State of the Arts

He’s an artist and teacher like his famous Greek ancestors. St. Louis iconographer Rip Kastaris has a sought after talent few American artists have mastered

Introductory segment to the program showcasing the The Pulitzer Arts Foundation new look after its year long renovation.

Stand up comedienne Phyllis Shulman discovers that her comedy career is flourishing after her kids are grown & on their own.

The new musical Fun Home wins multiple Tony Awards. The producers are St. Louis’s very own Fox Theatricals. Kristen Caskey added 5 new Tonys to her producing resume with the new production “Fun Home.” Meet the leader of Fox Theatricals.

The recently wildly viral Invisible Boyfriend/Invisible Girlfriend site proves that, sometimes, money can buy you love.

Inspired by the past, Firecracker Press combines letterpress printing with computer technology to create an innovative art form.

Artist Gary Lucy captures, in light and shadow, the history and beauty of the inland waterways and the people who lived and traveled along America's rivers.

Moderator concludes presentation with contact information on the Pulitizer Arts Foundation and producer HEC-TV.

Acclaimed neurosurgeon, inventor, bio-medical engineer, and entrepreneur Eric Leuthardt has now added author to his list of titles, with the publication of his first work of science fiction, Red Devil 4. Suzanne Vanderhoef sat down with Dr. Leuthardt for a one-on-one interview to discuss his new foray into the world of sci-fi and how it relates to his research into brain-computer interfaces.

Gina Kurre describes the beautiful and colorful tradition of Indian dance in which all elements–music, movement and costumes–combine to create a narrative.

Soldiers in World War II used chess to pass the time and as a means of survival. The World Chess Hall of Fame examines the role of chess in the great war.

State of the Arts presents art with a social conscience that resonates with surrounding communities like Ferguson. From edgy printmaker Tom Huck to musician Pokey LaFarge to animator Sarah Paulsen, hear from artists and performers in their own distinctive voices--plus see an overview of the new Muny season, a sit down with Broadway actor Ken Page and a profile of two Alvin Ailey dancers who will make a mark on arts education.

Octogenarian and philanthropist Elizabeth "Bunny" Herring relives her youth every week by returning to the circus ring. The former St. Louis debutante left her privileged life to run away and join the circus when she was a teen. Now 88, she’s still flying high under the big top and sharing her passion for dance and entertainment with troubled teens and the elderly. HECs Victoria Babu caught up with her at the City Museum’s Circus Harmony.

Acclaimed neurosurgeon, inventor, bio-medical engineer, and entrepreneur Eric Leuthardt has now added author to his list of titles, with the publication of his first work of science fiction, Red Devil 4. Suzanne Vanderhoef sat down with Dr. Leuthardt for a one-on-one interview to discuss his new foray into the world of sci-fi and how it relates to his research into brain-computer interfaces.

State of the Arts, St. Louis' program about all things creative, comes to you from the Boo Cat Club. This newly renovated space was the original home to the St. Louis Artists' Guild. The turn of the century building was designed by acclaimed architect Louis Spiering and Tennessee Williams once performed on the stage. Stories include a look at the connections between hip hop and chess, behind the scenes profiles of St. Louis' well known media people and a story about a top a capella singing group.

Renowned dancers will direct COCA's dance program.

See a one of a kind exhibit that connects two cultures - chess and hip-hop.

Dance duo Rian Dugar and Tab Jones make up Team 2.0, two local dancers use hip-hop to empower youth and motivate their dance students.

A new movement focusing on impermanent, chalk art is taking hold in St. Louis.

From diverse backgrounds, eight talented men unite to create one entertaining sound. Vocal Edge is the premier professional men’s a cappella group in St. Louis, performing all a cappella music (voices only, no instruments) ranging from classic pop songs of the 50’s and 60’s to current pop songs, jazz, and doo-wop. The group consists of: Jordan Black, Joel Currier, Jason Fahey, Calvin Johnson, Eric Holyoke, Brian Parrish, Ben Silvermintz, and Paul Spooner. Stage performance was recorded at Blue Berry Hill’s Duck Room.

