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Summer 2023 Youth Zine
Host Laura Harper Lake
Host Becky Barsi
Host Joe Acone
Guests of the Podcast
Creative Guts is an interview-style podcast that explores the roots of creativity, dives into creators' hearts, and discovers how creativity connects with the world around us. We've been producing episodes since 2019!
Current Hosts: Laura Harper Lake, Becky Barsi and Joe Acone
Past Hosts: Sarah Wrightsman
Listen to our podcast here or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Click the photos below to learn about our past guests.
2026
Ashley Normal
ARTIST & EDUCATOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Ashley Normal, a New England-based artist, educator, and community builder whose work explores the strange, fragile, and absurd edges of everyday life. Through drawing, painting, mixed media, and altered materials, she examines themes like mental health, womanhood, gender, memory, and social taboos.
To learn more about Ashley Normal’s work, check out her website at www.ashleynormal.com or follow on IG at www.instagram.com/ashley_normal.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Ashley Normal, a New England-based artist, educator, and community builder whose work explores the strange, fragile, and absurd edges of everyday life. Through drawing, painting, mixed media, and altered materials, she examines themes like mental health, womanhood, gender, memory, and social taboos.
To learn more about Ashley Normal’s work, check out her website at www.ashleynormal.com or follow on IG at www.instagram.com/ashley_normal.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
Ned Roche
CERAMIC ARTIST & ARTS ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Joe Acone sit down with Ned Roche, ceramicist and owner of Chases Garage.
As an old friend of Joe and newer friend of Laura, Ned brings creative thinking and humor to our delightful conversation. Ned shares about Chases Garage, an auto-shop turned artist community in York, Maine, that offers classes, workshops, and studio space. We also dive into how Ned’s work, folded things, evolved; his latest endeavor: soft serve ice cream out of clay; and many silly side topics.
Find Ned’s work at www.nedroche.com and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hiprandy. Check out Chases Garage at www.chasesgarage.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chasesgarage/.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Joe Acone sit down with Ned Roche, ceramicist and owner of Chases Garage.
As an old friend of Joe and newer friend of Laura, Ned brings creative thinking and humor to our delightful conversation. Ned shares about Chases Garage, an auto-shop turned artist community in York, Maine, that offers classes, workshops, and studio space. We also dive into how Ned’s work, folded things, evolved; his latest endeavor: soft serve ice cream out of clay; and many silly side topics.
Find Ned’s work at www.nedroche.com and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hiprandy. Check out Chases Garage at www.chasesgarage.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chasesgarage/.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
Stacey Durand
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi sit down with Stacey Durand, a painter and gallery manager at the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy, whose creative life blends artmaking, education, and community connection.
Stacey’s artwork captures the quiet charm of New England neighborhoods through slightly abstracted, recomposed scenes inspired by real homes and streets throughout New Hampshire’s seacoast, southern Maine, and northern Massachusetts. Working in acrylic and collage on panel, Stacey transforms the familiar architecture of mill towns and coastal communities into vivid compositions that balance nostalgia and narrative.
Learn more about Stacey and her work at www.staceydurandart.com, www.instagram.com/staceydurandart, and at Nachotta at https://nahcotta.com/collections/stacey-durand. You can also visit the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy at https://exeter.edu/lamont-gallery/.
Listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord, and subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH, and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH, for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi sit down with Stacey Durand, a painter and gallery manager at the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy, whose creative life blends artmaking, education, and community connection.
Stacey’s artwork captures the quiet charm of New England neighborhoods through slightly abstracted, recomposed scenes inspired by real homes and streets throughout New Hampshire’s seacoast, southern Maine, and northern Massachusetts. Working in acrylic and collage on panel, Stacey transforms the familiar architecture of mill towns and coastal communities into vivid compositions that balance nostalgia and narrative.
Learn more about Stacey and her work at www.staceydurandart.com, www.instagram.com/staceydurandart, and at Nachotta at https://nahcotta.com/collections/stacey-durand. You can also visit the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy at https://exeter.edu/lamont-gallery/.
Listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord, and subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH, and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH, for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
Arts + Advocacy
LIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
In this special live episode of Creative Guts, recorded in partnership with Mosaic Art Collective, we gather a panel of artists, organizers, and advocates to talk about something that feels especially urgent right now: the role of the arts in shaping our communities here in New Hampshire.
Joining the discussion are Portsmouth artist Richard Haynes, Jr., activist mixed-media artist Brenda Noiseux, and Aimee Terravechia, Executive Director of 603 Equality and co-founder of the New Hampshire Cultural Review. Together we unpack the opportunities and challenges facing artists in the Granite State, the narratives shaping how communities value the arts, and the small but meaningful actions creatives can take to support advocacy without burning out.
Moderated by Creative Guts co-host Joe Acone, this conversation leans into the messy, honest reality of advocacy work. Ideas are explored in real time, questions are left open, and the panel invites all of us to think a little more deeply about what it means to support the arts in our communities.
Huge thanks to Mosaic Art Collective for hosting this event and to Kennebunk Savings Bank for sponsoring this episode.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
In this special live episode of Creative Guts, recorded in partnership with Mosaic Art Collective, we gather a panel of artists, organizers, and advocates to talk about something that feels especially urgent right now: the role of the arts in shaping our communities here in New Hampshire.
Joining the discussion are Portsmouth artist Richard Haynes, Jr., activist mixed-media artist Brenda Noiseux, and Aimee Terravechia, Executive Director of 603 Equality and co-founder of the New Hampshire Cultural Review. Together we unpack the opportunities and challenges facing artists in the Granite State, the narratives shaping how communities value the arts, and the small but meaningful actions creatives can take to support advocacy without burning out.
Moderated by Creative Guts co-host Joe Acone, this conversation leans into the messy, honest reality of advocacy work. Ideas are explored in real time, questions are left open, and the panel invites all of us to think a little more deeply about what it means to support the arts in our communities.
Huge thanks to Mosaic Art Collective for hosting this event and to Kennebunk Savings Bank for sponsoring this episode.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
Erin Sweeney
ARTIST & EDUCATOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Laura Harper Lake sit down with Erin Sweeney, an artist, educator, and founder of BrickHouse Arts.
Erin’s practice bridges book arts, printmaking, fiber arts, and installation, with work rooted in storytelling and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. In this episode we learn about Erin’s journey as a creative, and how teaching at Plymouth State University, running her creative studio, and connecting with her community fuel her artistic journey.
Learn more about Erin and her work at www.erinsweeney.net, www.instagram.com/brickhousearts, and
https://www.plymouth.edu/person/erin-sweeney.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Laura Harper Lake sit down with Erin Sweeney, an artist, educator, and founder of BrickHouse Arts.
Erin’s practice bridges book arts, printmaking, fiber arts, and installation, with work rooted in storytelling and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. In this episode we learn about Erin’s journey as a creative, and how teaching at Plymouth State University, running her creative studio, and connecting with her community fuel her artistic journey.
Learn more about Erin and her work at www.erinsweeney.net, www.instagram.com/brickhousearts, and
https://www.plymouth.edu/person/erin-sweeney.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for being an official sponsor of the podcast!
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
Jihye Han
CERAMIC ARTIST & EDUCATOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi chat with Jihye Han, a South Korean ceramic artist and educator, as well as the recipient of the 2025 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Jihye’s work centers on cultural memory, identity, and human connection. Our conversation includes the inspiration behind her current moon jar series, the technical process of her ceramics, and how her multicultural background, teaching, and being a parent all inform her creative practice. We also cover what it was like applying to the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, and her reaction to learning the news she was the recipient!
View Jihye’s art at https://www.jihyehanart.com/work. Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hjhalice.
Learn about the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Artist Advancement Grant Exhibit featuring Jihye’s work at 3S Artspace at https://www.3sarts.org/aag-2026.
Explore the 2026 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant at https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program/.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi chat with Jihye Han, a South Korean ceramic artist and educator, as well as the recipient of the 2025 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Jihye’s work centers on cultural memory, identity, and human connection. Our conversation includes the inspiration behind her current moon jar series, the technical process of her ceramics, and how her multicultural background, teaching, and being a parent all inform her creative practice. We also cover what it was like applying to the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, and her reaction to learning the news she was the recipient!
View Jihye’s art at https://www.jihyehanart.com/work. Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hjhalice.
Learn about the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Artist Advancement Grant Exhibit featuring Jihye’s work at 3S Artspace at https://www.3sarts.org/aag-2026.
Explore the 2026 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant at https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program/.
Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at creativegutspod.substack.com.
If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.
Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!
Any views or opinions expressed by our hosts or guests do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Creative Guts.
Gene Luen Yang
AUTHOR & CARTOONIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with award-winning graphic novelist, educator, and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Gene Luen Yan.
Gene is best known for groundbreaking works like American Born Chinese, Boxers & Saints, and Dragon Hoops, which have helped redefine what comics and graphic novels can do in classrooms. His stories blend humor, heart, and mythology with his own personal experiences and explorations of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling. In this conversation, Gene reflects on his creative journey, the responsibility and possibility of making art for young readers, and how comics can act as a bridge between cultures, generations, and lived experiences.
You can find Gene’s work at www.geneluenyang.com, and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/geneluenyang.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with award-winning graphic novelist, educator, and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Gene Luen Yan.
Gene is best known for groundbreaking works like American Born Chinese, Boxers & Saints, and Dragon Hoops, which have helped redefine what comics and graphic novels can do in classrooms. His stories blend humor, heart, and mythology with his own personal experiences and explorations of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling. In this conversation, Gene reflects on his creative journey, the responsibility and possibility of making art for young readers, and how comics can act as a bridge between cultures, generations, and lived experiences.
You can find Gene’s work at www.geneluenyang.com, and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/geneluenyang.
April Landry
ARTIST & WRITER & ORGANIZER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi chat with April Landry, a comic artist, writer, and the organizer of the Luna Moth Zine Festival.
April uses digital and traditional art to help explain and deal with the world around her. In our conversation, we discuss using art to process emotions, zine making, the story behind the name of the Luna Moth Zine Festival, and much more. We also dive deep into one of April’s pieces entitled “Bird Laundry Thieves Cartoon ” that you must see for yourself!
Check out April's work at www.landrysesame.com and @landrysesame on Instagram, bluesky, tumblr, and ko-fi.
Learn more about the Luna Moth Zine Festival at www.lunamothzinefest.com and www.instagram.com/lunamothzinefest. The 2026 festival will be on April 18 in Manchester, NH.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi chat with April Landry, a comic artist, writer, and the organizer of the Luna Moth Zine Festival.
April uses digital and traditional art to help explain and deal with the world around her. In our conversation, we discuss using art to process emotions, zine making, the story behind the name of the Luna Moth Zine Festival, and much more. We also dive deep into one of April’s pieces entitled “Bird Laundry Thieves Cartoon ” that you must see for yourself!
Check out April's work at www.landrysesame.com and @landrysesame on Instagram, bluesky, tumblr, and ko-fi.
Learn more about the Luna Moth Zine Festival at www.lunamothzinefest.com and www.instagram.com/lunamothzinefest. The 2026 festival will be on April 18 in Manchester, NH.
2025
Kyle Wood
PODCASTER & EDUCATOR
In this episode, Creative Guts hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone are joined by Kyle Wood, the inventive art educator and creator behind the Who ARTed and Fun Facts Daily podcasts.
Throughout our interview, Kyle shares his passion for demystifying art history, engaging students with creative media, and making art accessible and fun for all ages. The conversation spans his journey into podcasting as an educational tool, favorite materials and makers, and how he cultivates creativity for kids and teachers alike.
To learn more about Kyle, check out the links below:
WhoArtEd on Instagram
Kyle Wood on YouTube
Who ArtEd Website
In this episode, Creative Guts hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone are joined by Kyle Wood, the inventive art educator and creator behind the Who ARTed and Fun Facts Daily podcasts.
Throughout our interview, Kyle shares his passion for demystifying art history, engaging students with creative media, and making art accessible and fun for all ages. The conversation spans his journey into podcasting as an educational tool, favorite materials and makers, and how he cultivates creativity for kids and teachers alike.
To learn more about Kyle, check out the links below:
WhoArtEd on Instagram
Kyle Wood on YouTube
Who ArtEd Website
Theo Martey
MUSICIAN AND DANCER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Theo Martey, Ghanaian-born artist and founder of the Akwaaba Ensemble.
From vibrant performances and hands-on workshops to his role as New Hampshire Artist Laureate, Theo shares how West African rhythms, storytelling, and the spirit of welcome have guided his artistic journey. The conversation explores Theo’s work in education, his passion for collaboration, and how music can build bridges across cultures and communities.
Learn more about Theo at https://theomartey.wixsite.com/theomartey, and follow Akwaaba Ensemble at https://www.instagram.com/akwaabaensemble/ and
https://www.facebook.com/AkwaabaEnsemble. Also listen on Spotify here: "Akwaaba" Welcome Home and Jei Elaaja Wo (Lost in the World).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Theo Martey, Ghanaian-born artist and founder of the Akwaaba Ensemble.
From vibrant performances and hands-on workshops to his role as New Hampshire Artist Laureate, Theo shares how West African rhythms, storytelling, and the spirit of welcome have guided his artistic journey. The conversation explores Theo’s work in education, his passion for collaboration, and how music can build bridges across cultures and communities.
Learn more about Theo at https://theomartey.wixsite.com/theomartey, and follow Akwaaba Ensemble at https://www.instagram.com/akwaabaensemble/ and
https://www.facebook.com/AkwaabaEnsemble. Also listen on Spotify here: "Akwaaba" Welcome Home and Jei Elaaja Wo (Lost in the World).
Jordana Pomeroy
ARTS ORGANIZER & AUTHOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Jordana Pomeroy, the director and CEO of the Currier Museum of Art. An art historian, author, and curator, Jordana started at the Currier in September 2024.
In this episode, we’ll chat about Jordana’s career at the Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, and more. Jordana shares what brought her to New Hampshire (spoiler alert: it was the Currier!) and how she thinks about the future of the Currier. We’ll also chat about Jordana’s book, the young adult novel titled Daring: The Life and Art of Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun.
Plan your visit to the Currier Museum of Art by visiting www.currier.org, and follow the museum's social media: www.instagram.com/curriermuseum and www.facebook.com/CurrierMuseum.
Find Daring: The Life and Art of Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun at your local bookstore or at: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/daring_9781947440104/
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Jordana Pomeroy, the director and CEO of the Currier Museum of Art. An art historian, author, and curator, Jordana started at the Currier in September 2024.
In this episode, we’ll chat about Jordana’s career at the Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, and more. Jordana shares what brought her to New Hampshire (spoiler alert: it was the Currier!) and how she thinks about the future of the Currier. We’ll also chat about Jordana’s book, the young adult novel titled Daring: The Life and Art of Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun.
Plan your visit to the Currier Museum of Art by visiting www.currier.org, and follow the museum's social media: www.instagram.com/curriermuseum and www.facebook.com/CurrierMuseum.
Find Daring: The Life and Art of Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun at your local bookstore or at: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/daring_9781947440104/
Matt Patterson
ARTIST & AUTHOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with wildlife artist and author Matt Patterson! Matt is a wildlife illustrator and artist that specializes in turtles and other wildlife. He’s illustrated five books, including three with author Sy Montgomery, The Book of Turtles, Of Time and Turtles, and The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle.
We’ll talk about everything from Matt’s adventures working with conservation organizations, the research that goes into his paintings, and the real-life turtles that inspire Matt’s work! We even talk a bit about the biggest threats to turtles and other creatures, and how you can help.
If you want to check out Matt’s work, you can find him online at www.mpattersonart.com and on Instagram and Facebook (@StoneRidgeArtStudios) at www.instagram.com/stoneridgeartstudios and www.facebook.com/stoneridgeartstudios.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with wildlife artist and author Matt Patterson! Matt is a wildlife illustrator and artist that specializes in turtles and other wildlife. He’s illustrated five books, including three with author Sy Montgomery, The Book of Turtles, Of Time and Turtles, and The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle.
We’ll talk about everything from Matt’s adventures working with conservation organizations, the research that goes into his paintings, and the real-life turtles that inspire Matt’s work! We even talk a bit about the biggest threats to turtles and other creatures, and how you can help.
If you want to check out Matt’s work, you can find him online at www.mpattersonart.com and on Instagram and Facebook (@StoneRidgeArtStudios) at www.instagram.com/stoneridgeartstudios and www.facebook.com/stoneridgeartstudios.
Meg Locker
ARTS ORGANIZER & CRAFTER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Joe Acone chat with Meg Locker, founder of NH Craft Club.
Meg began NH Craft Club in early 2025 as a way for people to craft and connect through exploring new crafts. This inclusive and welcoming club hosts multiple events across the state each month, with projects like wreath-making, stamped tea towels, and building vision boards to name a few!
In this episode, we chat about how NH Craft Club began, the art behind community organizing, social media's role in the club’s growth, the joy of being messy, and more! Meg also shares how her family has supported her in building this community, her love of travel, and her future plans for junk journaling.
Learn more about NH Craft Club at www.nhcraftclub.com, www.instagram.com/nhcraftclub, www.tiktok.com/discover/nhcraftclub, and in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/9559451004135403.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Joe Acone chat with Meg Locker, founder of NH Craft Club.
Meg began NH Craft Club in early 2025 as a way for people to craft and connect through exploring new crafts. This inclusive and welcoming club hosts multiple events across the state each month, with projects like wreath-making, stamped tea towels, and building vision boards to name a few!
In this episode, we chat about how NH Craft Club began, the art behind community organizing, social media's role in the club’s growth, the joy of being messy, and more! Meg also shares how her family has supported her in building this community, her love of travel, and her future plans for junk journaling.
Learn more about NH Craft Club at www.nhcraftclub.com, www.instagram.com/nhcraftclub, www.tiktok.com/discover/nhcraftclub, and in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/9559451004135403.
Cindy Rizza
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with fine artist and painter Cindy Rizza.
Cindy is celebrated for her intimate still lifes that transform everyday textiles, heirlooms, and domestic objects into meditations on memory, comfort, and vulnerability. Her work often blurs the line between sanctuary and tension, inviting viewers to consider the deeper emotional and cultural weight carried by familiar materials. In this conversation, Cindy opens up about where her inspiration comes from, the process of translating personal memories into her visual language, and how she’s learned to be guided by her own taste and intuition.
Dive into Cindy’s work at www.cindyrizza.com as well as on her instagram www.instagram.com/cindy_rizza.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with fine artist and painter Cindy Rizza.
Cindy is celebrated for her intimate still lifes that transform everyday textiles, heirlooms, and domestic objects into meditations on memory, comfort, and vulnerability. Her work often blurs the line between sanctuary and tension, inviting viewers to consider the deeper emotional and cultural weight carried by familiar materials. In this conversation, Cindy opens up about where her inspiration comes from, the process of translating personal memories into her visual language, and how she’s learned to be guided by her own taste and intuition.
Dive into Cindy’s work at www.cindyrizza.com as well as on her instagram www.instagram.com/cindy_rizza.
Shanta Lee Honeycutt + Damon Honeycutt
AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER, DANCER & MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi chat with Shanta Lee Honeycutt, an award-winning visual artist, author, photographer; and Damon Honeycutt, a professional artist across the mediums of dance, martial arts, music composition. Both are also educators. Our conversations in this interview weave between the diverse mediums and adventures of these two creatives. We also discuss their meet-cute story and how collaboration goes from household to the work they do in the world.
Shanta is a winner of the New England Poetry Club’s Grant for Poetic Achievement, Abel Meeropol Social Justice Writing Award, and a 2024 National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellow (New England), and her work has been widely featured in Harper’s Magazine, The Massachusetts Review, ITERANT Literary Magazine, Palette Poetry, Prism, Ms. Magazine, and DAME Magazine. Damon has traveled to over 20+ countries around the world dancing in venues that range from the 2009 Royal Variety Performance in the presence of HM The Queen to the 79th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony. As a composer, Damon has composed music for many including Chatham Baroque, The Power String Quartet headed by Jennifer Choi, The Delgani String Quartet, Ensemble Entelechron, and Ken Thomson’s Saxophone Quartet.
Learn more about Shanta at www.Shantalee.com and about Damon at https://damonomad.wixsite.com/damonhoneycutt.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi chat with Shanta Lee Honeycutt, an award-winning visual artist, author, photographer; and Damon Honeycutt, a professional artist across the mediums of dance, martial arts, music composition. Both are also educators. Our conversations in this interview weave between the diverse mediums and adventures of these two creatives. We also discuss their meet-cute story and how collaboration goes from household to the work they do in the world.
Shanta is a winner of the New England Poetry Club’s Grant for Poetic Achievement, Abel Meeropol Social Justice Writing Award, and a 2024 National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellow (New England), and her work has been widely featured in Harper’s Magazine, The Massachusetts Review, ITERANT Literary Magazine, Palette Poetry, Prism, Ms. Magazine, and DAME Magazine. Damon has traveled to over 20+ countries around the world dancing in venues that range from the 2009 Royal Variety Performance in the presence of HM The Queen to the 79th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony. As a composer, Damon has composed music for many including Chatham Baroque, The Power String Quartet headed by Jennifer Choi, The Delgani String Quartet, Ensemble Entelechron, and Ken Thomson’s Saxophone Quartet.
Learn more about Shanta at www.Shantalee.com and about Damon at https://damonomad.wixsite.com/damonhoneycutt.
Joel Christian Gill
CARTOONIST & AUTHOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with cartoonist, historian, and award-winning author Joel Christian Gill.
Joel is celebrated for his powerful graphic novels that illuminate overlooked narratives from Black history, including Tales of The Talented Tenth, his graphic novelization of Stamped from the Beginning, and his autobiographical work Fights. His storytelling blends rigorous historical research with deeply personal narratives, fostering empathy and a more human understanding of the past and present. In addition to his published works, Joel chairs the Visual Narrative graduate program at Boston University, where he mentors the next generation of storytellers and artists.
Visit Joel's website at www.joelchristiangill.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with cartoonist, historian, and award-winning author Joel Christian Gill.
Joel is celebrated for his powerful graphic novels that illuminate overlooked narratives from Black history, including Tales of The Talented Tenth, his graphic novelization of Stamped from the Beginning, and his autobiographical work Fights. His storytelling blends rigorous historical research with deeply personal narratives, fostering empathy and a more human understanding of the past and present. In addition to his published works, Joel chairs the Visual Narrative graduate program at Boston University, where he mentors the next generation of storytellers and artists.
Visit Joel's website at www.joelchristiangill.com.
Chris Archer
ARTIST & EDUCATOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with artist and educator Chris Archer.
With a studio practice encompassing functional pottery, sculptural forms, arrangements, and site-specific installations, Chris's work has been showcased nationally and internationally, earning multiple awards and inclusion in esteemed collections such as the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in Texas and Tokyo Geidai in Japan. Beyond his studio, Chris has dedicated over two decades to art education. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Art and Design at New England College, where he teaches Ceramics, Public Art, and Foundational Design. Chris's commitment to the arts extends to leadership roles in organizations like the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and the New Hampshire Creative Communities Network, where he advocates for the significance of craft and community engagement.
In this episode, Chris mentions:
The Experimenters, by Eva Diaz
Anthony Bourdaine, No Reservations - Decoding Ferran
League of NH Craftsmen
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with artist and educator Chris Archer.
With a studio practice encompassing functional pottery, sculptural forms, arrangements, and site-specific installations, Chris's work has been showcased nationally and internationally, earning multiple awards and inclusion in esteemed collections such as the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in Texas and Tokyo Geidai in Japan. Beyond his studio, Chris has dedicated over two decades to art education. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Art and Design at New England College, where he teaches Ceramics, Public Art, and Foundational Design. Chris's commitment to the arts extends to leadership roles in organizations like the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and the New Hampshire Creative Communities Network, where he advocates for the significance of craft and community engagement.
In this episode, Chris mentions:
The Experimenters, by Eva Diaz
Anthony Bourdaine, No Reservations - Decoding Ferran
League of NH Craftsmen
Jenny Tibbits
MUSICIAN & ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Jenny Tibbits. Jenny is a multi-disciplinary artist and tribal elder for the Newichawannock tribe, which is a subtribe of the Pennacook and part of the larger Abenaki diaspora. As an artist, Jenny primarily works in torchwork glass, photography, fashion design, and fiber arts. In this episode, we’ll talk about “No More Stolen Sisters”, which features red dresses to honor murdered and missing Indigenous Women and Girls. Jenny is also an electronic music producer, DJ and a singer (we kick off this episode talking about their music)!
You can find Jenny Tibbits on Instagram at www.instagram.com/buffalospirit86 and follow the links to their work from there! You can find Jenny’s music by searching for DJ Ghia on streaming services.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Jenny Tibbits. Jenny is a multi-disciplinary artist and tribal elder for the Newichawannock tribe, which is a subtribe of the Pennacook and part of the larger Abenaki diaspora. As an artist, Jenny primarily works in torchwork glass, photography, fashion design, and fiber arts. In this episode, we’ll talk about “No More Stolen Sisters”, which features red dresses to honor murdered and missing Indigenous Women and Girls. Jenny is also an electronic music producer, DJ and a singer (we kick off this episode talking about their music)!
