Let's Chat Creative Pathways Podcast

MICHELLE LEVESQUE | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP31

MICHELLE LEVESQUE | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP31 What happens when you follow the path you are "supposed" to take, only to realize your nervous system is begging for a reset? This week, Beth sits down with Dr. Michelle Levesque at her beautiful Dovetail Studio in the ET Wright building in Rockland, Massachusetts. @michellechunglevesque [https://www.instagram.com/michellechunglevesque/] Michelle shares her fascinating journey from growing up in Hingham and pursuing a high pressure career in dentistry to completely shifting her identity to become a full time visual artist and sculptor. In this episode, we talk about: * Art as a Healing Practice: Shifting from a rigid career mindset to understanding your own brain through creativity. * The Creative Pivot: Michelle’s transition from private music lessons and dental school to needle felting and beautiful spun cotton sculptures. * Overcoming Perfectionism: Navigating the "ugly stages" of a painting and learning to love the process of intuitive, spontaneous creation. * Community Connection: The upcoming Festival of the Arts at the North River Arts Society, giant puppet parades, and the magic of being surrounded by fellow "crazy art ladies." Michelle reminds us that creativity has no expiration date and that following a simple inkling or hunch can open doors you never imagined. Listen now to dive into a conversation about curiosity, resilience, and the joy of creating. ____ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠ [http://www.creative-pathways.com/donate], a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject]  ⁠@bethbaileypottery [https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileypottery] __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MOgxw2NK8R9tzEK2O5WIe?si=o9ChdvzqQZ2qWhSd0LiZtw], find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ [https://thedailybrewlounge.com/pages/the-lounge] in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠ [gregloftusmusic@gmail.com]

JULIA DRISCOLL | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP30

"The arts are for everyone, genuinely. You don’t have to know what you’re doing... it just feels good to be present." In this episode, Beth sits down with Julia Driscoll, the Executive Director of the North River Arts Society and co founder of the Wicked Women Makers Market. Julia returns to the studio for an honest, wide ranging conversation about her evolution from a "black sheep" creative in a sports focused family to a leader in the South Shore art scene. Julia and Beth pull back the curtain on the non linear path of a professional artist, discussing the "struggling artist" trope and why creative people are often natural entrepreneurs. They also share a raw look at the intersection of motherhood and art—from the profound inspiration found during pregnancy to the disorientation of finding studio time with an eight month old. In this episode, we dive into: * The North River "Home Base": Why this historic society is the safe, non competitive heart of our local community. * Wicked Women Market: How a grassroots idea born in a pony barn became a premiere South Shore shopping destination. * The "Noodle Processing": Why making art is a vital background process for mental health and clarity. * The South Shore Bloom: Why our local art scene feels more vibrant and connected than ever before. * Festival of the Arts: A sneak peek at the Giant Puppet Parade, the Art in the Barn sale, and the first ever Juried High School Exhibit. Connect with Julia & NRAS: * Website: northriverarts.org [https://northriverarts.org] * Instagram: @theoddcow [https://www.instagram.com/theoddcow/], @northriverarts [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/northriverarts&authuser=1] & @wickedwomen_market [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/wickedwomen_market&authuser=1] Shout Outs in the Ep: @theoddcow [https://www.instagram.com/theoddcow/] @tackybrand [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/tackybrand/] @bethbaileystudio [https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileystudio] @creativepathwaysproject [https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject] @dinsbots_art [https://www.instagram.com/dinsbots_art/] @sallydeanart [https://www.instagram.com/sallydeanart/] @lauraharveyart [https://www.instagram.com/lauraharveyart/] @michellechunglevesque [https://www.instagram.com/michellechunglevesque/] @kailagilmorepottery [https://www.instagram.com/kailagilmorepottery/] @marcia.ballou [https://www.instagram.com/marcia.ballou/] @pam.golden.626 [https://www.instagram.com/pam.golden.626/] @jmhassett [https://www.instagram.com/jmhassett/] @lindsey_boss [https://www.instagram.com/lindsey_boss/] @northriverartssociety [https://www.instagram.com/northriverartssociety/] @somervilleflea [https://www.instagram.com/somervilleflea/] @lesleyuniversity [https://www.instagram.com/lesleyuniversity/] @rhodeislandcollege [https://www.instagram.com/rhodeislandcollege/] @massartboston [https://www.instagram.com/massartboston/] @massasoitcc [https://www.instagram.com/massasoitcc/] @wickedwomenmakersmarket [https://www.instagram.com/wickedwomenmakersmarket/] @oceansprayinc [https://www.instagram.com/oceansprayinc/] @framecenter [https://www.instagram.com/framecenter/] @artcomplexmuseum [https://www.instagram.com/framecenter/] @fullercraft [https://www.instagram.com/fullercraft/] @levitatebrand [https://www.instagram.com/levitatebrand/] @traderjoes [https://www.instagram.com/traderjoes/] @friendshiphome [https://www.instagram.com/friendshiphome/] @whitmanculturalcouncil [https://www.instagram.com/whitmanculturalcouncil/] ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠ [http://www.creative-pathways.com/donate], a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject]  ⁠@bethbaileypottery [https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileypottery] __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MOgxw2NK8R9tzEK2O5WIe?si=o9ChdvzqQZ2qWhSd0LiZtw], find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ [https://thedailybrewlounge.com/pages/the-lounge] in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠ [gregloftusmusic@gmail.com]

