehigh Valley Music Industry Information Share presented by Icehouse Punk & DIY. While there, we chatted with a few of those in attendance. Follow Ice House Punk & DIY for info on when the next LV Music Industry Information Share will be held! Here is a list of those interviewed in this episode: Ryan Susko (@icehouse.punkdiy & @musicgardenpa) Rachel Ana Dobken (@rachelanadobken) Jason Reif (@freestone_jason) Barry Knoblach (@ocean.avenue.musical) Marlana Faye Ryan of The Normal Colleagues (@thenormalcolleagues & @Lane2go) John Hoofman (@sonny_dai.feed) Elflok (@elflokviolin) Stewart Brodian of WDI (@nickelstew & @wdiyfm) Rachel Mackow (@rachel.mackow) Jon Blanco of We're From Antarctica (@werefromantarctica & @jonny_devito) Jess Meoni (@scrantonpunkco) Ray Meoni (@diavolobooking) Cris & Craig of Loaf of Toast (@loafoftoast.lot) Jason Shanes (@justsaywhenband) Sol Katana (@solkatana) Madison Van Duzer (@madisonv137) Katie (@k8s_art_and_nails)

This week, Elise interviews author and poet Robin Gow. Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle) is a critically acclaimed trans poet from rural Pennsylvania. He is the author of several poetry collections, an essay collection, and Middle-Grade and YA novels. Faer novels include Ode to My First Car, A Million Quiet Revolutions, and Dear Mothman. Fae works as a community educator, calling folks into discussions around queer and disability justice. It lives with it's partner Rain and their menagerie of animals. To find more of Robin's work, you can follow them on instagram at @robin_gow_poet, on tiktok, or by checking out their website at https://robingow.com/. For more of Robin's upcoming events and readings, you can find a list here. For more about Robin and Rain's training click here. Our opportunity of the week is the Fine Arts and Curiosities Craft Show and Vendor Market presented by Arkana Antiques and Oddities. This craft show and vendor market is dedicated to showcasing fine art, oddities and the metaphysical. It is going on March 9, 2024 from 10am-4pm. Robin will be there vending and book signing! for more information, check out Arkana's facebook page.

This week, Ben interviews Brandon Dominguez. Brandon Dominguez is a boundary-pushing contemporary artist navigating the realms of abstract and pop art. At the heart of his creative universe are the iconic characters Brian(the Brain) and Moonie(the Moon), who take center stage in his vivid compositions. Dominguez masterfully employs vibrant colors, crisp lines, and dynamic motion to convey the universal spectrum of human emotions. Influenced by the whimsical charm of rubber hose animation, his work invites viewers on a journey to explore the essence of creativity and the myriad emotions that make us uniquely human. In each piece, Dominguez seeks not only to showcase his artistic prowess but also to unravel the intricacies of what it means to be a creative being. You can follow Brandon on Instagram @brandondm.art or visit his website at https://www.brandondmart.com/. You can see Brandon’s work currently on display at ESOArts in Lancaster. Follow them on Instagram at @ESOArts_ or visit their website at https://www.esoartslanc.com/. Brandon’s work will also be on display soon at Midnight Gallery as part of the exhibition Resilience: Expressions of the Mind, which will be on display soon. Stay tuned for more details by following them on Instagram at @midnightgallerypa or visiting their website at https://www.midnightgallerypa.com/. Our opportunity of the week is Winter Replay 24’ presented by Marz Meets Venus, going on Saturday, February 24 from 1-8pm at 143 W Linden in Allentown! There will be vintage apparel, tattoos, clothing, art, jewelry, food, and music! For more information, check out the Marz Meets Venus instagram page @marzmeetsvenus.

This week, Elise and Elisabeth interview Larry Mason. Larry Mason, is a writer, musician, Theatre Artist, and Disability Advocate. He works within the theatre world to try to build shows that talk honestly about his history with Disability, and how to build a more accessible theatre experience. To follow Larry Mason on Social Media, you can check out his instagram page @larrymasontheater!

This week, Elise interviews the incredible Arta Brito. Arta Brito is a classically trained oil painter who has studied with various professional artists in New York City. She’s worked for the world renowned Jeff Koons studios from 2014-2016, has had several group and solo exhibitions throughout the U.S. and is in the permanent collection of the Hunterdon Art Museum and Lehigh University Art Galleries. Brito’s work explores gender and queer themes inspired by both personal and current events. Her creative process serves as a vehicle for self exploration and storytelling. Brito’s work often resists sociopolitical structures and illuminates historical events purposefully left out of academia. You can follow Arta on Instagram @artabrito Arta's work is on display at Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center in the exhibition “Arta Through The Looking Glass” from December 14th - January 29th. The gallery is located at 522 W Maple St, Allentown, PA. On Saturday, January 27th at Bradbury Sullivan there will be an artist talk. This will include a conversation with Arta Brito and Mark Wonsidler, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at Lehigh University Art Galleries. For more information, check out this webpage. Arta's work is also on display at Atelier Jolie Gallery in the group show "The Language Of heART" from November 30th - January 31st. The gallery is located at 1122 W. Hamilton St. Allentown, PA.

