Creative Cafe

This week on Creative Café, Kristen Chesak sits down with Marvinetta Woodley-Penn to discuss a series of community screenings of the award-winning documentary Natchez. The film explores Natchez, Mississippi, a community shaped by the cotton trade and slavery that today relies heavily on antebellum tourism. Marvinetta shares why she brought the film to Kalamazoo and how the screenings and community conversations connect Natchez's history to our own region, from the Underground Railroad and Dr. Nathan M. Thomas to those who opposed abolition. Tune in Saturday at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM for a conversation about confronting history, understanding the stories in our own backyard, and what we can learn from them today.Originally aired on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, Kristen Chesak sits down with Phoebe of Fauna Stitch, a licensed taxidermist, sculptor, and mixed-media artist whose work blends nature's whimsical and macabre sides. Phoebe shares how she first discovered taxidermy, how the craft influences her artwork, and how sustainably sourced natural elements, thrifted finds, and foraged materials become part of her creations. We’ll also talk about her recent Art Hop experience, where you can find her work, and what’s next for Fauna Stitch. Tune in to Creative Café and discover the fascinating world behind this unique local artist.Originally aired on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, Kristen Chesak previews September Art Hop and the special Art on the Vine celebration with Devon Yeider, aka Dev iLL, Jucari Ivens, aka ZootMando, and Art Hop Director Kim Shaw. Hear about the artists bringing their creativity to the Vine Neighborhood, the businesses that make the district unique, and the return of the Salvador Troli, helping Art Hoppers explore stops throughout Kalamazoo. Tune in and get ready to discover new artists, new neighborhoods, and a great night of art in our community!  Originally aired on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 8 AM on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

On this week's Creative Café, Kristen Chesak talks with Emma Master of the Edison Neighborhood Association, residency facilitator Sabine Ledieu, and participating artist Stacy Koviak-Davison of Psoma Designs about the Edison Market Gallery Artist Residency. Supported through an Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County grant, the residency brings artists and neighborhood residents together to create public art rooted in the Edison community. Hear how the project is taking shape, what the artists are creating, and why this collaborative process is so important to the neighborhood.Originally aired on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 106.9 FM and 590 AM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, Kristen Chesak welcomes Kim Shaw, and Tim Culver for a conversation about the Otsego Jazz Ensemble, one of southwest Michigan's longest-running community big bands. Learn how the ensemble has been bringing musicians together for nearly 40 years, what audiences can expect from their August 23 Concerts in the Park performance, and why this group continues to delight generations of music lovers. Tune in Saturday, August 15, and then join us for this free community concert on Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. in Bronson Park.Originally aired on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Who inspires our arts community? Who deserves to be recognized for the impact they've made?Join Kristen Chesak on the next Creative Café as she welcomes 2025 Community Medal of Arts recipient Brad Wong and Jeremy Koch of Farmers Alley Theatre, who accepted the 2025 Epic Award on the theatre's behalf. Having both nominated others and been honored themselves, Brad and Jeremy share why recognition matters, what makes a meaningful nomination, and why everyone has the power to celebrate the people who make Kalamazoo's arts community thrive.Learn about the Community Arts Awards, hear inspiring stories from two past recipients, and find out how you can help recognize the artists, volunteers, educators, businesses, organizations, and arts leaders who make a difference every day. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on Creative Café.Originally aired on Saturday, August 8, 2026Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Join us for a fascinating conversation about Survival of the Species, an upcoming exhibition opening August 7 at the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Artist Randy Walker, curator Linda Rzoska, and Arts Council Programs Director Kim Shaw will discuss the powerful imagery behind the exhibition, its exploration of environmental themes, and a unique collaboration with Photosynthesis Community poets that will culminate in a special poetry reading on August 12.Discover how visual art, poetry, and community dialogue come together in this thought-provoking exhibition. Originally aired on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Join host Kristen Chesak for a conversation with mixed media artist MtnWoman Silver and Arts Council Programs Director Kim Shaw. After relocating to Kalamazoo from Oklahoma City, Silver found more than a new place to paint—she found a creative community through Kalamazoo Art Hop and her Artist in Residence program at Kalamazoo City Centre.Hear the story behind her first live Art Hop painting, The Garden, discover how creating art in public transforms the creative process, and learn why building relationships is just as important as making art.Originally aired on Saturday, July 25, 2026, on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