You can find Jenny Tibbits on Instagram at www.instagram.com/buffalospirit86 and follow the links to their work from there! You can find Jenny’s music by searching for DJ Ghia on streaming services.
Dan Blakeslee
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with musician and artist Dan Blakeslee! Dan has been making music and art for the past 30 years — in fact, he performed at Laura’s college back in 2003! His music is largely about his life, but sometimes it’s about ghouls and vampires. His art, which we think pairs beautifully with his music, is whimsical and playful with visions of mermaids and other mystical sea things!
In this episode, Dan regales us with magical tales, including the unofficial nominee for “most supportive boss in the universe”, his time spent busking in Boston, the challenges and triumphs of screenprinting, and that time he got lost and found himself in Sleepy Hollow! This episode will make you laugh until your cheeks hurt.
Find more Dan online at www.DanBlakeslee.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/danblakesleemusic and Facebook at www.facebook.com/@DanBlakesleeAndTheCalabashClub.
In this episode, Dan regales us with magical tales, including the unofficial nominee for “most supportive boss in the universe”, his time spent busking in Boston, the challenges and triumphs of screenprinting, and that time he got lost and found himself in Sleepy Hollow! This episode will make you laugh until your cheeks hurt.
Find more Dan online at www.DanBlakeslee.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/danblakesleemusic and Facebook at www.facebook.com/@DanBlakesleeAndTheCalabashClub.
Anthony Payton
WRITER, PODCASTER, & SPEAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Anthony Payton, a freelance writer, podcast host, and motivational speaker. Anthony is a regular columnist for the Common Ground Initiative at the Granite State News Collaborative and its partner Manchester Ink Link and co-host of the Lock and Key Podcast. Anthony was also a featured speaker at TEDx Amoskeag Millyard in 2023.
Anthony’s writing is often centered on his own history with incarceration — he describes writing as a way to stay out of the dark abyss while in prison. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Anthony walks us through his journey to New Hampshire and to prison and the role writing and creativity has always played in his life. Anthony primarily writes creative nonfiction and strives to be sometimes humorous and always insightful.
Learn more about Anthony Payton at www.anthonypaytonmedia.com and check out Anthony’s TEDx Amoskeag Millyard talk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIXauVs_Svs.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Anthony Payton, a freelance writer, podcast host, and motivational speaker. Anthony is a regular columnist for the Common Ground Initiative at the Granite State News Collaborative and its partner Manchester Ink Link and co-host of the Lock and Key Podcast. Anthony was also a featured speaker at TEDx Amoskeag Millyard in 2023.
Anthony’s writing is often centered on his own history with incarceration — he describes writing as a way to stay out of the dark abyss while in prison. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Anthony walks us through his journey to New Hampshire and to prison and the role writing and creativity has always played in his life. Anthony primarily writes creative nonfiction and strives to be sometimes humorous and always insightful.
Learn more about Anthony Payton at www.anthonypaytonmedia.com and check out Anthony’s TEDx Amoskeag Millyard talk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIXauVs_Svs.
Becca Lane
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Becca Lane of One Lane Studios! Becca is an acrylic painter who creates portraits of animals combining hyperrealism with a colorful and playful contemporary vibe! Becca’s work features silly and sweet oddball creatures like racoons, possums, spiders, and more.
Becca recently won the THRIVE Arts and Culture Business Competition from the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), so we’ll chat about that and everything that comes with running a small art business. In this episode, we’ll discuss Becca’s unique journey to art school, her love of animals, puzzles, and more, and how Becca has cultivated the community she loves online!
Find One Lane Studios on the web at www.OneLaneStudios.com and across the big social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Bluesky) by searching @OneLaneStudios or you can visit www.OneLaneStudios.com/links!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Becca Lane of One Lane Studios! Becca is an acrylic painter who creates portraits of animals combining hyperrealism with a colorful and playful contemporary vibe! Becca’s work features silly and sweet oddball creatures like racoons, possums, spiders, and more.
Becca recently won the THRIVE Arts and Culture Business Competition from the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), so we’ll chat about that and everything that comes with running a small art business. In this episode, we’ll discuss Becca’s unique journey to art school, her love of animals, puzzles, and more, and how Becca has cultivated the community she loves online!
Find One Lane Studios on the web at www.OneLaneStudios.com and across the big social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Bluesky) by searching @OneLaneStudios or you can visit www.OneLaneStudios.com/links!
Ben Cassidy
WRITER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with freelance writer Ben Cassidy!
A journalist whose byline you’ve likely seen in places like GQ, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Scientific American, Ben’s writing blends curiosity with craft, often taking readers into the unexpected corners of science, culture, and the human condition.
He’s been recognized by Longreads and The Sunday Long Read for his standout narratives and formerly served as the features editor at Seattle Met, where his longform work earned national awards. Now based in New England, Ben continues to explore the region—and beyond—through his writing and his newsletter, aptly named The New England Newsletter.
In this conversation, we’ll talk about the art of immersive storytelling, how Ben finds and shapes his stories, and what it means to document a place with both depth and heart. Let’s get into it!
Learn more about Ben at https://www.bybencassidy.com/ and at https://thenewenglandnewsletter.substack.com/.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with freelance writer Ben Cassidy!
A journalist whose byline you’ve likely seen in places like GQ, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Scientific American, Ben’s writing blends curiosity with craft, often taking readers into the unexpected corners of science, culture, and the human condition.
He’s been recognized by Longreads and The Sunday Long Read for his standout narratives and formerly served as the features editor at Seattle Met, where his longform work earned national awards. Now based in New England, Ben continues to explore the region—and beyond—through his writing and his newsletter, aptly named The New England Newsletter.
In this conversation, we’ll talk about the art of immersive storytelling, how Ben finds and shapes his stories, and what it means to document a place with both depth and heart. Let’s get into it!
Learn more about Ben at https://www.bybencassidy.com/ and at https://thenewenglandnewsletter.substack.com/.
Shawn Pierce
PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with photographer Shawn Pierce! Shawn is a portrait and commercial photographer and the owner of Studio Two Seven Nine in Rochester, New Hampshire! His background is in motorsports photography — yes, there’s a story there — and he’s shifted gears to photographing people!
Shawn is also the President of the New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association, the co-founder of the Greater Rochester Camera Club, and he serves on the City of Rochester’s Arts and Culture Commission!
Shawn is a community-minded creative who is working to make his hometown great. In this episode, we talk about Shawn’s early days on the school paper, his evolution from motorsports photography to portrait and commercial photography, and why he created the Greater Rochester Camera Club.
You can find Shawn’s work on his website www.StudioTwoSevenNine.com and on Instagram and Facebook @StudioTwoSevenNine. You can check out the Greater Rochester Camera Club at www.GRCCNH.com and the NH Professional Photographers Association at www.NHPPA.com. You can also find two of Shawn’s photographs in our zine “Kaleidoscope”!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with photographer Shawn Pierce! Shawn is a portrait and commercial photographer and the owner of Studio Two Seven Nine in Rochester, New Hampshire! His background is in motorsports photography — yes, there’s a story there — and he’s shifted gears to photographing people!
Shawn is also the President of the New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association, the co-founder of the Greater Rochester Camera Club, and he serves on the City of Rochester’s Arts and Culture Commission!
Shawn is a community-minded creative who is working to make his hometown great. In this episode, we talk about Shawn’s early days on the school paper, his evolution from motorsports photography to portrait and commercial photography, and why he created the Greater Rochester Camera Club.
You can find Shawn’s work on his website www.StudioTwoSevenNine.com and on Instagram and Facebook @StudioTwoSevenNine. You can check out the Greater Rochester Camera Club at www.GRCCNH.com and the NH Professional Photographers Association at www.NHPPA.com. You can also find two of Shawn’s photographs in our zine “Kaleidoscope”!
Aris Moore
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Aris Moore! Using a variety of mediums, including some more out of the box ones, Aris Moore draws mostly invented beings or creatures that are whimsical, strange, silly, serious, emotional, and oddly relatable. In our conversation, we talk with Aris about how her creatures came to be, how she approaches the business side of being an artist, and how she’s coping with the state of the world.
Aris is the 2024 winner of the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant from the NH Charitable Foundation! The grant, if you’re not familiar, is available to all Piscataqua Region artists and recognizes the important contribution of working artists to the cultural life of the region by providing an annual financial award to promote the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople. Learn more about the grant at www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program/. Here are the towns in the Piscataqua Region: https://www.nhcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/revised_piscataqua_letter_sized.pdf
Check out Aris’s work on her website arismoore.bigcartel.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/arismoore.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Aris Moore! Using a variety of mediums, including some more out of the box ones, Aris Moore draws mostly invented beings or creatures that are whimsical, strange, silly, serious, emotional, and oddly relatable. In our conversation, we talk with Aris about how her creatures came to be, how she approaches the business side of being an artist, and how she’s coping with the state of the world.
Aris is the 2024 winner of the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant from the NH Charitable Foundation! The grant, if you’re not familiar, is available to all Piscataqua Region artists and recognizes the important contribution of working artists to the cultural life of the region by providing an annual financial award to promote the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople. Learn more about the grant at www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program/. Here are the towns in the Piscataqua Region: https://www.nhcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/revised_piscataqua_letter_sized.pdf
Check out Aris’s work on her website arismoore.bigcartel.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/arismoore.
Jackie Hanson
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with New Hampshire artist Jackie Hanson! Jackie is a painter, printmaker, and creative entrepreneur from the Lakes Region. Her work is vibrant and whimsical with an emphasis on nature and all things New Hampshire.
In this episode, we talk about Jackie’s identity as a printmaker, the Chicken People Club, and plane crashes (yes, that was a surprise to us, too!). Jackie was raised in a family where art and creativity were always encouraged, and her upbringing — including bucolic New England landscapes and her grandparents’ chickens — are a major influence! Jackie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New England College’s Institute of Art and Design.
Check out Jackie’s work on the web at www.JackieHansonArt.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jackiehansonart and Facebook at www.facebook.com/jackiehansonart.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with New Hampshire artist Jackie Hanson! Jackie is a painter, printmaker, and creative entrepreneur from the Lakes Region. Her work is vibrant and whimsical with an emphasis on nature and all things New Hampshire.
In this episode, we talk about Jackie’s identity as a printmaker, the Chicken People Club, and plane crashes (yes, that was a surprise to us, too!). Jackie was raised in a family where art and creativity were always encouraged, and her upbringing — including bucolic New England landscapes and her grandparents’ chickens — are a major influence! Jackie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New England College’s Institute of Art and Design.
Check out Jackie’s work on the web at www.JackieHansonArt.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jackiehansonart and Facebook at www.facebook.com/jackiehansonart.
Daniela Wenzel
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Daniela Wenzel at the Mosaic Art Collective in Manchester, NH! German-born and a New Hampshire native, Daniela is a multidisciplinary artist whose work comprises oil painting, improvised quiltmaking, pyrography, and sometimes all of the above.
Daniela describes her origin story, weaving in details of how her Bauhausian homeland, medical training, and family history are all fundamental influences in her work. Her practice is saturated with color and explores the boundaries of non-representational and craft. Learn how she embraces making as an “obsession” rooted in the tactile, collage, resilience, and joy.
You can learn more about Daniela and her work by visiting http://www.danielawenzel.com/, on Instagram (@danielawenzelart) and Bluesky (@danielawenzelart).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Daniela Wenzel at the Mosaic Art Collective in Manchester, NH! German-born and a New Hampshire native, Daniela is a multidisciplinary artist whose work comprises oil painting, improvised quiltmaking, pyrography, and sometimes all of the above.
Daniela describes her origin story, weaving in details of how her Bauhausian homeland, medical training, and family history are all fundamental influences in her work. Her practice is saturated with color and explores the boundaries of non-representational and craft. Learn how she embraces making as an “obsession” rooted in the tactile, collage, resilience, and joy.
You can learn more about Daniela and her work by visiting http://www.danielawenzel.com/, on Instagram (@danielawenzelart) and Bluesky (@danielawenzelart).
Yeonsoo Kim
CERAMICIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Yeonsoo Kim. Originally from South Korea, Yeonsoo is a full-time studio artist and educator living in Exeter with a focus on ceramics, in particular Onggi, traditional Korean earthenware used extensively as tableware, as well as storage. Yeonsoo was exposed to Onggi during a workshop his first year of University.
In this episode, we talk about how Yeonsoo’s desire to continue making something new, how his work is influenced by his culture and the various places he’s lived, and how he strives to find balance (shoutout to the Exeter YMCA). Yeonsoo has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and glass from Hongik University in Seoul and a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics from the University of Georgia. He was named one of the top six emerging artists from the National Council of Education and Ceramic Arts in 2020.
Check out Yeonsoo’s work at www.yeonsooceramics.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/yeonsooceramics.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Yeonsoo Kim. Originally from South Korea, Yeonsoo is a full-time studio artist and educator living in Exeter with a focus on ceramics, in particular Onggi, traditional Korean earthenware used extensively as tableware, as well as storage. Yeonsoo was exposed to Onggi during a workshop his first year of University.
In this episode, we talk about how Yeonsoo’s desire to continue making something new, how his work is influenced by his culture and the various places he’s lived, and how he strives to find balance (shoutout to the Exeter YMCA). Yeonsoo has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and glass from Hongik University in Seoul and a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics from the University of Georgia. He was named one of the top six emerging artists from the National Council of Education and Ceramic Arts in 2020.
Check out Yeonsoo’s work at www.yeonsooceramics.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/yeonsooceramics.
Hannah Cole Dahar
ARTIST & TEACHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, board members and co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Hannah Cole Dahar in her studio at the Mosaic Art Collective in Manchester, NH! Hannah, a multi-talented artist and full-time art teacher, shares her creative journey from childhood to present day.
Discover how Hannah's fiery train caboose drawing at age three sparked her artistic path and her secrets for balancing a thriving art career while nurturing young creatives in the classroom. Hannah's unique vision, rooted in nature and mysticism, comes to life as she discusses her collaborations and artistic process and opens up about the challenges of being an artist, from marketing to constant skill-building. She shares her philosophy of staying curious and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
You can learn more about Hannah and her work by visiting www.coledahar.com and on Instagram at @hannahcoledahar.
In this episode of Creative Guts, board members and co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with Hannah Cole Dahar in her studio at the Mosaic Art Collective in Manchester, NH! Hannah, a multi-talented artist and full-time art teacher, shares her creative journey from childhood to present day.
Discover how Hannah's fiery train caboose drawing at age three sparked her artistic path and her secrets for balancing a thriving art career while nurturing young creatives in the classroom. Hannah's unique vision, rooted in nature and mysticism, comes to life as she discusses her collaborations and artistic process and opens up about the challenges of being an artist, from marketing to constant skill-building. She shares her philosophy of staying curious and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
You can learn more about Hannah and her work by visiting www.coledahar.com and on Instagram at @hannahcoledahar.
Andy DeMeo
PODCASTER
https://www.creativegutspodcast.com/podcast/episode/f48284ce/andy-demeo
https://www.creativegutspodcast.com/podcast/episode/f48284ce/andy-demeo
Julia Trueblood and Karin Trachtenberg
FILMMAKERS
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat (virtually) with Julia Trueblood and Karin Trachtenberg! Julia is an actor and producer; Karin is a theater maker, filmmaker, and director. Julia and Karin’s film “Three A.M.” was featured and won the ‘Heartstrings’ Award in Creative Guts’ film festival in June 2024.
In this episode, we discuss how Julia and Karin are telling stories from their perspectives as women and mothers and supporting women in film. Both took time off from their work to start their families, and for Karin, going back to theater was her doing something for herself after prioritizing her kids. Today, they’re working with mostly all-women crews, in a super collaborative way. We also talk about the challenges inherent when you’re wearing many different hats and why film festivals are an important way for filmmakers to share their work!
Check out their films “Pumpkin Pie” and “Three A.M.” at the links below!
Pumpkin Pie: www.instagram.com/pumpkin_pie_film
Three A.M.: www.facebook.com/p/Three-AM-100087678037399/
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat (virtually) with Julia Trueblood and Karin Trachtenberg! Julia is an actor and producer; Karin is a theater maker, filmmaker, and director. Julia and Karin’s film “Three A.M.” was featured and won the ‘Heartstrings’ Award in Creative Guts’ film festival in June 2024.
In this episode, we discuss how Julia and Karin are telling stories from their perspectives as women and mothers and supporting women in film. Both took time off from their work to start their families, and for Karin, going back to theater was her doing something for herself after prioritizing her kids. Today, they’re working with mostly all-women crews, in a super collaborative way. We also talk about the challenges inherent when you’re wearing many different hats and why film festivals are an important way for filmmakers to share their work!
Check out their films “Pumpkin Pie” and “Three A.M.” at the links below!
Pumpkin Pie: www.instagram.com/pumpkin_pie_film
Three A.M.: www.facebook.com/p/Three-AM-100087678037399/
Ruby Shabazz
MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat (virtually) with Ruby Shabazz! Ruby is a singer, songwriter, and performer who writes, records, and performs her music solo and with a live band. In this episode, we talk about Ruby’s early musical inspirations (Mariah Carey!) and her evolution from pop and love songs about boys to music with more grit and her need to “get real”. We’ll chat about Spotify, performing live, and collaborating with her videographer, her live band, and even her husband!
Ruby received the 2024 New England Music Award for Soul/R&B Artist of the Year AND won the 2024 New England Songwriters competition in Hip Hop and R&B for her song “Thank You”!
If you want to learn more about Ruby, visit her Link Tree at linktr.ee/rubyshabazz and find her on Instagram at instagram.com/rubyshabazz.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat (virtually) with Ruby Shabazz! Ruby is a singer, songwriter, and performer who writes, records, and performs her music solo and with a live band. In this episode, we talk about Ruby’s early musical inspirations (Mariah Carey!) and her evolution from pop and love songs about boys to music with more grit and her need to “get real”. We’ll chat about Spotify, performing live, and collaborating with her videographer, her live band, and even her husband!
Ruby received the 2024 New England Music Award for Soul/R&B Artist of the Year AND won the 2024 New England Songwriters competition in Hip Hop and R&B for her song “Thank You”!
If you want to learn more about Ruby, visit her Link Tree at linktr.ee/rubyshabazz and find her on Instagram at instagram.com/rubyshabazz.
2026
2024
Nate Twombly
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Nate Twombly! Nate is a freelance illustrator whose work includes drawings and paintings based on New England, seasonality, camping, sports, music, robots, and sometimes folklore and sci-fi. Nate primarily creates his illustrations digitally these days, but has dabbled with everything from acrylic, watercolor, egg tempera, and pen and ink. His folk art is reminiscent of the work of Grandma Moses and Horace Pippin! Nate, who has been painting and drawing since he was little, actually started in photography and still loves vintage cameras and collecting old photographs!
Find Nate’s work online at www.natedraws.com and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/natedrawss.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Nate Twombly! Nate is a freelance illustrator whose work includes drawings and paintings based on New England, seasonality, camping, sports, music, robots, and sometimes folklore and sci-fi. Nate primarily creates his illustrations digitally these days, but has dabbled with everything from acrylic, watercolor, egg tempera, and pen and ink. His folk art is reminiscent of the work of Grandma Moses and Horace Pippin! Nate, who has been painting and drawing since he was little, actually started in photography and still loves vintage cameras and collecting old photographs!
Find Nate’s work online at www.natedraws.com and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/natedrawss.
Becky Field
PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi interview award-winning photographer Becky Field. They discuss Becky's transition from a career in wildlife ecology to photography, her project "Different Roots, Common Dreams" documenting New Hampshire's immigrant communities, and her latest work "Finding Home: Portraits and Memories of Immigrants." Becky shares insights on her creative process, collaborations with immigrant families, and how her scientific background influences her artistic approach.
Learn more about Becky and her work at https://differentrootsnh.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts hosts Laura Harper Lake and Becky Barsi interview award-winning photographer Becky Field. They discuss Becky's transition from a career in wildlife ecology to photography, her project "Different Roots, Common Dreams" documenting New Hampshire's immigrant communities, and her latest work "Finding Home: Portraits and Memories of Immigrants." Becky shares insights on her creative process, collaborations with immigrant families, and how her scientific background influences her artistic approach.
Learn more about Becky and her work at https://differentrootsnh.com.
Shayla Gerkin and Hazel Tompkins
NH TEEN POET LAUREATES
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Shayla Gerkin and Hazel Tompkins, two NH Teen Poet Laureates! The mission of the NH Teen Poet Laureate team is to maintain the accessibility of poetry for all NH teens, and to spread the power of writing. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how!
The NH Teen Poet Laureate team creates opportunities for teen poets across the state to publicize their work through a newsletter and annual literary magazine. Shayla and Hazel, from Exeter High School and Hanover High School, respectively, share their experiences with poetry from learning the classics in school to the styles and subject matters they’re drawn to now.
You can find the NH Teen Poet Laureate team online at https://goodpoetryzine.wixsite.com/nh-teen-poets-laurea and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/nhteenpoets.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Shayla Gerkin and Hazel Tompkins, two NH Teen Poet Laureates! The mission of the NH Teen Poet Laureate team is to maintain the accessibility of poetry for all NH teens, and to spread the power of writing. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how!
The NH Teen Poet Laureate team creates opportunities for teen poets across the state to publicize their work through a newsletter and annual literary magazine. Shayla and Hazel, from Exeter High School and Hanover High School, respectively, share their experiences with poetry from learning the classics in school to the styles and subject matters they’re drawn to now.
You can find the NH Teen Poet Laureate team online at https://goodpoetryzine.wixsite.com/nh-teen-poets-laurea and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/nhteenpoets.
Esmeldy Angeles
PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Esmeldy Angeles, a self-taught photographer who focuses on portraits and creative photography! Esmeldy was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New Hampshire when she was 14 years old. As a self-taught photographer, her unique style leads to powerful and dynamic visual storytelling.
In our conversation with Esmeldy, you’ll hear about how she learned photography, her collaborations with other creatives (you’ll recognize some familiar names!), her love of the editing process, and who would be her dream subject to photograph someday.
Check out Esmeldy’s work at www.instagram.com/esmeldy_angeles. Her work has been featured in and on the cover of Issue 11 of 603 Diversity Magazine, which can be found at https://issuu.com/mcleancommunications/docs/603_diversity_issue_11.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Esmeldy Angeles, a self-taught photographer who focuses on portraits and creative photography! Esmeldy was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New Hampshire when she was 14 years old. As a self-taught photographer, her unique style leads to powerful and dynamic visual storytelling.
In our conversation with Esmeldy, you’ll hear about how she learned photography, her collaborations with other creatives (you’ll recognize some familiar names!), her love of the editing process, and who would be her dream subject to photograph someday.
Check out Esmeldy’s work at www.instagram.com/esmeldy_angeles. Her work has been featured in and on the cover of Issue 11 of 603 Diversity Magazine, which can be found at https://issuu.com/mcleancommunications/docs/603_diversity_issue_11.
John Fladd
WRITER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with John Fladd, food and cocktail writer with Hippo Press and Heavy Table! John spends his days developing recipes, weaving stories about food and drink, and talking with restaurateurs! In this episode we talk about the relationship between food and culture, John’s process for writing for digital and print, and how on Earth John got involved with a publication based in Minneapolis, MN!
Find John Fladd’s writing in The Hippo (https://hippopress.com/author/john-fladd/) and The Heavy Table (https://heavytable.com/author/johnfladd/)! You can also find John on Instagram at www.instagram.com/woodenmask.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with John Fladd, food and cocktail writer with Hippo Press and Heavy Table! John spends his days developing recipes, weaving stories about food and drink, and talking with restaurateurs! In this episode we talk about the relationship between food and culture, John’s process for writing for digital and print, and how on Earth John got involved with a publication based in Minneapolis, MN!
Find John Fladd’s writing in The Hippo (https://hippopress.com/author/john-fladd/) and The Heavy Table (https://heavytable.com/author/johnfladd/)! You can also find John on Instagram at www.instagram.com/woodenmask.
Catherine Stewart
PLAYWRIGHT & FILMMAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Catherine Stewart, a playwright, filmmaker, dancer, and more! Catherine is the co-founder of Film Unbound, which has become a collective of artists who make mission-driven media for changemakers, inventors, and innovators. Formerly, Catherine served as the artistic director of the New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth.
This episode includes a truly fantastic conversation about ensuring your work aligns with your values, knowing when to say “no” and when to say “yes”, and balancing creativity with admin. We also get to hear the adorable story of when Catherine met her husband!
Catherine isn’t on social media (we’ll talk about that, too), but you can sign up for her newsletter at https://makecreatemore.ck.page/ and you can find Film Unbound at www.FilmUnbound.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Catherine Stewart, a playwright, filmmaker, dancer, and more! Catherine is the co-founder of Film Unbound, which has become a collective of artists who make mission-driven media for changemakers, inventors, and innovators. Formerly, Catherine served as the artistic director of the New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth.