This week, Elise talks with jazzy drawing artist Doug Trachtman. Doug Trachtman is a 26 year old artist, musician, and food pantry coordinator. He grew up in Allentown, Pa, went to school at Temple University and is now living in the Lehigh Valley area. Doug began making art as a child and drew frequently until high school when he took drawing class and hated it. In college Doug got back into creating both music and visual art. During his senior year of college, he turned his apartment into a makeshift art gallery and hosted two art shows that featured his own art and some friends' art. Post college, Doug has been working on creating a brand around his art and trying to sell locally. His work is characterized by its bright colors and various happy subjects. His work is currently on-view and available for purchase at Art Beat Cafe, 432 state ave Emmaus,pa 18049 At the end of the episode, Doug mentioned the Punk Rock Flea Market in Philly. At the time this episode releases, this event will have passed. You can follow him on Instagram at: @lavalampbebop You can check out his etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lavalampbebop?load_webview=1&bid=diOPrW7AFynlAX6pwwT6gLdSXwZc You can check out his appareal at: https://www.teepublic.com/user/lava-lamp-bebop This episode is the finale of Season 3 of the Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast. We will be back soon with new episodes as we kick off Season 4!

This week, Ben sits down with artist and curator Elizabeth Johnson. An artist and exhibition curator, Elizabeth Johnson began writing reviews for artpractical.com in San Francisco, California, and later covered exhibitions in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley for theartblog.org. She has written for artcritical.com, Artvoices Magazine, Figure/Ground.org, The Brooklyn Rail, and DeliciousLine.org. Currently she interviews artists for Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia, and Philadelphia gallerists for theartblog.org. She curated The Big Painting Show at Workspace Limited in San Francisco’s Mission District and has since curated shows that mix local and visiting artists at Lafayette College, Cedar Crest College, Brick + Mortar Gallery and the Soft Machine Gallery, all in the Lehigh Valley. She co-curated Pathological Landscape for Marquee Projects in Bellport, New York, and Residential Tourist for Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia. Solo shows have been held at Café Museo, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA); Canada College, Redwood City, California; Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture SFMOMA Artists Gallery; and, in 2019, Cedar Crest College. After receiving a BA in Fine Arts from Bard College in 1986, she lived in San Francisco, California for 25 years. She moved to Easton, Pennsylvania, in 2011. She makes oil paintings that suggest dimensional space using curved and warped images. You can follow her on Instagram @elizjohnson2018 or check out her website at https://www.elizabethjohnsonart.com/ The show WORRY features twenty-two artists from Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, and New York in the hope of soothing shared political and cultural anxieties by revisiting classical drama. Loosely modeled on Penelope, Odysseus, and Athena from Homer’s Odyssey, WORRY compares Penelope’s suitors to a throng of stubborn anxieties, which might be mitigated through artmaking rather than annihilation. Emphasizing Athena’s association with protection, handicraft, and wisdom but not war, WORRY identifies Odysseus not as military hero but in terms of the joy of wandering and distraction. WORRY is a show at Soft Machine Gallery in Allentown, PA. WORRY artists include: Rocío Cabello, Matthew Crain, Eva Di Orio, Morgan Hobbs, William Hudders, Duwenavue Santé Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Frederick Wright Jones, Elizabeth Keithline, Tom McGlynn, Renny Molenaar, John Mortensen, Jill Odegaard, Joseph O’Neal, Bethann Parker, Celia Reisman, Paul Rider, Anthony Smith Jr., Emily Steinberg, Charles Stonewall, Bruce Wall, and Tenesh Webber WORRY will be having a closing reception on Saturday, July 1 at 2 pm for a brief Artists Talk and music by Francine Roussel (vocals) and Patrick Paladin (piano) who will present a repertoire of popular songs, in the original French, with a jazz approach. Soft Machine Gallery is a contemporary art space/performance venue in blossoming Allentown featuring local/national artists & performers. It is located at 105 Ridge Ave, Allentown, PA 18101. For more information about them, follow them on Instagram at @soft_machine_gallery.