NANCY CLOONAN | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP29

In this episode, Beth sits down with painter Nancy Cloonan in her vibrant, plant filled home studio. Nancy shares her journey from studying printmaking and photography to finding her "true love" again through abstract painting. They dive deep into the technical side of acrylics, the value of repetition in art, and how Nancy’s commitment to a daily sketchbook practice has transformed her work. In this episode, we discuss: * The Painting Wall: Why working on multiple pieces at once is a dream for maintaining momentum. * Material Geek Out: Using wood panels, gloss mediums, and the magic of Neocolor II water soluble crayons. * The Visual Language: How Nancy transitioned from 2D mixed media to bold, graphic abstract painting. * Creative Mentorship: Nancy’s experience with Janelle Douglas and the Art2Life Creative Visionary Program. * The South Shore Art Bloom: Why the local creative community in Massachusetts is feeling more vibrant than ever. Shout outs in the ep: @nancycloonan17 [https://www.instagram.com/nancycloonan17] @creativepathwaysproject [instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject] @bethbaileystudio [instagram.com/bethbaileystudio] @lifealivecafe [https://www.instagram.com/lifealivecafe] @hartwickcollege [https://www.instagram.com/hartwickcollege] @theoddcow [https://www.instagram.com/theoddcow] @katharinekreisher [https://www.instagram.com/katharinekreisher] @pcaplymouth [https://www.instagram.com/pcaplymouth] @nicholaswilton [https://www.instagram.com/nicholaswilton] @art2life_world [https://www.instagram.com/art2life_world] @framecenter [https://www.instagram.com/framecenter] @insidetheframepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/insidetheframepodcast] @janelledouglasfineart [https://www.instagram.com/janelledouglasfineart] @northriverartssociety [https://www.instagram.com/northriverartssociety] @paula_locuststreetstudios [https://www.instagram.com/paula_locuststreetstudios] @s.b.washburn [instagram.com/@s.b.washburn] @artypantsmag [https://www.instagram.com/artypantsmag] @herantenna [https://www.instagram.com/herantenna] @victoriajfry [https://www.instagram.com/victoriajfry] @dinambrennan [https://www.instagram.com/dinambrennan] @pam.golden.626 [https://www.instagram.com/pam.golden.626] @fullercraft [https://www.instagram.com/fullercraft] @andrealopezgallery [https://www.instagram.com/andrealopezgallery] @christinamarygodfrey [https://www.instagram.com/christinamarygodfrey] @savagegodfreygallery [https://www.instagram.com/savagegodfreygallery] @oh_pleeze [https://www.instagram.com/oh_pleeze/] @suzlews [https://www.instagram.com/suzlews] ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠ [http://www.creative-pathways.com/donate], a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject]  ⁠@bethbaileypottery [https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileypottery] __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MOgxw2NK8R9tzEK2O5WIe?si=o9ChdvzqQZ2qWhSd0LiZtw], find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ [https://thedailybrewlounge.com/pages/the-lounge] in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠ [gregloftusmusic@gmail.com]

Beth Bailey | Let's Chat Creative Pathways | EP1 | Insights with Founder Beth Bailey

In this inaugural episode, Beth Bailey introduces a new interview series dedicated to uncovering the many ways people build creative lives. Beth shares her own "weird niche" journey, from her early days as a dual major at MassArt to her experiences as the "YMCA Art Lady" and a sign painter at Trader Joes. This series is born out of pure curiosity and a lifelong obsession with community building. Whether you are a woodworker, an engineer, a baker, or a puppeteer, there is a creative path for you. Beth explores how we can bridge gaps and find connection in a disconnected world through the power of collaborative art. In This Episode, We Discuss: * The Curiosity Gap: Why Beth is obsessed with asking "non artsy" friends about their local arts community. * Generational Creativity: Moving from a working class background where knitting and quilting were side gigs to building a full time creative career. * The "YMCA Art Lady" Years: How a physical therapy appointment led to a foundational job in community arts education. * The "Sneaky" Transfer: How Beth navigated the jump from community college to MassArt and why she switched her major before her first class. * Creative Pathways: The origin of Beth’s nonprofit and how a simple sketchbook project with her kids evolved into collaborative greeting cards and museum programs. * The Future of Creativity and AI: Why automating the "boring stuff" might actually open more doors for human creativity. Connect With the ShowDo you know an "undercover creative?" Someone who thinks they aren't creative but actually uses those skills every day? Drop a comment or reach out! ____ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠ [http://www.creative-pathways.com/donate], a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject]  ⁠@bethbaileypottery [https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileypottery] __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MOgxw2NK8R9tzEK2O5WIe?si=o9ChdvzqQZ2qWhSd0LiZtw], find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ [https://thedailybrewlounge.com/pages/the-lounge] in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠ [gregloftusmusic@gmail.com]

Beth Bailey | Let's Chat Creative Pathways | EP28 Part 2 | Elementary School Residency Deep Dive

In part two of episode 28, we rejoin community arts educator Beth Bailey to wrap up our exploration of the Greetings from Duval Elementary residency. This half of the conversation focuses on the "how" of community art. Beth shares insights on collaborating with guest artists, the technical process of building woven pop up cards, and the strategy behind a successful community Family Night. We also discuss the importance of sustainability in arts programming and how to use resources like Spare Studio to make large scale projects possible. Whether you are an educator, an artist, or a community leader, Beth’s approach to making art "pliable" and accessible offers a masterclass in impactful residency work. ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠ [http://www.creative-pathways.com/donate], a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject]  ⁠@bethbaileypottery [https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileypottery] __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MOgxw2NK8R9tzEK2O5WIe?si=o9ChdvzqQZ2qWhSd0LiZtw], find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ [https://thedailybrewlounge.com/pages/the-lounge] in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠ [gregloftusmusic@gmail.com]