On our season 2 finale we interview Detroit-based artist Mario Moore. Examining social, political, and historical issues, Mario Moore explores black identity and black history through his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Moore sits down with us to discuss the importance of capturing history through his research process, his artistic influences, and what he wants viewers to take away from his work.

Working in the realm of lens-adjacent, interdisciplinary approaches, Rachel Elise Thomas' interests lies in older photography and images by critiquing the past and challenging people to think about changing their attitudes towards consumerism and colorism. Thomas sits down with us to discuss being vulnerable within her art practice and viewers walking away learning from her work and even feeling uncomfortable in order for growth.

On episode 10, we interview artist Mark Sarmel. Working in both traditional and digital art, artist Mark Sarmel’s practice centers around diverse people and cultures. Sarmel sits down with us to discus providing a voice for the underrepresented and laying the foundation for his own universe for viewers to see themselves through his heroic characters and storylines.

Julian Jamaal Jones is a multidisciplinary artist and educator from Indianapolis, Indiana who primarily works with textiles and works on paper. His abstract compositions reflect the black experience, black identity, music, and religion. Jones recently sat down with us to discuss how his upbringing influences his work and how he is redefining quilting through his abstract forms.

On episode 8, we interview writer, educator, and fiber artist Fatema Haque who discusses the importance of documenting the Bangladeshi American community in Michigan through her hand embroidered portraits and the meditative healing practice of embroidery.

On episode 6, we interview artist Marwa Hachem who discusses her experience as an entrepreneur, the role art has played in her motherhood journey, art’s healing nature and the her passion for depicting and sustaining a feminine presence in the art world.

On episode 5, we interview fiber artist Meli Bandera who discusses expanding their family’s legacy through fiber art by blending their Mexican culture with contemporary practices.

We interview artist Cydney Camp on episode 3 to discuss her art practice and the importance of depicting the black experience through her work.

On episode 11, we interview fiber artist, designer, and educator Taylor Childs. Her fiber work (or pieces) explores familial themes and narrates her lived experience as an African American.

On episode 9, we interview abstract artist Dino Valdez Jr. (also known as Edethism). We discuss artist identity and the benefit of building community through collaboration.

On episode 8, we interview Stephanie Onwenu, a visual artist and landscape designer based out of Detroit. This episode unravels the importance of dismissing perfectionism to be present with your creative vision and journey as an artist.

On episode 6, we interview artist and educator Odette Duke, who approaches her artwork from a cultural and historical lens. Duke also drops gems on the importance of balance as a creative.

Meet the co-hosts + co-creators of Threads: The Art Exchange, Alea Brown and Sydney Frakes.