This episode includes a truly fantastic conversation about ensuring your work aligns with your values, knowing when to say “no” and when to say “yes”, and balancing creativity with admin. We also get to hear the adorable story of when Catherine met her husband!
Catherine isn’t on social media (we’ll talk about that, too), but you can sign up for her newsletter at https://makecreatemore.ck.page/ and you can find Film Unbound at www.FilmUnbound.com.
Zachery Betty
DANCER & CREATIVE ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Zackery Betty, the artistic director at NSquared Dance! Zackery is a dancer and a choreographer with an MFA in Choreography and a BFA in dance!
NSquared Dance was founded by Nick Neagle, creative director and Zackery’s husband, in New York City as his senior thesis! NSquared is now Manchester’s premiere contemporary dance company, and we’re so glad they landed in New Hampshire!
In this episode, we answer the important questions, like are you better at the Cotton Eyed Joe just because you’re a professional dancer? The answer, of course, is yes. We also talk about stage fright, dance competitions (including the televised kind), how to get started, and more.
Check out NSquared Dance online at www.nsquareddance.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NSquaredDance and Instagram at www.instagram.com/nsquared_dance.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Zackery Betty, the artistic director at NSquared Dance! Zackery is a dancer and a choreographer with an MFA in Choreography and a BFA in dance!
NSquared Dance was founded by Nick Neagle, creative director and Zackery’s husband, in New York City as his senior thesis! NSquared is now Manchester’s premiere contemporary dance company, and we’re so glad they landed in New Hampshire!
In this episode, we answer the important questions, like are you better at the Cotton Eyed Joe just because you’re a professional dancer? The answer, of course, is yes. We also talk about stage fright, dance competitions (including the televised kind), how to get started, and more.
Check out NSquared Dance online at www.nsquareddance.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NSquaredDance and Instagram at www.instagram.com/nsquared_dance.
Jonathan Geddis
FILMMAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Jonathan Geddis of JG Film & Photo. Jonathan is a videographer, filmmaker, cinematographer, video producer, drone pilot, and [insert other words related to using a camera]! We met Jonathan last summer when he created a video about Creative Guts winning the Governor’s Arts Award!
JG Film & Photo is a full-service production company specializing in video production, photography, and editing! Jonathan has a degree in filmmaking from Lakes Region Community College and years of experience working in television, feature films, short films, commercials, real estate, weddings, and more! In this episode, we’re going to cover everything from Jonathan’s early days and education, to his favorite movies (including underrated films and guilty pleasures), to controversial topics including AI, drones, TikTok, and copyright!
Go check out Jonathan’s work online at www.JonathanGeddis.com, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jg_filmandphoto and Facebook at www.facebook.com/JG.Photo.FIlm.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Jonathan Geddis of JG Film & Photo. Jonathan is a videographer, filmmaker, cinematographer, video producer, drone pilot, and [insert other words related to using a camera]! We met Jonathan last summer when he created a video about Creative Guts winning the Governor’s Arts Award!
JG Film & Photo is a full-service production company specializing in video production, photography, and editing! Jonathan has a degree in filmmaking from Lakes Region Community College and years of experience working in television, feature films, short films, commercials, real estate, weddings, and more! In this episode, we’re going to cover everything from Jonathan’s early days and education, to his favorite movies (including underrated films and guilty pleasures), to controversial topics including AI, drones, TikTok, and copyright!
Go check out Jonathan’s work online at www.JonathanGeddis.com, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jg_filmandphoto and Facebook at www.facebook.com/JG.Photo.FIlm.
Brandy Patterson
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Brandy Patterson! Blessed with the gift of synesthesia, Brandy paints what she sees when she’s listening to music. In this episode, we’ll talk about Brandy’s ability to forge connections between sound and color, collaborating with her musician husband (Hallmark, are you listening?), and how she’s invited her five-year-old into her art.
Check out Brandy’s work at www.bmpatterson.com. Brandy is also on Instagram at www.instagram.com/brandympatterson and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGHVWMvD-8g7qC58swLREw.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Brandy Patterson! Blessed with the gift of synesthesia, Brandy paints what she sees when she’s listening to music. In this episode, we’ll talk about Brandy’s ability to forge connections between sound and color, collaborating with her musician husband (Hallmark, are you listening?), and how she’s invited her five-year-old into her art.
Check out Brandy’s work at www.bmpatterson.com. Brandy is also on Instagram at www.instagram.com/brandympatterson and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGHVWMvD-8g7qC58swLREw.
Lionel Loveless
SEAMSTER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Lionel Loveless of Officially Knotted Bowties. Lionel, also known as Mr. Bowtie Daily, is a self-taught seamster who takes vintage neckties and other fabric and transforms them into custom bow ties! The bow ties he creates are upcycled, sustainable, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Sometimes his bow ties are an opportunity to carry the essence of a loved one — you’ll see how when you hear the origin story of Officially Knotted Bowties.
In this episode, we’ll talk about some of the coolest bow ties Lionel has made (and the coolest people he’s made bow ties for) and how Lionel found a community here in New Hampshire after growing up in Oklahoma.
Check out Officially Knotted Bowties online at officiallyknottedbowties.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/officiallyknottedbowties, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/officiallyknottedbowties.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Lionel Loveless of Officially Knotted Bowties. Lionel, also known as Mr. Bowtie Daily, is a self-taught seamster who takes vintage neckties and other fabric and transforms them into custom bow ties! The bow ties he creates are upcycled, sustainable, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Sometimes his bow ties are an opportunity to carry the essence of a loved one — you’ll see how when you hear the origin story of Officially Knotted Bowties.
In this episode, we’ll talk about some of the coolest bow ties Lionel has made (and the coolest people he’s made bow ties for) and how Lionel found a community here in New Hampshire after growing up in Oklahoma.
Check out Officially Knotted Bowties online at officiallyknottedbowties.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/officiallyknottedbowties, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/officiallyknottedbowties.
Eric Gold
ARTIST & FILM EDITOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist and film editor Eric Gold. Eric explores collective consciousness in populations through the creation of art and community, by coordinating community-created portraits in the US and Canada. His most recent of these projects is Growing Up Portsmouth, a series of community-created portraits of people who are part of Portsmouth’s story from the past 50 years. This collection is on display at the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC), in Portsmouth, NH, until April 19th.
We discuss in this episode the logistics and spirit of community-created portraits and Eric’s upcoming work with Exeter High School students to create portraits of some local creatives who have worked with students in the past, and been on Creative Guts. Eric shares how he learned even more about Portsmouth’s history through the Growing Up Portsmouth series, his own history with Portsmouth, and how he sometimes feels like a therapist during the community-created paintings. Also, we say “monkey” more times than ever before on the podcast!
Learn more about Eric Gold at www.ericgoldart.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/editorgold.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist and film editor Eric Gold. Eric explores collective consciousness in populations through the creation of art and community, by coordinating community-created portraits in the US and Canada. His most recent of these projects is Growing Up Portsmouth, a series of community-created portraits of people who are part of Portsmouth’s story from the past 50 years. This collection is on display at the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC), in Portsmouth, NH, until April 19th.
We discuss in this episode the logistics and spirit of community-created portraits and Eric’s upcoming work with Exeter High School students to create portraits of some local creatives who have worked with students in the past, and been on Creative Guts. Eric shares how he learned even more about Portsmouth’s history through the Growing Up Portsmouth series, his own history with Portsmouth, and how he sometimes feels like a therapist during the community-created paintings. Also, we say “monkey” more times than ever before on the podcast!
Learn more about Eric Gold at www.ericgoldart.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/editorgold.
Shaina Gates
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Shaina Gates! Shaina’s art is a challenge to describe. Her stunning work took a bit of serendipity. Her experimental photography happened when she was playing with black-and-white film, but she’s not a photographer. In order to truly appreciate the mystery of Shaina’s work, you kind of need to see it for yourself! Her experimentation led her to something a bit unique — we don’t know of any other artist doing what Shaina does.
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation also thought Shaina’s work was pretty cool: Last year Shaina was the recipient of the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant from the Charitable Foundation. This grant recognizes the important contribution of working artists to the cultural life of the region by providing an annual financial award to promote the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople. Shaina is now in the position to share and promote her work as an innovative contribution to the field of experimental photography.
Please take a peek at Shaina’s work on the web at www.shainagates.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/shainagates.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Shaina Gates! Shaina’s art is a challenge to describe. Her stunning work took a bit of serendipity. Her experimental photography happened when she was playing with black-and-white film, but she’s not a photographer. In order to truly appreciate the mystery of Shaina’s work, you kind of need to see it for yourself! Her experimentation led her to something a bit unique — we don’t know of any other artist doing what Shaina does.
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation also thought Shaina’s work was pretty cool: Last year Shaina was the recipient of the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant from the Charitable Foundation. This grant recognizes the important contribution of working artists to the cultural life of the region by providing an annual financial award to promote the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople. Shaina is now in the position to share and promote her work as an innovative contribution to the field of experimental photography.
Please take a peek at Shaina’s work on the web at www.shainagates.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/shainagates.
Diannely Antiqua
POET & PODCASTER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with poet Diannely Antigua. Diannely is a Dominican American poet and educator. She is the founder of The Bread & Poetry Project and the host of a podcast by the same name. Not only is Diannely the current Poet Laureate of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but she is the youngest and first person of color to receive the title.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Exeter High School with support from the NH State Council on the Arts! Special thank you to our friends at Exeter High School! Before we jump into the interview, this episode kicks off with a writing workshop led by Diannely — we encourage you, our listeners, to play along!
In this episode we cover Diannely’s journey from journaling as a young girl all the way to publishing her first — and now second — collection of poetry! Find out more about Diannely at her website www.diannelyantigua.com and follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/nellfell13. You can also find the Bread & Poetry Podcast on Instagram at www.instagram.com/breadandpoetrypodcast.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with poet Diannely Antigua. Diannely is a Dominican American poet and educator. She is the founder of The Bread & Poetry Project and the host of a podcast by the same name. Not only is Diannely the current Poet Laureate of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but she is the youngest and first person of color to receive the title.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Exeter High School with support from the NH State Council on the Arts! Special thank you to our friends at Exeter High School! Before we jump into the interview, this episode kicks off with a writing workshop led by Diannely — we encourage you, our listeners, to play along!
In this episode we cover Diannely’s journey from journaling as a young girl all the way to publishing her first — and now second — collection of poetry! Find out more about Diannely at her website www.diannelyantigua.com and follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/nellfell13. You can also find the Bread & Poetry Podcast on Instagram at www.instagram.com/breadandpoetrypodcast.
Joe Acone
ARTIST & TEACHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist and educator, Joe Acone! We invited Joe on the podcast to talk about gamified teaching. A self-described nerd, Joe pulls from role playing games, like Dungeons and Dragons, and applies those concepts in the classroom!
Today, Joe works alongside Creative Guts’ Vice Chair, Becky Barsi, at The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH. In the past, Joe has taught at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, Framingham State University, and LaSalle College. In addition to his full time job at the Derryfield School, he’s also teaching a course on world building at Manchester Community College.
In this episode, we’ll also talk a bit about how Joe balances his passion and creativity in the classroom with his own art. As an artist, Joe works primarily in oil and digital, with a bit of illustration, too. He’s not a writer, but he’s also sort of a writer!
Check out Joe at www.artstation.com/joeacone and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/joeacone.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist and educator, Joe Acone! We invited Joe on the podcast to talk about gamified teaching. A self-described nerd, Joe pulls from role playing games, like Dungeons and Dragons, and applies those concepts in the classroom!
Today, Joe works alongside Creative Guts’ Vice Chair, Becky Barsi, at The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH. In the past, Joe has taught at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, Framingham State University, and LaSalle College. In addition to his full time job at the Derryfield School, he’s also teaching a course on world building at Manchester Community College.
In this episode, we’ll also talk a bit about how Joe balances his passion and creativity in the classroom with his own art. As an artist, Joe works primarily in oil and digital, with a bit of illustration, too. He’s not a writer, but he’s also sort of a writer!
Check out Joe at www.artstation.com/joeacone and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/joeacone.
Randall Nielsen
ARTIST & CREATIVE ARTS ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Randall Nielsen, the artist behind From Strange Pieces and the founder of Queerlective! Randall is an artist, engineer, and community organizer living in Manchester. His personal mission is to spread color and light throughout the universe through queer shiny art! In this episode we talk about Randall’s personal journey over the past couple of years, how and why he founded Queerlective, and more!
If you’re not familiar, Queerlective is a community organization, based in New Hampshire, that seeks to create and promote inclusive environments for the queer, BIPOC, and underserved communities with a focus on utilizing art for personal and community growth. Queerlective is relatively new, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at them!
Check out Queerlective on the web at www.Queerlective.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/queer_lective on From Strange Pieces on the web at www.StrangePieces.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fromstrangepieces.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Randall Nielsen, the artist behind From Strange Pieces and the founder of Queerlective! Randall is an artist, engineer, and community organizer living in Manchester. His personal mission is to spread color and light throughout the universe through queer shiny art! In this episode we talk about Randall’s personal journey over the past couple of years, how and why he founded Queerlective, and more!
If you’re not familiar, Queerlective is a community organization, based in New Hampshire, that seeks to create and promote inclusive environments for the queer, BIPOC, and underserved communities with a focus on utilizing art for personal and community growth. Queerlective is relatively new, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at them!
Check out Queerlective on the web at www.Queerlective.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/queer_lective on From Strange Pieces on the web at www.StrangePieces.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fromstrangepieces.
Lindsay Garfield and Jon Nolan
MUSICIANS
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman interview musicians Lindsay Garfield and Jon Nolan in front of a live audience at Exeter High School.
Lindsay Garfield is a singer, songwriter, and musical educator and founding member of the San Francisco-based country-rock band Or, the Whale. Lindsay spent the last decade performing under the name Paige & The Thousand. She currently writes and performs in the band Tiny Dog Fight, and sings background vocals in Todd Hearon’s Americana outfit.
Jon Nolan is the longtime frontman of New England alt-country pioneers Say ZuZu. Jon explores the dreamier, pop-infused parts of his Americana sensibility in his solo material.
Lindsay and Jon jam together during Slow Cooker sessions at The Stone Church in Newmarket!
In this episode, we’ll talk about their creative childhoods, how they are looking at success, and the themes that appear in their music. In the second half of today’s episode, you’ll hear a sample of Lindsay and Jon’s music. The students at Exeter High School submitted prompts ahead of time and both Lindsay and Jon will explain the process of writing a song about pencils versus pens.
Find Lindsay online at www.LindsayGarfieldMusic.com and Instagram at www.Instagram.com/linzred. Find Jon online at www.JonNolan.net and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jonnolannh.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman interview musicians Lindsay Garfield and Jon Nolan in front of a live audience at Exeter High School.
Lindsay Garfield is a singer, songwriter, and musical educator and founding member of the San Francisco-based country-rock band Or, the Whale. Lindsay spent the last decade performing under the name Paige & The Thousand. She currently writes and performs in the band Tiny Dog Fight, and sings background vocals in Todd Hearon’s Americana outfit.
Jon Nolan is the longtime frontman of New England alt-country pioneers Say ZuZu. Jon explores the dreamier, pop-infused parts of his Americana sensibility in his solo material.
Lindsay and Jon jam together during Slow Cooker sessions at The Stone Church in Newmarket!
In this episode, we’ll talk about their creative childhoods, how they are looking at success, and the themes that appear in their music. In the second half of today’s episode, you’ll hear a sample of Lindsay and Jon’s music. The students at Exeter High School submitted prompts ahead of time and both Lindsay and Jon will explain the process of writing a song about pencils versus pens.
Find Lindsay online at www.LindsayGarfieldMusic.com and Instagram at www.Instagram.com/linzred. Find Jon online at www.JonNolan.net and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jonnolannh.
Liz Pieroni
ARTIST, CURATOR, CREATIVE NONPROFIT
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Liz Pieroni, artist and founder of Mosaic Art Collective! Liz’s passion for art was deeply cultivated by family and community, and she’s used that passion to create much-needed community in Manchester. Liz’s professional training was in ceramics, but today she mostly plays with various thicknesses of acrylic paint and charcoal. Liz — and the entire Board at Mosaic — is a boon to the Manchester community.
Liz and the hosts talk about everything from Mosaic’s first year and how we can better support local artists to family and Liz’s personal journey. Find out more about Mosaic Art Collective at www.mosaicartcollective.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mosaicartcollective/ and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MosaicArtCollective. Check out Liz’s work at www.EPSarts.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/epsarts1/ and Facebook at www.facebook.com/EPSArts1.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Liz Pieroni, artist and founder of Mosaic Art Collective! Liz’s passion for art was deeply cultivated by family and community, and she’s used that passion to create much-needed community in Manchester. Liz’s professional training was in ceramics, but today she mostly plays with various thicknesses of acrylic paint and charcoal. Liz — and the entire Board at Mosaic — is a boon to the Manchester community.
Liz and the hosts talk about everything from Mosaic’s first year and how we can better support local artists to family and Liz’s personal journey. Find out more about Mosaic Art Collective at www.mosaicartcollective.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mosaicartcollective/ and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MosaicArtCollective. Check out Liz’s work at www.EPSarts.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/epsarts1/ and Facebook at www.facebook.com/EPSArts1.
2023
Brendan McCormick
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Brendan McCormick!
Brendan is a digital artist who lives, works, and creates in New Hampshire. A product of the 90’s and early 2000’s, Brendan draws inspiration from his childhood playing video games, reading comics, making movies, and skateboarding.
After graduating college in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Film Production from Keene State College, Brendan worked in television. A few years ago, he rediscovered his love for creating artwork and since then has been selling his work to people all over the country and in stores around New England as a full-time artist.
Brendan’s work and style can be described as colorfully dark with a sense of humor and sarcasm. He strives to make that one odd piece in your home that warrants a double-take or a chuckle.
Check out Brendan’s work at www.bmccormick.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/bmccormick86.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Brendan McCormick!
Brendan is a digital artist who lives, works, and creates in New Hampshire. A product of the 90’s and early 2000’s, Brendan draws inspiration from his childhood playing video games, reading comics, making movies, and skateboarding.
After graduating college in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Film Production from Keene State College, Brendan worked in television. A few years ago, he rediscovered his love for creating artwork and since then has been selling his work to people all over the country and in stores around New England as a full-time artist.
Brendan’s work and style can be described as colorfully dark with a sense of humor and sarcasm. He strives to make that one odd piece in your home that warrants a double-take or a chuckle.
Check out Brendan’s work at www.bmccormick.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/bmccormick86.
Yasamin Safarzadeh and Sarah Jones
WAYPOINT MURAL PROJECT
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Kimball Jenkins’ director of programming Yasamin Safarzadeh and Waypoint’s program manager Sarah Jones live at the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts Arts Partnership, Fall 2023 conference Woven: Gathering at the Intersections at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon, NH.
In this interview, Yazamin and Sarah talk about the creation of a mural at Waypoint’s Drop In Center in Manchester, working with unhoused youth and young adults who are clients at Waypoint's Homeless Youth Services. We learn about the program’s process and challenges, the skills youth participants will develop while participating in the mural project, how program organizers build trust and create a safe for homeless youth, and much more.
If you’re interested in learning more or supporting the Waypoint mural project, please visit www.WayPointNH.org and www.KimballJenkins.com.
We’d also like to thank the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts for inviting us to be part of their conference. Learn more about what they do at www.nh.gov/nharts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Kimball Jenkins’ director of programming Yasamin Safarzadeh and Waypoint’s program manager Sarah Jones live at the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts Arts Partnership, Fall 2023 conference Woven: Gathering at the Intersections at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon, NH.
In this interview, Yazamin and Sarah talk about the creation of a mural at Waypoint’s Drop In Center in Manchester, working with unhoused youth and young adults who are clients at Waypoint's Homeless Youth Services. We learn about the program’s process and challenges, the skills youth participants will develop while participating in the mural project, how program organizers build trust and create a safe for homeless youth, and much more.
If you’re interested in learning more or supporting the Waypoint mural project, please visit www.WayPointNH.org and www.KimballJenkins.com.
We’d also like to thank the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts for inviting us to be part of their conference. Learn more about what they do at www.nh.gov/nharts.
Izze Ardito Lebo
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Isabel (Izze) Ardito Lebo, the creative behind Cheeky Neighborhood.
Originally from Portsmouth, NH, Izze possesses an unwavering passion for creation as she works in oil painting, drawing, sculpture, rug hooking, and tufting. She recently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada.
In our conversation, we discuss the story behind Cheeky Neighborhood and her iconic star characters, the bias against some of her art mediums that she has faced from peers and professors, the difference between tufting and rug hooking and her journey to learning and teaching, and so much more. We also chat about her upcoming rug hooking workshop Creative Guts is co-hosting at Art Up Front Street in December! Learn about that event at www.creativegutspodcast.com/events.
Check out Izze’s cheeky work online at www.cheekyneighborhood.com; on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cheekyneighborhood; and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cheekyneighborhood.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Isabel (Izze) Ardito Lebo, the creative behind Cheeky Neighborhood.
Originally from Portsmouth, NH, Izze possesses an unwavering passion for creation as she works in oil painting, drawing, sculpture, rug hooking, and tufting. She recently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada.
In our conversation, we discuss the story behind Cheeky Neighborhood and her iconic star characters, the bias against some of her art mediums that she has faced from peers and professors, the difference between tufting and rug hooking and her journey to learning and teaching, and so much more. We also chat about her upcoming rug hooking workshop Creative Guts is co-hosting at Art Up Front Street in December! Learn about that event at www.creativegutspodcast.com/events.
Check out Izze’s cheeky work online at www.cheekyneighborhood.com; on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cheekyneighborhood; and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cheekyneighborhood.
Fallon Rae
CURATOR & ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist, curator, poet, and educator Fallon Rae. Fallon’s name was mentioned when Creative Guts interviewed Mike Howat last year, and Fallon’s been on the list ever since.
Fallon’s currently in a state of transition with her personal art, moving from themes of outer space to something more figurative. While she’s evolving, she has plenty to keep her busy with the brand new gallery, Pillar Gallery + Projects, in Concord that she’s opening with Mike Howat and the Mini Museum at Concord Mart! In this episode, we cover a host of topics from the pressure to make money as an artist to the pitfalls of social media to why showing your art in small businesses is actually awesome.
Check out Fallon’s work on the web at www.fallonrae.com and on Instagram and Facebook at www.instagram.com/byfallonrae and www.facebook.com/byfallonrae.
You can find Pillar Gallery + Projects online at www.pillargalleryprojects.com, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pillar_galleryprojects, and in person at 205 N State St, Concord, NH 03301.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist, curator, poet, and educator Fallon Rae. Fallon’s name was mentioned when Creative Guts interviewed Mike Howat last year, and Fallon’s been on the list ever since.
Fallon’s currently in a state of transition with her personal art, moving from themes of outer space to something more figurative. While she’s evolving, she has plenty to keep her busy with the brand new gallery, Pillar Gallery + Projects, in Concord that she’s opening with Mike Howat and the Mini Museum at Concord Mart! In this episode, we cover a host of topics from the pressure to make money as an artist to the pitfalls of social media to why showing your art in small businesses is actually awesome.
Check out Fallon’s work on the web at www.fallonrae.com and on Instagram and Facebook at www.instagram.com/byfallonrae and www.facebook.com/byfallonrae.
You can find Pillar Gallery + Projects online at www.pillargalleryprojects.com, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pillar_galleryprojects, and in person at 205 N State St, Concord, NH 03301.
Jason Moon
REPORTER
In today’s episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Jason Moon! Jason is the Senior Reporter and Producer on New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. Document is NHPR’s award-winning longform, narrative podcast series, and Jason specifically has covered topics ranging from unsolved murders to presidential elections to secret lists of police officers. Jason’s work includes Bear Brook, seasons 1 and 2.
In this episode, we cover the power of silence, go behind the scenes on the collaborative process at NHPR, and discuss the emotional weight of Jason’s work (and his light and breezy fantasy career)!
Check out Bear Brook and more from Jason and the Document team at www.BearBrookPodcast.com and www.NHPR.org/document.
In today’s episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Jason Moon! Jason is the Senior Reporter and Producer on New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. Document is NHPR’s award-winning longform, narrative podcast series, and Jason specifically has covered topics ranging from unsolved murders to presidential elections to secret lists of police officers. Jason’s work includes Bear Brook, seasons 1 and 2.
In this episode, we cover the power of silence, go behind the scenes on the collaborative process at NHPR, and discuss the emotional weight of Jason’s work (and his light and breezy fantasy career)!
Check out Bear Brook and more from Jason and the Document team at www.BearBrookPodcast.com and www.NHPR.org/document.
Rachel Sotak
ARTIST & DESIGNER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Rachel Sotak, the Concord-based artist behind RS Creative! Rachel embodies both creativity and guts. She is a graphic designer whose style is illustrative and colorful. Rachel manages to balance her client work with self-driven work, but spends a lot of her time helping small businesses with their branding.
