Studio Break

May 8, 2026This week, Greta Kresse joins the podcast to talk about her narrative based paintings, which are created from direct observation and photo manipulation. Her recent works combine figurative elements in a variety of settings with diverse color pallets. Greta will be featured in an upcoming emerging artist exhibition entitled: “Crisp” that opens at Studio Break Gallery on June 13th, 5-8PM.

May 1, 2026This week, Shelley Heffler joins the podcast to talk about her mixed media works created from re-purposed vinyl, which is cut, woven, and assembled into a variety of sculptural forms.Shelly will be featured in an upcoming two-person exhibition with Sam Kelly entitled: “Dark Matters/Bright Signals” that opens at Studio Break Gallery on May 9th, 5-8PM.

April 23, 2026This week Sam Kelly joins the podcast to talk about his recent small paintings that are dark, intriguing, and layered with material exploration. Sam will be featured in an upcoming two-person exhibition with Shelley Heffler entitled “Dark Matters/Bright Signals” that opens at Studio Break Gallery on May 9th, 5-8PM.

April 17, 2026This week Nick Satinover joins us once again to talk about some recent residency experiences at the College of Dupage and In Cahoots. In the episode, Nick talks about some recent print works that are layered with color and text and created through a variety of processes. Nick has been featured on Studio Break episodes: #144, #151, & #220.

March 27, 2026This week Brian Cirmo joins the podcast to talk about his paintings that explore ideas of humor, self reflection, observation of daily life through characters he’s developed over the years. Brian will be featured in an upcoming two-person exhibition with Jess Peterson entitled “A Bit Odd” that opens at Studio Break Gallery on April 11th, 5-8PM.

March 13, 2026This week Jessica Peterson joins the podcast to talk about her works that often explore themes of nature and fragility through nixed media ceramic driven works, soft sculpture, and additional media.Jessica will be featured in an upcoming two-person exhibition with Brian Cirmo entitled “A Bit Odd” that opens at Studio Break Gallery on April 11th, 5-8PM.

February 27, 2026This week David Wilson joins the podcast to discuss his mixed media collage works that combine classic media iconography and color fields that recontextualize experiences form his lived experience. David’s current exhibition “Now Arriving”, is on view at the Nashville International Airport through April 19th.

January 6, 2026This week Sarah Smelser joins the podcast to discuss her abstract print based work and collage that are primarily created through use of stencils and trace monotype. Sarah solo exhibition “Escape Artist” is currently on view through February 14th at Western Michigan University in the Netzorg-Kerr Gallery.

This week Bonny Leibowitz joins the podcast to talk about her mixed media installations and sculpture works, which examine the boundaries between manufactured and organic landscapes. Bonny has an upcoming exhibition: Adventures In Plunderland that opens December 6th from 6-8 PM at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center in Dallas Texas. The exhibition runs December 6th - January 10th. Bonny was selected as a 2021 Studio Break Professional Competition podcast winner by our juror Erika B. Hess.

This week Marie B. Gauthiez joins the podcast to talk about her art evolution, growing up in France, traveling the world, and finding her way to the United States. Her mixed media work explore a range of materials both found and printed all coming together to make installation works that explore memory, identity, and the self. Marie is part of the two-person exhibition with Griffin Allman entitled Withholding that opens at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago, on Saturday November 8th from 5-8PM.Griffin was selected as a 2024 Studio Break Student Competition podcast winner by our juror Natalie Pivoney.

This week Griffin Allman joins the podcast to talk about his mixed media assemblages that combine a variety of materials and approaches of mark making. Griffin is part of the two-person exhibition Withholding with Marie B. Gauthiez Withholding at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago, opening Saturday November 8th from 5-8PM.Griffin was selected as a 2024 Studio Break Student Competition podcast winner by our juror Natalie Pivoney.

This week Jason Lipow joins the podcast to talk about his interdisciplinary practice that explores a range of found media to create painting, sculpture, and installation work. Jason was selected work was selected for our 2024 Studio Break Professional Competition by Marc Mitchell, Curator & Director of Exhibitions at the University of Arkansas.

