18th Street Arts Center + Articulate

18th Street Arts Center is proud to be a media partner for the PBS show Articulate with Jim Cotter, which takes an in-depth look at arts and culture globally, but with a unique American viewpoint. Hosted by veteran journalist Jim Cotter, the show really hones in on the artistic process and strategies of the forward thinkers that shape our culture in a more empathic, imaginative, and critical direction. We are delighted to be a part of Articulate, because we also value the contributions of artists to society, and believe strongly that they must be supported. We fundamentally believe that:

• Art making is an essential component of a vibrant, just and healthy society
• Creative action is a vital part of individual wellbeing
• Humanity benefits when artists are valued

The attention to detail, artistic thinking, and process evident in Articulate demonstrates their commitment to these same values.

A few upcoming episodes caught our eye – and all episodes for Season Two are now streaming here: http://www.pbssocal.org/programs/articulate/

March 24 – This episode focuses on Kenny Scharf, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Patriotism in Art.

Buffy Sainte-Marie, whose work on indigenous rights and protest songs of the 60s gained her FBI attention, is an incredibly dynamic activist and performer.

You know you’ve seen those crazy cartoon swooshes painted on buildings and cars around the city – that exuberant SoCal whimsy is thanks to artist Kenny Scharf, whose cast of iconic characters and signature style infuse our urban landscape.

In today’s day and age, artists are struggling through different ways to express their Patriotism. For artist Nina Chanel Abney, a complicated relationship to violence and authority is part of the every day black experience in America.

March 31 – This episode features children’s book illustrator Michelle Cuevas, musician Mason Bates, contemporary Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, and singer-songwriter Joan Shelley.

Antonio Martorell has been on the cutting edge of Puerto Rican art for over half a century, and this episode gives an in-depth look at this contemporary artist’s culture and process.

April 7 – This episode features the Havana Lyceum Orchestra, Italian avant-garde artist Peter Shire, the Victorian language of flowers known as Floriography, and the marble sculptures of artist Elizabeth Turk.

So take a moment and discover the in-depth, beautiful look at arts and culture, and the thinkers that push our culture in a more empathic, imaginative, critical direction through this show. All episodes from Season 2 are streaming right now, and they are well worth a watch.

Featured image: Work by Peter Shire