This episode of State of the Arts takes you behind the scenes on film sets, behind the curtain at two local theatres, inside artists' studios and into the audience at an festival of Internet cat videos.

The circus art of aerial silks is part acrobatics, part gymnastics and part dance. People of all ages and at all levels of physical strength are learning this empowering art form at Bumbershoot Aerial Arts. The experience is empowering, therapeutic, challenging and creative.

Despite having no formal art program, the students at Governor French Academy in Belleville got a chance to work alongside professional sculptor Marina Lee to create a piece of permanent public art in the town square.

A huge exhibit at the Missouri History Museum celebrates St. Louis' 250th year but a local photographer is also contributing in a unique way!

Swing dance, the musical group SHEL, St. Louis Magazine Fashion Editor Helene Sayad and Fete artist Sarah Faragalla are just some of the artists featured in this State of the Arts, on location at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, Illinois.

From the artsy town of Ft. Collins Colorado, SHEL brings a truly unique sound with ethereal vocals, whimsical songwriting and acoustic instrumentals that blend folk Revival, Americana, vaudeville, a bit of Celtic and with an indie-pop rhythm. This home schooled sister group does it all including creating their own designer line of top hats and directing their own music videos.

Swing dance, a lively style of social dancing, has seen a resurgence in St. Louis as well as the rest of the country. From the Lindy Hop to Hip Hop, swing is the foundation of many dances today and is the favorite among social dancers of all ages. Enjoy the music of Miss Jubilee as we take a look at the history of swing.

Liquid Roads features live swing, jazz and R&B music. Meet MADCO’s Stacy West, creator/choreographer Gina Patterson, music director Brian Casserly.

Pixel Press allows people to create and design their own video games. The entrepreneurial company was crowd-funded by kickstarter.

A dance based on the life and career of Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner Kersee iis brought to the stage by MADCO.

Close your eyes when Pokey LaFarge is singing and you feel like you’re transported back to the same era his 1946 Epiphone Spartan Archtop guitar was made. He sings new songs but they carry strong hints of old country swing, jump blues and jazz. His growing fan base loves it. In this interview, see why St. Louis is so important to him, how he’s hoping to help the city move past its self-esteem issues and why the best things are often underneath the surface.

Harry Weber's latest Bronze sculpture to grace the St. Louis landscape is along Washington Avenue. And find out how the "St. Louis Blues" music is the essence of another bronze for Washington Ave.

With its roots in the African American community, for generations the fiddle has delighted its listeners in every music genre from Jazz to European Classicals.

Emmy Award Winning HEC-TV program STATE OF THE ARTS takes you backstage and behind the scenes with the contemporary artists and performers who electify the vibrant arts scene in the St. Louis region. The newest episode provides a first look at the new expansion at the St. Louis Art Museum. Plus behind the scenes with Lady Gaga's backup dancer Christina Grady, on stage with HotCity Theatre and On Site Theater, and one on one with acclaimed poet Ntozake Shange and more.

St. Louis annual Tap Festival brings professional and amateur hoofers together from across the country and around the world for a week of dancing workshops and performances. Founded by Professor Robert L. Reed, the event has become a virtual who’s who of tap, with everyone from Donald O’Connor and Gregory Hines to Savion Glover, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and Logan Miller taking part.

Puppetry is an ancient art form, but a recent COCA Family Series performance gave it a new twist. The show utilizes blacklight sets and lighting as well as specially-designed puppets to give the illusion that they're floating --making it the world's first "glow-in-the-dark" musical.

