In this episode, Valerie and Armin share their recent trip to France, highlighting their art experiences and memorable moments. They discuss the Creativity Cruise, their adventures in medieval villages, and the inspiration they found in the French landscape. The episode also touches on their interactions with fellow artists and the cultural insights gained during their journey.
The Creativity Cruise was a unique experience for artists.
Topics from this adventure!
Show notes:
Creative 360 in Midland, MI (organizers of the Creativity Cruise 2025)
Tracey Kempsell, Travel Agent at Go The Distance Travel Agency
In this episode of Art Ladders, Valerie and Armin engage in a rich conversation with Sarah Z. Short, a collage artist and printmaker. They explore Sarah's artistic journey, the impact of the pandemic on her creative practice, and the importance of building a community of artists online. The discussion delves into the role of social media in promoting art, the challenges of balancing artistic creation with business tasks, and the significance of typography and vintage materials in Sarah's work. Listeners gain insights into the teaching of art, the evolution of artistic practices, and the value of sharing knowledge within the creative community.
Sarah Z. Short Instagram @sarah_Z_short
Influential artists for Sarah are Robert Rauschenberg, Richard Diebenkorn, Robert Motherwell, Kurt Schwitters, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Sonia Delaunay.
Join Valerie and Armin as they dive into the vibrant world of ArtPrize 2025. In this episode, they share personal stories and insights from participating for the first 10 years and now retuning to this renowned art event in Grand Rapids. Discover the evolution of ArtPrize where the city becomes an art gallery. View the diverse artistic styles on display, and the profound impact of art on community and personal expression. Whether you're an art enthusiast or curious about the creative process, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of ArtPrize.
Show Notes:
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Kathryn Goldman, an intellectual property attorney with a creative flair. Discover how Kathryn bridges the gap between art and law, offering invaluable resources to creative entrepreneurs through her Creative Law Center. From copyright protection to best business practices for artists, Kathryn shares her expertise on navigating the legal landscape of the art world. Tune in to learn how to protect your creative work and make informed business decisions. Don't miss this engaging conversation that blends creativity with legal savvy!
Show notes:
Kathryn Goldman’s Creative Law Center membership with great information for creatives.
Kathryn Goldman’s Full Resume on her law firm’s website
Kathryn’s Blog---So much great info!
In this engaging episode of Art Ladders, the Creative Climb, we sit down with Sam Dienst, an experienced tapestry weaver and sculptor based in Detroit. Sam takes us through her academic path, from earning her BFA in fibers at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design to her MFA at the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art. She shares her artistic journey, from her early inspirations to her acclaimed exhibitions at venues like the Jane Lombard Gallery in New York City. Dive into her creative process, explore the vibrant world of her tapestries, and gain insights into the art of weaving and sculpting. Discover the importance of self-drive, community engagement, and the power of persistence in the art world. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a fellow artist, Sam's story is sure to inspire and enlighten.
Show Notes:
Influential Artists:
Lee Lozano Estate on Hauser and Wirth Website
Related Event:
Join Valerie Allen and Armin as they dive into the world of art and competition. In this episode, they explore the positive and negative aspects of competition among artists, the importance of self-competition, and how to maintain a healthy competitive spirit. They also share personal stories and insights on how competition can drive creativity and growth.
Key Topics:
The role of competition in the art world.
Balancing competition and collaboration.
Personal experiences with competitive art shows.
Strategies for maintaining a healthy competitive mindset.
Action Items:
Consider entering a juried art show or gallery exhibition. Reflect on your own competitive nature and how it influences your art.
Take a break from social media if it becomes overwhelming.
Show Notes:
Callforentry.org for upcoming art show opportunities
Hashtags: #ArtCompetition #CreativeGrowth #ArtPodcast
Outro: Thank you for tuning in to "Some Healthy Competition." We hope you found inspiration and motivation to embrace competition in a positive way. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned and join us next time for more creative insights!
During our time in Maine this month, we had the pleasure and honor to spend time with artist, gallery director, and visionary Whitney Vosburgh. It was a wonderful experience to meet with him in Columbia Falls and tour Mothers Art Gallery built in 1841 and restored starting in 1970. The building has architectual character that includes weathered timbers, rustic finishes, and art displayed with an aesthetic of authenticity and honor to the history of Maine.
Here is more about Whitney Vosburgh. He has an MA in Religious Leadership for Social Change from the Graduate Theological Union, and a B.F.A. from Parsons School of Design in New York City, his expertise on the Future of Work has been featured in four books, including a bestseller by Dan Pink. When Whitney is not focusing on business consulting, speaking, and writing, he can be found making art, and growing Mothers Art Gallery into a destination gallery that brings the best of the world of art to Maine and the best of Maine’s art to the world. He does this all in a lovingly restored 1841 barn in the heart of Downeast, Maine. This episode took place inside Mothers Art Gallery on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Thank you very much to Whitney Vosburgh for his thoughtful conversation and hospitality.
