Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

What happens when a state representative doubles as a stand-up comedian? Meet Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, who took the unconventional path from Delaware's 26th District to the halls of the state legislature, with a side gig in the comedy clubs. Initially inspired by her comedian uncle and Saturday Night Live, Madinah's career took a sharp turn during a revealing internship at the Delaware State House, steering her from international relations to domestic politics. Throughout our conv...

When Fred and Cora Reed opened their hearts to the children of Wilmington, they sparked a revolution with Reed's Refuge Center, and their story is one that will inspire and uplift you. Their dedication has created a sanctuary where music, education, and comprehensive support blend into a harmonious symphony of hope for at-risk youth. In our intimate conversation, we uncover the depths of their passion, discussing how the center's growth from a musical haven into a full-fledged educational pow...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of choral music as we sit down with David Christopher, the Founder and Artistic Director of Delaware ChoralArts. This is a fascinating journey into the heart of an organization that's not just about music, but about building community and nurturing talents in Wilmington and beyond. Listen closely as David shares the unique dynamics of a chorus that can expand and contract depending on the performance, and get a taste of the audition process that align...

Join us as we highlight our remarkable guest - Jill Althouse-Wood, an emerging DDOA fellow in the world of visual arts, whose work is heavily influenced by the culture of Arden, Delaware and the serene landscapes of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Jill shares her artistic evolution, from gilded abstract forestscapes to the forest as a symbol of mystery and transformation, and how she's managed to keep her creativity alive in the challenging times of the pandemic. She also gives us an inside l...

What if you had the opportunity to unlock the hidden stories of historic artifacts in the collections of the Historic Odessa Foundation? You're about to get a front row seat on a journey through time as we navigate the captivating tales of the Corbett and Wilson family collections, objects that have witnessed history unfold, from the 1770s to later generations. Executive Director of the Historic Odessa Foundation, Debbie Buxton, and author Dr. Philip Zimmerman, join us to share the rich histo...

Step into the vibrant world of hip hop with "Grouchy" Greg Watkins, the founder of AllHipHop.com. We're thrilled to have him as our guide as we navigate the pulsating journey of hip hop, right from that climactic day on August 11th, 1973, when it all began, to its evolution into an unbeatable cultural phenomenon. We're celebrating half a century of hip hop, and what's better than doing it in Delaware, a state with significant contributions to this genre. Gear up for a sneak peek into the Del...

Let's paint a vibrant picture with Sara Ganter, the Executive Director of the Rehoboth Art League. As we traverse through the storied 85-year history of this unique organization, you'll gain a deep appreciation for its journey from humble beginnings in 1938 to its current status as a celebrated arts hub. Sara intricately details how the league, formed as a congregation and exhibition space for artists, now offers an impressive array of over 150 classes and 20 annual exhibitions. You'll hear a...

Get ready as we journey into a tale of resilience and triumph amidst adversity with Lauren Foraker and Caitlyn Kuhn of Pursuit for Peace. This multi-state nonprofit, passionately run by women, has found creative ways to uplift children's spirits grappling with severe trauma and medical conditions. They've meticulously crafted unique methods of igniting joy, like deploying character ambassadors into clinical facilities, and have leveraged these to navigate through the turbulence of the COVID-1...