This week Quinn Antonio Briceño is our guest for a new podcast where we talk all about his studio practice. Quinn’s paintings include mixed media works that combine acrylic paint and image transfers and images that speak to his American and Nicaraguan background. Quinn was selected as a 2022 Studio Break Student Competition podcast winner by our Studio Break host David Linneweh.

Erika b. Hess joins us once again to talk discuss her recent paintings for her solo exhibition Between Worlds that opens at Studio Break Gallery on October 4 from 5-8 PM. Erika is the host of I Like Your Work Podcast and Director of Visual Arts at the Chautauqua School of Art.Erika has been featured on Studio Break episodes: #207, #266, #314, & #328

This week Jo Locke joins the podcast to discuss her studio practice exploring social practice and collaborative works in a wide variety of traditional and found materials. Jo’s work will be featured in the group exhibition, Only Dust Know’s What’s Left Behind, at Presa House Gallery.Jo was selected as a 2024 Studio Break Student Competition podcast winner by our juror Natalie Pivoney.

This week Cristina Marian joins the podcast to talk about her background and evolution of her studio practice, which explores mixed media paintings and installation. Cristina’s work will be featured with Ann Blaas in the two person exhibition Emergence, opening at Studio Break Gallery on Saturday September 6th, 5-8 PM.Cristina was selected as a podcast and exhibition winner in the 2022 Studio Break Professional Competition by Jason Franz, Director of Manifest in Cincinnati Ohio.

This week Amanda Lechner joins the podcast to talk about her studio practice which explores fresco painting, egg tempera, works on paper, and installation. Upcoming exhibitions include the Studio Break Invitational, a 20 person group exhibition at Studio Break Gallery Opening July 12, 6-9 PM.Amanda’s work was selected for our 2024 Studio Break Professional Competition by Marc Mitchell, Curator & Director of Exhibitions at the University of Arkansas.

This week Eric Anthony Berdis joins the podcast to talk about his work, which utilizes found fabric to create soft sculpture and installation works that explore queer history, identity, and activism. Eric currently has a two person exhibition titled “Entity Cramming” with Soso Capaldi entitled “Entity Cramming” at Grizzly Grizzly in Philadelphia on view through July 27th. Studio Break is pleased to have Eric’s work selected as part of our 2023 Studio Break Professional Competition by Jeff Stevenson, Artist & Gallery Director at Governors State University.

This week Paul Loughey, Eric Palmerlee, and Steven Rudin join the podcast to discuss: Transformation, a survey of collage and the development of personal language. Artists featured: Andrew Almeter, Allan Bealy, Andrea Burgay, Andrés Gamiochipi, Lars Henkel, Danila Ilabaca, Eva Lake, Paul Loughney, Eric Palmerlee, Somsara Reilly, Steven Rudin, Steve Tierney, and Paloma Trecka.You can purchase copies of Transformation by visiting Amazon. For additional information about Transformation, please send inquiries to Aqulamb.

This week Jodi Hays joins the podcast to talk about her collage paintings that explore a wide range of materials and techniques.Jodi has a solo exhibition “To Harden and Heal” opening at Johnson Lowe Gallery, May 9 - June 28th. Upcoming group exhibitions at Tennessee Gallery (Atlanta, GA) opening May 9 and the 2024 Studio Break Invitational at Studio Break Gallery, opening July 12th 6-8 PM, the exhibition runs through August 2nd.Jodi’s work was selected for our 2024 Studio Break Professional Competition by Marc Mitchell, Curator & Director of Exhibitions at the University of Arkansas.

This week Samantha Haring joins the podcast to talk about her paintings and drawings, in the artists words “I make quiet paintings in a noisy world”.Samatha’s solo exhibition “Safe Havens” opens at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago on Saturday May 17th, from 5-8PM. The exhibition runs though June 7th.Samantha’s work was selected for our 2023 Studio Break Professional Competition by Jeff Stevenson, Artist & Gallery Director at Governors State University.

This week Curtis Anthony Bozif & Shona Macdonald talk about their upcoming two person exhibition at Studio Break Gallery, The Vapours So Whiten And Thicken The Air. The exhibition of new work explores atmospheric phenomena linked to climate change.The show opens at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago, IL, Saturday, April 19th, from 5-8pm. The show will run through May 11th. Appointments can be arranged through dm on Instagram.