We welcome acclaimed soprano Svetlana Stone to share the story behind her debut classical album, My Favorite Things. Learn how an Arts Council KADI grant helped bring this ambitious multilingual recording project to life, hear about the creative journey from concept to completion, and get a preview of what's next as the album prepares for release. Join us for an inspiring conversation celebrating artistry, perseverance, and the power of investing in local creatives. Originally aired on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

We celebrate the 40th Black Arts Festival with special guest Janine Seals, Executive Director of the Black Arts & Cultural Center.Learn about the festival's rich history, its impact on our community, and what you can experience at this year's celebration in Bronson Park. Whether you're a longtime attendee or planning your first visit, you won't want to miss this conversation about one of Kalamazoo's most cherished cultural traditions.Originally aired on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week, Kristen Chesak welcomes acclaimed Kalamazoo photographer Fran Dwight and Arts Council Programs Director Kim Shaw for a preview of July Art Hop. Hear Fran share stories from her decades behind the camera, learn about her upcoming exhibition in the Westin Gallery, and get the inside scoop on what to expect during Art Hop's Continuum-themed celebration of creativity. Originally aired on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Join Arts Council Programs Director Kim Shaw and new Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Amy Williams as they discuss this year's celebration in Bronson Park, featuring a two hour concert by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, family activities, food and beverages, and a spectacular drone show more than a year in the making.Don't miss this conversation about music, community, and one of the biggest celebrations of the summer. Originally aired on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MICreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Listen to Brad Jensen, Sandra Shaw, and Danny Lopez as they share the story behind one of Southwest Michigan's favorite jazz ensembles, talk about the enduring appeal of big band music, and give us a preview of their upcoming Concerts in the Park performance. Originally aired on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in  Kalamazoo, MI. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Today on Creative Café, we welcome Maya James, artist, author, and founder of A Black Artist’s Path, a creative development ecosystem supporting Black artists in building sustainable and liberated careers. We talk about the vision behind the program, an upcoming Mackinac Island residency, and The BAP Collection, a powerful traveling exhibition bringing this work to life through art, film, and community engagement. Originally aired on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Kristen Chesak and Kim Shaw of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo talked with Val Birch, Carolyn Fink, and Kaitlin Gotcher - artists involved in this year's Art on the Mall Festival.  We discussed the uniqueness of presenting artwork outside, the challenges of weather, and the sense of community created by participating in an open-air festival.  Originally aired on Saturday, June 6 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, we preview Art on the Mall as it celebrates its 40th anniversary in downtown Kalamazoo. Hear from Kim Shaw of the Arts Council and Jennifer Prenkert Hudson of Sounds of the Zoo as they share what to expect from this vibrant, artist-filled weekend. From a diverse lineup of regional artists to live music throughout the day, discover why this free community event continues to bring creativity and connection to the heart of our city. Originally aired on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.  Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

On this episode, Kristen Chesak sits down with Reverend Millard Southern III—pastor of historic Allen Chapel AME Church, accomplished trumpeter, scholar, and community leader. Together they discuss the powerful connection between music, faith, democracy, and community, including Rev. Southern’s work bringing world class cultural experiences to Kalamazoo such as a recent appearance by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. In the second half of the show, they explore his newest project made possible through an Arts Fund grant: bringing the renowned Spelman College Glee Club to Kalamazoo for “A New Song,” an inspiring evening of music, culture, and collaboration. Tune in for a conversation about leadership, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

On this episode we welcome Garrett Jones, the new Executive Director of the Stulberg International String Competition. A seasoned arts leader and accomplished musician, Garrett shares his journey to Kalamazoo, what excites him about leading one of the world’s premier string competitions, and how this year’s event is shaping up. We will also take you inside the competition itself, including what audiences can expect from the finals and what is at stake for these extraordinary young musicians. Tune in for a conversation about talent, opportunity, and the power of music to connect communities. Originally aired on May 16, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café on WKZO, Kristen Chesak welcomes back purpose driven hip hop artist Slym Beno along with Kalamazoo DJ, host, and entertainment entrepreneur DJ Certified. Together, they discuss the power of creativity to inspire change through two exciting initiatives: Bars for a Cause: A Mic for Meals Initiative at Glow Hall, a benefit concert supporting local meal programs and raising awareness around food insecurity, and Spotlight Thursdays, a weekly showcase creating opportunities for emerging artists to perform, grow, and be seen. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, mentorship, community impact, and building spaces where creativity and purpose come together. Originally aired on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MIchigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, we’re joined by Christopher Keener, owner of Glow Hall in downtown Kalamazoo, a new all-ages space for music, art, and creative community. From group singing to live shows and youth programs, discover how Glow Hall is bringing people together through creativity. Originally aired on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, we continue our conversation with Drue McPherson and are joined by Kim Shaw from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Learn more about the Lavender Home Project and get a preview of Drue’s upcoming exhibition in the Westin Gallery during the May Art Hop, themed PLAY. Originally aired on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, we sit down with Kalamazoo-based artist, architect, and salon owner Drue McPherson. We explore his thesis work, House, Human, Home, and the powerful ideas behind his Pinkwashing project, examining how identity, storytelling, and design shape the spaces we live in. Originally aired on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

