Ep 131 - Why Art Is Essential to Being Human // Suzette McAvoy

In this episode of Architecture, Design & Photography, Trent Bell sits down with curator, writer, and arts leader Suzette McAvoy. Suzette reflects on her career at the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, along with Maine’s long history as a place where artists come to live, work, and find space to think.  The conversation explores why art matters beyond beauty or market value, how it can build empathy and connection, and why some work takes time to understand. They also discuss contemporary art, creativity, spirituality, artistic risk, AI, and why artists may become even more important as technology continues to shape how we think and create.  It’s a thoughtful conversation about learning to look, staying curious, and the role art plays in helping us better understand ourselves and others. About Suzette:  Suzette McAvoy is an independent curator, arts writer, and art advisor with more than thirty-five years experience in the field of fine art and museums. A leading authority on the art and artists of Maine, she has curated more than sixty exhibitions throughout her career, including nationally traveling exhibitions of the work of Louise Nevelson, Kenneth Noland, Lois Dodd, Karl Schrag, Alan Magee, and Alex Katz.  Website: https://www.suzettemcavoy.me  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzettemcavoy More from us:  Website: www.adppodcast.com  Instagram: http://instagram.com/adppod_  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/architecture-design-photography/id1447381737  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qTtT0lpXkVGyksEkN57VS