In this episode, we talk about adventures in mural making, why artists are the best, and a real-life story about faking it until you make it! We also manage to cover seaweed that tastes like bacon.
Take a peek at Rachel’s work at www.rachelsotakcreative.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/rscreative_studio.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Rachel Sotak, the Concord-based artist behind RS Creative! Rachel embodies both creativity and guts. She is a graphic designer whose style is illustrative and colorful. Rachel manages to balance her client work with self-driven work, but spends a lot of her time helping small businesses with their branding.
In this episode, we talk about adventures in mural making, why artists are the best, and a real-life story about faking it until you make it! We also manage to cover seaweed that tastes like bacon.
Take a peek at Rachel’s work at www.rachelsotakcreative.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/rscreative_studio.
Amanda Kidd-Kestler
ARTIST & CREATIVE NONPROFIT
Creative Guts is back with a brand new interview episode! In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Amanda Kidd-Kestler, executive director of the New Hampshire Art Association!
The New Hampshire Art Associate serves established and emerging artists to cultivate creativity, community, and culture through education, events, and exhibitions. NHAA is located in downtown Portsmouth — an arts hub of NH! The New Hampshire Art Association is also the home of WC Gallery, a bathroom and installation space!
In this episode, we talk about how NHAA and Amanda support emerging artists and help them advance their careers and the importance of finding your art ancestors. We also get to know Amanda and her work a little better! Originally from New York, Amanda works in printmaking, photography, ceramics, and drawing. Amanda’s art is inspired by femininity, sexuality, art history, and the environment.
Find out more!
NHAA website: www.nhartassociation.org
NHAA Instagram: www.instagram.com/nhartassociation
NHAA Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhartassociation
WC Gallery Instagram: www.instagram.com/wcgallerynh
Amanda’s art: www.kidd-kestler.art
Amanda’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/twocatpress
Creative Guts is back with a brand new interview episode! In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Amanda Kidd-Kestler, executive director of the New Hampshire Art Association!
The New Hampshire Art Associate serves established and emerging artists to cultivate creativity, community, and culture through education, events, and exhibitions. NHAA is located in downtown Portsmouth — an arts hub of NH! The New Hampshire Art Association is also the home of WC Gallery, a bathroom and installation space!
In this episode, we talk about how NHAA and Amanda support emerging artists and help them advance their careers and the importance of finding your art ancestors. We also get to know Amanda and her work a little better! Originally from New York, Amanda works in printmaking, photography, ceramics, and drawing. Amanda’s art is inspired by femininity, sexuality, art history, and the environment.
Find out more!
NHAA website: www.nhartassociation.org
NHAA Instagram: www.instagram.com/nhartassociation
NHAA Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhartassociation
WC Gallery Instagram: www.instagram.com/wcgallerynh
Amanda’s art: www.kidd-kestler.art
Amanda’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/twocatpress
Russ Grazier
CREATIVE NONPROFIT & MUSICIAN
In today’s episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman are joined by Russ Grazier, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center! The mission of PMAC is to build community through the arts by providing all people with the opportunity to achieve their full creative potential, regardless of their age, ability, or economic status.
Russ was raised in Portsmouth and returned to be near family. When he and his wife opened PMAC in 2002, he wanted to create a community — not just a place where folks took lessons. In this episode, we talk about the value of Portsmouth’s creative spaces, the impact of the pandemic, and why housing is critical to the creative economy. Russ leaves listeners with some pretty awesome calls to action: consume art, join a Board of Directors, make a donation, and remember it’s STEAM, not STEM!
Find out more about the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center online at www.pmaconline.org. PMAC is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/portsmouthmusicandartscenter and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pmacportsmouth.
In today’s episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman are joined by Russ Grazier, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center! The mission of PMAC is to build community through the arts by providing all people with the opportunity to achieve their full creative potential, regardless of their age, ability, or economic status.
Russ was raised in Portsmouth and returned to be near family. When he and his wife opened PMAC in 2002, he wanted to create a community — not just a place where folks took lessons. In this episode, we talk about the value of Portsmouth’s creative spaces, the impact of the pandemic, and why housing is critical to the creative economy. Russ leaves listeners with some pretty awesome calls to action: consume art, join a Board of Directors, make a donation, and remember it’s STEAM, not STEM!
Find out more about the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center online at www.pmaconline.org. PMAC is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/portsmouthmusicandartscenter and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pmacportsmouth.
Jozimar Matimano
ARTIST
On today’s episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Jozimar Matimano. Jozimar is an artist who was born in the East Democratic Republic of Congo. He moved to Uganda when he was ten, and then in 2016, he moved to Manchester, New Hampshire as a refugee through the International Institute of New England program.
He has been interested in drawing and illustration since childhood, but it wasn’t until more recently that he decided to pursue art and began taking lessons at the Currier Museum of Art. Jozimar began attending the Institute of Art at New England College in 2019, and is currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in fine art. His primary focus is oil paintings, where he expresses his view of what is happening in society.
Learn more and check out Jozimar’s work online at www.jozimarmatimano.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jozimar_matimano.
On today’s episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Jozimar Matimano. Jozimar is an artist who was born in the East Democratic Republic of Congo. He moved to Uganda when he was ten, and then in 2016, he moved to Manchester, New Hampshire as a refugee through the International Institute of New England program.
He has been interested in drawing and illustration since childhood, but it wasn’t until more recently that he decided to pursue art and began taking lessons at the Currier Museum of Art. Jozimar began attending the Institute of Art at New England College in 2019, and is currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in fine art. His primary focus is oil paintings, where he expresses his view of what is happening in society.
Learn more and check out Jozimar’s work online at www.jozimarmatimano.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jozimar_matimano.
Dan and Samuel Habib
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS
In this special episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Dan and Samuel Habib, a father-son documentary filmmaking duo! This episode will focus on “My Disability Roadmap”, a new documentary film that follows Samuel, a college student with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as he seeks guidance from disability activists on everything from leaving home to dating. The full feature length release of “My Disability Roadmap” will be available in 2024.
To watch the short film, visit this link: https://likerightnowfilms.com/film/3356/My-Disability-Roadmap. You can also find “My Disability Roadmap” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mydisabilityroadmap/.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Exeter High School with support from the NH State Council on the Arts and the Racial Unity Team!
In this special episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Dan and Samuel Habib, a father-son documentary filmmaking duo! This episode will focus on “My Disability Roadmap”, a new documentary film that follows Samuel, a college student with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as he seeks guidance from disability activists on everything from leaving home to dating. The full feature length release of “My Disability Roadmap” will be available in 2024.
To watch the short film, visit this link: https://likerightnowfilms.com/film/3356/My-Disability-Roadmap. You can also find “My Disability Roadmap” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mydisabilityroadmap/.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Exeter High School with support from the NH State Council on the Arts and the Racial Unity Team!
Manuel “Phelany” Ramirez
MURALIST & CREATIVE NONPROFIT
In part two of Creative Guts’ interview with the team behind Positive Street Art, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Manuel “Phelany” Ramirez, lead artist and co-founder of Positive Street Art! You probably know Phelany for his murals — he’s had a lot of practice with a can of spray paint! We talk about spray paint as a medium (it’s hard!) and the stigma around “street art”. In this episode, we’ll also talk about murals (duh), including the biggest mural, the weirdest wall, and how Phelany went from Phelan Place Bronx, New York City to painting a moose in Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Find more about Phelany and his art online at www.phelany.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/phelany23.
Find Positive Street Art online at www.positivestreetart.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/positivestreetart, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/positivestreetart.
In part two of Creative Guts’ interview with the team behind Positive Street Art, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Manuel “Phelany” Ramirez, lead artist and co-founder of Positive Street Art! You probably know Phelany for his murals — he’s had a lot of practice with a can of spray paint! We talk about spray paint as a medium (it’s hard!) and the stigma around “street art”. In this episode, we’ll also talk about murals (duh), including the biggest mural, the weirdest wall, and how Phelany went from Phelan Place Bronx, New York City to painting a moose in Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Find more about Phelany and his art online at www.phelany.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/phelany23.
Find Positive Street Art online at www.positivestreetart.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/positivestreetart, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/positivestreetart.
Cecilia Ulibarri & Positive Street Art
ARTIST & CREATIVE NONPROFIT
In this two-part episode, Creative Guts’ co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman interview the team behind Positive Street Art! In part one, we talk with Cecilia Ulibarri, executive director, co-founder, and community leader! Positive Street Art was born out of a series of serendipitous events (including an amazing meet-cute) and Cecilia’s desire to make her children proud. Cecilia was an artist in search of community and she did more than find one — she made one.
In this episode, you’ll hear the entire story of how Positive Street Art came to be and how it has grown over the past 11 years! As a bonus, Cecilia is the first makeup artist featured on Creative Guts and we dig into that a bit, too.
Find Positive Street Art online at www.positivestreetart.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/positivestreetart, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/positivestreetart. If you want to check out Looks by Cecilia, you can find it on Instagram (www.instagram.com/looksbycecilia) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/looksbycecilia).
In this two-part episode, Creative Guts’ co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman interview the team behind Positive Street Art! In part one, we talk with Cecilia Ulibarri, executive director, co-founder, and community leader! Positive Street Art was born out of a series of serendipitous events (including an amazing meet-cute) and Cecilia’s desire to make her children proud. Cecilia was an artist in search of community and she did more than find one — she made one.
In this episode, you’ll hear the entire story of how Positive Street Art came to be and how it has grown over the past 11 years! As a bonus, Cecilia is the first makeup artist featured on Creative Guts and we dig into that a bit, too.
Find Positive Street Art online at www.positivestreetart.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/positivestreetart, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/positivestreetart. If you want to check out Looks by Cecilia, you can find it on Instagram (www.instagram.com/looksbycecilia) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/looksbycecilia).
Owen Simões
FURNITURE FLIPPER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Owen Simões. Based in Concord, NH, Owen is the flipper behind Squid Flip, which offers unique fine and found furnishings. At only 16 years old, Owen is among the youngest creatives to be interviewed on Creative Guts! In this episode, we’ll talk about what inspired Owen to start flipping furniture at only 10 years old, his experience on Good Morning America, and where the name Squid Flip came from! We’ll also spend a little time talking about Owen’s experience with interior design and what he’s thinking about for his future.
Check out Squid Flip online at www.squidflip.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SquidFlip, and Instagram at www.instagram.com/squidflip_nh/.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Owen Simões. Based in Concord, NH, Owen is the flipper behind Squid Flip, which offers unique fine and found furnishings. At only 16 years old, Owen is among the youngest creatives to be interviewed on Creative Guts! In this episode, we’ll talk about what inspired Owen to start flipping furniture at only 10 years old, his experience on Good Morning America, and where the name Squid Flip came from! We’ll also spend a little time talking about Owen’s experience with interior design and what he’s thinking about for his future.
Check out Squid Flip online at www.squidflip.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SquidFlip, and Instagram at www.instagram.com/squidflip_nh/.
Joey the Monk
FILMMAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with freelance filmmaker and photographer and young entrepreneur, Joey the Monk! Joey’s introduction to film was in high school where he took a film class and started creating skateboarding videos for YouTube. Along with his freelance projects, Joey is a video producer for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), and the story of how he started working there is fascinating. In this episode, we talk about the importance of self care, where Joey the Monk’s moniker comes from (hint: it’s right in the name), and Joey’s experience with imposter syndrome!
Find Joey the Monk online at www.joeythemonk.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/joeythemonkk.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with freelance filmmaker and photographer and young entrepreneur, Joey the Monk! Joey’s introduction to film was in high school where he took a film class and started creating skateboarding videos for YouTube. Along with his freelance projects, Joey is a video producer for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), and the story of how he started working there is fascinating. In this episode, we talk about the importance of self care, where Joey the Monk’s moniker comes from (hint: it’s right in the name), and Joey’s experience with imposter syndrome!
Find Joey the Monk online at www.joeythemonk.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/joeythemonkk.
Raisa Tolchinsky
POET
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Raisa Tolchinsky, also known as The Poem Doctor! This episode is a special one. Not only was it recorded in front of a live audience at Exeter High School, but Raisa opens this episode by reading several custom poems, which she wrote in response to prompts from the students at EHS! And, in lieu of rapid fire, this episode concludes with questions from the audience!
Raisa Tolchinsky, or The Poem Doctor, is the George Bennett Writer-in-Residence at Phillips Exeter Academy. She is a recipient of the Henfield Prize for Fiction and a 2x Pushcart Prize nominee. Raisa earned her M.F.A. in poetry from the University of Virginia and her B.A. from Bowdoin College. Raisa’s debut book “Glass Jaw” is forthcoming from Persea Books in 2024! In this episode, we talk about Raisa’s creative process, her advice for aspiring poets of all ages, and how she defines success.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Raisa Tolchinsky, also known as The Poem Doctor! This episode is a special one. Not only was it recorded in front of a live audience at Exeter High School, but Raisa opens this episode by reading several custom poems, which she wrote in response to prompts from the students at EHS! And, in lieu of rapid fire, this episode concludes with questions from the audience!
Raisa Tolchinsky, or The Poem Doctor, is the George Bennett Writer-in-Residence at Phillips Exeter Academy. She is a recipient of the Henfield Prize for Fiction and a 2x Pushcart Prize nominee. Raisa earned her M.F.A. in poetry from the University of Virginia and her B.A. from Bowdoin College. Raisa’s debut book “Glass Jaw” is forthcoming from Persea Books in 2024! In this episode, we talk about Raisa’s creative process, her advice for aspiring poets of all ages, and how she defines success.
Amber Nicole Cannan
ARTIST & TEACHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Amber Nicole Cannan, a biomedical artist who teaches science through art! Amber Nicole is the founder of Unchartered, which teaches educational concepts and life lessons using art. She studied biomedical art (a rare major), and in this episode we talk about what that means and how Amber Nicole’s career has evolved. We also explore the intersection of art, science, and disability and Amber Nicole’s local advocacy. We also talk about poop, kind of a lot.
Find Unchartered on the web at www.unchartered.org, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/uncharteredtutoring, and on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@uncharteredtutoring. Find Amber Nicole’s art on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bioscicreative.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Amber Nicole Cannan, a biomedical artist who teaches science through art! Amber Nicole is the founder of Unchartered, which teaches educational concepts and life lessons using art. She studied biomedical art (a rare major), and in this episode we talk about what that means and how Amber Nicole’s career has evolved. We also explore the intersection of art, science, and disability and Amber Nicole’s local advocacy. We also talk about poop, kind of a lot.
Find Unchartered on the web at www.unchartered.org, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/uncharteredtutoring, and on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@uncharteredtutoring. Find Amber Nicole’s art on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bioscicreative.
Justice Eats Trees
ARTIST & MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Justice McDaniel, better known as Justice Eats Trees, a self-described artist, musician, and enthusiastic weirdo. Justice is a general maker of things and doer of too much stuff! Justice was raised by a musician and has been drawing since he could hold stuff, so you can say he’s been a creator for a long time. Justice tells us a bit about his time spent as a touring musician, his desire to create art that is accessible, and encourages people to engage with art. His ideas come from weird, bad days, and his paintings tend to start in the woods. And, if you’re wondering about the name, Justice Eats Trees, tune in to find out!
Find Justice McDaniel on Instagram — his handle is JusticeEatsTrees and follow the LinkTree rabbit hole from there. You can listen to Justice’s music on Bandcamp at https://justiceeatstrees.bandcamp.com/.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Justice McDaniel, better known as Justice Eats Trees, a self-described artist, musician, and enthusiastic weirdo. Justice is a general maker of things and doer of too much stuff! Justice was raised by a musician and has been drawing since he could hold stuff, so you can say he’s been a creator for a long time. Justice tells us a bit about his time spent as a touring musician, his desire to create art that is accessible, and encourages people to engage with art. His ideas come from weird, bad days, and his paintings tend to start in the woods. And, if you’re wondering about the name, Justice Eats Trees, tune in to find out!
Find Justice McDaniel on Instagram — his handle is JusticeEatsTrees and follow the LinkTree rabbit hole from there. You can listen to Justice’s music on Bandcamp at https://justiceeatstrees.bandcamp.com/.
Rick Fox
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with painter Rick Fox. Rick is an oil painter who primarily paints plein air landscapes and human heads (thanks to some help from the mirror) in a style he describes as simplified expressionist realism. Notably, Rick is the winner of the 2022 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant — a grant he applied for seven times — which has given him the chance to create with more freedom than ever. In this episode, we talk with Rick about what he learned through the grant writing process and what advice he would have for future contenders, his experiences teaching painting and drawing, and how his work and his relationship to his work are always changing.
Check out Rick Fox’s work on his website at www.rickfoxpaintings.com and follow Rick on Instagram at www.instagram.com/rickfoxpaintings.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with painter Rick Fox. Rick is an oil painter who primarily paints plein air landscapes and human heads (thanks to some help from the mirror) in a style he describes as simplified expressionist realism. Notably, Rick is the winner of the 2022 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant — a grant he applied for seven times — which has given him the chance to create with more freedom than ever. In this episode, we talk with Rick about what he learned through the grant writing process and what advice he would have for future contenders, his experiences teaching painting and drawing, and how his work and his relationship to his work are always changing.
Check out Rick Fox’s work on his website at www.rickfoxpaintings.com and follow Rick on Instagram at www.instagram.com/rickfoxpaintings.
Jess of All Trades
ARTIST & PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with
Jess Furtado, of Jess of All Trades, a multidisciplinary artist who works in photography, paint, collage, and creative writing. Less than a year ago, Jess took a leap of faith and quit her full-time job to spend more time on her art, and moved into a studio at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery. In this episode, we talk about how she strikes a balance between her client-facing work and her own art. We’ll talk about what inspires Jess, which includes everything from music, movies, pop culture, and more; how the coronavirus pandemic pushed her art forward; and how her parents nurtured her creativity growing up.
Check out Jess’s work and learn more at www.jessoat.com. Find Jess Of All Trades on Instagram and Facebook at www.instagram.com/jessoatart and www.facebook.com/jessoatart.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with
Jess Furtado, of Jess of All Trades, a multidisciplinary artist who works in photography, paint, collage, and creative writing. Less than a year ago, Jess took a leap of faith and quit her full-time job to spend more time on her art, and moved into a studio at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery. In this episode, we talk about how she strikes a balance between her client-facing work and her own art. We’ll talk about what inspires Jess, which includes everything from music, movies, pop culture, and more; how the coronavirus pandemic pushed her art forward; and how her parents nurtured her creativity growing up.
Check out Jess’s work and learn more at www.jessoat.com. Find Jess Of All Trades on Instagram and Facebook at www.instagram.com/jessoatart and www.facebook.com/jessoatart.
Rebecca Rule
WRITER & HOST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with storyteller and author, Rebecca (Becky) Rule! This episode is an incredibly special one because it is the first that Creative Guts has recorded in front of a live audience! Creative Guts interviewed Becky in front of the students and teachers at Exeter High School.
Rebecca Rule has published 14 books — some for children, others for adults, and many set right here in New Hampshire! Becky writes a column for New Hampshire Magazine, she hosted the NH Authors Series for ten years on NH PBS, and is still the host of Our Hometown.
Becky likes to make people laugh — and we think she’s great at it. In this episode, we talk about the magic of finding the right words and how it all started when she accidentally spelled “pop” with Scrabble tiles. You’ll also hear Becky’s thoughts on learning to be brave, trusting your voice, writing badly, and more.
Learn more about Rebecca Rule at www.rebeccarule.com. Check out Our Hometown on NH PBS at www.nhpbs.org/hometown.
A special thank you to Exeter High School, Exeter’s Racial Unity Team, and the NH State Council on the Arts for making Creative Guts’ first ever live episode possible!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with storyteller and author, Rebecca (Becky) Rule! This episode is an incredibly special one because it is the first that Creative Guts has recorded in front of a live audience! Creative Guts interviewed Becky in front of the students and teachers at Exeter High School.
Rebecca Rule has published 14 books — some for children, others for adults, and many set right here in New Hampshire! Becky writes a column for New Hampshire Magazine, she hosted the NH Authors Series for ten years on NH PBS, and is still the host of Our Hometown.
Becky likes to make people laugh — and we think she’s great at it. In this episode, we talk about the magic of finding the right words and how it all started when she accidentally spelled “pop” with Scrabble tiles. You’ll also hear Becky’s thoughts on learning to be brave, trusting your voice, writing badly, and more.
Learn more about Rebecca Rule at www.rebeccarule.com. Check out Our Hometown on NH PBS at www.nhpbs.org/hometown.
A special thank you to Exeter High School, Exeter’s Racial Unity Team, and the NH State Council on the Arts for making Creative Guts’ first ever live episode possible!
2022
BLKSHE
ARTIST & CURATOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with M of BLKSHE. M is an artist and curator (among other things), largely painting in acrylic. Her subject matter has evolved over time, but her goal with her abstracts is to tell a story of the moment she is creating. M has always been creative, but didn’t start to take her art seriously until she was in college. In this episode, you’ll hear about Orientation: The Voice of the Youth, a public art exhibition M is very excited about! We’ll also talk about ART NABE, a pop up arts market featuring underrepresented artists and inspiring the next generation of artists. M shares how she is bringing lessons from elsewhere back to New Hampshire and how she is trying to step out of perfection, giving her best, and redefining BLKSHE.
Learn more about BLKSHE online at www.blkshe.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/byblkshe. Learn more about ART NABE online at www.blkshe.com/ARTNABE and follow ART NABE on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ARTNABE.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with M of BLKSHE. M is an artist and curator (among other things), largely painting in acrylic. Her subject matter has evolved over time, but her goal with her abstracts is to tell a story of the moment she is creating. M has always been creative, but didn’t start to take her art seriously until she was in college. In this episode, you’ll hear about Orientation: The Voice of the Youth, a public art exhibition M is very excited about! We’ll also talk about ART NABE, a pop up arts market featuring underrepresented artists and inspiring the next generation of artists. M shares how she is bringing lessons from elsewhere back to New Hampshire and how she is trying to step out of perfection, giving her best, and redefining BLKSHE.
Learn more about BLKSHE online at www.blkshe.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/byblkshe. Learn more about ART NABE online at www.blkshe.com/ARTNABE and follow ART NABE on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ARTNABE.
Caitlin Little
ARTIST & CULTURE CURATOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Caitlin Little. A multi-modal artist, curator, and culture cultivator, Caitlin is relatively new to New Hampshire but she is making her mark! Last year, Caitlin moved to New Hampshire from Omaha, Nebraska — an eventful journey — to work at Arts in Reach! Caitlin is a storyteller with a passion for bringing new people to the microphone. In this episode, Caitlin compares the art scene here with the art scene back home in Nebraska and how the scenery may play a role; she tells us about “good gang” and her love of volunteering; and how her feelings on zines have taken a 180 degree turn.
Learn more about Caitlin on her website www.cool-intentions.com. Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imcaitlinlittle and check out her zines at www.instagram.com/_.littlebooks._.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Caitlin Little. A multi-modal artist, curator, and culture cultivator, Caitlin is relatively new to New Hampshire but she is making her mark! Last year, Caitlin moved to New Hampshire from Omaha, Nebraska — an eventful journey — to work at Arts in Reach! Caitlin is a storyteller with a passion for bringing new people to the microphone. In this episode, Caitlin compares the art scene here with the art scene back home in Nebraska and how the scenery may play a role; she tells us about “good gang” and her love of volunteering; and how her feelings on zines have taken a 180 degree turn.
Learn more about Caitlin on her website www.cool-intentions.com. Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imcaitlinlittle and check out her zines at www.instagram.com/_.littlebooks._.
Clandestine
BAND
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with two members of the band Clandestine, Chris Salemme and Andrew Emanuel. Clandestine is a New Hampshire based jazz band that formed in 2018, whose four members met through the music program at the University of New Hampshire. Along with being in Clandestine, both Chris and Andrew work on individual music projects as well.
Through this interview, you’ll learn about how Clandestine chooses the songs they play, the pitfalls of the music industry, and even how jazz gets a bad rep and what Clandestine is doing to change that perception with their music. The two musicians discuss what it’s like booking shows as an instrumental band, Andrew reveals the reason why he sometimes played shows shirtless, and Chris shares the origin story of the band.
Check out Clandestine on Instagram at www.instagram.com/clandestinefunk/. Find Chris Salemme’s music at www.instagram.com/chrissalemmemusic/ and https://soundcloud.com/christopher-salemme, and find Andrew Emanuel’s music at www.instagram.com/adventureandysm/
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with two members of the band Clandestine, Chris Salemme and Andrew Emanuel. Clandestine is a New Hampshire based jazz band that formed in 2018, whose four members met through the music program at the University of New Hampshire. Along with being in Clandestine, both Chris and Andrew work on individual music projects as well.
Through this interview, you’ll learn about how Clandestine chooses the songs they play, the pitfalls of the music industry, and even how jazz gets a bad rep and what Clandestine is doing to change that perception with their music. The two musicians discuss what it’s like booking shows as an instrumental band, Andrew reveals the reason why he sometimes played shows shirtless, and Chris shares the origin story of the band.
