Matter of Spark: The East End Arts Podcast

Join Wendy Weiss and Chris Jones as they recount 2024, talk previews of Season 2 of MOS, and look forward to 2025 at EEA.

Kasia Klimiuk joins the Matter of Spark duo to announce the nominees for the 2024 Teeny Awards! This East End Arts' program inspired by the Tony Awards began in 2002 and is on the continued mission to elevate high school theater to acclaim equal to that of high school athletics in Eastern Suffolk County. Over twenty local high schools, 2000 teenagers, and fifty judges participate year-round, including many Teeny alumni, some of which have doubled down later in life to win Tony Awards. Theater is a unique medium that incorporates all aspects of the arts and is a powerful driver of not only personal growth but also community. The Teeny Awards strive to celebrate those talents and achievements. Teen + Tony = Teeny

Travel back in time with Colin Palmer, grandson of East End Arts Founder Elizabeth Richard. EEA Creative Director Wendy Weiss discovers the origins and personalities behind EEA's inception in 1972. A lifelong teacher, mentor, and champion of the arts, Elizabeth Richard has earned her title in The Annual Elizabeth Richard Memorial Members' Show.  Colin, a playwright and actor on the East End, provides great context to the founding of EEA through his storytelling and fantastic memories.

How important are the arts in our lives and to our wellbeing? In this episode, hosts Chris Jones and Wendy Weiss discuss the East End Arts' 2023 year-end fundraiser, the Give It Up for the Arts Challenge, and hear from three artists who have different backgrounds and perspectives, yet share the same message. Vietnam veteran John Melillo gets candid on how art saved his life by helping him cope with his PTSD. Art therapy teacher Aude Verrier discusses the significance of nurturing the imagination at all stages of life and circumstances. Lastly, an anonymous letter from a struggling teen illustrates how EEA is playing a pinnacle role in her development.

Host Chris Jones joins the EEA gallery opening reception of the 2023 Open Juried Exhibition ‘Where is the Human?' to speak with its jurors, artists, and guests in pursuit of insights to the show's theme and pieces that answer this most interesting question. Many thanks to [in order of appearance] Joyce Beckenstein, Glynis Berry, Sherry Davis, Edgar Jerins, Jody Cukier, DJ Collins, Debra Albert, Franklin Hill Perrell, Andrea Cote, Frankie Neptune, Eli Stoneman, Meredith Rose, Charles Wildbank, Marta Baumiller, and Tom Anderson.

Unlock the enigmatic depths of horror art as I, Wendy Weiss, host a revealing conversation with horror artist and educator, Mark Levine. Strap in for a spine-chilling foray as we debunk the common misconceptions surrounding this genre, revealing its powerful social impact and enduring popularity. Learn about Mark's evolution from a pencil-wielding novice to a seasoned maestro of storytelling, his enduring passion for horror becoming the fulcrum of his journey. We'll dissect the compelling allure of crafting your own villains, the innovative ways budding artists are pushing the boundaries of horror art, and the surprising resurgence of this genre in the world of fine art. Uncover the potent cultural influence of vampires and the unique way horror art can voice complex emotions and ideas. This exploration is rounded out with an examination of the role of horror art in fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the master of horror art, Mark Levine, and don't forget to set your calendars for a one-of-a-kind event in Downtown Riverhead's Arts District on October 21st!

East End Arts's Creative Director Wendy Weiss hosts a discussion with Susan Cushing and Franklin Hill Perrell about the  Endless Summer Uplifting Art Exhibition at EEA, running September 9 - October 15, 2023.