Kevin Lane Dearinger, retired Broadway actor, singer, English teacher, and prolific author, joins Kate Savage to share the fascinating story behind his new book, At the Lexington Opera House: A Scrapbook, 1887–2026. In a lively and engaging conversation, Kevin delves into the rich history of Lexington’s beloved opera house, from its 19th-century glory days—when everyone from world-famous performers and vaudeville acts to live animals graced its stage—to brushes with neglect, disrepair, and even scandal. He discusses surprising discoveries from his research, the significance of its restoration, and the deep cultural importance of the opera house in Lexington’s artistic life. With anecdotes about forgotten legends, local heroes, and the evolving face of live theater, Kevin’s scrapbook invites readers to cherish the magic, quirks, and enduring spirit of this historic venue.

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

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

Daniel Pfalzgraf, longtime preparator, curator and now gallery owner, sits down with Kate to discuss the seamless transition of Lexington’s beloved New Editions Gallery into its next chapter as Wheelhouse Art. Daniel recounts his two-decade journey through museum and gallery worlds, how mentorship and timing made gallery ownership possible, and the remarkable parallels between his Louisville and Lexington stories. Kate and Daniel touch on the significance of keeping commercial, for-profit galleries alive in Lexington and what it means for local and regional artists. Daniel shares plans for “Extended Family,” a welcoming group exhibition to introduce Wheelhouse Art to the city, and reveals his approach for blending established and new artists, hosting community-focused events, and entrusting local gallery manager with nurturing Lexington’s art ecosystem. The conversation highlights the strength of continuity, the promise of fresh vision, and the vital role of community in making art accessible and exciting.

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

Lori Meadows, Board Chair of Kentuckians for the Arts and former Executive Director of the Kentucky Arts Council, joins host Kate Savage to discuss the essential role of arts advocacy across Kentucky. Lori sheds light on the dramatic decline in state arts funding—from $4.5 million in 2001 to just $1.8 million today—ranking Kentucky 45th in the nation and second lowest in the South for per capita arts allocation. Together, Lori and Kate explore the challenges of uniting the state’s diverse creative communities, the economic impact of the arts sector, and the ways arts organizations serve broader community needs, from mental health to addiction recovery and veteran support. The conversation also touches on public misconceptions about the arts, the continuing need for collective advocacy, and the transformative power of creative engagement in healthcare and aging communities. Lori shares strategies for making the arts more visible and valued at every level, emphasizing the need to blend compelling data with personal stories in championing the arts across Kentucky.

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

Jim Clark, Executive Director of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, joins Kate Savage for a wide-ranging conversation about Ashland, the historic Lexington estate once home to Henry Clay. They discuss Ashland’s architectural evolution, the intentional landscape design echoing European traditions, and the site’s ongoing role as a gathering place for arts, culture, and community. The conversation also delves into Ashland’s layered history—including its legacy of slavery—and current efforts to address this past through initiatives like the forthcoming “Breath of My Ancestors” memorial by sculptor Vinnie Bagwell. Jim Clark shares insights on balancing preservation and progress, from contemporary sculpture installations to inclusive programming like the Traces Tour and the annual Candlelight holiday events, all aimed at keeping Ashland relevant and resonant for today’s audiences.

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

Keelan O’Sullivan, writer, curator, and executive director of Institute 193, joins host Kate Savage to discuss Casey Joiner’s exhibition "Housekeeping," a dreamlike photographic meditation on family, grief, and the architecture of memory. Keelan explains how Casey’s images—rooted in the experience of losing her father and inheriting the family home—balance personal specificity with universal resonance, offering moments of beauty within the landscape of loss. The conversation pivots to the story and mission of Institute 193, a nonprofit contemporary art gallery and publisher dedicated to amplifying artists from the modern South and supporting their careers beyond regional boundaries. Keelan details the gallery’s history, founding by Philip March Jones, and its role as an incubator for emerging and established Southern artists, as well as its vibrant publishing program that brings Lexington’s creative energy to a wider audience through books and archives. The episode closes with insights into the institute’s unique fundraising model, upcoming projects, and lasting impact on the arts landscape both locally and nationally.

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