Check out Clandestine on Instagram at www.instagram.com/clandestinefunk/. Find Chris Salemme’s music at www.instagram.com/chrissalemmemusic/ and https://soundcloud.com/christopher-salemme, and find Andrew Emanuel’s music at www.instagram.com/adventureandysm/
Lindsay Hall
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Lindsay Hall. Originally from Massachusetts, Lindsay received a BA in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2018 before returning to New England. A multidisciplinary artist, Lindsay loves to explore new mediums and ideas, but is drawn to themes of earth, plants, animals, and people. But not aliens. Yet. In this episode, we play a high stakes game of (expletive), marry, kill while managing to also dig deep into the guts and explore how Lindsay’s definition of success continues to evolve with time.
Go find Lindsay on the internet! Her website is www.lindsayhallart.com and you can find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lindsayhall_art.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Lindsay Hall. Originally from Massachusetts, Lindsay received a BA in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2018 before returning to New England. A multidisciplinary artist, Lindsay loves to explore new mediums and ideas, but is drawn to themes of earth, plants, animals, and people. But not aliens. Yet. In this episode, we play a high stakes game of (expletive), marry, kill while managing to also dig deep into the guts and explore how Lindsay’s definition of success continues to evolve with time.
Go find Lindsay on the internet! Her website is www.lindsayhallart.com and you can find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lindsayhall_art.
Oscar Villacis
RADIO HOST & CREATIVE DIR.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Oscar Villacis, the Executive Creative Director of First Gen Multimedia! Oscar is the host of three First Gen Multimedia radio shows: First Gen American, Asking for a Friend, and Latinos en Vivo (a show hosted completely in Spanish — the only one in New Hampshire).
In this episode, you’ll hear the absurd and beautiful origin story behind First Gen Multimedia. We also discuss mental health issues new Americans face that we don’t talk about enough, why Oscar doesn’t identify as the founder of an organization, and how he uses oral tradition to share the stories of first generation Americans to not only spread awareness and build community, but also to inspire the next generation. In this interview we laugh, we cry (literally), and get incredibly inspired.
Learn more about First Gen Multimedia online at https://fgmshows.com/. First Gen American is on Instagram (www.instagram.com/first.gen.american) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/watch/firstgenamerican) and you can catch up with past episodes of Asking for a Friend on Facebook, too (www.facebook.com/AskingforafriendwithOscarVillacis).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Oscar Villacis, the Executive Creative Director of First Gen Multimedia! Oscar is the host of three First Gen Multimedia radio shows: First Gen American, Asking for a Friend, and Latinos en Vivo (a show hosted completely in Spanish — the only one in New Hampshire).
In this episode, you’ll hear the absurd and beautiful origin story behind First Gen Multimedia. We also discuss mental health issues new Americans face that we don’t talk about enough, why Oscar doesn’t identify as the founder of an organization, and how he uses oral tradition to share the stories of first generation Americans to not only spread awareness and build community, but also to inspire the next generation. In this interview we laugh, we cry (literally), and get incredibly inspired.
Learn more about First Gen Multimedia online at https://fgmshows.com/. First Gen American is on Instagram (www.instagram.com/first.gen.american) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/watch/firstgenamerican) and you can catch up with past episodes of Asking for a Friend on Facebook, too (www.facebook.com/AskingforafriendwithOscarVillacis).
Morgan Little
MUSICIAN, ARTIST, YOUTUBER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Morgan Little. A songwriter, YouTuber, chef, visual artist, musician, Morgan has many talents. He’s also the brother of a past Creative Guts’ guest, Zac Little! In today’s episode, we’re jumping into the deep end to talk about how Morgan defines success, how a battle with a mysterious illness changed the course of his life, and what kept Morgan busy during the early days of the pandemic.
Hear Morgan tell us about his series on YouTube called “Tuesdays with Morgan”, how the internet allowed him to put his music into the world, and the trajectory of his career from chef to (aspiring) history teacher. In this episode Sarah cries, we play a snippet from Relative Isolation’s song “King Sham”, and we talk about Hamilton and other sources of inspiration.
Find Morgan on Instagram and TikTok where his handle is @themildrevolution, binge “Tuesdays with Morgan” on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/themildrevolution, and find The Mild Revolution and Relative Isolation on Spotify and wherever else you listen to music!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Morgan Little. A songwriter, YouTuber, chef, visual artist, musician, Morgan has many talents. He’s also the brother of a past Creative Guts’ guest, Zac Little! In today’s episode, we’re jumping into the deep end to talk about how Morgan defines success, how a battle with a mysterious illness changed the course of his life, and what kept Morgan busy during the early days of the pandemic.
Hear Morgan tell us about his series on YouTube called “Tuesdays with Morgan”, how the internet allowed him to put his music into the world, and the trajectory of his career from chef to (aspiring) history teacher. In this episode Sarah cries, we play a snippet from Relative Isolation’s song “King Sham”, and we talk about Hamilton and other sources of inspiration.
Find Morgan on Instagram and TikTok where his handle is @themildrevolution, binge “Tuesdays with Morgan” on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/themildrevolution, and find The Mild Revolution and Relative Isolation on Spotify and wherever else you listen to music!
Terry John
MUSICIAN & PRODUCER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk, for the second time, with Terry John (the artist formerly known as Terry Robinson). Last time Terry was on the podcast (episode 22, back in 2019), we chatted about his streetwear brand House of Testament and his work as a fashion designer. In this episode, we’re talking with Terry about his music and his life in Chicago as a student at the Art Institute. Along with his creative partner, Memory, and his alter ego, Genesis, Terry writes, produces, and arranges music he is calling neo gothic trap. Monolith is about Terry’s relationship with God (whom he refers to as the ultimate artist). In this episode, we talk about politics, the pandemic, and then we get way off track and talk about barbers, therapists, and more.
Find Terry’s music wherever you listen to music or start here: https://unitedmasters.com/m/monolith. Follow Terry on Instagram, where his handle is @_terryjohn.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk, for the second time, with Terry John (the artist formerly known as Terry Robinson). Last time Terry was on the podcast (episode 22, back in 2019), we chatted about his streetwear brand House of Testament and his work as a fashion designer. In this episode, we’re talking with Terry about his music and his life in Chicago as a student at the Art Institute. Along with his creative partner, Memory, and his alter ego, Genesis, Terry writes, produces, and arranges music he is calling neo gothic trap. Monolith is about Terry’s relationship with God (whom he refers to as the ultimate artist). In this episode, we talk about politics, the pandemic, and then we get way off track and talk about barbers, therapists, and more.
Find Terry’s music wherever you listen to music or start here: https://unitedmasters.com/m/monolith. Follow Terry on Instagram, where his handle is @_terryjohn.
Helen Leavitt
BREWER & HERBALIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Helen Leavitt, owner of Auspicious Brew, the first licensed kombucha brewery in New Hampshire! Behind Helen’s drive to open Auspicious Brew was an interest in local food systems and herbalism. She expresses her creativity by experimenting with different flowers, recipes, and ingredients. Auspicious Brew offers a combination of tried and true flavors — important for distribution — and experimental, limited-run flavors. In this episode, you’ll hear the story behind the name, the flavors, and the future of the cozy, welcoming space. Of course, we also give plenty of kudos to Laura who happened to have designed the logo and the labels!
If you’re local to the New Hampshire seacoast, you can visit the tasting room in downtown Dover. The kombucha at Auspicious Brew is made by local people using local ingredients. If there is one word to describe Auspicious Brew, it’s local.
Find Auspicious Brew on the web at www.auspiciousbrew.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
www.facebook.com/auspicious.brew
www.instagram.com/auspicious.brew
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Helen Leavitt, owner of Auspicious Brew, the first licensed kombucha brewery in New Hampshire! Behind Helen’s drive to open Auspicious Brew was an interest in local food systems and herbalism. She expresses her creativity by experimenting with different flowers, recipes, and ingredients. Auspicious Brew offers a combination of tried and true flavors — important for distribution — and experimental, limited-run flavors. In this episode, you’ll hear the story behind the name, the flavors, and the future of the cozy, welcoming space. Of course, we also give plenty of kudos to Laura who happened to have designed the logo and the labels!
If you’re local to the New Hampshire seacoast, you can visit the tasting room in downtown Dover. The kombucha at Auspicious Brew is made by local people using local ingredients. If there is one word to describe Auspicious Brew, it’s local.
Find Auspicious Brew on the web at www.auspiciousbrew.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
www.facebook.com/auspicious.brew
www.instagram.com/auspicious.brew
Max Pham
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Max Pham of Made by Max Designs! Max is an interdisciplinary artist who does a little bit of a lot of things from illustrating to sewing and more. His work is whimsical and nerdy with a little science, a touch of politics, and plenty of robots! Originally from Mississippi, Max moved to New Hampshire during the pandemic and managed to find community at the Manchester Craft Market.
On today’s episode, Sarah learns that meeples is a real word that other people know (thanks, Max) and we discover Funguary, an art challenge that celebrates mushrooms! We talk about how to balance making art for fun while monetizing art and working a full-time job. Check out Max’s work on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MadeByMaxDesigns and Instagram at www.instagram.com/MadeByMaxDesigns. Shop Made by Max Designs on Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/MadeByMaxDesigns and become a patron on Patreon www.patreon.com/MadeByMaxDesigns.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Max Pham of Made by Max Designs! Max is an interdisciplinary artist who does a little bit of a lot of things from illustrating to sewing and more. His work is whimsical and nerdy with a little science, a touch of politics, and plenty of robots! Originally from Mississippi, Max moved to New Hampshire during the pandemic and managed to find community at the Manchester Craft Market.
On today’s episode, Sarah learns that meeples is a real word that other people know (thanks, Max) and we discover Funguary, an art challenge that celebrates mushrooms! We talk about how to balance making art for fun while monetizing art and working a full-time job. Check out Max’s work on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MadeByMaxDesigns and Instagram at www.instagram.com/MadeByMaxDesigns. Shop Made by Max Designs on Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/MadeByMaxDesigns and become a patron on Patreon www.patreon.com/MadeByMaxDesigns.
Kate Knox
PRINTMAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with printmaker and recent recipient of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s 2021 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, Kate Knox. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, Kate can now chase dilapidated buildings and experiment with woodblock printing and encaustic beeswax in her formerly-dilapidated-barn-now-art-studio full-time (every artist’s dream).
In this episode, we talk about the magic of making (a.k.a. slogging through the time-consuming process of creating), the challenges of carving on wood vs. a more forgiving material, like linoleum, and Kate’s secret life as a writer. Kate gives us the inside scoop on applying for the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, so if you’re interested in pursuing the grant in the future, tune in!
Take a peek at Kate’s work on her website www.kate-knox.com and give Kate a follow on Instagram at www.instagram.com/katemcgirlver. Find out more about the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant here: hwww.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with printmaker and recent recipient of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s 2021 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, Kate Knox. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, Kate can now chase dilapidated buildings and experiment with woodblock printing and encaustic beeswax in her formerly-dilapidated-barn-now-art-studio full-time (every artist’s dream).
In this episode, we talk about the magic of making (a.k.a. slogging through the time-consuming process of creating), the challenges of carving on wood vs. a more forgiving material, like linoleum, and Kate’s secret life as a writer. Kate gives us the inside scoop on applying for the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, so if you’re interested in pursuing the grant in the future, tune in!
Take a peek at Kate’s work on her website www.kate-knox.com and give Kate a follow on Instagram at www.instagram.com/katemcgirlver. Find out more about the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant here: hwww.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program.
Kevin Foxe
FILM MAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Kevin Foxe. An interdisciplinary creative, Kevin has dabbled in a bit of everything, although his claim to fame is probably producing The Blair Witch Project! We talk with Kevin about being part of the film that got found footage filmmaking on the map, as well as explore the various other media in which Kevin is playing!
Having grown up surrounded by art and creativity, Kevin credits his family for supporting and encouraging him to embrace his creative side. He’s done a bit with metal sculpting, photographing, virtual reality, and, of course, film. Kevin is currently building a digital multi-platform metaverse project called Enter the Mandala.
You can find more about Kevin by scrolling his IMDB profile at www.imdb.com/name/nm0289320. Learn more about Enter the Mandala at www.enterthemandala.io. You can even find Kevin on Wikipedia — possibly a Creative Guts first!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Kevin Foxe. An interdisciplinary creative, Kevin has dabbled in a bit of everything, although his claim to fame is probably producing The Blair Witch Project! We talk with Kevin about being part of the film that got found footage filmmaking on the map, as well as explore the various other media in which Kevin is playing!
Having grown up surrounded by art and creativity, Kevin credits his family for supporting and encouraging him to embrace his creative side. He’s done a bit with metal sculpting, photographing, virtual reality, and, of course, film. Kevin is currently building a digital multi-platform metaverse project called Enter the Mandala.
You can find more about Kevin by scrolling his IMDB profile at www.imdb.com/name/nm0289320. Learn more about Enter the Mandala at www.enterthemandala.io. You can even find Kevin on Wikipedia — possibly a Creative Guts first!
Gemma Soldati
PERFORMING ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with performing artist, teacher, and clown Gemma Soldati! Born in Somersworth, Gemma has recently returned to the Granite State and she brought with her incredible talent, drive, and a great sense of humor. Gemma is a literal clown, but it’s probably not what you’re picturing. Her clown-inspired work is developed in front of live audiences as she explores the themes of grief, ritual, sleep, dreams, and more.
Don’t be fooled — Gemma is fueled by nerves. She finds it helps to remember that the audience loves her — that’s why they’re there! Gemma loves to win over a tough audience member and communicate tough concepts we don’t talk about. This episode is full of brilliant, funny, and inspiring gems. And it all started when her mom hired a comedian for a party at their Somersworth home back in the day.
Tune in to hear about “The Adventures of Sleepyhead”, which was developed at the NH Theatre Project and is now a short video series on NH PBS! Learn more about Gemma at www.gemmasoldati.com; follow Sleepyhead on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sleepyheadshow; and go check out the series at https://nhpbs.org/sleepyhead/.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with performing artist, teacher, and clown Gemma Soldati! Born in Somersworth, Gemma has recently returned to the Granite State and she brought with her incredible talent, drive, and a great sense of humor. Gemma is a literal clown, but it’s probably not what you’re picturing. Her clown-inspired work is developed in front of live audiences as she explores the themes of grief, ritual, sleep, dreams, and more.
Don’t be fooled — Gemma is fueled by nerves. She finds it helps to remember that the audience loves her — that’s why they’re there! Gemma loves to win over a tough audience member and communicate tough concepts we don’t talk about. This episode is full of brilliant, funny, and inspiring gems. And it all started when her mom hired a comedian for a party at their Somersworth home back in the day.
Tune in to hear about “The Adventures of Sleepyhead”, which was developed at the NH Theatre Project and is now a short video series on NH PBS! Learn more about Gemma at www.gemmasoldati.com; follow Sleepyhead on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sleepyheadshow; and go check out the series at https://nhpbs.org/sleepyhead/.
Lindsy Marshall
GLASS ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Lindsy Marshall. Lindsy’s work explores glass as a medium and her sculptures, memoriam vials, and jewelry relate to her personal connection to nature. Perhaps, in part, because she’s a pyro, Lindsy fell in love with the medium of glass blowing! Her work aims to strike a balance between man-made and natural, incorporating dried flowers, leaves, bugs, and bones into her work!
In this episode, we cover the gamut from imposter syndrome, to the art of photographing art, pricing, social media, dealing with rejection, and more. Lindsy shares with us the science and art of glass blowing, how her work has evolved, and how her inspiration fluctuates over time.
Check out Lindsy’s work and keep tabs on her show “Deglassification” with the Brookline Art Center online at www.lindsymarshallart.com and www.instagram.com/lindsymarshallglass.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Lindsy Marshall. Lindsy’s work explores glass as a medium and her sculptures, memoriam vials, and jewelry relate to her personal connection to nature. Perhaps, in part, because she’s a pyro, Lindsy fell in love with the medium of glass blowing! Her work aims to strike a balance between man-made and natural, incorporating dried flowers, leaves, bugs, and bones into her work!
In this episode, we cover the gamut from imposter syndrome, to the art of photographing art, pricing, social media, dealing with rejection, and more. Lindsy shares with us the science and art of glass blowing, how her work has evolved, and how her inspiration fluctuates over time.
Check out Lindsy’s work and keep tabs on her show “Deglassification” with the Brookline Art Center online at www.lindsymarshallart.com and www.instagram.com/lindsymarshallglass.
Kelly Stück
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Kelly Stück of Stück in the Studio! Kelly creates hand-drawn pet portraits in pen and colored pencil that will amaze you. We find out why animals are easier to capture than humans for Kelly, as well as the process of her pet portraits, which includes learning a pet’s personality in order to capture their essence properly.
In this episode, you’ll hear what pets are the most challenging, what’s the most unusual pet she’s been asked to draw, and how she wants to mix it up in the future with different textures like scales and horns! Kelly shares her journey as an artist, the challenges of pricing, and dealing with imposter syndrome when teaching.
Check out Kelly’s work at www.stuckinthestudio.com, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/stuckinthestudio, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stuckinthestudio.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Kelly Stück of Stück in the Studio! Kelly creates hand-drawn pet portraits in pen and colored pencil that will amaze you. We find out why animals are easier to capture than humans for Kelly, as well as the process of her pet portraits, which includes learning a pet’s personality in order to capture their essence properly.
In this episode, you’ll hear what pets are the most challenging, what’s the most unusual pet she’s been asked to draw, and how she wants to mix it up in the future with different textures like scales and horns! Kelly shares her journey as an artist, the challenges of pricing, and dealing with imposter syndrome when teaching.
Check out Kelly’s work at www.stuckinthestudio.com, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/stuckinthestudio, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stuckinthestudio.
Lara Bricker
WRITER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with writer, former private investigator, podcaster, and certified cat detective, Lara Bricker! If you’re local, you might already know Lara’s name from the Exeter Life column she writes for Seacoast Media Group (she’s written about Art Up Front Street several times), but Lara is the author of the Piper Green Exeter mystery series and one of four hosts of the Crime Writers On podcast!
According to reviews for her latest book, “Dead on a Deadline”, Lara knows where all the bodies are buried in Exeter (and we believe it). In this episode, we cover local lore — tunnels, caves, aliens, you name it; Lara’s process as her books take shape; and cats, of course. There is a lot of talk about cats.
Learn more about Lara at www.larabricker.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/larabrickerauthor and Instagram at www.instagram.com/larabricker. Discover the Crime Writers On podcast at www.crimewriterson.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Special shout out to the famous cat, Frankie, and, as promised, here’s the Where’s Frankie? Facebook group: www.facebook.com/wheresfrankie
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with writer, former private investigator, podcaster, and certified cat detective, Lara Bricker! If you’re local, you might already know Lara’s name from the Exeter Life column she writes for Seacoast Media Group (she’s written about Art Up Front Street several times), but Lara is the author of the Piper Green Exeter mystery series and one of four hosts of the Crime Writers On podcast!
According to reviews for her latest book, “Dead on a Deadline”, Lara knows where all the bodies are buried in Exeter (and we believe it). In this episode, we cover local lore — tunnels, caves, aliens, you name it; Lara’s process as her books take shape; and cats, of course. There is a lot of talk about cats.
Learn more about Lara at www.larabricker.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/larabrickerauthor and Instagram at www.instagram.com/larabricker. Discover the Crime Writers On podcast at www.crimewriterson.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Special shout out to the famous cat, Frankie, and, as promised, here’s the Where’s Frankie? Facebook group: www.facebook.com/wheresfrankie
Eric Katzman
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Eric Katzman! If you’ve seen Eric’s art, you know it is abstract with a lot of color. The process of creating is meditative for Eric — he’s responding to what he sees in the moment and processing his life experiences. Originally from Kansas, Eric comes from a creative family and recalls spending time as a kid in a printmaking studio! Having taken a windy path through his careers as an artist and a dentist, Eric and his wife, Julie, opened Katzman Contemporary Projects in Dover, NH with the goal of lifting up New England artists.
Check out Eric’s work at www.erickatzman.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/emkatzman. Check out Katzman Contemporary Projects at www.katzmancontemporaryprojects.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/katzman_contemporary. Catch Eric and Katzman Contemporary on NH Chronicle at www.wmur.com/article/nh-chronicle-from-toothbrush-to-paintbrush/38983068.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Eric Katzman! If you’ve seen Eric’s art, you know it is abstract with a lot of color. The process of creating is meditative for Eric — he’s responding to what he sees in the moment and processing his life experiences. Originally from Kansas, Eric comes from a creative family and recalls spending time as a kid in a printmaking studio! Having taken a windy path through his careers as an artist and a dentist, Eric and his wife, Julie, opened Katzman Contemporary Projects in Dover, NH with the goal of lifting up New England artists.
Check out Eric’s work at www.erickatzman.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/emkatzman. Check out Katzman Contemporary Projects at www.katzmancontemporaryprojects.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/katzman_contemporary. Catch Eric and Katzman Contemporary on NH Chronicle at www.wmur.com/article/nh-chronicle-from-toothbrush-to-paintbrush/38983068.
Jennifer Moore
FASHION
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Jennifer Moore, a.ka. JAM, the sustainable fashion hero behind Recover Girl and the founder of PortSwap and Project Upcycle!
Jennifer has always had an appreciation for authentic things made well and values fashion for what we communicate to the world through our clothing.
Despite the incredible upcycling JAM shares on her blog and on social media, she describes herself as a “hack” with a sewing machine. Jennifer has had the opportunity to teach and has found she’s learned a lot about how clothes are constructed by teaching and watching her students take clothes apart.
www.facebook.com/recovergirl360
www.recovergirl.wordpress.com
www.instagram.com/recovergirl360
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Jennifer Moore, a.ka. JAM, the sustainable fashion hero behind Recover Girl and the founder of PortSwap and Project Upcycle!
Jennifer has always had an appreciation for authentic things made well and values fashion for what we communicate to the world through our clothing.
Despite the incredible upcycling JAM shares on her blog and on social media, she describes herself as a “hack” with a sewing machine. Jennifer has had the opportunity to teach and has found she’s learned a lot about how clothes are constructed by teaching and watching her students take clothes apart.
www.facebook.com/recovergirl360
www.recovergirl.wordpress.com
www.instagram.com/recovergirl360
Mike Howat
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with visual artist Mike Howat! Mike is primarily a painter, exploring the themes of urbanization, Americana, and collective memory. Like Creative Guts, Mike is passionate about growing the art scene in New England. He dabbles in curating and works with the Kimball Jenkins School of Art, where he teaches classes and workshops, and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, where he is a member of the advisory committee. A Concord resident, Mike regularly exhibits at Kelley Stelling Contemporary and Mill Brook Gallery.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Mike why he gravitates toward the colors he chooses and what he’s exploring next. Mike shares the challenges and triumphs of curating art shows and why it is important to provide exhibition opportunities to emerging artists, building a more vibrant and diverse creative community!
Check out Mike’s work online at www.mikehowat.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mike_howat.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with visual artist Mike Howat! Mike is primarily a painter, exploring the themes of urbanization, Americana, and collective memory. Like Creative Guts, Mike is passionate about growing the art scene in New England. He dabbles in curating and works with the Kimball Jenkins School of Art, where he teaches classes and workshops, and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, where he is a member of the advisory committee. A Concord resident, Mike regularly exhibits at Kelley Stelling Contemporary and Mill Brook Gallery.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Mike why he gravitates toward the colors he chooses and what he’s exploring next. Mike shares the challenges and triumphs of curating art shows and why it is important to provide exhibition opportunities to emerging artists, building a more vibrant and diverse creative community!
Check out Mike’s work online at www.mikehowat.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mike_howat.
Allie of Loam
POTTER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Allie Claire of Loam. Based in Concord, NH, Allie spends her evenings crafting the most beautiful pieces of pottery. A long time artist, Allie has experience as a muralist, metalsmith, and photographer (her photography skills show when you scroll her Instagram). In this episode, you’ll hear where Allie finds inspiration, the meaning behind her business name “Loam”, and her favorite pieces to make!
Check out Loam at www.iamloam.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iam.loam.
A special shout out to Allie’s studiomate, Sarah Toles — @daisyjackstudios on Instagram.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Allie Claire of Loam. Based in Concord, NH, Allie spends her evenings crafting the most beautiful pieces of pottery. A long time artist, Allie has experience as a muralist, metalsmith, and photographer (her photography skills show when you scroll her Instagram). In this episode, you’ll hear where Allie finds inspiration, the meaning behind her business name “Loam”, and her favorite pieces to make!
Check out Loam at www.iamloam.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iam.loam.
A special shout out to Allie’s studiomate, Sarah Toles — @daisyjackstudios on Instagram.
Amy Regan
MUSEUM FOUNDER
Creative Guts presents episode no. 100!
In addition to being Creative Guts’ 100th episode, it also happens to be our guest’s birthday!