This week on Creative Café, we’re talking about creativity in action in Kalamazoo’s Edison Neighborhood. I’m joined by Emma Master to share how an Arts Fund grant is supporting a public art residency that brings artists and community together. Tune in to hear how local artists are transforming everyday space into something powerful. Originally aired on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

On Creative Café, we sit down with Jennifer Cooley and Miriam Thomas to talk about bringing legendary Nike designer Wilson W. Smith III to Kalamazoo for a special Artful Evening. Hear how this event connects to the Future Now exhibition and why you won’t want to miss it on April 16 at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Originally aired on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Violinist Negar Dena Afazel joins Creative Café to discuss her new performance “A Conversation Through Us,” a powerful collaboration with vocalist Tricia Tetzlaff that blends violin, voice, and storytelling to explore the shared experiences of women across time and culture. We’ll also talk about the creative vision behind the piece and how the current war in Iran is shaping its outcome. Originally aired on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

We round out our 3-part series on the Prairie Ronde Artist Residency with Akiko Yamamoto, a Japanese-born, Brooklyn-based artist whose work explores migration, identity, and cultural translation through intricate layers of paper, texture, and process. Her work has been exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum and featured in The New York Times, and now she is bringing her practice to Southwest Michigan through Prairie Ronde. Originally aired on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

 Connar Klock joins us to talk about the current projects and shows being undertaken by Queer Theatre Kalamazoo. We chat about shows, playwright projects, and upcoming auditions, and construction projects. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

We were live from Epic Center, talking with artists from RADFest 17, the region's best Alternative Dance Festival. We spoke with Wellspring Artistic Director Marissa Bianan, RADFest curator Jennifer Glaws, and Claire Porter, who has made the journey to share their talents with their peers and our community. Originally aired on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

 The March 2026 Art Hop is right around the corner, and we sit down with Adam McFarlin of the Kalamazoo Candle Company, one of the event’s longtime mainstays. Now in a new home on the Kalamazoo Mall, Adam shares how the business continues to evolve, along with exciting new initiatives designed to bring our community even closer to the world of makers. Originally aired on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is presenting Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches. Director D. Terry Williams and Director of Volunteers Mike Artis sit down to discuss this epic and deeply moving production, the powerful messages it carries, and why it remains profoundly relevant today. They also share how the community can engage more deeply with the experience through additional programming, including the opportunity to view a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, attend preshow conversations, and participate in post-show talkbacks. Originally aired on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Creative Café continues its three-part series featuring the artists selected for the 2026 Spring Residency at Prairie Ronde in Vicksburg. In Part 2, host Kristen speaks with Bogotá-born, Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist Mariana Noreña.Mariana’s work explores relationships to place through ecology, history, and material memory, often using natural and locally sourced materials to reflect on belonging and landscape. Tune in to hear how the Prairie Ronde residency will influence her evolving practice. Originally aired on Saturday, February 14, 2026, 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

In Part 1 of this 3-part series, Kristen learns more about the artists that will make up the 2026 Spring Residency at Prairie Ronde in Vicksburg, beginning with Artist Xingyu Huang, someone who currently splits their time between Chicago and LA. We will learn what this urban artist is looking to get out of this rural experience. Originally aired on Saturday, February 10, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

It is the 10th anniversary of the Eclectic Glass Guild here in Kalamazoo. We celebrate this milestone with Judy Konesni and Jeanne Zumburs to chat about glass, community and what it takes to build something that lasts. Originally aired on Saturday, Janaury 31, 2026 on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Today on Creative Cafe, we are joined by Slym Beno, a purpose-driven hip hop artist whose work blends motivational lyricism, faith-influenced storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Originally from Cleveland and now rooted in Michigan, Slym Beno represents P One Entertainment, a platform built around purpose, opportunity, and community impact. His latest project, The Big P EP, invites listeners to reflect, grow, and step boldly into who they are called to become. Beyond the music, he is creating intentional spaces through live events that bring together artistry, reflection, and community connection. We are excited to spend time talking about purpose, creativity, and what it means to build art that uplifts. Originally aired on Saturday, January 23, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

