Gregory Turay, internationally recognized operatic tenor, educator, and civic arts leader, joins host Kate Savage to discuss his visionary project, ElevateART—a proposed civic and community arts center aimed at transforming Lexington’s arts landscape. Gregory shares how his experiences performing globally, teaching at the University of Kentucky, and engaging with local nonprofits underscored the city’s decades-long need for accessible rehearsal, performance, and gallery spaces. He explains the center’s multi-faceted mission to uplift artists, audiences, and community organizations by providing state-of-the-art facilities, fostering collaborative cross-pollination, and supporting both performing and visual arts, all while tackling the complex realities of fundraising and city planning. Kate and Gregory reflect on the essential role cultural infrastructure plays in economic development, artistic vibrancy, and quality of life, and why now is the time for Lexington to invest in the arts as a cornerstone of its civic identity.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

Ave Lawyer, founding member of the theater group On the Verge, and artist/horticulturalist Claudia Michler join host Kate Savage to reflect on the life and art of Dan Stone, a prolific yet private Lexington artist and poet whose works are now on public view following his passing. Longtime friends and supporters, Ave and Claudia share stories of their decades-long friendship with Dan, his philosophy of art as a personal vision rather than commodity, and the process behind curating “Life Work,” a remarkable retrospective of over 400 pieces. Their conversation delves into Dan’s unique creative methods, his selective approach to sharing his world, the influences and recurring motifs in his work, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind for both the arts community and those who knew him best.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

Zak Foster, a community-taught textile artist, joins host Kate Savage for an exploration of his exhibition "Southern White Amnesia" at the Morland Gallery, which delves into the family stories white Americans tell—and forget—about their historical roles in slavery. Zak describes how discovering records of his ancestors’ involvement in slavery became a catalyst for both his research and creative practice. He reflects on the process of confronting family denial, building kinship, and using quilting as a form of narrative repair. The episode touches on the tactile power of textiles, audience reactions to interactive pieces, and Zak’s commitment to channeling all proceeds from his work to scholarships at HBCUs, as a gesture of ancestral accountability and reparative action. Through fabric, Zak aims to crack open conversations about legacy, whiteness, and collective responsibility while honoring the ongoing work of mending and connection.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html