In this extra special episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Amy Regan, co-founder of the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH (and longtime friend and fan of Creative Guts)! The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, which recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary, is an all-volunteer, community art initiative dedicated to making art accessible to everyone. In the decade since the museum’s founding, Amy (and co-founder and star of episode 17, Matt Wyatt) have shown around 700 artists!
In this episode of Creative Guts, we talk with Amy about how she deals with burnout, how she and Matt manage the museum’s workload, and how the museum has grown and changed over the past ten years. Amy offers up her advice for greener artists interested in exhibiting their work, talks about how the pandemic affected the museum, and, yes, in case you are wondering, some of Amy’s confidence does come from her amazing collection of blazers!
Creative Guts presents episode no. 100!
In addition to being Creative Guts’ 100th episode, it also happens to be our guest’s birthday!
In this extra special episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Amy Regan, co-founder of the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH (and longtime friend and fan of Creative Guts)! The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, which recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary, is an all-volunteer, community art initiative dedicated to making art accessible to everyone. In the decade since the museum’s founding, Amy (and co-founder and star of episode 17, Matt Wyatt) have shown around 700 artists!
In this episode of Creative Guts, we talk with Amy about how she deals with burnout, how she and Matt manage the museum’s workload, and how the museum has grown and changed over the past ten years. Amy offers up her advice for greener artists interested in exhibiting their work, talks about how the pandemic affected the museum, and, yes, in case you are wondering, some of Amy’s confidence does come from her amazing collection of blazers!
2021
Heather Hernon
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Heather Hernon! Influenced heavily by her dad, an artist himself, Heather knew she wanted to be an artist early on. While she studied graphic design in college, she spent much of her career working in fashion design in New York City! Originally from New Hampshire, Heather returned to the Granite State because of the pandemic. Heather’s art, which largely features drawings of women, is largely inspired by women’s fashion magazines — a very cool consequence of her time spent in the fashion industry. In this episode, you’ll hear how Heather incorporates her children into her creative time and what’s next for Heather!
Take a peek at Heather’s work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/drawinginbed.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Heather Hernon! Influenced heavily by her dad, an artist himself, Heather knew she wanted to be an artist early on. While she studied graphic design in college, she spent much of her career working in fashion design in New York City! Originally from New Hampshire, Heather returned to the Granite State because of the pandemic. Heather’s art, which largely features drawings of women, is largely inspired by women’s fashion magazines — a very cool consequence of her time spent in the fashion industry. In this episode, you’ll hear how Heather incorporates her children into her creative time and what’s next for Heather!
Take a peek at Heather’s work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/drawinginbed.
Josh Salad
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Josh Salad! Based in Haverhill, MA, Josh Salad came to Art Up Front Street in September as an artist in residence and spent most of the month hanging out with us in New Hampshire! Josh is a multidisciplinary artist focused on figure drawing, pen and ink, painting, illustration, humor, collage, assemblage, and more. In this episode, we talk about what brought Josh to Art Up Front Street, how he measures success as an artist, and how the pandemic impacted Josh’s art. We also talk a lot about salad and salad dressing. Tune in to hear some of the most random rapid fire questions in Creative Guts history!
Check out Josh’s work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/josh.salad and shop Josh Salad on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/SaladArtStudios.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Josh Salad! Based in Haverhill, MA, Josh Salad came to Art Up Front Street in September as an artist in residence and spent most of the month hanging out with us in New Hampshire! Josh is a multidisciplinary artist focused on figure drawing, pen and ink, painting, illustration, humor, collage, assemblage, and more. In this episode, we talk about what brought Josh to Art Up Front Street, how he measures success as an artist, and how the pandemic impacted Josh’s art. We also talk a lot about salad and salad dressing. Tune in to hear some of the most random rapid fire questions in Creative Guts history!
Check out Josh’s work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/josh.salad and shop Josh Salad on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/SaladArtStudios.
Sarah Fenerty
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Sarah Fenerty. According to Sarah’s mom, she has multiple art personalities, but we prefer interdisciplinary. Sarah loves watercolors and ink, but dabbles in charcoal, pastels, acrylic, and more. Despite having always been creative, Sarah didn’t dive deep into art until a particularly stressful job led her to find something healing and meditative for herself. Today Sarah handles all things creative at Northwoods Brewing Company, but still makes time for her art on the side. In this episode, you’ll hear the thought process behind the beautiful colors in Sarah’s art and how the beer can labels at Northwoods Brewing come to fruition!
Check out Sarah’s work online at www.sarahfenertyart.com, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/s.fenertyart. Shop Sarah’s art at www.etsy.com/shop/SFenertyArt. Take a peek at the beer cans we’re talking about and learn more about Northwoods Brewing Company at https://northwoodsbrewingcompany.com/.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Sarah Fenerty. According to Sarah’s mom, she has multiple art personalities, but we prefer interdisciplinary. Sarah loves watercolors and ink, but dabbles in charcoal, pastels, acrylic, and more. Despite having always been creative, Sarah didn’t dive deep into art until a particularly stressful job led her to find something healing and meditative for herself. Today Sarah handles all things creative at Northwoods Brewing Company, but still makes time for her art on the side. In this episode, you’ll hear the thought process behind the beautiful colors in Sarah’s art and how the beer can labels at Northwoods Brewing come to fruition!
Check out Sarah’s work online at www.sarahfenertyart.com, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/s.fenertyart. Shop Sarah’s art at www.etsy.com/shop/SFenertyArt. Take a peek at the beer cans we’re talking about and learn more about Northwoods Brewing Company at https://northwoodsbrewingcompany.com/.
Atlantic Canyons
MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with New Hampshire-based indie artist Andrea Levesque of Atlantic Canyons! Although Andrea started playing piano at age 6, it was the violin that really captured her attention. We talk about the hilarious way Laura and Andrea met, and Andrea’s take on collaborating with other artists here in NH and around the globe. In this episode, you’ll also hear the story behind Andrea’s band name Atlantic Canyons, how instruments are like language, and a little sample of one of Andrea’s tunes!
Follow Atlantic Canyons on Instagram at www.instagram.com/atlanticcanyons and listen on Bandcamp at https://atlanticcanyons.bandcamp.com/
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with New Hampshire-based indie artist Andrea Levesque of Atlantic Canyons! Although Andrea started playing piano at age 6, it was the violin that really captured her attention. We talk about the hilarious way Laura and Andrea met, and Andrea’s take on collaborating with other artists here in NH and around the globe. In this episode, you’ll also hear the story behind Andrea’s band name Atlantic Canyons, how instruments are like language, and a little sample of one of Andrea’s tunes!
Follow Atlantic Canyons on Instagram at www.instagram.com/atlanticcanyons and listen on Bandcamp at https://atlanticcanyons.bandcamp.com/
Elissa Von Letkemann
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with graphic designer and artist, Elissa Von Letkemann. Elissa grew up in a creative household, next to a ceramics gallery her parents owned. She studied ceramics in school, but now she uses graphic design to bring her clients’ visions to life! While Elissa loves her client work, she’s carved out some time for her own art, creating hand-dyed shibori items and illustrating her series “Windows of Portsmouth” and “Windows of Salem”! We talk with Elissa about content creation and her secrets for managing her social media, some of the cool clients she’s worked with, and what inspired her “Windows” series!
Learn more about Elissa online at www.elissavonletkemann.com. Go check out her perfectly curated Instagram at www.instagram.com/elissa_von_letkemann_design, and check out her “Windows” series at www.instagram.com/windowsofportsmouth and www.instagram.com/windowsofsalem. You can also shop Elissa’s work on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/EVArtandDesign.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with graphic designer and artist, Elissa Von Letkemann. Elissa grew up in a creative household, next to a ceramics gallery her parents owned. She studied ceramics in school, but now she uses graphic design to bring her clients’ visions to life! While Elissa loves her client work, she’s carved out some time for her own art, creating hand-dyed shibori items and illustrating her series “Windows of Portsmouth” and “Windows of Salem”! We talk with Elissa about content creation and her secrets for managing her social media, some of the cool clients she’s worked with, and what inspired her “Windows” series!
Learn more about Elissa online at www.elissavonletkemann.com. Go check out her perfectly curated Instagram at www.instagram.com/elissa_von_letkemann_design, and check out her “Windows” series at www.instagram.com/windowsofportsmouth and www.instagram.com/windowsofsalem. You can also shop Elissa’s work on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/EVArtandDesign.
Alex Keown
FILMMAKER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with animator, filmmaker, and artist, Alex Keown. From playing with toys and making films with friends to film school, Alex discovered his love of animation and never looked back. He describes his style as “cute and whimsical, but kind of creepy at the same time”. In this episode we talk about collaboration, the impact the pandemic had on his creative pursuits, and his partner, the amazing Darcie Blake (the star of Creative Guts episode 76).
Hear more about the Rock Water Film Festival including how films are selected and why Alex loves to see local filmmakers submit to the Festival! (If you missed Darcie’s episode and want to hear more about Rock Water — go listen!)
Check out Alex’s work at https://alexkeown.carbonmade.com/ and follow Alex on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chugrain.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with animator, filmmaker, and artist, Alex Keown. From playing with toys and making films with friends to film school, Alex discovered his love of animation and never looked back. He describes his style as “cute and whimsical, but kind of creepy at the same time”. In this episode we talk about collaboration, the impact the pandemic had on his creative pursuits, and his partner, the amazing Darcie Blake (the star of Creative Guts episode 76).
Hear more about the Rock Water Film Festival including how films are selected and why Alex loves to see local filmmakers submit to the Festival! (If you missed Darcie’s episode and want to hear more about Rock Water — go listen!)
Check out Alex’s work at https://alexkeown.carbonmade.com/ and follow Alex on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chugrain.
Connor Spern
JEWELER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with jeweler Connor Spern. While Connor never considered herself an artist, creativity is in her bones and her desire to play shines through in this interview and her work. It was during the early days of the pandemic when Connor first started playing with polymer clay — or adult playdough as Connor put it — that things really started to take off! Connor has dabbled with embroidery, wood, and acrylic jewelry, too, but polymer clay is her baby. Now, she and her husband are working on 3D printing tools for her own jewelry making and for other makers, too. Find out what’s next for Connor from precious metal clay to teeny, tiny Concord food, and more.
Check out Connor’s work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/designsxconnor and Facebook at www.facebook.com/designsxconnorspern and on her website www.designsxconnor.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with jeweler Connor Spern. While Connor never considered herself an artist, creativity is in her bones and her desire to play shines through in this interview and her work. It was during the early days of the pandemic when Connor first started playing with polymer clay — or adult playdough as Connor put it — that things really started to take off! Connor has dabbled with embroidery, wood, and acrylic jewelry, too, but polymer clay is her baby. Now, she and her husband are working on 3D printing tools for her own jewelry making and for other makers, too. Find out what’s next for Connor from precious metal clay to teeny, tiny Concord food, and more.
Check out Connor’s work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/designsxconnor and Facebook at www.facebook.com/designsxconnorspern and on her website www.designsxconnor.com.
Jake Romano
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Jake Romano. An illustrator and graphic designer from New Jersey, Jake’s art career started with a healthy dose of spite, a sibling rivalry, and some encouragement from his mom. In this episode, you’ll hear about how Jake transitioned from black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings to digital illustrations so colorful you can’t look away. Inspired by nature and nostalgia, we talk about ghosts, flocked bears, and Jake’s swamp. This endearing episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Go check out Jake’s art at www.jakeromano.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/jakeromanoart.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with artist Jake Romano. An illustrator and graphic designer from New Jersey, Jake’s art career started with a healthy dose of spite, a sibling rivalry, and some encouragement from his mom. In this episode, you’ll hear about how Jake transitioned from black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings to digital illustrations so colorful you can’t look away. Inspired by nature and nostalgia, we talk about ghosts, flocked bears, and Jake’s swamp. This endearing episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Go check out Jake’s art at www.jakeromano.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/jakeromanoart.
Angie Lane
ARTS ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Angie Lane, Executive Director of Red River Theatres in Concord, New Hampshire! Red River Theatres is on a mission to present film and the discussion of film as a way to entertain, broaden horizons, and deepen appreciation of life for audiences of all ages. To that end, Red River offers a diverse program of newly-released films, classic films, film discussions, family events, and cult favorites. Conversation and civic engagement are at the heart of what makes Red River so popular in the community and so important to the New Hampshire cultural scene.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Angie found herself as the executive director of the Theatre, why representation is so important to her, and how film shifts culture. Angie also shares all things related to being an executive director, like dreaming about making french fries in Florida and how it’s a bit like building a plane that’s falling from the sky!
Go check out Red River Theatres online at https://redrivertheatres.org/.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Angie Lane, Executive Director of Red River Theatres in Concord, New Hampshire! Red River Theatres is on a mission to present film and the discussion of film as a way to entertain, broaden horizons, and deepen appreciation of life for audiences of all ages. To that end, Red River offers a diverse program of newly-released films, classic films, film discussions, family events, and cult favorites. Conversation and civic engagement are at the heart of what makes Red River so popular in the community and so important to the New Hampshire cultural scene.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Angie found herself as the executive director of the Theatre, why representation is so important to her, and how film shifts culture. Angie also shares all things related to being an executive director, like dreaming about making french fries in Florida and how it’s a bit like building a plane that’s falling from the sky!
Go check out Red River Theatres online at https://redrivertheatres.org/.
American Baron +Trina Talks
WRITER/ACTOR, PUBLIC SPEAKER
Darcie Blake
ARTIST/COMEDIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Darcie Blake, a self-proclaimed ‘local internet weirdo’! Zany, hilarious, endearing, and entertaining, this interview is sure to make you smile! Darcie is an artist, comedian, and filmmaker and in this episode we talk about everything from creating community to testicles (yes, seriously) to imposter syndrome to poop (...you’ll just have to listen). If nothing else, you’re guaranteed to love Darcie’s many voice impressions! Learn more about Wrong Brain, the Rockwater Film Festival, and the amazing Darcie Blake!
Click for more!
Darcie’s social media:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQ36yj0DosZpTxPyukAKbg/featured
www.instagram.com/skimm3d_milk
www.instagram.com/darcie.blake
Rockwater Film Festival:
www.instagram.com/rockwaterfilmfestival
www.facebook.com/rockwaterfilmfestival
Wrong Brain:
http://wrongbrain.net/
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Darcie Blake, a self-proclaimed ‘local internet weirdo’! Zany, hilarious, endearing, and entertaining, this interview is sure to make you smile! Darcie is an artist, comedian, and filmmaker and in this episode we talk about everything from creating community to testicles (yes, seriously) to imposter syndrome to poop (...you’ll just have to listen). If nothing else, you’re guaranteed to love Darcie’s many voice impressions! Learn more about Wrong Brain, the Rockwater Film Festival, and the amazing Darcie Blake!
Click for more!
Darcie’s social media:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQ36yj0DosZpTxPyukAKbg/featured
www.instagram.com/skimm3d_milk
www.instagram.com/darcie.blake
Rockwater Film Festival:
www.instagram.com/rockwaterfilmfestival
www.facebook.com/rockwaterfilmfestival
Wrong Brain:
http://wrongbrain.net/
Jeff Whittum
SCULPTOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Jeff Whittum, a salvaged metal artist based in East Kingston, NH. His sculptures include materials like cutlery, clockwork, bike chains, metal from antiques, tools, and many more unique items, and his subject matter includes birds, animals and human figures.
Jeff has always had a creative eye, but recently found his love of sculpting only five years ago! And in that time his work has been featured on NH Chronicle twice, sold many of his sculptures in the region, and been hired for an array of custom installations. In this interview we dive into the various materials Jeff uses to create his pieces, the hazards that come with welding metal, and the physical mechanics of how some of his pieces stand.
View more of Jeff Whittum’s beautiful work at www.jeffwhittum.com and follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/whittumart.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Jeff Whittum, a salvaged metal artist based in East Kingston, NH. His sculptures include materials like cutlery, clockwork, bike chains, metal from antiques, tools, and many more unique items, and his subject matter includes birds, animals and human figures.
Jeff has always had a creative eye, but recently found his love of sculpting only five years ago! And in that time his work has been featured on NH Chronicle twice, sold many of his sculptures in the region, and been hired for an array of custom installations. In this interview we dive into the various materials Jeff uses to create his pieces, the hazards that come with welding metal, and the physical mechanics of how some of his pieces stand.
View more of Jeff Whittum’s beautiful work at www.jeffwhittum.com and follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/whittumart.
Sarah Anderson
POET
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Sarah Anderson, a poet, English teacher at Berwick Academy, and co-owner of the Word Barn, a venue that hosts a variety of creative events and workshops in an intimate and inspiring barn and meadow, located in Exeter, NH.
For the first time in Creative Guts history, this interview contains a poetry reading, where we are lucky enough to taste a sample of Sarah’s new debut book of poems entitled “We Hold On to What We Can”. We also learn about the creative family Sarah comes from and has continued to build, her advice on writing poetry if you’re looking to dive into the genre, and how the Word Barn was born and brings the community together.
Learn more about the Word Barn at www.thewordbarn.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Sarah Anderson, a poet, English teacher at Berwick Academy, and co-owner of the Word Barn, a venue that hosts a variety of creative events and workshops in an intimate and inspiring barn and meadow, located in Exeter, NH.
For the first time in Creative Guts history, this interview contains a poetry reading, where we are lucky enough to taste a sample of Sarah’s new debut book of poems entitled “We Hold On to What We Can”. We also learn about the creative family Sarah comes from and has continued to build, her advice on writing poetry if you’re looking to dive into the genre, and how the Word Barn was born and brings the community together.
Learn more about the Word Barn at www.thewordbarn.com.
Ryan Kelley
SCULPTOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Ryan Kelley of Wire by Ryan! Ryan is a sculptor who creatively transforms wire, wood, metal and stone into unique pieces of art, and who is now in his tenth year of being a professional artist! Ryan not only makes but also teaches others, having instructed classes in person and online, inspiring over 3,000 students directly in the art of wire sculpting.
In this episode you’ll hear a weird amount about rocks, as well as how Ryan got started, how important it is to find the right collaborative relationships in your creative business, and the amazing future plans for Splitrock Studios, a creative haven Ryan is building for working artists to live and thrive in their lives and careers.
Check out Ryan’s work at www.wirebyryan.com and on Instagram and Facebook.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Ryan Kelley of Wire by Ryan! Ryan is a sculptor who creatively transforms wire, wood, metal and stone into unique pieces of art, and who is now in his tenth year of being a professional artist! Ryan not only makes but also teaches others, having instructed classes in person and online, inspiring over 3,000 students directly in the art of wire sculpting.
In this episode you’ll hear a weird amount about rocks, as well as how Ryan got started, how important it is to find the right collaborative relationships in your creative business, and the amazing future plans for Splitrock Studios, a creative haven Ryan is building for working artists to live and thrive in their lives and careers.
Check out Ryan’s work at www.wirebyryan.com and on Instagram and Facebook.
Megan Campbell
PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Megan Campbell of Ghost Cards by Megacles! What began as a bad dating experience, became something truly incredible. Megan photographs street art and abandoned places and turns them into postcards, combining her love of travel, street art, and sending snail mail. In this episode, you’ll hear about Megan’s journey as she’s grown as an artist, some of the inspiring places she’s visited, and the artists who have inspired her work.
Go check out Ghost Cards by Megacles on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ghostcardsbymegacles.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Megan Campbell of Ghost Cards by Megacles! What began as a bad dating experience, became something truly incredible. Megan photographs street art and abandoned places and turns them into postcards, combining her love of travel, street art, and sending snail mail. In this episode, you’ll hear about Megan’s journey as she’s grown as an artist, some of the inspiring places she’s visited, and the artists who have inspired her work.
Go check out Ghost Cards by Megacles on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ghostcardsbymegacles.
Najee Brown
WRITER/ACTOR
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with producer, playwright, director, actor, and dancer Najee Brown. Najee’s story is incredible — he moved to New Hampshire in fall 2019, trading New York City and his gall bladder for his wife and an opportunity at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, NH.
Najee helms the new Sol Series at the Seacoast Rep and this is where he’s unveiled his plays “Stokely and Martin” and “Naveah’s Brother”. Launched in January 2021, Sol Series is focused on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color narratives. Najee also teaches step at The Block Collaborative (a special thank you to Anthony Bounphakhum, the star of episode 59, who introduced us to Najee)!
Check out Sol Series at www.seacoastrep.org.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with producer, playwright, director, actor, and dancer Najee Brown. Najee’s story is incredible — he moved to New Hampshire in fall 2019, trading New York City and his gall bladder for his wife and an opportunity at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, NH.
Najee helms the new Sol Series at the Seacoast Rep and this is where he’s unveiled his plays “Stokely and Martin” and “Naveah’s Brother”. Launched in January 2021, Sol Series is focused on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color narratives. Najee also teaches step at The Block Collaborative (a special thank you to Anthony Bounphakhum, the star of episode 59, who introduced us to Najee)!
Check out Sol Series at www.seacoastrep.org.
Jason Bagatta
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist and educator Jason Bagatta. Jason’s journey as an artist began with a drawing contest on the back of a cereal, evolved to “magic pennies” (you’ll have to tune in to hear the story), and now Jason is founding Art House Studios School for Drawing and Painting in Manchester, NH. Back in the day when Jason was Laura’s professor, he famously told her “it’s the process, not the product” and this philosophy continues to guide them both today.
See a sample of Jason’s work and learn more about Art House Studios School for Drawing and Painting at www.arthousestudios.org and find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Arthousejb7.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist and educator Jason Bagatta. Jason’s journey as an artist began with a drawing contest on the back of a cereal, evolved to “magic pennies” (you’ll have to tune in to hear the story), and now Jason is founding Art House Studios School for Drawing and Painting in Manchester, NH. Back in the day when Jason was Laura’s professor, he famously told her “it’s the process, not the product” and this philosophy continues to guide them both today.
See a sample of Jason’s work and learn more about Art House Studios School for Drawing and Painting at www.arthousestudios.org and find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Arthousejb7.
Debbie Mueller
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Debbie Mueller, also known as the late bloomer artist! Debbie is living proof that it is never too late to become an artist. An obstetrician and gynecologist by day, Debbie didn’t know she could paint until one rainy day about five years ago.
Today, Debbie is in love with the process of painting. In this episode, we’ll talk about the challenges of plein air painting, what Debbie wishes she could tell her younger self, and how she grew into the painter she is today.
Check out Debbie’s work online www.debbiemuellerart.com and Facebook www.Facebook.com/latebloomerartist and Instagram www.instagram.com/thelatebloomerartist.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Debbie Mueller, also known as the late bloomer artist! Debbie is living proof that it is never too late to become an artist. An obstetrician and gynecologist by day, Debbie didn’t know she could paint until one rainy day about five years ago.
Today, Debbie is in love with the process of painting. In this episode, we’ll talk about the challenges of plein air painting, what Debbie wishes she could tell her younger self, and how she grew into the painter she is today.
Check out Debbie’s work online www.debbiemuellerart.com and Facebook www.Facebook.com/latebloomerartist and Instagram www.instagram.com/thelatebloomerartist.
Caleb Weinstein
GLASS BLOWER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Caleb Weinstein of Caleb Weinstein Studio! Fun fact: Laura used to babysit Caleb and now he’s a teenage glass blower looking toward a career in glass blowing! Caleb’s creative career began at a metal class at Berwick Academy, learned glass blowing at Snow Farm, and now he’s a full blown glass blower (pun intended), and makes beautiful metal jewelry out of his bedroom! In this episode, you’ll hear about his favorite colors to work with, the pieces he’ll never sell, and the ins-and-outs of applying to college when you’re majoring in glass.
See Caleb’s work online at www.calebwstudio.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Caleb Weinstein of Caleb Weinstein Studio! Fun fact: Laura used to babysit Caleb and now he’s a teenage glass blower looking toward a career in glass blowing! Caleb’s creative career began at a metal class at Berwick Academy, learned glass blowing at Snow Farm, and now he’s a full blown glass blower (pun intended), and makes beautiful metal jewelry out of his bedroom! In this episode, you’ll hear about his favorite colors to work with, the pieces he’ll never sell, and the ins-and-outs of applying to college when you’re majoring in glass.
See Caleb’s work online at www.calebwstudio.com.
Bri Custer
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with painter Bri Custer! With a passion for plein air painting, Bri’s work features colorful landscapes.
Bri is also the founder of the Non-Toxic Crit Group to create a safe space for artists to dialogue together about art. We talk about overcoming creative block, the woes of photographing art, and even Bri’s take on “paint and sip” events. Finally, Bri reminds us to be where we are.
Check out Bri’s work online at https://bricuster.com/ and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/briiiiicuster and Facebook at www.facebook.com/BriCusterPaintings. Learn more about the Non-Toxic Crit Group at www.thenontoxiccritgroup.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with painter Bri Custer! With a passion for plein air painting, Bri’s work features colorful landscapes.
