Southcoast Artists Index
The Artists Index podcasts offer up close and personal conversations with the makers, performers, supporters and cultural impresarios of this remarkable creative community. Join us as we speak with and listen to the creative community’s living visual, performing and literary artists. We will also feature those seeking information on and, sharing what they have discovered about the Artists who have passed on that were a part of the creative community’s creative fabric in days gone by. The Artists Index is putting Artists in their place – in history!
Music courtesty of www.bensound.com
music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome maker/dyer and self-described Environmental Alchemist, Rhonda M. Fazio to In-Focus Podcast Number 69. Rhonda is a graduate of art history from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Prior to attending the University, she studied Professional Craft: Fiber and Clay at Haywood Community College near Asheville, North Carolina – an area rich with the influence and philosophy of Black Mountain College. She founded Dyer Maker Studio, a traveling textile maker space.
Rhonda teaches experiential workshops and in addition to her work with fabric, she teaches the art of cooking and food preservation. Rhonda is currently opening a food and fabric maker space and gallery in the Seaport District of New Bedford aptly named Interwoven.
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome painter/Artist Index co-founder/podcaster Ron Fortier to Podcast Episode: 64. Ron is a guest on his own show and this episode is hosted by painter/art writer Don Wilkinson who's been our guest on Podcast Episode: 4 and Podcast Episode: 63 as well.
He lives and maintains his studio in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. He's a painter who spent decades in his fallback advertising and marketing career.
He received his BFA in Painting from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and, his MFA from the University of Miami. Ron has exhibited both nationally and internationally and, his work is part of collections both in the United States and overseas.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s regular host, Ron Fortier is interviewed by his friend and fellow artist Don Wilkinson, as they discuss his life, art, and future ambitions.
music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome back painter/art writer Don Wilkinson to In-Focus Podcast Number 63. Don was one of our earliest guests on Podcast Episode 4.
He received his BFA in Printmaking from the Swain School of Design in 1982, and his MFA in Visual Design from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth in 1991. He wrote the pre-pandemic BART Chat and Art Beat columns for Southcoast Today.
His writings have appeared in Artscope Magazine, Art New England, The Standard-Times, The Providence Journal, Ceramics Ireland Magazine, and other publications. With the advent of the global pandemic, Don's title of art critic has given way to art writer since his efforts are now more focused on writing about the artists of the Southcoast in the Artist Profiles for the Southcoast Today [Standard-Times] Thursday Coastin' Magazine.
He lives with his wife Elizabeth, a fabric artist and photographer, in New Bedford along with their three dogs, two cats, a rabbit, and a flock of hens.
music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome painter/poet/podcaster Phillip J. Mellen to In-Focus Podcast Number 53. Phillip was born during the Bicentennial year which was dedicated to celebrating the Nation’s independence from the Crown of England in 1976. He lives and works in Taunton, Massachusetts home of the Liberty & Union Flag.
He received his Certificate in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Phillip J. Mellen has exhibited both nationally and internationally and, his work is part of numerous private collections both in the United States and overseas. Mellen is also the host and producer of the artist interview podcast Ahtcast which he began in 2011.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Phillip’s life, his and poetry, and his ambitions. This episode was recorded with Zoom during the pandemic of 2020. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE PODCAST LINK or LISTEN HERE! (new episodes are added a short time after being posted here)
The whole concept of The Artists Index and the journey we are on is are still in the making and very organic. And, at this critical time in our country’s history, challenged by the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have continued to podcast remotely, assisted by Zoom, in order to assure that our guests remain safe and, in the comfort of their home.
If you would like to be a guest or, have a suggestion, please let us know!
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome grant writer Ben Jones to In-Focus Podcast Number 60. Ben is an arts adjacent. What does that mean?
Ben Jones grew up surrounded by the arts. He had two aunts who worked as professional visual artists and teachers. His parents made sure his brother and he always had plenty of art materials.
There were many museum visits. His mom continues her grade school “art lady” duties to this day via social media. Yet, Ben remains a self-described arts adjacent – what he has in creative enthusiasm, he lacks, or so he says, in talent.
