In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I had the pleasure of speaking with horror scholar and freelance writer, Lea Anderson. Lea's work, especially at the intersection of Black feminism and monster theory, brings a fascinating and unique perspective to the genre. We dive into her FANGORIA column Eaten Alive, where she explores the devouring Oth…

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Gigi Murakami, the Queen of Black Horror Manga. Gigi is an Ignatz-nominated mangaka, illustrator, and writer from New York City. Her work masterfully blends Japanese manga with vintage American pulp and comic aesthetics, creating dark and dramatic themes that captivate readers. Gigi shares h…

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Dukes III and Tony Diallo, the creative forces behind Pixalfest, a short film festival in Washington, DC, that showcases the work of young filmmakers. We discuss the origins of Pixalfest, its mission to provide filmmakers a space to test and improve their work, and the importance of inclusivity in creating a s…

In this episode, I interview ultra-marathon open water swimmer and visual artist Katie Pumphrey. Katie's work explores the connections between human instincts, play, and the influence of her swimming career on her abstract paintings, sculptures, and installations. As the first person to complete the 24-mile Bay to Baltimore Swim, Katie draws inspir…

In this episode, I interviewed Kait Kluswitz, the creative force behind Kait K Designs. Kait’s journey to becoming a full-time artist followed an unconventional path. Originally a mathematics major who worked in retail management, she transitioned to art in her mid-thirties. During the pandemic, she discovered her passion for painting, particularly…

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, Rob Lee sits down with Freako Rico, an Atlanta-based visual artist known for his bold and humorous works. Freako shares his creative journey, shaped by his love for pop culture, BMX, skateboarding, and hip-hop. He opens up about navigating stereotypes in the art world, staying true to his unfiltered style, …

Ainsley Burrows: Multidisciplinary Artist from Kingston, Jamaica In this episode, I sit down with Ainsley Burrows, a multidisciplinary artist originally from Kingston, Jamaica, and now based in Baltimore. Ainsley’s groundbreaking methodologies, including NeoChaos and Raktism, have established him as a powerful voice in abstract art. During our conv…

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee sits down with Christopher Williams, known as The Black Da Vinci, a visual artist originally from the West Coast, now based in Philadelphia. Christopher's work radiates Black joy through his powerful portraiture and figurative painting. They discuss his journey, the importance of celebrating …

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist, curator, and award-winning filmmaker Imani Dennison. Imani’s work delves into the rich narratives of Black culture in the South and the African diaspora, blending folklore, fantasy, and hidden histories in her storytelling. We explore her journey growing up in Louis…

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Zach Michel, co-founder of the Charm City Fringe Festival, as we celebrate its 10th anniversary. We dive into the world of fringe art and the unique performances that highlight Baltimore’s vibrant and unconventional arts scene. Zach shares how Charm City Fringe has become a platform for bold…

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I sit down with Terry Guy, the visionary founder of Secret Walls. Since launching in 2006, Terry has been a key figure in revolutionizing the global art scene with Secret Walls' live paint battles. We dive into Terry’s journey, from his early days in the UK street art scene to founding Secret Walls, and how…

In this episode, I sit down with Lesley Malin, the Producing Executive Director of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. Lesley helped grow this Baltimore gem into one of Maryland’s largest theaters, taking it from a passion project to a major player in the Shakespeare world. We talk about how she led the renovation of a historic 1886 bank into their now…

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Chinai Routte, an accomplished actor with performances spanning off-Broadway, regional theater, and film. Chinai is currently playing Margaret in Everyman Theatre’s production of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive By Selina Fillinger, Directed by L…

Christina Delgado underscores the importance of connection, collaboration, and uplifting cultural identities. In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee welcomes back Christina Delgado, a Baltimore-based photographer, curator, and founder of Tolas Room, a Puerto Rican home museum and cultural space. The discussion centers on Christina…

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I talk with BRUSH Mural Fest co-founders Jaz Ehrenberg and Saba Hamidi, along with Mac Campbell, Executive Director of the Baltimore Convention Center. We discuss the BRUSH Mural Fest Celebration, taking place on September 14th, which highlights Baltimore’s talented local artists. Jaz and Saba share the sto…

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee interviews Yesenia Mejia Herrera, an interdisciplinary artist, activist, and educator originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, now based in Baltimore. Yesenia shares her journey of preserving and uplifting Indigenous Latinx traditions, focusing on her work with Creative Alliance's CIELO initiative and…

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee interviews LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase, the visionary executive producers behind the Baltimore MET Gala, an event that blends art, fashion, philanthropy, and culinary innovation, making it a standout in the Mid-Atlantic region. LaRian, with over 30 years of experience in marketing and event…

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I talk with Katie Chung, a Korean-American visual artist from Chicago. We explore her artistic journey, from her roots in drawing and painting to her work in sculpture. Katie opens up about how her identity and heritage shape her creative process, especially through the use of unconventional materials. Our …

In this episode, Rob Lee talks with Flavia Zuñiga-West, arts educator and founder of Adding Voices. They discuss Flavia’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in arts education, her journey as an educator, and the impact of Adding Voices in empowering underrepresented communities. Flavia highlights the importance of equitable access to a…

In this episode, Rob Lee chats with Roz Cauthen, Executive Director of Baltimore School for the Arts. They discuss Roz’s journey in theater arts, her commitment to diversity and equity in arts education, and the transformative impact of the school. Roz shares how BSA fosters an inclusive environment, supporting young artists and promoting healing t…