Bri is also the founder of the Non-Toxic Crit Group to create a safe space for artists to dialogue together about art. We talk about overcoming creative block, the woes of photographing art, and even Bri’s take on “paint and sip” events. Finally, Bri reminds us to be where we are.
Check out Bri’s work online at https://bricuster.com/ and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/briiiiicuster and Facebook at www.facebook.com/BriCusterPaintings. Learn more about the Non-Toxic Crit Group at www.thenontoxiccritgroup.com.
Anthony Bounphakhom
DANCER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Anthony Bounphakhom, the owner of The Block Collaborative in Portsmouth, NH. This mission of The Block Collaborative, “to help express one’s unconditional love in a style of art to help unite and grow the community”, sums up Anthony’s incredible perspective. You’ll hear the romcom-esque way Anthony fell in love with dance and why New Hampshire, collaboration, and unconditional love has led him to where he is now.
Learn more about The Block Collaborative online at theblockcollaborative.com and on Instagram at @theblockcollab and Facebook at www.facebook.com/the-block-collaborative.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Anthony Bounphakhom, the owner of The Block Collaborative in Portsmouth, NH. This mission of The Block Collaborative, “to help express one’s unconditional love in a style of art to help unite and grow the community”, sums up Anthony’s incredible perspective. You’ll hear the romcom-esque way Anthony fell in love with dance and why New Hampshire, collaboration, and unconditional love has led him to where he is now.
Learn more about The Block Collaborative online at theblockcollaborative.com and on Instagram at @theblockcollab and Facebook at www.facebook.com/the-block-collaborative.
Angry Gato
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Lindsey Castellon of Angry Gato Designs! Lindsey is an artist who dabbles in a little bit of everything from sewing to jewelry making, to sarcasm, to illustrations, to cats, and more. Another member of the Port City Makerspace, Lindsay was part of the Seacoast Mask Makers effort back when the coronavirus first began and PPE was in short supply. The official mascot of Angry Gato, Lindsay’s orange cat Bowser, keeps her company while she works. Lindsay makes art to make people smile and this episode delivers.
Check out Angry Gato Designs online at www.angrygatodesigns.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angrygatodesigns/ and Instagram at
www.instagram.com/angrygato_designs/. You can also hang out with Lindsay on Twitch this Thursday night!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Lindsey Castellon of Angry Gato Designs! Lindsey is an artist who dabbles in a little bit of everything from sewing to jewelry making, to sarcasm, to illustrations, to cats, and more. Another member of the Port City Makerspace, Lindsay was part of the Seacoast Mask Makers effort back when the coronavirus first began and PPE was in short supply. The official mascot of Angry Gato, Lindsay’s orange cat Bowser, keeps her company while she works. Lindsay makes art to make people smile and this episode delivers.
Check out Angry Gato Designs online at www.angrygatodesigns.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angrygatodesigns/ and Instagram at
www.instagram.com/angrygato_designs/. You can also hang out with Lindsay on Twitch this Thursday night!
Dave Swillum
PODCASTER / MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Dave Swillum of the Waking Up From Work Podcast, Crawlspace Audio, and BroadWing! Before you dive into this episode, we thought you should know it was recorded in ~June 2020 (blame it on the coronavirus) so you might hear a few things that are old news. Nevertheless, Dave is awesome. On Dave’s podcast, Waking Up From Work, he interviews musicians, artists, freelancers, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs on making work a passion and living full time. Dave is an audio engineer with degrees in Music Business and Music Tech! You’ll hear about Crawlspace Audio, how Dave fell in love with sound, and you’ll even get a sneak peek of BroadWing’s single “Nashville”.
Check out Waking Up From Work at www.wakingupfromwork.com and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/wakingupfromwork) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/davewakeup). Learn more about Crawl Space Audio at www.crawlspaceaudio.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crawlspaceaudio. Finally, check out BroadWing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BroadWingBand and on Bandcamp at www.broadwingband.bandcamp.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Dave Swillum of the Waking Up From Work Podcast, Crawlspace Audio, and BroadWing! Before you dive into this episode, we thought you should know it was recorded in ~June 2020 (blame it on the coronavirus) so you might hear a few things that are old news. Nevertheless, Dave is awesome. On Dave’s podcast, Waking Up From Work, he interviews musicians, artists, freelancers, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs on making work a passion and living full time. Dave is an audio engineer with degrees in Music Business and Music Tech! You’ll hear about Crawlspace Audio, how Dave fell in love with sound, and you’ll even get a sneak peek of BroadWing’s single “Nashville”.
Check out Waking Up From Work at www.wakingupfromwork.com and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/wakingupfromwork) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/davewakeup). Learn more about Crawl Space Audio at www.crawlspaceaudio.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crawlspaceaudio. Finally, check out BroadWing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BroadWingBand and on Bandcamp at www.broadwingband.bandcamp.com.
Anne Kenny
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Anne Kenny. One of the OG artists at Art Up Front Street, Anne grew up sewing, but her industrial quilts today look a little different.
Anne’s industrial quilts are inspired by New Hampshire’s amoskeag mills and the “mill girls”. Hear about Anne’s experience showing her work in NYC and beyond as her quilts have toured internationally. Tune in to hear about how the coronavirus pandemic impacted Anne’s work and the initial controversy Anne’s work created among quilters!
Learn more about artist Anne Kenny and her industrial quilts at www.industrialquilts.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/industrialquilts and Instagram at www.instagram.com/industrialquilts.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with artist Anne Kenny. One of the OG artists at Art Up Front Street, Anne grew up sewing, but her industrial quilts today look a little different.
Anne’s industrial quilts are inspired by New Hampshire’s amoskeag mills and the “mill girls”. Hear about Anne’s experience showing her work in NYC and beyond as her quilts have toured internationally. Tune in to hear about how the coronavirus pandemic impacted Anne’s work and the initial controversy Anne’s work created among quilters!
Learn more about artist Anne Kenny and her industrial quilts at www.industrialquilts.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/industrialquilts and Instagram at www.instagram.com/industrialquilts.
2020
Tomás Shea
MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman connect virtually with Tomás Shea, a chiptune, electro swing musician who goes by the name Game Boy! GAME BOY debuted his first album “Press Start” following the 2017 RPM Challenge. The Newfoundland resident’s music is a sublime mixture of Electro Swing, EDM, with melodic Chiptune nostalgia! A mechanical engineer by day, Tomas is a tinkerer with an adorable family. Tune in to learn about Tibb’s Eve (a tradition we’d be foolish not to adopt), how you can become an honorary Newfoundlander, and other Newfoundland facts from our first ever international guest! Hear about why Tomas started making music, how he hopes his tunes will make listeners feel, and more in this episode.
Check out Game Boy on Bandcamp: www.game-boy.bandcamp.com.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman connect virtually with Tomás Shea, a chiptune, electro swing musician who goes by the name Game Boy! GAME BOY debuted his first album “Press Start” following the 2017 RPM Challenge. The Newfoundland resident’s music is a sublime mixture of Electro Swing, EDM, with melodic Chiptune nostalgia! A mechanical engineer by day, Tomas is a tinkerer with an adorable family. Tune in to learn about Tibb’s Eve (a tradition we’d be foolish not to adopt), how you can become an honorary Newfoundlander, and other Newfoundland facts from our first ever international guest! Hear about why Tomas started making music, how he hopes his tunes will make listeners feel, and more in this episode.
Check out Game Boy on Bandcamp: www.game-boy.bandcamp.com.
Laura Harper Lake
ARTIST
Creative Guts is bringing you something a little different today! In this extra special episode, host Sarah Wrightsman will interview Laura Harper Lake of Artful Harper Studios, interdisciplinary artist, graphic designer, podcast creator, and idea machine who dabbles in nearly every medium. Laura’s been an artist since the third grade — maybe earlier. Laura shares some of early memories of growing as an artist and how terrified she is to tackle her next big thing: an outdoor mural! Find out which medium Laura just doesn’t love and which medium she’d love to dive into if she had endless time and resources! Laura’s on a mission to be authentic and you’ll fall in love with her for her ability to be vulnerable and show us her guts. Tune in to find out how an interdisciplinary, jack of all trades artist chooses a medium and balances them all!
Check out Laura’s work at www.ArtfulHarperStudios.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ArtfulHarperStudios and Instagram at www.instagram.com/ArtfulHarperStudios.
Creative Guts is bringing you something a little different today! In this extra special episode, host Sarah Wrightsman will interview Laura Harper Lake of Artful Harper Studios, interdisciplinary artist, graphic designer, podcast creator, and idea machine who dabbles in nearly every medium. Laura’s been an artist since the third grade — maybe earlier. Laura shares some of early memories of growing as an artist and how terrified she is to tackle her next big thing: an outdoor mural! Find out which medium Laura just doesn’t love and which medium she’d love to dive into if she had endless time and resources! Laura’s on a mission to be authentic and you’ll fall in love with her for her ability to be vulnerable and show us her guts. Tune in to find out how an interdisciplinary, jack of all trades artist chooses a medium and balances them all!
Check out Laura’s work at www.ArtfulHarperStudios.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ArtfulHarperStudios and Instagram at www.instagram.com/ArtfulHarperStudios.
Sarah Wrightsman
ARTIST
Creative Guts is bringing you something a little different today! In this extra special episode, host Laura Harper Lake interviews Sarah Wrightsman, essayist, fiber artist, nonprofit director, podcast creator, and all-around overachiever. Hear about Sarah’s journey as a nonfiction essayist, inspired by the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Malcolm Gladwell, and Matthew Desmond. Find out more than you needed to know about cross stitch, embroidery, and pattern making and the winding path Sarah took to get to where she is now with fiber arts. Thanks in large part to Creative Guts, Sarah is empowered to dabble in all the arts: in the last year, Sarah has played in the worlds of cold-forging and jewelry, block printing, video editing, and singing and songwriting. Tune in to hear why Creative Guts means so much to Sarah in this out-of-the-box episode!
You can take a peek at Sarah’s writing on Stay Work Play’s site (https://stayworkplay.org/blog/author/sarah/) and hang out with Sarah on Instagram (www.Instagram.com/wrightswoman) and take her up on her offer of free patterns!
Creative Guts is bringing you something a little different today! In this extra special episode, host Laura Harper Lake interviews Sarah Wrightsman, essayist, fiber artist, nonprofit director, podcast creator, and all-around overachiever. Hear about Sarah’s journey as a nonfiction essayist, inspired by the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Malcolm Gladwell, and Matthew Desmond. Find out more than you needed to know about cross stitch, embroidery, and pattern making and the winding path Sarah took to get to where she is now with fiber arts. Thanks in large part to Creative Guts, Sarah is empowered to dabble in all the arts: in the last year, Sarah has played in the worlds of cold-forging and jewelry, block printing, video editing, and singing and songwriting. Tune in to hear why Creative Guts means so much to Sarah in this out-of-the-box episode!
You can take a peek at Sarah’s writing on Stay Work Play’s site (https://stayworkplay.org/blog/author/sarah/) and hang out with Sarah on Instagram (www.Instagram.com/wrightswoman) and take her up on her offer of free patterns!
Sarah Koff
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Sarah Koff, a printmaker living and working in Exeter, New Hampshire. Sarah’s work — hand-carved and printed woodcuts and linocuts — features a heavy dose of nature, but she also makes custom work from block-printed house and pet portraits to logos. Sarah’s career as an artist has evolved over the years from a new mom and recent NH transplant selling handmade greeting cards at the farmer’s market to a full-blown artist. In response to her daughter’s fondness for koalas and the fires in Australian, Sarah raised $6118 in support of two organizations working on bushfire relief efforts selling adorable koala prints. As a mom, Sarah is always prepared to answer the “What’s your favorite color?” question, and thanks to her fake British dad, her British accent isn’t half bad! Listen to hear Sarah’s goals for 2020, and how sometimes the block really is more meaningful than the print.
Check out Sarah’s work on the web at www.sarahkoffstudio.com, on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahKoffStudio and on Instagram www.instagram.com/sarahkoffstudio.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Sarah Koff, a printmaker living and working in Exeter, New Hampshire. Sarah’s work — hand-carved and printed woodcuts and linocuts — features a heavy dose of nature, but she also makes custom work from block-printed house and pet portraits to logos. Sarah’s career as an artist has evolved over the years from a new mom and recent NH transplant selling handmade greeting cards at the farmer’s market to a full-blown artist. In response to her daughter’s fondness for koalas and the fires in Australian, Sarah raised $6118 in support of two organizations working on bushfire relief efforts selling adorable koala prints. As a mom, Sarah is always prepared to answer the “What’s your favorite color?” question, and thanks to her fake British dad, her British accent isn’t half bad! Listen to hear Sarah’s goals for 2020, and how sometimes the block really is more meaningful than the print.
Check out Sarah’s work on the web at www.sarahkoffstudio.com, on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahKoffStudio and on Instagram www.instagram.com/sarahkoffstudio.
Becky Karush
PODCASTER/WRITER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Becky Karush of Read To Me with Becky Karush, a podcast that was inspired by the gateless writing method. Becky believes that when we read aloud great writing, and listen for what we love, we become more powerful writers. Read To Me helps her listeners practice two elements of the gateless writing method: listening for and mirroring back what is great on the page. Tune in to this episode to hear the beautiful story of a writer who didn’t write for 16 years, and how Becky’s persistence and willingness to be vulnerable helped her return to writing, led her to becoming a trained instructor in the gateless writing method, and inspired the creation of Read to Me with Becky Karush.
Find Read To Me with Becky Karush online at www.ReadToMepod.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/readtomepodcast and Instagram at www.instagram.com/readtomepodcast.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Becky Karush of Read To Me with Becky Karush, a podcast that was inspired by the gateless writing method. Becky believes that when we read aloud great writing, and listen for what we love, we become more powerful writers. Read To Me helps her listeners practice two elements of the gateless writing method: listening for and mirroring back what is great on the page. Tune in to this episode to hear the beautiful story of a writer who didn’t write for 16 years, and how Becky’s persistence and willingness to be vulnerable helped her return to writing, led her to becoming a trained instructor in the gateless writing method, and inspired the creation of Read to Me with Becky Karush.
Find Read To Me with Becky Karush online at www.ReadToMepod.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/readtomepodcast and Instagram at www.instagram.com/readtomepodcast.
Marcia Wood Mertinooke
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Marcia Wood Mertinooke, an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Marcia has a BA in Studio Art from the University of NH and is a member of the NH chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art. Once an aspiring ceramicist, Marcia never planned on being an oil painter and printmaker. She has a way of finding beauty and insight in every day, mundane objects. Listen to hear the surprising reason she paints self-portraits, how she collaborates with her ten-year-old son, and — the question Laura always needs to know — what does Marcia do with her blocks once she’s done printing?
Check out Marcia Wood Mertinooke’s work on the web at www.mwmertinooke.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seriousmarcia, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/m_w_mertinooke. And, learn more about the Women’s Caucus for Art, here: www.wcanh.org
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Marcia Wood Mertinooke, an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Marcia has a BA in Studio Art from the University of NH and is a member of the NH chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art. Once an aspiring ceramicist, Marcia never planned on being an oil painter and printmaker. She has a way of finding beauty and insight in every day, mundane objects. Listen to hear the surprising reason she paints self-portraits, how she collaborates with her ten-year-old son, and — the question Laura always needs to know — what does Marcia do with her blocks once she’s done printing?
Check out Marcia Wood Mertinooke’s work on the web at www.mwmertinooke.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seriousmarcia, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/m_w_mertinooke. And, learn more about the Women’s Caucus for Art, here: www.wcanh.org
Emmett Soldati
ARTS ADVOCATE
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Emmett Soldati, creative entrepreneur, proud townie, and owner of Teatotaller in downtown Somersworth, New Hampshire. Tune in to hear how cafe and tea house, Teatotaller, evolved into the warm and welcoming queer and hipster oasis it is today and what you can expect from the new location in Concord, NH! In this episode, Emmett addresses the many rumors about him you’ve heard if you’re a long time listener of Creative Guts! Stay for the bloopers to hear a surprise visit from an unsuspecting Hannaford employee. Emmett, remember the number eight…
Say “hi” to Emmett and grab a Steamy Dreamy Creamy and a Jonathan Seagull, better known as the best breakfast sandwich ever, from Teatotaller at 69 High Street in Somersworth, NH or visit Teatotaller online at www.teatotallerteahouse.com and at www.Facebook.com/Teatotaller and www.Instagram.com/Teatotaller.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Emmett Soldati, creative entrepreneur, proud townie, and owner of Teatotaller in downtown Somersworth, New Hampshire. Tune in to hear how cafe and tea house, Teatotaller, evolved into the warm and welcoming queer and hipster oasis it is today and what you can expect from the new location in Concord, NH! In this episode, Emmett addresses the many rumors about him you’ve heard if you’re a long time listener of Creative Guts! Stay for the bloopers to hear a surprise visit from an unsuspecting Hannaford employee. Emmett, remember the number eight…
Say “hi” to Emmett and grab a Steamy Dreamy Creamy and a Jonathan Seagull, better known as the best breakfast sandwich ever, from Teatotaller at 69 High Street in Somersworth, NH or visit Teatotaller online at www.teatotallerteahouse.com and at www.Facebook.com/Teatotaller and www.Instagram.com/Teatotaller.
Brain Paul
ACTOR/WRITER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with improviser, storyteller, and playwright, Brian Paul. Brian is best known in the seacoast as an improviser with Dorks in Dungeons: live improv comedy meets Fantasy Role-playing games! Using the framework of a tabletop role-playing game, the Dorks of Dorks in Dungeons create each show with the help of audience “re-role” suggestions and the whim of a 20 sided die. Like much of the millennial generation, Brian’s early exposure to improv was the television show, “Whose Line is It Anyway?” Brian recalls his introduction to performing was the result of not having anything to do after school — thank goodness for teenage boredom, right? A naturally fearful and anxious human, Brian used improv to confront his fears and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Beyond Brian’s improv work, Brian is also a playwright and creative writer. Learn about “Moonmates”, a play about roommates on the moon in this episode!
Learn more about Dorks in Dungeons online at www.dorksindungeons.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DorksinDungeons.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with improviser, storyteller, and playwright, Brian Paul. Brian is best known in the seacoast as an improviser with Dorks in Dungeons: live improv comedy meets Fantasy Role-playing games! Using the framework of a tabletop role-playing game, the Dorks of Dorks in Dungeons create each show with the help of audience “re-role” suggestions and the whim of a 20 sided die. Like much of the millennial generation, Brian’s early exposure to improv was the television show, “Whose Line is It Anyway?” Brian recalls his introduction to performing was the result of not having anything to do after school — thank goodness for teenage boredom, right? A naturally fearful and anxious human, Brian used improv to confront his fears and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Beyond Brian’s improv work, Brian is also a playwright and creative writer. Learn about “Moonmates”, a play about roommates on the moon in this episode!
Learn more about Dorks in Dungeons online at www.dorksindungeons.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DorksinDungeons.
Somayeh Kashi
PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with photographer, oil painter, and art educator Somayeh Kashi. Somayeh’s name may sound familiar if you’re in the Concord, NH area and recall her photo project, “Diversity in the 603”. Over the summer of 2019, Somayeh, alongside a group of high school students, interviewed and photographed nearly 100 individuals. While the subjects were diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity, “Diversity in the 603” demonstrated how much we all have in common. Somayeh, who is Iranian-American, tells the powerful story that inspired the project and the technical difficulties along the way! You’ll also hear the serendipitous way Somayeh fell in love with painting, and meet her creative — and incredibly busy — family. Her husband, a drummer in a metal band; her daughter, a full-fledged theater geek; and her son who, to everyone’s surprise, somehow likes sports. Somayeh’s story is beautifully told, and we’re pleased to help her share it.
Check out Somayeh’s art online at www.somayehkashi.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SomayehKashiArt and see what’s going on in the Rundlett Middle School art department at www.art4rms.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/Art4RMS.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with photographer, oil painter, and art educator Somayeh Kashi. Somayeh’s name may sound familiar if you’re in the Concord, NH area and recall her photo project, “Diversity in the 603”. Over the summer of 2019, Somayeh, alongside a group of high school students, interviewed and photographed nearly 100 individuals. While the subjects were diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity, “Diversity in the 603” demonstrated how much we all have in common. Somayeh, who is Iranian-American, tells the powerful story that inspired the project and the technical difficulties along the way! You’ll also hear the serendipitous way Somayeh fell in love with painting, and meet her creative — and incredibly busy — family. Her husband, a drummer in a metal band; her daughter, a full-fledged theater geek; and her son who, to everyone’s surprise, somehow likes sports. Somayeh’s story is beautifully told, and we’re pleased to help her share it.
Check out Somayeh’s art online at www.somayehkashi.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SomayehKashiArt and see what’s going on in the Rundlett Middle School art department at www.art4rms.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/Art4RMS.
Sarah Duclos
DANCER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with freelance dance educator and choreographer, Sarah Duclos! From a very serious teen with an affinity for Eastern European accents to the founding Artistic Director of the multi-disciplinary dance company, the Neoteric Dance Collaborative, Sarah’s career path was winding. Sarah’s on a mission to make dance accessible to all and to use dance as a tool to build better communities and call others to social action. Tune in to hear how — with a bit of collaboration, guts, and creativity — Sarah is doing exactly that, and why Sarah deserves all the credit for Teatotaller’s success and Laura’s marriage! This episode, much like Sarah Duclos herself, is funny, thoughtful, and insightful. Sarah is another big fan of Creative Guts, and, honestly, back at you, Sarah!
Learn more about the Neoteric Dance Collaborative on the web:
www.neotericdance.org
www.facebook.com/neotericdance
www.instagram.com/neotericdance
www.twitter.com/neotericdance
www.vimeo.com/neotericdance
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with freelance dance educator and choreographer, Sarah Duclos! From a very serious teen with an affinity for Eastern European accents to the founding Artistic Director of the multi-disciplinary dance company, the Neoteric Dance Collaborative, Sarah’s career path was winding. Sarah’s on a mission to make dance accessible to all and to use dance as a tool to build better communities and call others to social action. Tune in to hear how — with a bit of collaboration, guts, and creativity — Sarah is doing exactly that, and why Sarah deserves all the credit for Teatotaller’s success and Laura’s marriage! This episode, much like Sarah Duclos herself, is funny, thoughtful, and insightful. Sarah is another big fan of Creative Guts, and, honestly, back at you, Sarah!
Learn more about the Neoteric Dance Collaborative on the web:
www.neotericdance.org
www.facebook.com/neotericdance
www.instagram.com/neotericdance
www.twitter.com/neotericdance
www.vimeo.com/neotericdance
Scott Kuckler
PHOTOGRAPHER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with photographer, Scott Kuckler! Scott describes his work as “dark and moody”, but Scott himself is anything but!
Scott worked as a commercial/fashion/beauty photographer in Germany and France for a decade, and now prefers working with “anyone who will pose,” as he continues to explore the human form. Scott uses alternative processes in his photography, (which means non-traditional photography), printing on various materials with various methods of manipulating the prints before they’re “done”.
In this episode, Scott shares details on his custom-built darkroom, the charmingly unique way he categorizes his work on his website, and just how awesome his wife is in supporting his creativity.
If you want to check out Scott’s work, you can find him on the web (scott-kuckler.format.com) and on Facebook (Facebook.com/CheshireScott) and Instagram (Instagram.com/CheshireScott).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with photographer, Scott Kuckler! Scott describes his work as “dark and moody”, but Scott himself is anything but!
Scott worked as a commercial/fashion/beauty photographer in Germany and France for a decade, and now prefers working with “anyone who will pose,” as he continues to explore the human form. Scott uses alternative processes in his photography, (which means non-traditional photography), printing on various materials with various methods of manipulating the prints before they’re “done”.
In this episode, Scott shares details on his custom-built darkroom, the charmingly unique way he categorizes his work on his website, and just how awesome his wife is in supporting his creativity.
If you want to check out Scott’s work, you can find him on the web (scott-kuckler.format.com) and on Facebook (Facebook.com/CheshireScott) and Instagram (Instagram.com/CheshireScott).
Bianca Mireles
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with painter, muralist, and sculptor, Bianca Mireles. A recent New Hampshire transplant from Texas, Bianca is bringing her Mesoamerican style to the Granite State (and we could not be luckier). Bianca’s dream of recreating aztec art in a classical framework combined with her passion for utility and her experience as a muralist has carved a very specific niche for herself in, none-other-than, Rochester, NH! Bianca appreciates the slow process of oil paint and uses public art as a tool for perpetuating a collective positive identify of her people. Bianca believes art is meant to explore identity through cultural, historical, scientific, and transcendent perspectives.
Follow Bianca on Instagram to check out her work: www.instagram.com/art.biancamireles.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with painter, muralist, and sculptor, Bianca Mireles. A recent New Hampshire transplant from Texas, Bianca is bringing her Mesoamerican style to the Granite State (and we could not be luckier). Bianca’s dream of recreating aztec art in a classical framework combined with her passion for utility and her experience as a muralist has carved a very specific niche for herself in, none-other-than, Rochester, NH! Bianca appreciates the slow process of oil paint and uses public art as a tool for perpetuating a collective positive identify of her people. Bianca believes art is meant to explore identity through cultural, historical, scientific, and transcendent perspectives.