A while back, he established Left Brain, a business whose name was taken from the idea of helping the creatives he worked with. Ben worked in web development and assisted others in the field to navigate the business aspects of their art.
Currently, Ben Jones is employed in a grant writing role at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. More specifically, as the Director of Development – Corporations & Foundations, where he continues to help artists pursue resources to assist them in pursuing their art.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Ben’s life, his background, and his ambitions.
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome painter Nancy Hayes to In-Focus Podcast Number 59. Nancy was a ceramic sculptor for over twenty years. Her work concentrated on organic forms infused with patterns that defined their surface and defined her work.
Then, as she relates, "When I turned fifty, something happened, something changed. And then, as if overnight, I made the decision to abandon the clay and find my voice as a painter. I had no idea where I was going, no idea what I would find."
It is now, ten years later, and Nancy's motivation lies in being her most honest self. She is making art that reflects how her mind works, where my imagination takes her. "The act of painting has taught me that no matter the medium, one's inner voice will lead the way."
Nancy Hayes currently lives in and maintains her studio in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Nancy’s life, her work, and her future ambitions.
Music Courtesy of www.bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome painter/graphic designer Randy Swamm to In-Focus Podcast Number 55. Randy was raised in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He moved to the Southcoast in 1975 to attend the Swain School of Design.
Randy Swann remained and has lived in the Southcoast (also spelled South Coast) area since his graduation in 1979 as a Painting major. While at Swain, he studied under David Loeffler Smith, Ben Martinez, and Sig Haines. He embarked on a graphic design career and spent several years as the Package Design Manager at Ocean Spray Cranberries in Lakeville.
Randy retired from Ocean Spray in 2017. He is now self-employed as a freelance designer from his home studio and, as always, continues to paint.
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome painter/poet/podcaster Phillip J. Mellen to In-Focus Podcast Number 53. Phillip was born during the Bicentennial year which was dedicated to celebrating the Nation's independence from the Crown of England in 1976. He lives and works in Taunton, Massachusetts.
He received his Certificate in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Phillip J. Mellen has exhibited both nationally and internationally and, his work is part of numerous private collections both in the United States and overseas. Mellen is also the host and producer of the artist interview podcast Ahtcast which he began in 2011.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Phillip’s life, his and poetry, and his ambitions.
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome musician/songwriter Johnny Gwynn to In-Focus Podcast Number 52. Johnny is residing in Nashville, Tennessee while pursuing a dream and a career!
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Johnny’s life and his quest for a career in the Music Industry!
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Welcome, Master Illusionist Lyn Dillies to In-Focus Podcast Number 50. It's a milestone for us and we couldn't be happier celebrating this magical number with anyone else!
Recorded with Zoom during the pandemic.
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Welcome painter Pat Coomey Thornton to In-Focus Podcast Number 49. Pat is one half of a painting power couple!
Her husband, John Havens Thornton is also a painter of note. She holds an MFA from Pius XII Institute Graduate School of Fine Arts, Florence, Italy, and a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art, Boston.
Pat Coomey Thornton taught at the School of the Worcester Art Museum before working at Rhode Island School of Design for 20 years.She has exhibited in galleries and museums in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and her works are in the collections of the Rose Art Museum, at Brandeis University, Paine Webber, and Meditech as well as in private collections.
Pat works in oils on canvas and gouache, watercolor, and mixed media on paper, using abstraction to create energy and associations with life.
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Welcome actor Earl Lee White to In-Focus Podcast Number 48.
As he self-describes: "I'm an actor. I'm a rapper. I'm a skateboarder. I'm a sponsored Teck Decker." Earl is new to the television and film industry but charging ahead full speed.
At this writing, Earl has embarked on an adventure in N.O.L.A. - New Orleans, Louisiana and is thankful for the many opportunities that have come his way and is obviously excited to see what lies ahead.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Earl’s experiences and evolution as an aspiring actor - the first on The Artists Index!
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Butch works from his home studio in Downtown New Bedford. He’s shown work at Gallery X and Frying Pan Galleries on the Cape.
