Art Works Podcast

Last week, the music world lost two titans of jazz: drummer Roy Haynes and saxophonist Lou Donaldson, both NEA Jazz Masters who reshaped the genre with their artistry. This special episode of Art Works pays tribute to their immense contributions through archival interviews and timeless performances. From Roy Haynes' crisp, innovative drumming that defined the evolution of jazz over seven decades to Lou Donaldson's soulful alto saxophone that bridged bebop and groove, we celebrate their remarkable journeys.Roy Haynes reflects on his first big break with Luis Russell, playing at the legendary Savoy Ballroom, and his unforgettable collaborations with jazz icons like Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Sarah Vaughan. Lou Donaldson, known as "Sweet Poppa Lou," shares insights on his trailblazing recordings for Blue Note, the rise of bebop, and his dynamic partnership with Jimmy Smith that popularized the organ-sax sound. Featuring selections from their iconic tracks—including “Green Chimneys,” “Blues Walk,” and “Alligator Bogaloo”—this episode highlights the lives and music of two artists whose impact will resonate for generations. 

In honor of Veterans’ Day, we’re revisiting an episode of Art Works that tells the origin story of the transformative project  Theater of War Productions. Co-founded by classicist, translator, and director Bryan Doerries, Theater of War began with a simple yet profound concept: presenting staged readings of Sophocles' plays Ajax and Philoctetes to military communities as a means of addressing both the challenges veterans face and the lasting impact of war on families and relationships.In this episode, Doerries recounts how he was inspired to bring these ancient military tragedies to contemporary audiences, believing they would unlock conversations around trauma and healing. With excerpts of performances by actors Bill Camp, David Strathairn and Adam Driver, this episode explores the initial journey of Theater of War and its impact on military communities, offering insight into how ancient drama opens pathways for veterans to process their experiences.  Now, with over 20 specialized programs, Theater of War Productions reaches diverse communities worldwide, addressing not only the struggles of veterans but also broader public health and social justice issues, including homelessness, racialized violence, and natural disasters. Doerries also discusses the arts’ power to heal, showing how storytelling and shared experience allow individuals to confront, process, and share pain. Theater of War taps into this capacity, creating safe spaces that support connection, resilience, and recovery. 

We mark Native American Heritage Month with artist Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo) who discusses her work in large-scale public art, and her journey as a creative rooted in Santa Clara Pueblo heritage. Simpson reflects on her process, exploring themes of protection, generational healing, and the deep connection between her art, identity, and community.  Simpson explains how her background in Santa Clara Pueblo pottery and her experiences studying in Japan and at the Rhode Island School of Design ( RISD) have shaped her unique approach, blending cultural reverence with innovative techniques.  We talk in-depth about her recent installation Seed, commissioned by the Madison Square Park Conservancy to mark its 20th anniversary  and funded in part by the NEA, a work inspired by both the Lenape land and Simpson’s own explorations of safety and lineage, and her monumental exhibit Strata currently showing at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Simpson also discusses her automotive training and its impact on her art particularly her work  Maria--the black-on-black El Camino, symbolizing the Pueblo tradition of pottery within lowrider culture.  Simpson shares the challenges of creating art that respects cultural boundaries while pushing expressive boundaries, capturing the spirit of resilience and interconnectedness that defines her work.

In time for Halloween—a conversation with author Christina Henry who has written 19 books of horror.  We discuss her latest book—The House That Horror Built, a chilling story set during the pandemic. The novel follows Harry, a single mother navigating the struggles of parenthood and financial instability, as she takes a job working for a reclusive horror film director.  Henry talks about the story’s atmospheric tension, its exploration of parenthood during the pandemic, and the enduring appeal of classic horror tropes.Henry discusses her creative process, including her love for horror films and how classics from the Vincent Price and Boris Karloff era inspired the novel’s atmospheric tension. She explores the enduring appeal of horror tropes such as haunted houses, eerie atmospheres, and mysterious characters, examining why these elements remain effective across generations. She also discusses why people are drawn to horror, how it provides a controlled thrill, and how moments of societal upheaval, like the pandemic, fuel the genre’s resurgence. Finally, Henry shares insights into her writing approach and finding the balance between character-driven narratives and the tension that horror demands.