On this episode, we explore how museums are not only places where we revisit the past, but spaces that help us imagine the future, and why a bold new exhibition opening this February invites Kalamazoo audiences to think differently about design, innovation, and creativity in everyday life. Originally aired on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8 am in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

As we begin 2026, we are continuing our conversation about storytelling and the power of community voices. Today, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Johnson and Denise Miller of the Institute of Public Scholarship. We will be talking about how their work centers around cultural expression, storytelling, and community voice to support justice, healing, and creative life in Kalamazoo. Originally aired on Saturday, December 10, 2025, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

In part two of this 2-part series, Kristen Chesak continues her discussion with Marcel Fable Price about the power of storytelling, and the healing it provides. We enjoy one of Marcel's original fables. Originally aired on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

In this two-part series, Marcel Fable Price joins Kristen Chesak to discuss the power of stories and storytelling, how this rich tradition transcends all cultures and societies, and how storytelling can be a powerful form of healing. Originally aired on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Deb Droppers, Director, and Adam Ostrander, Board Member of New Year's Fest, reminisce about 40 years of alcohol-free family fun during Downtown Kalamazoo's New Year's Fest. Get a preview of the 2025 schedule of events. Originally aired on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Kristen sits down with Jane Ghosh, President and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo, Bob Lewis, Partner at Millennium Restaurant Group, and Fritz Brown of Treystar to talk about the economic and social impact of festivals in downtown Kalamazoo, specifically the most recent Brush the Block Mural Festival. Originally aired on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

In our final installment of the 5-part series spotlighting the 2025 Community Arts Award recipients, we sit down with Community Medal of Arts Recipients Robin Nott and Brad Wong. Originally aired on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Kristen sits down with Elaine Unzicker, Aubrey Rodgers, and Kim Shaw to preview the December 2025 Art Hop. The theme is CREATE! Enjoy 55 stops, and more than 250 artists at the largest Art Hop of the year. This episode originally aired on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

In the fourth of our five-part series, we celebrate two of the four Community Medal of Arts recipients, Fran Dwight and Al Harris, Jr. We will celebrate the recipients in person on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7 pm in the Lake Auditorium on the KVCC campus. Originally aired on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MICreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Today we are celebrating the 2025 recipients of Epic Award. We talk to Jeremy Koch and Rob Weiner of Farmers Alley Theatre and John Kern of Prairie Ronde Residency and Gallery. We will celebrate both in person on December 9, 2025 at 7 pm at the Lake Auditorium on the campus of KVCC. Originally aired on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Welcome to the second episode in a 5-part series celebrating the 2025 Community Arts Awards. Today we are celebrating April Woodward Slack, recipient of the Gayle Hoogstraten Arts Leadership Award, and Lynn Chen-Zhang, one of the founders of Zhang Financial, recipient of the 2025 Business Arts Award. We will celebrate the 2025 Community Arts Award in person on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7 pm in the Lake Auditorium on the campus of KVCC.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Welcome to our first in a series of 5 episodes celebrating the 2025 Community Arts Awards. Today, we talk with Ivan Tai and Felix Bahrou. The Community Arts Awards will be celebrated in person on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:00 pm pm at the Lake Auditorium on the KVCC campus. Originally aired on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

We explore one of the 45 stops for the November Art Hop with Steve Walsh, executive director of the Vine Neighborhood Association, and artists Janice March-Prelesnik of Music Medicine Collective, and Donna Vogtmann of Pysanky and Pyrographic Art. Originally aired on Saturday, November 25, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Kristen interviews Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Michelle Hargrave, and the Director of the Kirk Newman Art School, Leslie Donaldson, about the 52nd Annual Holiday Art Show. Originally aired on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 8 Am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FMCreative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Kristen sits back down with Negar Afazel, the founder of the Kalamazoo Violin Choir, to discuss the program's first year and plans for its continuation. Originally aired on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org

Kristen interviews Julie White, the interim Executive Director, and Marissa Bianan, the Artistic Director of Wellspring, about its 45th season - the concerts, classes, and events that make up their path forward. Originally aired on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 8 AM on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org