This week Matt Klos joins us to talk about his paintings based in observation that explore works from still life, landscape, and architecture.Matt has an upcoming solo exhibition this summer at the Jemulpo Club Museum in Incheon Korea.

This week Ryan Paluczak joins the podcast to talk about his journey as a studio artist exploring a range of mixed media that includes print, sound, sculpture, and most recently photography.In the episode, we discuss Ryan’s solo exhibition entitled “People Pleaser” that opens Friday March 7th 4-7PM at ARX Gallery at Southeastern Missouri State University; the exhibition runs Feb 21st - March 21st.

This week Jan Brandt joins us once again to talk about her vibrant and colorful mixed media and site specific installation works that combine painting, fabric, and mixed media. Jan has an exhibition entitled “Between Stillness and Growth ” that opens Friday March 7th 6-8PM at The Camp Gallery in North Miami FL; the exhibition runs March 7th- April 4th.

This week Ben Duke returns to the podcast to talk about his recent paintings and mural works that combine figurative and narrative elements.Ben has an exhibition entitled “Chance Factor” that opens Friday March 7th 6-8PM at Hillyer in Washington D.C.; the exhibition runs March 8th- March 30th.

This week Madison Varns joins the podcast to talk about her studio work, which explores the mundane through mixed media painting and ceramic forms.Madison’s work was selected by Studio Break host David Linneweh as part of the 2022 Studio Break Student Competition.

This week Erika B. Hess, Marc Mitchell, & Neil Callander join the podcast to discuss painting and some upcoming exhibitions.

This week Brett Beery of Typical Stereo Records joins the podcast to talk about his musical journey from solo recordings to collaboration with the bands Art Denver, Davy Slotch Crockett, Decals, and Golden Shadow.Brett’s new EP “Driller” is now available at Typical Stereo Records. along with other original recordings out of central Illinois.

This week Barbara Campbell Thomas joins the podcast to talk about mixed media abstract paintings that utilize a variety of stitched fabric and acrylic paint. Barbara’s solo exhibition Heart of Space opens Saturday Nov 9th at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago from 5-8PM and runs through November 30th.Barbara’s work was selected for our 2022 Studio Break Professional Competition by Jason Franz, Artist & Director of Manifest in Cincinnati.

This week Ava Starnes joins the podcast to discuss her self portrait works that are created from video still images in compositions that stretch and contort the figure.Ava’s work was selected by artist/curator Mia Risberg from our 2023 Studio Break Student Competition.

This week Neil Callander joins the podcast to talk about his paintings that evolve slowly to explore still life, portraits, landscapes, and abstractions. Neil’s solo exhibition Happy to Wait opens Saturday October 5th at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago from 5-8PM and runs through November 2nd.Neil’s work was selected for our 2022 Studio Break Professional Competition by Jason Franz, Artist & Director of Manifest in Cincinnati.

This week Elliot Bowers sat down with Dave & Johnny Disco to discuss Elliot’s new exhibition “Displacement” at Purple Window Gallery, at Mana Contemporary in Chicago.

This week Arden Bendler Browning joins the podcast to discuss her studio practice that explore painting, projection, and VR. We also discuss her solo exhibition “Black Forrest”at Tinney Contemporary in Nashville, Aug 17- Sept 21 with an opening reception on September 7th.Arden’s work was selected for our 2022 Studio Break Professional Competition by Jason Franz, Artist & Director of Manifest in Cincinnati.

This week Lily Madden joins the podcast to talk their work and solo exhibition “Coffins for Cicadas” opening at Haw Contemporary August 9th from 5-8PM in Kansas City. Lily’s work was selected by artist/curator Mia Risberg from our 2023 Studio Break Student Competition.

This week Nichole Gronvold Roller joins us to talk about her colorful mixed media works that are influenced by the arts and craft movement, design, wallpaper, and observations of every day.Nichole is featured in the two person exhibition “Color Stacks” with Maryalice Carroll at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago, May 18th-June 11th with an opening reception on Saturday May 18th from 5-8PM.