Alison Wells is a Trinidadian artist. Her paintings have been exhibited in solo and group shows in galleries and museums in the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Alison's work is also part of private, public, and corporate collections. She received her MFA from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and her BFA from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica.
Listen in on the conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier, speaks with Alison Wells about her life, her painting, and her gallery. Alison is the owner of Alison Wells Fine Art Studio & Gallery in New Bedford, Massachusetts where she offers art classes and workshops to kids, teens, and adults.
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Karen is an award-winning storyteller, teaching artist, workshop leader, and author. Since 2002 she has taught the art of storytelling to over 600 students.
Listen in on the conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier, speaks with Karen Langford Chace and focuses in on how she started on her story-telling journey and continues to evolve.
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Artist Robert “Bob” Brodesky joins the second installation of our first topical series: THE VAN GOGH BOAT. The concept stems from Rene Riccard, American poet, actor, art critic, painter, and Southcoast native pictured here. In 1981, he penned The Radiant Child about Painter Jean Michell Basquiat which is often referred to as the seminal Artforum article.
Bob is a painter and was previously featured in In-Focus Podcast Number 5. He’s based in the Boston-area and has been painting all his life. Robert Brodesky specializes in boldly-colored, figurative painting in an expressionistic style, rendered in oils and pastels on canvas, paper, and wood. Bob likes working big – a surface big enough to allow him to be expansive, and physical. Brodesky’s work features human figures captured in a particular instant, a pivotal moment when something changes. His style – expressive and gestural – focuses on the dynamics of human relationships.
Dancer and Art Educator, Laurie Wolfe. Laurie is also the widow Jack Wolfe (1924-2007) and his most avid promoter. Jack studied art at RISD and the MFA School in Boston. His diverse body of work includes large-scale explorations of geometry and color theory, as well as portraiture from life and political works focusing on social justice and anti-war themes.
The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier, speaks with Laurie Wolfe about her life with her late husband and painter Jack Wolfe. Jack's legacy of his Civil Rights fueled work is featured in the Summer 2020 virtual exhibition Jack Wolfe’s Civil Rights Paintings: A Viewing in 2020 at Bridgewater State University’s Anderson Gallery features four of his major civil rights paintings from the 1960s. This podcast episode is sponsored in part by Heavenly Spirits.
music courtesy of www.bensound.com
music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome, Painter Matthew Beall an American ex-pat living in Germany to the show! Matt was born in California. He's a self-described coffee addict, golf nut, and oh yeah, painter. Matthew Beall paints abstractly.
Listen in on the conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier, speaks with Matthew Beall and focuses on how he ended up in Germany and how he's continued to paint and exhibit.
We welcome musician Quinn Sullivan to the show! He began taking guitar lessons at age three and first gained national media attention at age six when he appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
It's no wonder he has been called one of the most gifted young guitarists in our midst today. Yet, Quinn remains humbled by the incredible experiences he has been afforded and appreciates the opportunity to pursue his passion. His goal is simple. “I want to make music with integrity and music that moves people. To me, that is the definition of success”
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome artist David Baggarly to the first installation of a new topical series: THE VAN GOGH BOAT. The concept stems fromRene Riccard, American poet, actor, art critic, painter, and Southcoast native. In 1981, he penned The Radiant Child about Painter Jean Michell Basquiat which is often referred to as the seminal Artforum article. The following is an excerpt from the article.
Everybody wants to get on the Van Gogh
boat. There's no trip so horrible that
someone won't take it. The idea of the
unrecognized genius slaving away in a
garret is a deliciously foolish one. We
must credit the life of Vincent Van Gogh
for really sending this myth into orbit.
How many pictures did he sell? One? He
couldn't give them away. We are so ashamed
of his life that the rest of art history
will be retribution for Van Gogh's
neglect. No one wants to be part of a
generation that ignores another Van Gogh.
David is a painter and was previously featured in In-Focus Podcast Number 13. He was born and raised in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Davis Baggarly graduated in 1985 with a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Currently in his third season as Music Director of the New Bedford Symphony, he leads the orchestra with star soloists such as Yefim Bronfman, Joyce Yang, and Vadim Gluzman, and in a wide range of repertoire emphasizing women composers. As the Resident Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony, Dinur conducts more than 50 concerts per season. Highlights of recent and upcoming guest conducting engagements include subscription debuts with the Houston Symphony and Fort Worth Symphony, a return to the San Diego Symphony, and his debut at the Peninsula Music Festival.
