I’m usually using this space to write about the latest Airigami projects. There’s usually some new sculpture being installed, or some community group I’m getting to work with, or some talk I’m giving about making art accessible. This time, instead, I’m talking about a completely different sort of project. I’ve launched a podcast, Brush With Knowledge. In the first five episodes recorded, I’m not sure balloons were even mentioned once. But it is about art and community. Specifically, it’s about the world of teaching artists.

I’ve been a teaching artist for decades, bringing art into classrooms and community spaces. Sometimes (well, to be honest, most often) using balloons as the medium and mechanism for reaching learners. Other times, I’ve used magic, origami, electronics, and other things to teach. The reason we’ve appeared so often at Maker Faires around the world is because of the alternative learning opportunities they offer. Sure, Kelly and I love making art and showing off, but the most interesting projects are always the ones where others get to experience our art along with us rather than just view it after it’s created.

Over the last few years, I’ve been focusing more on teaching artistry than sculpture installations. Teaching Artists ROC, the organization that I run that puts other teaching artists into those same places (schools, libraries, museums, community centers, and more), has given me an opportunity to work with so many other teaching artists that I just want to share, not only what I do, but what others do out in the world. Brush With Knowledge gives me an opportunity to do that. Each episode features a different teaching artist.

Here’s who I’ve talked to so far:

Watch/listen/subscribe at brushwithknowledge.com. Or find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Thanks to Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, and Roc Vox Recording And Production for making this possible.