Image by Hady Mawajdeh licensed under CC BY 2.0
Art can be a helpful outlet for self-expression. This is the case for Texas-based artist Arthur Peña, who found that art offered him a safe retreat while growing in a community that could be dangerous. His mother, who was also an artist, encouraged his interest. After earning his credentials at prestigious art schools, he moved back to Texas and began a successful career. When he encountered some life challenges, however, Peña’s art suffered. Listen to hear how working through his relationship with art helped to put his life back on a positive course.
Story Length: 4:30
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November 15, 2018
5:13
The Smithsonian has selected a design for its National Native American Veterans Memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The artist is Harvey Pratt, a Native American veteran from Oklahoma, and his design is called “Warriors’ Circle of Honor.” It aims to engage all Americans in appreciating and learning about the tradition of Native American service. Listen to hear the artist’s reflections on the meaning of his design, how he hopes people will experience it, and why honoring veterans is an important part of his heritage.
Note: Since this story aired, the National Native American Veterans Memorial has opened.
Read MoreSeptember 12, 2018
8:04
Shooting the cover of the September issue of Vogue magazine is often considered the grand prize of fashion photography. Twenty-three-year-old Tyler Mitchell is the first African American photographer, and one of the youngest ever, to win that prize. Listen to this interview with Mitchell, who discusses what led to this important moment in his career, how he feels about it, and his thoughts about being the first black photographer to receive this honor.
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2018
4:13
Online courses provide access to a variety of topics and can be accessed at any time by learners. One professor believes that by taking courses online people are missing out on visual art education. To combat this, she started a website with courses that delve deep into how art is made, in addition to offering online critiques that help people improve their craft. By becoming involved in her work, this professor has developed her mental flow and wants to show others how to get to this point by connecting with materials. Listen to learn why mental flow is essential for understanding another side to art.
Read MoreApril 19, 2017
6:54
African-American artist Kerry James Marshall has made it his life goal to make black culture “indispensable” and “undeniable” to the art world. Marshall has dedicated his career to painting black subjects and depicting African-American experience through art. He hopes that in showing his work in major museums, he is combatting the historical underrepresentation of black culture in history. Listen to learn more about the artist Kerry James Marshall and his views on black culture in the art world.
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