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Host Ron Fortier speaks with David Dauer.
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Dan is a Painter. He is also the co-owner of Heavenly Spirits, a leading importer of artisanal French spirits, such as Armagnac, Calvados, Cognac, whisky, gin, aperitifs and liqueurs. Mr. Cooney is a self-described project oriented visual communicator who enjoys all stages of the creative design process and working with a variety of materials.
Although he wears a couple of hats, he considers himself a painter of pictures who likes towork in series.
He is a former Professor of Art at Bridgewater State University. Dan received his BFA from the Swain School of Design in 1981 and, his MFA in Painting from the University of California Berkeley in 1989.
The whole concept of The Artists Index and the journey we are embarking on are still in the making and very organic. At this critical time in our country’s history, as we are experiencing and attempting to remain safely at home during the Covid 19 Pandemic, we will continue to podcast assisted by Skype. If you would like to be a guest or, have a suggestion, please let us know!
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Denn Santoro lives and works on the South Coast of MA. His work is in private collections in the US and Europe and the permanent collection at Southcoast Hospital in New Bedford. He has exhibited in New England and Europe.
Roger Andrews is a world renowned freelance illustrator who built his career in producing conceptual illustrations for intellectual property development, character creation, advertising and packaging.
Roger graduated top of his class from the Butera School of Art in 1992. He was expertly trained in traditional graphic art and illustration techniques.
Since then he has acquired the necassary skills for digital art creation and is proficient in programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. More recently Roger has perfected his craft on the iPad using the program Procreate.
Using Procreate, Roger began filming some of the process he uses to produce his work so he could share it with aspiring artists and illustrators. Though most of the tutorials take place using Procreate, the techniques and styles he uses can be applied to various mediums.
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Roy has been painting full time and exhibiting extensively since completing his MFA.
On this episode Jill Law sits down to discusss the future of the Southcoast Open Studio Tour.
Music courtest of www.bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Host Ron Fortier is joined by local artist Judith Klein.
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On this episode host Ron Fortier sits down with Candace Lee Heald.
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In 2016, Peter was awarded the Medal of the Order of Infante D. Henrique by the President of Portugal. Peter has been named New England Photographer of the Year 11 times.
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17 Onyz Dr
Dartmouth, MA 02747
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Milton Brightman graduated from the Swain School of Design in 1976 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. He worked for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1979 to 2017, retiring as Regional Coordinator for the Southeastern Massachusetts State Park system.
Milton’s work has been shown at the New Bedford Art Museum, The Federal Reserve in Boston, One Man Show, Bristol Art Museum, as well as all shows at Gallery X since 1992. Currently his work can be seen at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Panorama Exhibition at the Kilburn Mills.
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In this episode of the Southcoast Artists Index Podcast host, Ron Fortier sits down with Ralph Hickok.
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Episode 15 features a conversation with host Ron Fortier and guest Wanda Medina.
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Dena Haden is a visual artist and the Program Director for the Co-Creative Center in New Bedford and the co-founder and team member for SuperflatNB, a Mural Arts organization in New Bedford. She is also a visual artist with an extensive exhibition record in the United States and abroad.
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The information contained within this episode does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. It is for general informational purposes only. This information does not create an attorney/client relationship. Anyone should contact an attorney of their own choosing to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
Music courtesy of bensound.com
Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Chuck is a sculptor and practically a New Bedford institution as a founding member of Gallery X, the oldest continually operating artist’s cooperative in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Welcome artist Charles Hauck, or as he’s better known as, Chuck to In-Focus Podcast Number 9.
Chuck graduated from high school and moved directly to New Bedford in 1977 where he attended The Swain School of Design.
He received his BFA from Swain in Sculpture. Chuck Hauck was a founding member of the former Second Street Art Exchange (1983-87) which was located behind Freestone’s City Grille on William Street in New Bedford.