Follow Bianca on Instagram to check out her work: www.instagram.com/art.biancamireles.
Steve Pamboukes
DESIGNER/ARTS ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Steve Pamboukes — maker, instructor, and volunteer with the Port City Makerspace and owner of Port City Mopeds. A native of Portsmouth, Steve is an engineer, designer, and maker driven by curiosity and a desire to create. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Steve worked as an engineering consultant with individual, small business, and corporate clients. Hear about Steve’s creative process and how it all started with a Teddy Ruxpin back in the day on this episode of Creative Guts.
See Steve’s website-in-progress www.stevepamboukes.com (keep your eyes peeled for some lorem ipsum) and check out the Port City Makerspace at www.portcitymakerspace.com and www.facebook.com/portcitymakerspace and www.instagram.com/portcitymakers or in person at 68 Morning Street, Portsmouth, NH.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Steve Pamboukes — maker, instructor, and volunteer with the Port City Makerspace and owner of Port City Mopeds. A native of Portsmouth, Steve is an engineer, designer, and maker driven by curiosity and a desire to create. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Steve worked as an engineering consultant with individual, small business, and corporate clients. Hear about Steve’s creative process and how it all started with a Teddy Ruxpin back in the day on this episode of Creative Guts.
See Steve’s website-in-progress www.stevepamboukes.com (keep your eyes peeled for some lorem ipsum) and check out the Port City Makerspace at www.portcitymakerspace.com and www.facebook.com/portcitymakerspace and www.instagram.com/portcitymakers or in person at 68 Morning Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Becky Barsi
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with interdisciplinary artist and art teacher, Becky Barsi, in her home studio! A jack of all trades high school art teacher, Becky describes herself as an interdisciplinary artist, dabbling in every medium. Inspired by her students’ creativity and activated by her own tendency to get bored, Becky’s art can’t be described with any brevity. Becky has creativity in her every branch of her family tree, and fondly recalls learning to quilt from her grandmother, a professional artist herself. Before Becky settled into her role at the Derryfield School, her early career aspirations ran the spectrum from filmmaking to equine science to photography to art education to jewelry making and, finally, back to art education! Becky’s mom, the British chef, taught Becky to always feed her guests, so it is no surprise that the Creative Guts team was well-fed for this interview!
Check out Becky’s work online at www.BeckyBarsi.com and on Instagram (www.instagram.com/artsybarsi). Find out more about the Lyceum Gallery at Manchester’s Derryfield School online (www.derryfield.org/arts/lyceum-gallery) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DSLyceumGallery).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with interdisciplinary artist and art teacher, Becky Barsi, in her home studio! A jack of all trades high school art teacher, Becky describes herself as an interdisciplinary artist, dabbling in every medium. Inspired by her students’ creativity and activated by her own tendency to get bored, Becky’s art can’t be described with any brevity. Becky has creativity in her every branch of her family tree, and fondly recalls learning to quilt from her grandmother, a professional artist herself. Before Becky settled into her role at the Derryfield School, her early career aspirations ran the spectrum from filmmaking to equine science to photography to art education to jewelry making and, finally, back to art education! Becky’s mom, the British chef, taught Becky to always feed her guests, so it is no surprise that the Creative Guts team was well-fed for this interview!
Check out Becky’s work online at www.BeckyBarsi.com and on Instagram (www.instagram.com/artsybarsi). Find out more about the Lyceum Gallery at Manchester’s Derryfield School online (www.derryfield.org/arts/lyceum-gallery) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DSLyceumGallery).
2019
Terry Robinson
FASHION DESIGNER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Terry Robinson, the young NH transplant behind art organization House of Testament. A fashion designer by trade, Terry is the Creative Director at House of Testament, a streetwear brand focused on designing concepts that resonate with African American demographics, and the Creative Project Collaborator for the Black Heritage Trail. A dreamer with a passion for Alexander McQueen and science fiction, Terry is working hard to fill a cultural void in NH. Terry’s designs pay homage to culture, history, and religion. If you think all of this sounds impressive, wait until you find out Terry belongs to generation Z! Wisdom comes out of the mouth of babes, right?
Check out House of Testament online (www.houseoftestament.com) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/testamentsdesigns) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/houseoftestamentdesign) and you can find out more about Portsmouth’s Black Heritage Trail at Black Heritage Trail NH DOT org.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Terry Robinson, the young NH transplant behind art organization House of Testament. A fashion designer by trade, Terry is the Creative Director at House of Testament, a streetwear brand focused on designing concepts that resonate with African American demographics, and the Creative Project Collaborator for the Black Heritage Trail. A dreamer with a passion for Alexander McQueen and science fiction, Terry is working hard to fill a cultural void in NH. Terry’s designs pay homage to culture, history, and religion. If you think all of this sounds impressive, wait until you find out Terry belongs to generation Z! Wisdom comes out of the mouth of babes, right?
Check out House of Testament online (www.houseoftestament.com) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/testamentsdesigns) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/houseoftestamentdesign) and you can find out more about Portsmouth’s Black Heritage Trail at Black Heritage Trail NH DOT org.
Hot Cross Puns
FIBER ARTIST
On the latest episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Rachael Jones of Hot Cross Puns! We’re not kitten you right meow when we tell you Rachael loves wordplay. Her fun and offbeat cross stitches and other embroidery are rife with puns, cats, sass, politics, and occasionally some colorful language. Rachael is secretly a ninety-year-old woman in a younger person's body, so it might surprise you when you hear she is a horror movie buff. It may also surprise you to hear her parents told her to go to art school — words that no parents have uttered before or since. Unapologetic, funny, and passionate, you’ll be happy to know Rachael Jones. Disclaimer: Puns ahead.
P.S. Please contact us directly for the rights to our knitters-verse-cross-stitchers-rivalry movie.
Check out Hot Cross Puns on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HotCrossPunsNH), Instagram (www.instagram.com/hot_cross_puns_), and shop her stuff on Etsy (www.hotcrosspuns.etsy.com).
On the latest episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Rachael Jones of Hot Cross Puns! We’re not kitten you right meow when we tell you Rachael loves wordplay. Her fun and offbeat cross stitches and other embroidery are rife with puns, cats, sass, politics, and occasionally some colorful language. Rachael is secretly a ninety-year-old woman in a younger person's body, so it might surprise you when you hear she is a horror movie buff. It may also surprise you to hear her parents told her to go to art school — words that no parents have uttered before or since. Unapologetic, funny, and passionate, you’ll be happy to know Rachael Jones. Disclaimer: Puns ahead.
P.S. Please contact us directly for the rights to our knitters-verse-cross-stitchers-rivalry movie.
Check out Hot Cross Puns on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HotCrossPunsNH), Instagram (www.instagram.com/hot_cross_puns_), and shop her stuff on Etsy (www.hotcrosspuns.etsy.com).
Rob Brown
WOODWORKER & MUSICIAN
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Rob Brown — drummer, photographer, woodworker, and custom drum kit creator! From playing on pawn shop drums to a handmade, solid wood kit, Rob shares how his creativity has evolved — giving plenty of credit to his willingness to fail. Rob’s love of loud and aggressive music was inspired by the “cool kids” he met at the skatepark as a young teen, but today his band, KYOTY, has been playing together for a decade! Dad to the world’s cutest baby, Rob has his hands full balancing his family and his need to scratch his creative itch. And, no, this is not a turtle podcast.
Check out KYOTY online (www.kyoty.com) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kyoty). You can also find Brown Drums (www.facebook.com/browndrum) and Level Plane Woodworks (www.facebook.com/levelplanewoodworks).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Rob Brown — drummer, photographer, woodworker, and custom drum kit creator! From playing on pawn shop drums to a handmade, solid wood kit, Rob shares how his creativity has evolved — giving plenty of credit to his willingness to fail. Rob’s love of loud and aggressive music was inspired by the “cool kids” he met at the skatepark as a young teen, but today his band, KYOTY, has been playing together for a decade! Dad to the world’s cutest baby, Rob has his hands full balancing his family and his need to scratch his creative itch. And, no, this is not a turtle podcast.
Check out KYOTY online (www.kyoty.com) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kyoty). You can also find Brown Drums (www.facebook.com/browndrum) and Level Plane Woodworks (www.facebook.com/levelplanewoodworks).
Made by Emily
JEWELER
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Emily Slama, the Durham-based jewelry maker behind Made by Emily. The stay-at-home mom turned jewelry maker will warm your heart with her sincerity and the parents out there will appreciate the sheer joy of finishing something you start, “as a stay-at-home mom, you do a lot of things, but you never really complete anything.” Her sweet demeanor combined with the borderline-creepy way she gets inspiration for her next piece will crack you up, and if nothing else, you have to stay tuned to find out what Emily listens to while she works. Emily’s simple, classic pieces tell a story, reflect the seasons, and empower the wearer. When you pick up a Made by Emily piece you know you’re wearing something handmade, with love, by your neighbor (maybe at her dining room table).
Find out more about Emily Slama of Made by Emily on Instagram at www.instagram.com/madebyemilynh and Facebook at www.facebook.com/madebyemilynh. Snag a Made by Emily original at Main Street Makery (www.mainstreetmakery.com), Good Juju (www.goodjujubyceci.com), or My Country Story (www.mycountrystory.com).
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Emily Slama, the Durham-based jewelry maker behind Made by Emily. The stay-at-home mom turned jewelry maker will warm your heart with her sincerity and the parents out there will appreciate the sheer joy of finishing something you start, “as a stay-at-home mom, you do a lot of things, but you never really complete anything.” Her sweet demeanor combined with the borderline-creepy way she gets inspiration for her next piece will crack you up, and if nothing else, you have to stay tuned to find out what Emily listens to while she works. Emily’s simple, classic pieces tell a story, reflect the seasons, and empower the wearer. When you pick up a Made by Emily piece you know you’re wearing something handmade, with love, by your neighbor (maybe at her dining room table).
Find out more about Emily Slama of Made by Emily on Instagram at www.instagram.com/madebyemilynh and Facebook at www.facebook.com/madebyemilynh. Snag a Made by Emily original at Main Street Makery (www.mainstreetmakery.com), Good Juju (www.goodjujubyceci.com), or My Country Story (www.mycountrystory.com).
Matt Wyatt
ARTIST/ARTS ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist-turned-arts-advocate, Matt Wyatt. As an artist; Associate Producer and Publicist at the Rochester Opera House and Rochester Performance and Arts Center; and co-founder of the Rochester Museum of Fine Art, Matt wears too many hats to fit into one episode! The stubborn Capricorn and rowdy comedian tells the story of the 180-degree turn he took from a kid who didn’t know being an artist was a real career to receiving an award at Carnegie Hall in New York City, thanks to the encouragement of one Spaulding High School teacher. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as Matt shares the story about that one time he met Gilbert Gottfried and why he feels so strongly about ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone. This episode was not sponsored by Apple… but it should have been.
Find out more about Matt Wyatt by visiting his website www.mattwyattart.com and you find the Rochester Opera House, the Rochester Performance and Arts Center, and the Rochester Museum of Fine Art online and on Facebook.
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with artist-turned-arts-advocate, Matt Wyatt. As an artist; Associate Producer and Publicist at the Rochester Opera House and Rochester Performance and Arts Center; and co-founder of the Rochester Museum of Fine Art, Matt wears too many hats to fit into one episode! The stubborn Capricorn and rowdy comedian tells the story of the 180-degree turn he took from a kid who didn’t know being an artist was a real career to receiving an award at Carnegie Hall in New York City, thanks to the encouragement of one Spaulding High School teacher. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as Matt shares the story about that one time he met Gilbert Gottfried and why he feels so strongly about ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone. This episode was not sponsored by Apple… but it should have been.
Find out more about Matt Wyatt by visiting his website www.mattwyattart.com and you find the Rochester Opera House, the Rochester Performance and Arts Center, and the Rochester Museum of Fine Art online and on Facebook.
Nancy Pearson
ARTS ADVOCATE
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Portsmouth City Councilor and advocate for the arts, Nancy Pearson! Only in Portsmouth can someone run for local office on an arts campaign and win — and that’s exactly what Nancy did. During her time in office, Nancy championed the City’s “percent for art” ordinance, ensuring public art would be part of every new municipally-owned development. Nancy’s passion for the Foundry Place public art projects is palpable, even in podcast format.
Get to know Nancy Pearson on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nancypearsoncitycouncil) and, please, next time you’re in Portsmouth, park at the Foundry Place parking garage and check it out!
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Portsmouth City Councilor and advocate for the arts, Nancy Pearson! Only in Portsmouth can someone run for local office on an arts campaign and win — and that’s exactly what Nancy did. During her time in office, Nancy championed the City’s “percent for art” ordinance, ensuring public art would be part of every new municipally-owned development. Nancy’s passion for the Foundry Place public art projects is palpable, even in podcast format.
Get to know Nancy Pearson on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nancypearsoncitycouncil) and, please, next time you’re in Portsmouth, park at the Foundry Place parking garage and check it out!
Durkish Delights
ARTIST
Mike Durkee of Durkish Delights is the star of the latest episode of Creative Guts. Illustrator, graphic designer, musician, and videographer, Durkee lives and breathes creativity. Co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman gets to the guts of Durkee’s triumphs and challenges to find out how the heck he does it all while raising two children. Durkee is a self-described barrel of laughs, so prepare to be continually surprised and amused as he walks you through his story, from aspiring art student who didn’t know what “medium” meant to full-blown maker and shaker. Special thank you to Janet Jackson — we couldn’t have made this episode without you.
Get to know Mike Durkee of Durkish Delights online at www.durkishdelights.com and fall into the Instagram and YouTube rabbit hole from there.
Mike Durkee of Durkish Delights is the star of the latest episode of Creative Guts. Illustrator, graphic designer, musician, and videographer, Durkee lives and breathes creativity. Co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman gets to the guts of Durkee’s triumphs and challenges to find out how the heck he does it all while raising two children. Durkee is a self-described barrel of laughs, so prepare to be continually surprised and amused as he walks you through his story, from aspiring art student who didn’t know what “medium” meant to full-blown maker and shaker. Special thank you to Janet Jackson — we couldn’t have made this episode without you.
Get to know Mike Durkee of Durkish Delights online at www.durkishdelights.com and fall into the Instagram and YouTube rabbit hole from there.
Debra Holloway
ARTS ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Debra Holloway, the new Executive Director of Arts in Reach (AIR), a seacoast-based nonprofit with a mission of providing teenage girls with a platform to develop both their creative freedom and power of voice in a positive, supportive setting. Debra, who has only been the director for a handful of months, has been involved with AIR for over twenty years, using her passion for the work and research expertise to study the impact of AIR’s programming on the young women it serves. Debra also shares with us her background as a writing instructor and painter.
Learn more about Arts in Reach online at www.artsinreach.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artsinreach; and check out Debra’s art at www.debrahollowayfineart.com
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Debra Holloway, the new Executive Director of Arts in Reach (AIR), a seacoast-based nonprofit with a mission of providing teenage girls with a platform to develop both their creative freedom and power of voice in a positive, supportive setting. Debra, who has only been the director for a handful of months, has been involved with AIR for over twenty years, using her passion for the work and research expertise to study the impact of AIR’s programming on the young women it serves. Debra also shares with us her background as a writing instructor and painter.
Learn more about Arts in Reach online at www.artsinreach.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artsinreach; and check out Debra’s art at www.debrahollowayfineart.com
Robert Brookes
WRITER
In this episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with writer, game designer, illustrator, and GM extraordinaire Robert Brookes! Robert has contributed to numerous tabletop RPG publications, including Pathfinder by Paizo Publishing, and has worked on award-winning titles such as Occult Adventures. In 2016, Robert successfully crowd-funded and created the sci-fi/fantasy Aethera Campaign Setting published by Legendary Games. In addition to digging into the ins and outs of being a game master and designer, we push Robert for the story behind 2015 romantic comedy “Most Likely” that he helped to direct and produce.
Learn more about Robert Brookes on his website www.robert-brookes.com and Aethera at www.aetherarpg.com and check out “Most Likely” on Amazon.
In this episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with writer, game designer, illustrator, and GM extraordinaire Robert Brookes! Robert has contributed to numerous tabletop RPG publications, including Pathfinder by Paizo Publishing, and has worked on award-winning titles such as Occult Adventures. In 2016, Robert successfully crowd-funded and created the sci-fi/fantasy Aethera Campaign Setting published by Legendary Games. In addition to digging into the ins and outs of being a game master and designer, we push Robert for the story behind 2015 romantic comedy “Most Likely” that he helped to direct and produce.
Learn more about Robert Brookes on his website www.robert-brookes.com and Aethera at www.aetherarpg.com and check out “Most Likely” on Amazon.
Beth Wittenberg
ARTIST
Edit: We're sad to report Beth passed away in April 2025.
Get to know contemporary artist Beth Wittenberg in episode 11 of Creative Guts. In this episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Beth about how a significant weight loss prompted Beth to use her body as a canvas; how religion, politics, and the environment interact with her art; and why she doesn’t listen to music when she creates. Beth gushes about the art scene in her hometown of Rochester and challenges fellow artists to focus on the process over the product. Beth’s openness and compassion make this the most moving interview yet. It is also the longest, but don’t worry – it’s worth every minute.
Learn more about Beth Wittenberg and take a peek at her art at www.bethwittenberg.com or search for “Beth Wittenberg’s Art” on Facebook.
Edit: We're sad to report Beth passed away in April 2025.
Get to know contemporary artist Beth Wittenberg in episode 11 of Creative Guts. In this episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with Beth about how a significant weight loss prompted Beth to use her body as a canvas; how religion, politics, and the environment interact with her art; and why she doesn’t listen to music when she creates. Beth gushes about the art scene in her hometown of Rochester and challenges fellow artists to focus on the process over the product. Beth’s openness and compassion make this the most moving interview yet. It is also the longest, but don’t worry – it’s worth every minute.
Learn more about Beth Wittenberg and take a peek at her art at www.bethwittenberg.com or search for “Beth Wittenberg’s Art” on Facebook.
Zac Little
PODCASTER
Co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with entertaining and compelling Zac Little in episode ten. Zac is a podcaster, videographer, musician, comedian, and all around creative force. We discuss the pitfalls of monetizing your art, how being a parent affects creativity, and the various projects he has created.
Find Zac Little’ Podcast, The Last Podcast here on Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.
Co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman chat with entertaining and compelling Zac Little in episode ten. Zac is a podcaster, videographer, musician, comedian, and all around creative force. We discuss the pitfalls of monetizing your art, how being a parent affects creativity, and the various projects he has created.
Find Zac Little’ Podcast, The Last Podcast here on Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.
Will Stewart
ARTS ADVOCATE
Will Stewart, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH, talks with Creative Guts co-hosts, Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman, about art more broadly. Will shares the role of the arts in their mission of attracting and retaining young people, creating interesting places to live and visit, and bolstering the local economy.
Find Stay Work Play NH on the web and on every social media platform.
Website: https://stayworkplay.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StayWorkPlay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stayworkplay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayworkplay/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stayworkplay/
Will Stewart, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH, talks with Creative Guts co-hosts, Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman, about art more broadly. Will shares the role of the arts in their mission of attracting and retaining young people, creating interesting places to live and visit, and bolstering the local economy.
Find Stay Work Play NH on the web and on every social media platform.
Website: https://stayworkplay.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StayWorkPlay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stayworkplay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayworkplay/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stayworkplay/
Angela Garcia
DANCER
In episode eight, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman visit Angela Garcia at AG Fitness in Stratham, NH. Director, instructor, and trainer at AG Fitness, Angela is also a former professional dancer, choreographer, and nationally-certified personal trainer and instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine and AFAA. The classes the AG team offers combine Angela’s training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern dance with her passion for fitness. The result is fitness classes and personal training that is fun, effective, and overflowing with energy.
Angela shares her creative process and the secrets for staying motivated on Creative Guts.
Find AG Fitness online, on Facebook, and on Instagram.
Website: https://www.agfitness.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agfitnessnh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agfitnessnh
In episode eight, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman visit Angela Garcia at AG Fitness in Stratham, NH. Director, instructor, and trainer at AG Fitness, Angela is also a former professional dancer, choreographer, and nationally-certified personal trainer and instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine and AFAA. The classes the AG team offers combine Angela’s training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern dance with her passion for fitness. The result is fitness classes and personal training that is fun, effective, and overflowing with energy.
Angela shares her creative process and the secrets for staying motivated on Creative Guts.
Find AG Fitness online, on Facebook, and on Instagram.
Website: https://www.agfitness.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agfitnessnh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agfitnessnh
Deb Wheeler-Bean
ARTIST / TEACHER
Deb Wheeler-Bean is an artist, educator, and the star of episode seven. Co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Deb about her experiences with creativity through her own life and how she stays inspired. After 16 years of teaching art to elementary school students, Deb retired recently and transitioned to full-time artist. Deb continues to use her teaching experience to prove to adults that everyone can be an artist in her class, aptly titled “I suck at art”.
You can visit Deb Wheeler-Bean in studio four at Art Up Front Street in Exeter, NH.
www.facebook.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.instagram.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.artupfrontstreet.com
Deb Wheeler-Bean is an artist, educator, and the star of episode seven. Co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman talk with Deb about her experiences with creativity through her own life and how she stays inspired. After 16 years of teaching art to elementary school students, Deb retired recently and transitioned to full-time artist. Deb continues to use her teaching experience to prove to adults that everyone can be an artist in her class, aptly titled “I suck at art”.
You can visit Deb Wheeler-Bean in studio four at Art Up Front Street in Exeter, NH.
www.facebook.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.instagram.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.artupfrontstreet.com
BUG
MUSICIAN/ARTIST
Raphael Bastek, also known as Bug musically, is a musician, illustrator, and writer. Raphael chats with co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman about his three creative passions with compelling detail and offbeat humor.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/typicalbug/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RLCvMsVJ2oOdcGnspsYSY
Raphael Bastek, also known as Bug musically, is a musician, illustrator, and writer. Raphael chats with co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman about his three creative passions with compelling detail and offbeat humor.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/typicalbug/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RLCvMsVJ2oOdcGnspsYSY
Linette Miles
ACTRESS
In episode five, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman catch up with actress, singer, and dancer, Linette Miles, who is based in NH’s seacoast. Linette shares her experience turning her love of performing into a career, the guts it takes to tackle stage fright, and her current gig teaching theater to young adults with developmental disabilities for NH nonprofit Friends in Action.
Find Friends in Action on Facebook (www.facebook.com/friendsinactionnh) and on the web (www.friendsinactionnh.org).
In episode five, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman catch up with actress, singer, and dancer, Linette Miles, who is based in NH’s seacoast. Linette shares her experience turning her love of performing into a career, the guts it takes to tackle stage fright, and her current gig teaching theater to young adults with developmental disabilities for NH nonprofit Friends in Action.
Find Friends in Action on Facebook (www.facebook.com/friendsinactionnh) and on the web (www.friendsinactionnh.org).
Christopher Cherim
CHEF
In episode four, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Christopher Cherim, chef de cuisine at Portsmouth’s Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar. Botanica is an intimate, upscale French-influenced restaurant and bar located in the West End of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In this episode you'll hear about how Chris's creativity shows up on your plate, his journey to the kitchen, and what French cuisine means to a New Hampshire chef.
Find Botanica on Facebook (www.facebook.com/botanicanh), Instagram (www.instagram.com/botanica_nh), and on the web (www.botanicanh.com).
In episode four, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Christopher Cherim, chef de cuisine at Portsmouth’s Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar. Botanica is an intimate, upscale French-influenced restaurant and bar located in the West End of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In this episode you'll hear about how Chris's creativity shows up on your plate, his journey to the kitchen, and what French cuisine means to a New Hampshire chef.
Find Botanica on Facebook (www.facebook.com/botanicanh), Instagram (www.instagram.com/botanica_nh), and on the web (www.botanicanh.com).
BIG INK
PRINTMAKING ORG
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Lyell Castonguay and Carend Burnet, the team behind BIG INK.
https://www.bigink.org/
https://www.facebook.com/biginkprints/
https://www.instagram.com/biginkprints/
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Lyell Castonguay and Carend Burnet, the team behind BIG INK.
https://www.bigink.org/
https://www.facebook.com/biginkprints/
https://www.instagram.com/biginkprints/
Rose Bryant
ARTIST
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Rose Bryant, Artist and owner of Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery.
www.facebook.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.instagram.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.artupfrontstreet.com
In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman sit down with Rose Bryant, Artist and owner of Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery.
www.facebook.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.instagram.com/ArtUpFrontStreet
www.artupfrontstreet.com
Introduction Episode
MEET THE HOSTS
In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman share the origin story of the podcast, who the heck they are, and what Creative Guts means to them.
In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Sarah Wrightsman share the origin story of the podcast, who the heck they are, and what Creative Guts means to them.
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