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From its roots in the 1800s to its thriving present, Provincetown has always been a magnet for artists. The Art Colony podcast, hosted by Gaston Lacombe, uncovers the people, places, and stories that make this seaside village one of the world’s most enduring creative communities.
34 Episodes
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The Improvisational Playwright with Cody Sullivan
Gaston welcomes multifaceted percussionist, singer, and innkeeper Brian Calhoun to discuss music in Provincetown and Brian’s path to the marimba. Brian describes his musical family, early piano and drum set lessons, and discovering marimba.
This week, we interviewed Marian Roth about arriving to Provincetown in 1982, helping start the Freehand writers’ school, and leaving a career in political science to become an artist. She recalls being inspired by women in nontraditional jobs and began photographing “The Working Women of Provincetown,” before finding her artistic voice through pinhole photography, including transforming a van into a giant camera—work tied to her Guggenheim Fellowship. Roth describes how the AIDS crisis shaped daily life through caregiving and activism with the PWA Coalition, though it did not directly drive her art. She discusses recurring themes of village, diaspora, and home, later work using silhouetted figures influenced by her mother’s dementia, and her current focus on making paper and building collage “villages,” guided by a love of learning and beginner’s mind.
The Art Colony Podcast welcome Cherie Mittenthal, artist and Executive Director of the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. We take a journey through the long history of Castle Hill, and talk about the myriad offerings of classes at the center. We also discuss Cherie’s art, especially her passion for welding, pottery and encaustic. And this leads us to review the annual International Encaustic Conference happening in Provincetown and Truro this May for its 19th year.
Gaston talks with author Jeannette de Beauvoir, a France-born writer and historian who settled in Provincetown and created the Sidney Riley series. She explains how the town’s festivals, shifting seasonal crowds, and real locations inspire her plots, discusses “Dead in the Water,” and notes she weaves Provincetown history into the series. She previews her next novel and shares her Dune Shack–inspired historical novel “Our Lady of the Dunes,” reading an excerpt. She also describes “Making Light,” her monthly Commons gathering for artists to support each other.
Gaston invites PJ Kierans, a PTown chocolatier, on this week to discuss the mastery and artistry of chocolate making. PJ, who hails from London and trained in culinary arts in the UK and the Netherlands, explains his journey from a busy restaurant kitchen to becoming a full-time chocolatier in Provincetown. He delves into the intricacies of chocolate production, from the fermentation of cocoa beans to creative flavor combinations like thyme and tangerine or cranberry cabernet. The episode also touches on the impact of climate change on cocoa supply and the future of chocolate. PJ shares his unique experiences and innovative creations, including his viral lobster-flavored chocolate bar.
Wall Writer and Wave Rider with Andrew Jacob
Artist at Work - Trevor Mikula
Cut and Paste with John Derian
Phil Jimenez, a celebrated comic book artist, shares his artistic journey and the influence of Provincetown on his work. Phil discusses his early inspirations from TV shows, comic books, and his dedication to breaking into the industry through comic conventions and persistent networking. He highlights major projects, including working on iconic characters like Wonder Woman and the X-Men, and transitioning to digital art for improved detail.
This week, we interview Roddy Bottum, and explores topics such as Roddy's journey in 1980s and 1990s rock, his experiences with addiction and coming out as gay, and his new book which reflects his life and the cultural landscape of San Francisco during that era. They discuss his move to Provincetown, the magic of the town, and his ongoing musical projects.
Action, Activism, and Performance with Jay Critchley
The Birthplace of American Theater with David Drake
Gaston interviews Sian Robertson, a distinct artist known for her unique style of cutting intricate designs out of maps.
Comedian Kristen Becker shares her journey and experiences in the world of comedy and activism. Kristen discusses her roots in Buffalo, New York, and her career progression through comedy, including her start in Toronto and extensive tours in the Deep South. She recounts her move to Provincetown, the significance of queer representation in comedy, and her efforts to promote diverse voices through her show, Fruit Basket. Kristen also highlights her involvement in the Summer of Sass program, which brings queer youth from the South to Provincetown for a transformative summer experience. She reflects on the importance of community, her unique characters such as Sandy Claus and Sergeant Roach, and her ongoing contributions to the Provincetown art scene.
This week, Gaston talks to musician, singer, actor, all-around great guy, Jonathan Richardson. We more learn about his journey toward becoming a musician, and his arrival in Provincetown in the 2010s. In the second half of the interview, they talk at length about Jonathan’s new musical, “The Jack of Hearts Club,” which premiered to great acclaim at the Provincetown Theater in the fall of 2025, and will return for the summer of 2026.
In this episode, We interview Beth Faherty, an artist residing in Provincetown. Beth shares her story of moving from North Carolina to Nantucket and eventually settling in Provincetown. We discuss Beth's transition from writing to painting, her love for bright and joyful artwork, and how the loss of her twin brother influenced her artistic journey. Beth also talks about her experience at the Commons, where she recently completed a three-year residency, and her current transition to a new studio at Whaler's Wharf. The conversation explores the impact of the artistic community on Beth’s work, her unique creative processes, and her plans for the future.
Grace Hopkins discusses the history and proliferation of art galleries in Provincetown. She shares insights about her father, an abstract expressionist painter and his unconventional methods in curating art shows. She recounts memorable incidents at HCE Gallery, including controversial exhibitions and humorous anecdotes such as an artist cutting out all works but his own. The discussion also touches on art pricing and the dynamics of gallery operations.
In this episode of the Art Colony, Gaston interviews Regina Binder about her work in uncovering forgotten artists in Provincetown. Regina, who has lived in Provincetown for over 40 years, shares her efforts in expanding the definition of historical significance to include marginalized artists, particularly those from the LGBTQ community. She highlights her projects, including documenting dune shacks for the National Park Service and her current work supported by a National Park Service grant aimed at linking LGBTQ stories to physical properties in Provincetown. The conversation covers the challenges and triumphs of documenting these forgotten figures and their contributions to the art and culture of Provincetown. Regina also discusses the importance of preserving the stories and histories of these overlooked artists for future generations.
Gaston and guest, Jim Bokker, discuss various off-season art activities, such as art classes, theater productions, and ongoing exhibitions like the Blanche Lazzell retrospective at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). The conversation dives deep into Lzzell's life and work, particularly her contribution to the Provincetown Print and white-line woodblock printing. Jim Bocker provides insights on Lazzell's artistic journey, her modernist evolution, and the economic strategies she employed to sustain her career. They also touch upon the significance of Provincetown for artists and the ongoing tradition of white-line printing. The episode concludes with recommendations on how to indulge in and contribute to Provincetown's rich art culture during the off season.
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