He is a founding member and first president of Gallery X (1990) where he remains a member. Chuck is also the first president and founding member of O.R.P.H. Inc. (2004), a non-profit organization with plans to reopen and restore the historic Orpheum Theatre in New Bedford.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves into his background and his contributions to the community, his art, and life!
The whole concept of The Artists Index and the journey we are embarking on are still in the making and very organic. If you would like to be a guest or, have a suggestion, please let us know!
Charles “Chuck” Hauck
46 South Sixth ST.
New Bedford, MA
508 996-9768
https://www.facebook.com/chasahauck
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James is a poet and the former Liberal Arts Chair at The Swain School of Design. When Swain merged with what is now the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, he became part of the English Department.
Welcome poet James Bobrick to In-Focus Podcast Number 8. James was born in Greenwich Village and grew up mainly in New York and California.
He attended The Webb School of California and received a BA in Classics and later a Ph.D in English from Boston University. His dissertation was on numerology and Renaissance Poetry. James Bobrick taught in the English Department at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth until his retirement in 2014.
His poems have appeared in regional, national, and international venues. In 2005 Throwbacks: Selected Poems was published by Spinner Publications.
Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier, delves into his background and his philosophy on art and life!
The whole concept of The Artists Index and the journey we are embarking on are still in the making and very organic. If you would like to be a guest or, have a suggestion, please let us know!
James Bobrick, Poet
35 Orchard Street
New Bedford MA
508-817-0864
https://www.facebook.com/james.bobrick
Literary Work:
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William Kendall holds a BS degree in art education from theUniversity of Minnesota; MS and MFA degrees in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin, at Madison.
He presently holds the title of Professor Emeritus from Bridgewater State University, where he taught painting for over thirty years.
He also spent the last twenty years as an architectural designer, specializing in Early American architecture.
His work has been featured in many publications, including Architectural Digest.
He retired from teaching, and moved to the seaside town of Westport, Massachusetts; after a ten-year hiatus, both from teaching and designing, he built a studio and began to paint full-time five years ago.
www.williamkendallpaintings.com
508-636-0306
205 Brayton Point Road Westport, MA 02790
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Helen Granger is a multitalented artist. Her portfolio includes skills and examples in illustration, animation, fine art, website design & development, graphic design, and branding. And, oh yeah, a painter!
Much of her work is an exploration. She records her, “…observations in a way that feels true to my experience and way of seeing the world. All of my work starts from time spent observing; people, animals, all of nature, my own thoughts and feelings.”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
art@hgranger.com
ADDRESS
Helen Granger, Visualizer
Hatch Street Studios
88 Hatch Street, 306A
New Bedford MA
https://www.facebook.com/hgranger
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Robert P. "Bob" Brodesky, a painter based in the Boston-area, is a member of T.E.C.M., a group composed of Southeastern Massachusetts University* BFA Class of 1975 alum. He specializes in figurative painting in an expressionistic style featuring human figures captured in a particular instant or pivotal moment.
*Now the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
rpbrodesky@gmail.com
rpbrodeskyart@brodesky.com
TELEPHONE NUMBER
508 333-8566
ADDRESS
60 Allerton Road
Milton, MA 02186 USA
https://www.instagram.com/rpbrodesky/
https://www.facebook.com/rpbrodesky/
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Don is a painter and art critic living in New Bedford.
He writes the BART Chat and Art Beat columns for Southcoast Today/The Standard-Times newspaper and, Artscope Magazine.
Don received his BFA from the Swain School of Design and his MFA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
CONTACT INFORMATION
ADDRESS
38 Chancery Street
New Bedford, MA
PHONE NUMBER
508-742-7670
www.facebook.com/don.wilkinson
www.muckrack.com/don-wilkinson
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Denn Santoro lives and works on the South Coast of MA. His work is in private collections in the US and Europe and the permanent collection at Southcoast Hospital in New Bedford. he has exhibited in New England and Europe. He and his partner Helen Granger operate the S and G Project Gallery featuring bodies of work by artists built around a certain theme, or in collaboration with other artists.
Start the journey with us with our first podcast, an introduction to The Artists Index where we're putting artists in their place in history.
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