How a small art shop built a community in the Midwest

About this episode

This episode explores the meaning of community through the story of a local art store in Richmond, Indiana.

Take a road trip to Richmond, Indiana, in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena explore what “community” really means—from hometown sports teams and small-town festivals to unexpected spaces that bring people together. At the center of this story is Oblivion, a local art store turned creative haven, where strangers become collaborators, and a fading town finds new life through art, storytelling, and connection. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA, as well as the Lake of the Isles Pencil Festival. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

People in this episode

Hosts: Zack, Helena

Topics covered

• community
• art
• storytelling
• connection
• small-town culture
• collaboration

Keywords

• community
• art shop
• Richmond Indiana
• storytelling
• small-town festivals
• collaboration
• creative haven

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oblivion, KUT, WETA

Places: Richmond, Indiana

More episodes of On Our Minds

• How food brings cultures together in El Paso · June 10, 2026 · 7 min
• How one San Juan street reflects Puerto Rico’s culture, community and change · June 3, 2026 · 9 min
• Teenage beekeeper in New York buzzes about native species · May 27, 2026 · 8 min
• Finding warmth in the wicked cold Massachusetts weather · May 20, 2026 · 12 min
• The power of public art and Dunkin Donuts in New Jersey · May 13, 2026 · 13 min
• How drag queens are creating safe spaces in Missouri · April 29, 2026 · 8 min