STREAM SEASON 2 NOW!
art/WORK is a video series that spotlights those working in the arts sector in Rochester. In the past we have focused on creatives of all kinds, but in this season we explore the role of the curator, who serves as the bridge between artists and audiences. In these episodes, curators of visual art, seasons of theater, film festivals, and musical performances discuss what it takes to do what they do.
SEASON 2: Episode 1
VISUAL ARTS
Four curators of visual arts come together to discuss the considerations that go into presenting artwork on white walls, in alternative spaces, and in mural festivals. Featuring Rochester Contemporary Executive Director Bleu Cease, Memorial Art Gallery Curator of Media Arts Almudena Escobar López, the curator, educator, and artist Amanda Chestnut, and 1975 Gallery founder and Wall\Therapy lead curator Erich Lehman.
Credits: The artwork in Bleu Cease’s introduction was part of the 2020 installation “Underpin and Overcoat,” by Andrea G. Miller and Amelia Tolke, in collaboration with Amanda Chestnut, Tania Day-Magallon, Erica Jae, Abiose Spriggs, Thievin’ Stephen, and Rochester Contemporary Art Center.
SEASON 2: Episode 2
THEATER
Long before the curtain rises, there’s a lot of work that goes into curating a season of theater. Four curators of theater discuss the full scope of the work, the responsibility toward local audiences, and how they came to do the work they do. Featuring Geva’s artistic director Mark Cuddy, Blackfriars Theatre’s artistic and managing Danny Hospkins, The Avenue Blackbox Theatre’s founder and artistic director Reenah Golden, and Ralph Meranto, who is director of arts and culture at JCC of Greater Rochester.
SEASON 2: Episode 3
FILM
Four curators of film festivals shed light on their work, which is more than merely screening films. They organize artist talkbacks and other events, and have a sincere passion for film and the issues presented on screen. Featuring Rochester International Film Festival submissions chairperson Donna Hooker, One Take Film Festival director and film programmer Linda Moroney, and Witness Palestine Film Festival co-founder Jim Tiefenthal.
SEASON 2: Episode 4
MUSIC
How is live music booked in Rochester, and who are the folks putting shows together? Sometimes it’s the venue owner, as is the case with Abilene Bar and Lounge owner Danny Deutsch. Others work with various venues, like Mom’s Home Booking founder Hannah Weidner and Tom DeBlase, who co-founded the Sole Rehab underground dance parties. Then there is Crystal Smith, who began curating musicians for the performance and talk show Rap Rhythm and News after she noted a lack of opportunities for local hip-hop acts.
Credits: Dance party photographs in Tom DeBlase’s introduction are by Fernando Muller, Sean Kelty and Mark Duggan.
SEASON 1: Episode 7
BRADD YOUNG
Bradd Young makes bright, pop surrealist art, with an off-kilter focus on summer time vibes.
More: The surreal and strange work of 'Salut' - CITY, September 2021, By Rebecca Rafferty
SEASON 1: Episode 6
ROBERT ROGALSKI
Robert Rogalski makes fanciful and whimsy art for people to enjoy, and maybe inspire them.
SEASON 1: Episode 4
Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez
Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez works to educate her students in the Borinquen Dance Theatre about Puerto Rican culture’s rich complexity of Taino, African, and Spanish ancestry, and how that heritage is embedded in the dances and the music they are learning.
SEASON 1: Episode 2
David A. Shakes
Actor and Director David Shakes brings an informed career as a retired social worker to his work on the stage. A storyteller with over 40 years of stage experience, his work often focuses on issues of activism, social justice and race.
MORE: North Star Players' David Shakes and the bite of change. CITY, July 2020, By Jeff Spevak
art/WORK SEASON 2 credits
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Erin McCormack
PRODUCER - Katie Epner
CREATIVE PRODUCER / HOST - Rebecca Rafferty
CREATIVE DIRECTOR - Ryan Williamson
VIDEOGRAPHY Jason Milton / Katie Epner / Krit Upra / Jeff Coles Smith
FIELD AUDIO RECORDING - Kris Nestle
PROGRAM EDITOR - Darian Lizotte
SEGMENT EDITORS - Katie Epner / Darian Lizotte
GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ANIMATION - Jeff Coles Smith
SOUND MIX - Darian Lizotte
POST PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - Mark Czelusniak
COLOR CORRECTION - Darian Lizotte
WXXI MASTER CONTROL - Mikhail Gershteyn / Rob Kriegel
POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR - Christopher Golding
PRODUCTION MANAGER - Kris Netstle
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR - Jon Halaniak
PROMOTIONS PRODUCER AND EDITOR - Kevin Indovino
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICITY - Kristin Tutino
ASST. VP, TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS - Micah Nelson
VICE PRESIDENT, TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS - David Lot
VICE PRESIDENT OF TELEVISION - Todd McCammon
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER - Susan Rogers
PRESIDENT & CEO - Norm Silverstein
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Bleu Cease / Almudena Escobar López / Amanda Chestnut / Erich Lehman / John Aasp
Mark Cuddy / Danny Hoskins / Reenah Oshun Golden / Ralph Meranto
Donna Hooker / Linda Moroney / Jim Tiefenthal
Hannah Wiedner / Danny Deutsch / Crystal Smith / Tom DeBlase
RIT City Art Space / Blackfriars Theatre / The Little Theatre / The Bug Jar