In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning, Toledo choreographer Alyssa Brutlag. Dance was always a part of Alyssa’s life growing up especially having a mom as a dance teacher and studio owner. Now, she is an established choreographer and teacher who travels across the US creating works, finding inspiration from music and improving. When she is not busy at the studio, Alyssa can be seen teaching Dance Church classes, and working on her new piece, “If Tears Were Diamonds,” to present in the spring.

Follow Alyssa @alyssabrutlag

Check out her website https://www.alyssabrutlag.com

Sign up for Dance Church classes here https://go.dancechurch.com/irl

Donate to support Alyssa’s new work “If Tears Were Diamonds” here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-alyssas-new-work-to-st-louis?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Alyssa Brutlag: Tapping Into Instincts

In this episode, Marisa interviews contemporary visual artist based in Portland, Oregon, Laine Kolesar. Laine began her career as a social worker, but found healing in creating art. Laine’s art is influenced by Cubism, and draws inspiration from the female form, exploring both vulnerability and confidence within the body. Now, she is dedicated to becoming a working artist, and provides insight into her process, color research, and exhibitions.  

Follow Laine @lainekolesar

Purchase her art on her website at https://www.lainekolesar.com

Laine Kolesar: A Change of Art

In this episode, Marisa interviews Phoenix visual artist, Alegre Lopez. Growing up, Alegre’s mom nurtured her creativity. With a couple of art classes and YouTube videos, Alegre taught herself how to paint both traditionally and digitally. Now, she sells her works at local stores in Arizona, and shares more about her art as a business. Drawing influence from 60s and 70s culture, Alegre creates colorful and joyful pieces that allow viewers to escape and daydream. 

Follow Alegre’s Daydream shop on instagram @shopdaydreamart 

Check out her website at https://www.shopdaydreamart.com

Purchase her work on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopDaydreamArt

Alegre Lopez: Snapshots of Nostalgia

In this episode, Marisa interviews the owners of JM Film Resins, Michelle Sloey and Jesse Brunt. Both hailing from Rochester, NY, the couple met on set and continue to work in the film industry in LA. They call themselves film romantics, and create art out of preserved film prints using resin. From treating footage like "Star Wars" and "James Bond" to an old Charlie Chaplin film, Michelle and Jesse hope to make film more accessible, and to recapture those emotional memories found in movie magic. Grab your popcorn and listen to this month’s episode full of film history and motion picture fun! 

Follow them on insta and DM for inquiries @jmfilmresins

Find their film art at local markets like the Los Feliz Flea, Melrose Trading Post, Artists & Fleas in Venice, and more.

Check out their article in the Hollywood Reporter 
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jm-film-resins-preserving-film-reels-art-1235303568/

Michelle Sloey and Jesse Brunt: JM Film Resins

In this episode, Marisa interviews Cleveland-based photographer, Lindsey Poyar. Lindsey always knew she wanted to be an artist, and fell in love with photography in a summer college course. She left the corporate world, started her own business, and has been a freelancer for five years. Lindsey finds inspiration from thrifting vintage clothing, experimenting with new lighting techniques, and watching films. From shooting weddings and couples to brands and musicians, Lindsey wants to make her clients feel comfortable in their own skin and strives to capture who they truly are on camera. 

Follow Lindsey @lindseypoy

Check out her website at https://www.lindseypoyar.com

Lindsey Poyar: Freedom in Freelance

In this episode, Marisa interviews lead singer of the band Post Saga, Danna O’Connor. Formed in 2017, the Cleveland band is comprised of seven members who blend various genres and instruments to create a unique pop-rock sound. With two EPs and the release of their new EP "Circles," Marisa chats with Danna to share more about the band's history, music creation process, and upcoming tour. With Danna’s heartfelt lyrics and the band’s catchy melodies, Post Saga brings the party to any live performance.

Follow Post Saga @postsaga

Check out their website and upcoming shows at https://www.postsaga.com

Listen to their new EP “Circles” on Spotify and other music platforms now! 

Buy tickets to their EP release party for Saturday, July 27th @ 8:30pm EDT at the Studio West-Trellis Rooftop https://postsagamerch.square.site/product/psepshow/19?cs=true&cst=custom

Danna O'Connor: Post Saga

In this episode, Marisa interviews fashion designer Asha Ama Bias-Daniels. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Asha learned how to sew and create clothes from her parents. Influenced by 70s fashion and Beyoncé, Asha’s work can be seen in museums, on Tim Gunn’s Project Runway, and on Lizzo’s Special Tour. Most recently, she created dance costumes for the Cincinnati Ballet, and shares the process of collaborating with award-winning, choreographer Rena Butler. Asha also talks about her upcoming project with Cincinnati’s Blink Festival, where she will debut her new collection, “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Follow Asha @asha_ama

Check out her website at https://www.ashaama.com

Asha Ama Bias-Daniels: Sewing Beauty

In this episode, Marisa interviews digital creator and owner of Wild Eyes Visuals, Cameron O’Neill. Growing up, Cameron made his own videos for school projects and sporting events, and then built his clientele through networking in the fitness industry. From working with local businesses and weddings to health and wellness brands, Cameron is dedicated to expanding his business and creating diverse, engaging content.

Follow Cameron @cameronjoneill 

Follow Wild Eyes Visuals @wildeyesvisuals 

To hire him, dm or email him at wildeyesvisuals@gmail.com

Cameron O'Neill: Wild Eyes Visuals

In this episode, Marisa interviews New York-based comedian, video producer for Betches Media, actress, writer, and hopeless romantic, Tess Tregellas. With a background in theatre and improv, Tess’s work focuses on physical comedy and immersive storytelling. They talk about her wedding-themed antics from running around Central Park in a wedding dress to performing her comedy show, “My Life as a Rom-Com.” Tess also shares her experience touring with Max Davidson in "Stand-Up Magic," being a content creator, and producing her new variety show “EPIC.” 

Follow Tess @tesstreg

Buy tickets for her show EPIC on November 10th in NYC at https://caveat.nyc/events/tess-tregellas-crash-my-wedding-11-10-2024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaajLg85EfP_--BHGl7Rfc38yNdGkK3hnZi4yZogXRvGbkwxRHajXcr_rqk_aem_-gOGP-PBklxI0oPx7CMRmQ

Tess Tregellas: Love, Laughter...and the Punchline

It’s the 50th episode of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews makeup and special effects designer and puppeteer, Tony Gardner. Originally from Ohio, Tony went to film school in California only to drop out to work on the music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tony takes a look at his work through a movement lens, sharing how he crafts characters like Billy Butcherson in "Hocus Pocus" to puppeteering "Chucky" with seven people. With years of experience in the industry, Tony is full of stories and encouragement and believes in saying yes to any opportunity. 

Follow Tony @tonygardner

Check out his company at https://alterianinc.com

Check out Kyra Gardner’s podcast, “Flesh & Blood & Bone” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify where they talk more about Tony’s career. 


Tony Gardner: Special Effects Most Wanted

Art is everywhere and with it comes the often unseen and unheard voices who make it happen. Join host, Marisa Dickens, as she interviews all types of artists who share their works, processes, and passions. Every artist leaves a little part of themselves in their work…it’s their ARTifact!

New tracks tagged #Artspodcast