State of the Arts is at the Foundry Arts Centre, a former train car factory that is now a visual and performing arts space nestled next to the Missouri River. Visitors to the Foundry Arts Centre not only see great art on display, but also meet talented working artists. A sneak preview of the St. Louis Art Museum's major expansion including expanded gallery space. Singer Erin Bode is a force in the local music scene, with legions of fans who enjoy her jazz standards and original compositions. We sat down with Erin to find out what's ahead for this St. Louis icon. Along with Pablo Picasso, artist George Braque pioneered the cubist movement in visual art. A fascinating exhibit at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University examines how world wars may have informed his still lifes. His voice is familiar to generations of St. Louisans: Ron Elz, also known as Johnny Rabbitt, takes radio listeners down memory lane. When a Beatles cover band meets accomplished classical musicians, the result is great entertainment. Bach to the Beatles is a unique collaboration between the band Flaming Pie and St. Louis symphony concertmaster David Halen. Even after four decades, St. Louisans still find their thrill at Blueberry Hill, the landmark restaurant in the University Loop. An area sculptor and artist is the winner of an international competition for his design that pays tribute to the paralympic athlete. Recognizing local theater is the goal of the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards, a group created by area theater critics. No topic is too hot to handle for Hot City Theatre, a group that prides itself on staging thought-provoking productions. KayOss is a chic line of women's clothing created by a designer based in St. Louis. Amy Johnson is known for her fashion artistry and eye for fabric. Puppetry is an ancient art form, but a recent COCA Family Series performance gave it a new twist. The show utilizes blacklight sets and lighting as well as specially-designed puppets to give the illusion that they're floating --making it the world's first "glow-in-the-dark" musical.

A special episode of State of the Arts takes you backstage and behind the scenes as hundreds of regional artists prepare for the third annual American Arts-St. Louis Festival. Our cameras follow choreographers, artists, curators, and musicians as they create work sure to delight crowds during 17 days of nonstop art from October 5-21. HEC-TV is proud to be a major media partner of the American Arts Experience-St. Louis Festival.

Chinese Lantern Festival--Art by Day, Magic by Night "Art by Day, Magic by Night" captivates visitors to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The lanterns depict Chinese history and culture, forming a kaleidoscope of color and light towering above the garden's natural beauty. HEC-TV's cameras follow artisans as they create these amazing works of art. Cirque du Soleil--Quidam We're backstage with the performers of the Cirque du Soleil in the hours before a performance. Quidam is the story of a young girl's escape into imagination, told through acrobatic movement and music. In the Spotlight: Stages Producing top quality musical theater is the mission of Stages St. Louis, our latest theater group "In the Spotlight." Arts for Life Creating art that makes a difference in people's lives while recognizing the best in community theater is the goal of the group Arts For Life. Joe Schuster: Literary Grand Slam Publishing success comes to Webster University professor Joe Schuster whose first novel about a baseball player's rocky career is receiving rave reviews. Cavo Local band Cavo is a presence on the national rock scene. In this story, band members talk candidly about the roller coaster of the rock music business and the challenges of staying focused on making music. Fringe Festival Art that is "on the fringe" is front and center in this eclectic festival on the streets of Grand Center. A Sculptor's Story A personal tragedy molds the work of a local metal sculptor. If Walls Could Talk--Arthur Towata Meet a visual artist whose work is informed by his childhood years spent in a Japanese internment camp in WWII. Arianna String Quartet A musical quartet known for their tremendous talent are also teachers and educators. In this story, we introduce you to the members of Arianna String Quartet.

Find out about the latest happenings in the St. Louis arts scene in this episode of State of the Arts. We go behind the scenes at Craft Alliance, a place where you can be part of the art. See what's new at the Muny under the helm of new Executive Producer Mike Isaacson, who brings a Broadway perspective to the St. Louis' summer outdoor theater.Right now a writer somewhere is working on the next great American play. Here in St. Louis, the St. Louis Writers Group provides staged readings by actors of new plays--so playwrights can see their words come to life. A unique collaboration between Art St. Louis and Sauce Magazine brings together two of life's best things…art and food. An opera company that started in a parish church in the Hill neighborhood of St. Louis has grown to be Winter Opera-St. Louis, attracting top tier vocal talent and growing audiences. Three young local filmmakers have a clear focus in their work . . .and they challenge us to, in their words, give a damn. Imagine--the person hailed as the world's best baritone saxophonist drops in on your high school music class. Hamiet Bluiett often does that, giving students at East St. Louis High School impromptu lessons. It's his way of bringing it home--and giving back. A unique performance at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts helps to build employment and life skills among former homeless veterans and former prisoners. Po-Jazz is a fusion of both poetry and jazz, a blending of words and music. St. Louis writers and musicians united for a creative collaboration. A quality medium sized theatre group called New Jewish Theater is featured in this episode's "In the Spotlight" segment. Native American tribes from across the U.S. kicked off the Pow Wow season of celebration at Washington University in St. Louis. The colorful celebration featured authentic tribal arts, intricately beaded outfits and feather headdresses. Meet an artist who creates landscapes that are not at all visual...instead they are "soundscapes."