Instagram for Mothers Art Gallery
In this episode, Valerie and Armin welcome artist Christopher Kahler to discuss his journey in the art world, the influences from his family, and the importance of relationships in the art community. They explore Koehler's artistic development, teaching philosophy, and the challenges he faced, including personal health issues. The conversation emphasizes the significance of collaboration, the pursuit of art, and the value of education without the burden of debt.
Chris Kahler is the department chair for the art and design department at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois and recently took up the interim role as director of the Tarble Art Center, which is the University Art Museum.
He has an MFA from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, an MA in painting from Eastern Illinois University, and a BFA from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Chris Kahler is represented by Bruno David Gallery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, we are joined by Annamieka Hopps, the Product Education Specialist at Artwork Archive. Annamieka shares her expertise on art inventory management and emphasizes the importance of mastering business skills for artists. With her unique approach, she addresses the various organizational styles artists may have, from the meticulously detailed to the creatively chaotic. Her goal is to help artists spend more time creating rather than searching for misplaced artworks.
Importance of Business Skills for Artists: Annamieka highlights how business acumen is crucial for artists to manage their careers effectively and sustainably.
Customized Organizational Advice: Whether you're highly disciplined like Armin or a free spirit like Val, Annamieka offers tailored advice to fit your personal organizational style.
Efficiency in Art Inventory Management: Learn how an efficient art management system can prevent the loss of valuable time and resources.
Annamieka Hopps is not only a Product Education Specialist at Artwork Archive but also a practicing artist and muralist. With years of experience as an arts educator, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, helping artists worldwide transform administrative challenges into streamlined processes. Annamieka is known for her engaging and accessible presentation style and has been a mentor and guide through her online programs and "The Art Friend Show."
Don't miss the opportunity to join Annamieka Hopps for a free customized Zoom session on July 8th at 2 PM Eastern, Noon Mountain, and 11 AM Pacific. She will provide an in-depth look at the Artwork Archive platform, offering insights into its cloud-based art management capabilities. Be sure to register through the link in the show notes to take advantage of a special 20% discount for Artwork Archive.
Check out the show notes for the registration link to secure your spot for this exclusive Zoom session with Annamieka Hopps. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your art business management skills with guidance from an expert.
We hope you enjoy this episode and find Annamieka's insights valuable for your art career. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the show!
Show Notes:
Sign up for Artwork Archive Newsletter to receive a download of the Guide Book
20% offer for Artwork Archive
Annamieka's podcast: The Art Friend Show
We are celebrating our 100th episode and invited our artist friends to join us. Our opening question was how do art podcasts work for you and the answers we received were thoughtful and relevant to the life of artists. We explored the healing power of art podcasts as well as how art conversations can help artists feel part of a bigger community. Armin and I strived to bring worthwhile content through our interviews with a variety of artists and art professionals. We also "kept it real" with our coffee conversations on topics we have encountered on this journey. This episode was very invigorating for us both and has fueled us with energy to create more episodes moving forward. Thank you to all who listen to our podcast! We appreciate you all.
Special thanks to the artists who joined us today. I've connected links with those who have them.
Interview with Joanne Grabinski on Prose from the Underground
D. Joanne Rummel
Julie Close
In this episode Armin and I discuss how we work with our artistic rhythm to increase our productivity in our studios. It has to do with developing good habits and attitudes toward hard work. Keeping art a priority in our lives has always been so important to us both, but we often handle the end game differently. Armin has a resolute discipline that has been successful for him and I am much more of a free spirit who embraces the unknown and unpredictable. There are pros and cons to our handling of the art journey. Take a listen!
We would like to invite you to our 100th episode Zoom meeting where we will record a Q and A from the attending audience members and also hear a bit about their artwork.It's a celebration party. To receive the email invitiation follow our social media and sign up for our email list at this link. CLICK HERE.
Show Notes
Links to classes this summer.
Val's Abstraction Workshop in Grosse Pointe, MI June 14 and 15
Val's In-Person Printmaking Workshop at her studio. 6/28&29
Armin's In-Person Workshop at Flint Institute of Art 8/4-6
Armin's In-Person iPhone for the Traveler Flint Institute of Art 6/14
Armin's Contour Drawing at Crooked Tree Art in Petoskey 8/14-15
Armin's iPhone Workshop at Crooked Tree Art in Petoskey 8/12-13
We are joined with Emma Golden, executive director of the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts. The Golden Foundation was conceived as a way to thank the community of artists for their support, encouragement and friendship. For the Golden family and friends, the Golden Foundation is also a means of celebrating the legacy of Sam and Adele.