This week Sally C. Garner joins the podcast to talk about the evolution of her studio practice, beginning with photography which led way to an interest in sculpture, installation, fiber and most importantly weaving.Sally is featured in the Two-Person Exhibition “Process/Symbiosis” with Jason Rafferty at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago, April 20th-May 11th with an opening reception on Saturday April 20th from 5-8PM.

This week Jason Rafferty joins the podcas to talk about his studio practice that explores ideas of the environment and sustainability through colorful abstracted paintings.Jason will be featured in the Two-Person Exhibition “Process/Symbiosis” with Sally C. Garner at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago, April 20th-May 11th with an opening reception on Saturday April 20th from 5-8PM.

Bill Conger & Ron Jackson join the podcast for an Artist Talk for their two person exhibition “Recent Works” at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago through April 14th.There will be a closing reception for the exhibition on April 14th from 12-2PM.

This week Andy Demczuk joins the podcast to talk about his recent imaginative landscape paintings that are informed through the process of mixing and editing his original music. He’s completing his MFA from the University of Cincinnati-DAAP and has a MFA Thesis Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center in Cincinnati (OH). The show opens February 23rd 5-8PM and the runs through March 16th. Andy’s work was selected by artist/curator Mia Risberg from our 2023 Studio Break Student Competition.

Bill Conger joins the podcast once again to talk about his studio practice and an exciting new shift in his work as he returns to painting after a near 15 year hiatus.

This week Amy Reidel returns to the podcast to talk about her recent mixed media and installation based works that combine abstract and figurative elements to explore the relationship between being a caregiver during a period of global turmoil.

This week Jeff Stevenson joins us to talk about his work that explores ideas of masculinity and the self through a variety of media that includes painting, sculpture, and installation. Jeff also talks about his the exhibition “Cross-Section: the many faces of Jeff Stevenson” that opens at Studio Break Gallery with receptions on Sunday Dec 3rd from 2-5 PM and Sat Dec 9th from 4-8 PM.

This week Dan Oliver joins the podcast to talk about his paintings that are influenced by Surrealism, Pop-Art, and growing up in middle America. Dan also talks about his recent exhibition “Shelter” at JPS Gallery in Paris (France) as well as an upcoming solo exhibition at Lorin Gallery in Los Angeles, April of 2024.

This week Marc Mitchell talks all about his studio practice and abstract paintings that combine colorful patterns & dazzle camouflage with elements of the landscape. Marc has a solo exhibition “Pale Hay” that opens on Saturday October 14th from 6-9 PM at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago.

This week Curtis Anthony Bozif joins the podcast to talk about his large scale abstract paintings, created through repetitious process and informed by environments of the Great Lakes.Curtis currently has a solo exhibition In the Mist of a Great Fall on view at Oliva Gallery (Chicago) that runs through October 7th.

This week Noah Kashiani joins the podcast to discuss his studio practice that explores mixed media painting and sculptural forms. In the episode Noah breaks down his recent works that use found objects and various processes/materials to create mixed media works that examine consumer culture and late state capitalism.Noah has a solo exhibition “Built Similarly” that opens on Saturday September 9th from 5-8 PM at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago.

This week Erin Raedeke joins the podcast to talk about her colorful paintings based off of observation that explore a variety of subjects that include still life, interior, landscape, and portraiture. Erin has a solo exhibition “46 Years” that opens on Saturday July 22nd from 5-8 PM at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago. The show will feature 46 4” x 6” paintings, each one based off one of her 46 years of life. Works are available and can be reviewed on the gallery page.

This week Kit Palencar joins the podcast to talk about his studio work, which largely explores figurative elements and the landscape through a variety of 2-D materials. Kit has work featured in the exhibition “Paintings from the field” at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago with fellow artists Ben Cohan, David Linneweh, Adam Mysock, Kit Palencar, John Reddington, Gary Schirmer, and Jake Wells.

This week Mia Risberg returns to the podcast to talk about her studio practice and recent series of drawings that began during the pandemic quarantine. The solo exhibition“Quiet Contemplation” runs from May 12th- June 16th at Studio Break Gallery in West Chicago with an opening reception on May 12th from 5-8PM.