State of the Arts comes to you from the newly-renovated Peabody Opera House. This architectural gem was restored to its Art Deco glory and has become one of St. Louis premiere performance locations.  Host Paul Schankman takes you backstage for an episode full of stories you won't want to miss.   Revival of a Legend - Alex Fees goes behind the scenes with the man who spearheaded the multi-million dollar renovation of the the Peabody Opera House. SLSO Season Highlights - What the St. Louis Symphony has in store for 2012-13. Show Business - HEC-TV's Executive Director Dennis Riggs talks to St. Louis Symphony CEO Fred Bronstein about his vision for the growth of the Symphony. The Next Stage - Cordell Whitlock looks at the accomplishments of The Black Rep under the leadership of Ron Himes. In the Spotlight - In our regular feature that profiles St. Louis' diverse theater groups, we place Metro Theater "in the spotlight." Songbird - A new type of musical performance comes to St. Louis modeled on the wildly popular Bluebird Café in Nashville. Blow It, Bluiett - A profile of Hamiet Bluiett, hailed as the best baritone saxophonist in the world. A Family Affair - The artist Cbabi Bayoc launches an ambitious project in 2012: a new painting each day that depicts positive images of African American fatherhood. St. Louis Ten - Aaron Mermelstein reports on a group of storytellers called the St. Louis Ten who hold roving urban story slams around St. Louis, with unique stories that are hilarious, humorous and heartwarming. Dances of India - Gina Kurre describes the beautiful and colorful tradition of Indian Dance in which each element--music, movement and costumes--combine to create a narrative.

The newest episode of State of the Arts comes to you from Grand Center, St. Louis' arts and entertainment district. Big changes are in the works for this lively district. Watch this episode to learn about the "Grand Plan."

This episode of State of the Arts features Art St. Louis, an organization that nurtures the careers of talented visual artists. Host Paul Schankman interviews Art St. Louis Executive Director Chandler Branch. A powerful play about one family's experience with an autistic child may be headed to off-Broadway. Stray Dog Theatre is a feisty small theatre group with a dedication to outreach. We place Stray Dog Theatre "in the Spotlight" in this episode of State of the Arts. St. Louis city school students are embracing a program that teaches classical music from elementary school through high school. This inspiring program shows that musical talent, when nurtured, can bloom in unlikely places. Bob Cassily, a creative visionary behind The City Museum and many works of public art, died in a tragic accident. A new exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum displays Monet's Water Lilies the way the artist intended, with all three panels hung together as one triptych. Classical musicians take their music into hospitals to soothe the pain of seriously ill patients. The diverse roots of the city of Kirkwood are explored in an exhibit that documents the lives of early African-American residents. A local artist finds satisfaction in making small worlds come alive. The celebrity judges from American Idol breeze through town to find the next pop superstars. A love of the music of Miles Davis is inspiring a new generation of musicians in East St. Louis. A short excerpt of a performance by Guitar Duo Noire, sponsored by the St. Louis Classical Guitar Society.

By exploring Hip Hop, and highlighting urban art forms expressed through photography, graffiti, paintings, multi-media, DJ'ing, breakdancing and live music, Art, Beats, & Lyrics captivates the urban audience by maintaining its roots in the street and promoting the underground experience in attractive and unique venues. This is their story….

Video artist Van McElwee has won a Guggenheim award and has been exhibited in museums the world over. Find out more about this video artist and his unique genre.

Musician Peter Buffett may have a billionaire father, but he believes good works--not money--are keys to a better world. We go one-on-one with this musician to find out how his music touches lives.

Go behind the scenes to meet the creative people who design the sets, costumes and props for Opera Theater of St. Louis.

Opera Theatre Executive Director Timothy O'Leary discusses this season's productions and the festival season.