In this exciting second half of our live podcast recording at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), we dive deeper into the vibrant and diverse 6x6 exhibition. Hosts Christian Rivera, Molly Darling, and producer Chris Lindstrom chat with artists and attendees alike, uncovering personal stories and creative processes that fuel this unique art experience. From Carmela Casuccio, an artist rediscovering Rochester’s art scene, to Unique Fair, an educator pioneering accessible oil painting techniques, this episode captures the spirit of collaboration and freedom that 6x6 fosters.

We also hear from new voices like Soul and Z, a duo of visual and musical artists who share their journey through creative expression in shared spaces, and Michelle Miller, an art therapist whose collage work finds home at the exhibition. The episode wraps up with insights from Bleu Cease, RoCo's Director, who reflects on the community-driven energy that makes this annual event thrive. Tune in to explore the intersection of art, community, and personal discovery in this special live edition of Behind the Studio Door!

In this captivating episode of Behind the Studio Door, hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera sit down with interdisciplinary artist Hayley Davis to discuss her unique approach to painting using natural, foraged pigments from the Colombian landscape. A Rochester native, Hayley spends half of each year in Colombia, where she collects vibrant earth pigments from riverbeds, construction sites, and volcanic soils. These materials, rich in color and history, serve as the foundation for her stunning artworks that explore the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

Hayley shares the fascinating story of how her journey into earth pigments began, from her early experiments in Oaxaca, Mexico, to learning about traditional Colombian pigment-gathering techniques passed down through generations. She also delves into how her art bridges the cultural gap between Colombia and the United States, addressing ecological themes and the complex duality of beauty and extraction in her work.

Tune in to learn more about Hayley’s process of blending art and storytelling, her thoughts on the relationship between people and the earth, and her current exhibition, Colombian Riches, at The Yards Art Collective through the month of September.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self. Use promo code Lunchador15 for 15% off your order! https://sweetpeaplantbased.com

Level Up Coffee Podcast

Level Up your coffee game. Wade Reed and Aaron Pascucci, two coffee professionals discuss coffee and the culture surrounding it. https://levelupcoffee.captivate.fm/

In this episode of Behind the Studio Door, hosts Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, along with producer Chris Lindstrom, sit down with Jo, the founder of The Op Shop in Rochester's East End. Jo shares her inspiring journey from a nine-to-five job to creating a vibrant space for sustainable fashion and community connection.

Jo discusses the origins of The Op Shop, how it grew from a small pop-up into a beloved hub for vintage and handmade fashion, and the challenges she faced along the way. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of community support, and her passion for sustainability. Jo also highlights the creative collaborations that make The Op Shop unique and offers a glimpse into the future of this thriving space.

You can find out more about The Op Shop on their website: https://www.theopshoproc.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Refined Taste with Dario & Chris

Weekly Live show where comedians Dario Joseph and Chris Thompson talk and laugh with representatives of Rochester, New York’s food and drink scene.