Threads: The Art Exchange

<p>Launched in 2023, <em>Threads: The Art Exchange </em>is an artist development firm + global vehicle elevating artists through strategy, story, and expansive reach.  </p><p>Over the course of two seasons + special episodes, the audio component of our platform features a wide range of discussed art-related topics and interviews with artists, curators, educators, art collectors, and art directors. We offer our listeners perspectives on collaboration, culture, and insight into the art sector through a multicultural lens. With a continuous commitment to steer innovative programming, artist engagement, and visual storytelling, <em>Threads</em> is dedicated to shaping the next generation of artists and creatives. </p><p><br /></p><p><em>Threads</em> is hosted by the Creator + Director, Sydney Frakes. </p>

The Alchemy of Artist Mario Moore

On our season 2 finale we interview Detroit-based artist Mario Moore. Examining social, political, and historical issues, Mario Moore explores black identity and black history through his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Moore sits down with us to discuss the importance of capturing history through his research process, his artistic influences, and what he wants viewers to take away from his work. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

07-31
02:03:22

Visual Nuances & Vulnerability

Working in the realm of lens-adjacent, interdisciplinary approaches, Rachel Elise Thomas' interests lies in older photography and images by critiquing the past and challenging people to think about changing their attitudes towards consumerism and colorism. Thomas sits down with us to discuss being vulnerable within her art practice and viewers walking away learning from her work and even feeling uncomfortable in order for growth. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

07-10
56:57

Mindscape & Mythography

Working in both traditional and digital art, artist Mark Sarmel’s practice centers around diverse people and cultures. Sarmel sits down with us to discuss providing a voice for the underrepresented and laying the foundation for his own universe for viewers to see themselves through his heroic characters and storylines. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

06-26
57:07

Unraveling the Rules

Julian Jamaal Jones is a multidisciplinary artist and educator from Indianapolis, Indiana who primarily works with textiles and works on paper. His abstract compositions reflect the black experience, black identity, music, and religion. Jones recently sat down with us to discuss how his upbringing influences his work and how he is redefining quilting through his abstract forms. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

06-05
54:09

Divine Artistic Expression

On episode 8, we interview writer, educator, and fiber artist Fatema Haque who discusses the importance of documenting the Bangladeshi American community in Michigan through her hand embroidered portraits and the meditative healing practice of embroidery. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

05-08
40:49

In Art We Trust: When Art Meets Activism

On this episode we discuss art that addresses injustice and how it has impacted BIPOC communities, culture, and the world at large. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

04-24
36:48

Art: The Healing Elements That Go Unspoken

On episode 6, we interview artist Marwa Hachem who discusses her experience as an entrepreneur, the role art has played in her motherhood journey, art’s healing nature and her passion for depicting and sustaining a feminine presence in the art world. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

04-03
45:00

Familial Touchstones

On episode 5, we interview fiber artist Meli Bandera who discusses expanding their family’s legacy through fiber art by blending their Mexican culture with contemporary practices. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

03-06
41:45

The Tale of BIPOC Animation

You rarely hear about BIPOC artists contributions to the world of animation. On this episode, we discuss the history of animation, including BIPOC artists who helped create some of Disney’s and Pixar’s most beloved films. Additionally, we shed light on current initiatives that support aspiring animators. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

02-21
38:41

Old School Painter’s, Painter

On episode 3, we sit down with artist Cydney Camp to discuss the power oil paint holds when depicting the black figure. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

02-07
39:43

Food in Your Face

Do you think art can be used as activism? On this episode, we discuss the impact of global warming and if the recent rise in defacing art has been effective. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

01-24
38:24

So, What Are You Gonna Do About It?

We open our second season with reflecting and honoring the lessons that have shed light on the reality of maintaining a platform that promotes unity, the essence of self, and the importance of introspection. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

01-10
30:39

The Art Of Storytelling Through Textiles

On our season one finale, we interview fiber artist, designer, and educator Taylor Childs. Her fiber work (or pieces) explores familial themes and narrates her lived experience as an African American. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

05-31
46:24

Missing in the Art History Books

Throughout history, art has been a staple in capturing revolutions through many different mediums. On episode 10, we discuss four artists: Shirin Neshat, Barbara Jones-Hogu, Emory Douglas, and F.N. Souza, all of whom have created work exploring race, politics, culture, gender, and class. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

05-17
46:17

Approach Everything Without Fear

On this episode we interview abstract artist Dino Valdez Jr. (also known as Edethism). We discuss artist identity and the benefit of building community through collaboration. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

05-03
46:36

The Vision is Continuous

We interview Stephanie Onwenu, a visual artist and landscape designer based out of Detroit. This episode unravels the importance of dismissing perfectionism to be present with your creative vision and journey as an artist. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

04-19
40:58

To Degree or Not To Degree

Choosing a career path as an artist can be challenging; in this episode we discuss the pros and cons of conventional education and being self taught. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

04-05
35:43

Embracing Cultural Identity Through Art

On this episode, we interview artist and educator Odette Duke, who approaches her artwork from a cultural and historical lens. Duke also drops gems on the importance of balance as a creative. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

03-22
38:49

Artist Spotlight

On this episode we explain how and why our artist spotlight segment was birthed. We kick off this new opening with Edmonia Lewis, a 19th century sculptor of Black and Native American ancestry and her significant impact on art that is only now receiving attention. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

03-08
19:40

The Art of Not Showing Up Sometimes

What do you do when your creative flame is no longer lit? In this episode we discuss creative burnout and share personal tips on how to prioritize self, maintain balance, and find a creative flow that works for you. Discover more on our website and follow us on Instagram!

02-22
39:18

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