Culture & Society

When local developer, Craig Webster, acquired the building at 510 State Street, he knew he wanted to do something a little different. When local artists Larry Moss and Kelly Cheatle of Airigami became part of the conversation, that's when the project took off. We visited the newly opened "Made On State" building to see what these artists have created. Aired 12/23/16.

Tonight, lets learn about the Cobblestone Arts and Education Center's Dayhab Without Walls program. They're dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities by bringing them out into the community. Aired 12/9/16.

Have you hear of NTID? The National Technical Institute for the Deaf? They're one of the nine colleges at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Ok, sure, of course you've heard of it. But did you know that they have an art gallery that collects and displays artwork by deaf or hard of hearing artists? We visited the Dyer Arts Center and spent some time with the gallery director to learn more. Aired 9/30/16.

It's unfortunate, but there's a common assumption in our society that if you're living with a disability, you can't be artistic, you can't contribute and you can't possibly be creative. Well, these assumptions couldn't be further from the truth. Just look at local theatre company Artists Unlimited. They aren't just inclusive of people with disabilities, they're all about highlighting abilities! Aired 10/28/16. 

Have you ever experienced a deep sense of calm after listening to soothing music? I'm sure you can relate when I say that listening to music can bring peace in stressful or uncertain times. Well, local doctor, Jefferson Svengsouk is putting this into practice at Strong Memorial Hospital's Palliative Care Unit. He's combining his two passions, caring for people in need and playing the Native American flute. We recently visited him as he played at the bedside of someone in need. Aired 9/16/16.

For nearly two decades, Seneca Falls artist, Roberta Estes kept a secret from the world. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her diagnosis was hidden from nearly everyone around her and art was her only escape. Unfortunately, there is a sense of shame attached to having a mental illness, and the stigma of this invisible illness was too much for Roberta to confront -- until now. Through her art, Roberta has finally come forward to say to the world that mental illness doesn't define her, being an artist does! Aired 8/19/16.

The Rochester Contemporary Art Center is, in many ways, a hub for the arts in Rochester. It's one of the first places to come to mind when you think of the arts in Rochester, and for good reason. They're prolific and determined to promote the arts in our community. One of the best examples of this artistic community building is their 6x6 project. I'm sure many of you have heard of it. Well, tonight lets take a look at how amazing this project really is. Aired 6/10/16.

Have you ever wandered through a yard sale or flea market and found yourself admiring an old flashlight or maybe some salad tongs? Yeah, I didn't think so. Well, right here in Rochester is an artist who has a deep appreciation for product design and has a unique way of breathing new life into old household items. Meet Dan Bentley, the artist behind Retrobots. Aired 10/30/15

High fashion isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when you think of what might be displayed in an art museum. But you'd be remiss if you didn't think it belonged. High fashion can be sculptural, the designs can be groundbreaking, but they can also be historically significant. The Ebony Fashion Fair was all of those things, it not only redefined beauty within the world of high fashion, but it changed peoples lives. Just take a look at the impact it had and why it fits perfectly in the Memorial Art Gallery. Aired 4/15/16. 

It may sound obvious, but music has a way of touching every one of us. Some of us may have a deep appreciation for the artistry in making music, others may appreciate it's ability to convey emotion and transport us to a different place. Well, music can also be used as a form of therapy and at the Hochstein School of Music there are some people who appreciate it for just that very reason. Aired 5/6/16