Emma paints a story in this episode that honors that legacy by sharing stories of her grandparents, Sam and Adele Golden and her parents, Mark and Barbara Golden as they all embarked on the founding of Golden Artist Colors. From the rich experience that Sam had as a paintmaker working along his uncle Leonard Bocour producing hand-ground oil colors for artists in 1936, she reveals that in retirement Sam and Adele returned to the arts materials world joined by Emma's parents, Mark and Barbara. That was 1980 and the company Golden Artist Colors now manufactures GOLDEN Artist Acrylics, Williamsburg Artist Oil Colors, QoR Watercolors, and PanPastels and is a respected leader in the paintmaking industry.
In 2012, Golden Foundation opened its doors to a one-of-a-kind residency experience to artists around the world. Across the road from the Golden manufacturing factory in New Berlin, New York, a 19th century barn was renovated into spacious studio and living space for artists chosen through an application process.
The artists during their four-week residency have multiple opportunities to meet with paintmakers and experienced material application specialists to learn more about the paints they work with. It is a unique experience that is often not taught or is not accessible to artists and advances each artist's expertise in their field.
Emma explains the application process and informs our listeners on the logistics and timetable of the process. She also lays out the day to day living arrangements for the artists.
Artists with curiosity and a quest for learning are encouraged to apply. The application will become available in June so keep an eye out for the announcement on Goldenfoundation. org.
Thank you, Emma, for this inside look into your foundations opportunities for artists. We are looking forward to staying in touch with you and your residents.
Show Notes:
In this episode, we delve into the art and passion of teaching . We explore our personal teaching styles and the profound impact that sharing knowledge has on both the teacher and the student. Teaching is more than just a profession for us; it is a rewarding journey filled with mutual inspiration and motivation.
Key Highlights
Join us in this episode as we reflect on the joys of teaching and the invaluable connections we build with our students.
Sign up for our Newsletter and Email Announcements HERE.
Studio Kroner presents ALL ELSE PALES: 2 —an immersive exhibition uniting artists, scientists, and activists to explore sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice. Join Studio Kroner from April 17 – May 24, 2025, for dynamic discussions, artist talks, and community engagement.
In this episode, Armin and I are joined by artist, designer, and owner, Paul Kroner and two participating artists, Devon Horton and John Sabraw. We delve into the origins of ALL ELSE PALES with Paul. The exhibit built off the first version held in 2022. The exhibit is Paul's invitation for artists to face environment fears and hopes. By doing so, the art displayed is a catalyst for open conversations on the challenge of global environmental sustainability as well as individual introspection on our own awareness into areas we can take action.
The artists Devon Horton, who is also the co-curator of the exhibit) and John Sabraw, who is featured in our episode 78 podcast, brings this discussion alive with insights into their journey of creating work with a universal and global message. for artists and audience alike.
The show notes here will be more extensive than usual as we will list the websites of the participating artists. Please take the time to check them all out. Even better, visit the exhibit in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio at Studio Kroner located at 130 West Court Street. There is a full event schedule listed on the website. Many thanks to Paul, Devon, and John for joining us for Episode 96.
Show Notes:
ALL ELSE PALES: 2 Exhibit Webpage
In this latest episode, Armin and Val discussed the importance of maintaining focus as artists. This can range from adopting simple habits that promote concentration to being fiercely protective of your studio time.
Artists thrive in that magical state of flow, which requires a natural ability to focus. Whenever an artist is sidetracked from their vision, it may take hours, days, or even weeks to regain their momentum.
Time is a valuable resource, and there are moments when artists must make tough choices, such as declining opportunities that could deplete their creative energy.
It is our hope that there will be take-aways in this conversation that artists can use in their own practice.
Here are some links of classes, workshops and events coming up for Armin and Valerie this year.
Armin's Creative Process Online Class starting April 15, 2025.
Valerie's In-Person Abstraction Workshop at Millhouse in the Dallas Area. May 2-3, 2025
Valerie's In-Person Abstraction Workshop at the Grosse Pointe Art Center. June 14-15, 2025
Creative 360's "Creativity Cruise" with Armin and Val . October 11-18, 2025.
What a lovely weekend I had in Texas visiting my Aunt! It was jam packed with artistic and cultural experiences. A very special Friday morning was a studio visit with my Instagram Robin Maria Pedrero. It was our first time to meet in person and we had so much to discuss. On my return to Michigan, I said to Armin that we needed to invite her to be our podcast guest and here we are!
Robin Maria Pedrero creates with skillful use of color and texture to bring to life unique works of art. An award-winning artist, her work appears in museum permanent collections in Florida and Greece as well as corporate collections, publications, and film.
Her first solo museum exhibition took place at the Orlando Museum of Art followed by the Lake County Museum of Art in Florida. She is an elected signature member of the Pastel Society of America, and in 2012, was awarded Best Artist in Florida by Baterbys’ Art Auction Gallery. Pedrero is listed in Florida International Magazine’s Florida Artists Hall of Fame, and she won an international wine label contest with her art featured on a limited-edition Artiste Wine label in California.
Pedrero’s artwork has been selected by Tamara Day for Bargain Mansions and featured on HGTV and Magnolia Network. Her work has been collected around the world in several countries.
Currently, Pedrero creates from her studio at Millhouse in the Cotton Mill in McKinney Texas.
Armin and I talked with Armin about her different revenue streams for her art, her beautiful studio in the Millhouse Mckinney complex, and Robin's role as artist and curator for different exhibits throughout the world.
If you are ever in the Dallas area be sure to check out her studio in Millhouse located in McKinney, an arty suburb with a super ambiance of history, art and dining. Check out all the show notes.
Thank you, Robin for being our guest!
Show Notes:
Website of Robin Maria Pedrero
Grab a cup of coffee and join us for an informal discussion on art that includes upcoming exhibits, free offers, technique ideas, and "what if" solutions for your art. Val and Armin recreate the free wheeling style of their weekend discussions. It was that kind of week, so this conversation lends a spontaneous hand to the work load.
Often our best ideas come from just sitting around talking to each other. We encourage artists to find another artist or group of friends who inspire great camaraderie and sharing of dreams. It can add an energy to your art practice. We are better together!
Show Notes
We talked about artist Greg Carr. Follow him on Instagram and learn about him and his art. @tall_greg_art
Armin's free Webinar on the Creative Process. March 16 at 2pm Eastern. Sign up here!
Valerie's in-person Just Paint Experience at Anderson Enrichment Center on March 20 at 6pm. Register Here!
Valerie and Armin are both honored to be exhibiting in the Healing Through the Arts Exhibition at Zhou Brothers Art Center, Chicago, Illinois. More information here.
Valerie is exhibiting in "Say What" at the Covet Gallery in Oceanside, California. More information here.
Armin and I discuss different aspects of success that artists can find as they present their art and themselves to the world. At each stage of an artist's journey the wins can be small, large, planned, unplanned, each step of the way varied and most times unpredictable.
We share our personal experience on this topic and hope by sharing our stories you can find useful and relatable information. Our aim with this podcast is to bring artists together in the spirit of friendship and sharing.
Take a listen and let us know what you think. We also announce Armin's upcoming Free Webinar On the Creative Process happening Sunday, March 16 at 2pm Eastern time on Zoom. The registration link will be in the show notes.
Happy creating, everyone and thank you for listening!
Val and Armin
Show Note Links
Armin's Free Webinar Eventbrite Registration Form.
Armin and I established three values early on for our Art Ladders mission. They are connection, commitment, and community. We feel this episode shares our personal experiences to bring those values to the forefront.
We are encouraging our artist community to dive deep and examine the root reasons that you create art. What is your why. It is a soul searching session that will lead to your own storytelling style. By storytelling we are not only opening a door and connecting for collectors and public to feel closer to us but it helps crystalize your intentions and commitment as you create your body of work.
Let us know if this rings true for you and share your story with us. We are on Facebook and Instagram. I will links here as well as links to news that is happening for us as artists.
Show Notes
Valerie's interview with "That's What She Said Radio Show" with Christiana Malacara
Kimberly Kelly Santini says it all in her tagline for her bio: Painter, Dreamer, Instigator. When I composed her bio for our podcast introduction, I learned that Kimberly is an artist that creates her environment not only for inspiration but for a springboard that propels her curiosity into new territories of nature. In this episode, she bullet points exactly how she does that and we feel our audience may be inclined to put some of those points in their own practice. I for one plan to pay more attention to my daily journal after hearing Kimberly talk about the how, when and why of her journaling process. I'm anxious to check out her YouTube videos on that topic, too. I'll put those links in the show notes for sure .
Here is a formal bio for you to learn more about Kimberly:
Kimberly Santini is formally educated as a painter, with a BFA in Painting and a BA in Art History, but worked a traditional career path for over a decade. She set up a home studio in 2001 and began with commissioned portraiture. In 2006 she committed to daily painting, a creative practice she continues today. Santini brings her unique voice to the easel with an unparalleled sense of color and spontaneity. She was honored as the official artist of the 2015 Kentucky Derby, has worked with the AKC on poster artwork, designed a wine label, and hung solo shows across the country. A firm believer in community involvement, Santini is also in leadership roles with the Romeo Guild of Art and The Detroit Society of Women Painters & Sculptors.
Show Notes: