Building Community Through Contemporary Art

Bringing Scrap Metal to Life Through Art and Innovation

Metal sculpture, stop-motion animation, and creative ingenuity take center stage in this episode of Full STEAM Ahead. Gary and Judy Siegel talk with  Zac Shavrick—aka Zacmax—a New York-based artist who transforms scrap steel into animated sculptures full of personality. Based in New York’s Sullivan Catskills, Zac has been welding since age five, blending traditional metalwork with stop-motion techniques. He shares the story behind “Billy the Grim Reaper,” from raw scrap to its final polyurethane-coated form, highlighting the craftsmanship and creativity behind his work. Zac’s art has been featured in galleries nationwide. He’s also the founder of the Flashburn Metal Art and Music Festival and is launching Zacmax Studios, offering welding and blacksmithing workshops to grow the creative community. Tune in to explore the fusion of art, engineering, and imagination—and how scrap metal becomes storytelling.  Learn More & Get Involved: https://www.zacmax.com https://www.flashburnfestival.com https://steamfund.org https://steamfund.org/#education https://steamfund.org/#mogaat https://steamfund.org/#new #artseducation  #fullsteamahead  #metalart   #Sculpture #StopMotion #CreativeCommunity #STEAMEducation #PodcastEpisode

Todd & Adrian Perlmutter: Creativity, Community & the Revival of Parksville

Catskills arts, community revitalization, live entertainment, and immersive events take center stage in this exciting episode of Full STEAM Ahead. Gary and Judy Siegel sit down with Todd and Adrian Perlmutter to explore how creativity and the arts are helping transform Parksville, New York. After connecting through their work on the Blue Man Group “Megastar” tour, Todd and Adrian moved full-time to the Catskills and launched the Parksville Arts Center in 2024. Their nonprofit organization brings together music, theater, film, immersive experiences, and community programming designed to inspire creativity and connection. From the Too Short To Suck Film Festival to the Parksville B’Kawk! Festival and the Decrepit Ghouls Variety Show, Todd and Adrian are creating imaginative events that bring new energy to the Sullivan Catskills while supporting artists, audiences, and local culture. Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation about creativity, collaboration, independent arts, and the power of community-driven projects. Learn More & Get Involved: https://www.parksvilleartscenter.com https://steamfund.org https://steamfund.org/#education https://steamfund.org/#mogaat https://steamfund.org/#new #FullSTEAMAhead #CatskillsArts #CommunityRevitalization #IndependentFilm #LiveEntertainment #CreativeCommunity #SupportTheArts #PodcastEpisode #CommunityArts

Building Community Through Contemporary Art

Contemporary art, community engagement, and Catskill Art Space take center stage in this episode of Full STEAM Ahead. Gary and Judy Siegel sit down with Sally Wright to explore how art strengthens and connects communities. Located in Livingston Manor, NY, CAS is a vibrant cultural hub—featuring exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, and educational programs for all ages. Sally shares her journey from the Dia Art Foundation to leading one of the Catskills’ most dynamic creative spaces. Learn how CAS expands access to the arts with support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts—and why connecting art, place, and people matters more than ever. Tune in for a conversation on creativity, culture, and community through art.  Learn More: https://www.catskillartspace.org https://steamfund.org https://steamfund.org/#education https://steamfund.org/#mogaat https://steamfund.org/#new #FullSTEAMAhead #MusicEducation #ArtsEducation #CommunityImpact #SupportTheArts #PodcastEpisode

STEAM Fund Spotlight: Expanding Arts, Education & Community Impact

Music education, arts programs, and community impact are at the heart of this Season 2 premiere of Full STEAM Ahead. Guest host Paul Ciliberto interviews Gary Siegel and Judy Siegel to introduce viewers and listeners to the mission of the STEAM Fund, review highlights from Season 1, and preview the exciting programs coming this season. Gary and Judy share insights into STEAM Fund programs—including Arts in Education, songwriting initiatives, visiting artist outreach, youth programs, Social Emotional Learning, the Healthy Habits Initiative, Professional Development, and Mission One Gig At A Time (MOGAAT)—highlighting how these initiatives engage and enrich communities throughout the Sullivan Catskills, Hudson Valley, Southern Tier and beyond. Listeners will also hear about STEAM Fund’s collaborations with Catskill Art Space, the Shandelee Music FestivalWeekend of Chamber Music, and performances at SUNY Sullivan, illustrating how partnerships, grants, and community support help expand access to music and the arts. Tune in to discover how STEAM Fund is transforming music education, supporting musicians, artists, and venues, and building stronger communities—and learn how you can support these efforts. Learn More: STEAM Fund Homepage: https://steamfund.org [https://steamfund.org/]STEAM Fund Educational Opportunities: https://steamfund.org/#education [https://steamfund.org/#education]STEAM Fund MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time): https://steamfund.org/#mogaat [https://steamfund.org/#mogaat]STEAM Fund News: https://steamfund.org/#new [https://steamfund.org/#new] #FullSTEAMAhead #MusicEducation #ArtsEducation #CommunityImpact #SupportTheArts #PodcastEpisode

The Price of Happiness: Miranda Hardy on Legacy, Friendship, & Finding Your Voice

Perfect for listeners interested in songwriting, musicians, creative community, folk music, and artistic legacy, this deeply personal episode of Full STEAM Ahead features singer-songwriter, producer, and community builder Miranda Hardy. For co-hosts Gary and Judy Siegel, this conversation comes full circle—Miranda grew up just down the street in Liberty, New York, spent many of her formative years in their home, and is one of their daughter Georgia’s closest friends. The daughter of legendary folk musician and Fast Folk founder Jack Hardy, and acclaimed radio host and Folk Alliance Hall of Famer Angela Page, Miranda shares her journey from a successful decade-long career in advertising back to music. She reflects on her debut album Reverie and her latest release, The Price of Happiness, which explores authenticity, ambition, and the courage it takes to choose your own path. Beyond performing and recording, Miranda builds creative community through Songwriter Nights, leads songwriting workshops for families impacted by cancer through Theatre Within, and carries forward the tradition of song circles—reimagined for today. A moving conversation about music, legacy, friendship, and finding your voice. Links & Resources:   Miranda Hardy’s Music Website -https://www.mirandahardymusic.com  Miranda Hardy Music Merch -https://www.mirandahardymusic.com/shop  The Price of Happiness - https://www.mirandahardymusic.com/product-page/the-price-of-happiness-deluxe-cd  The Guiness Song (Bring It Straight Away) - https://open.spotify.com/track/6xhnh6zr6NGX6lApeovZQi?si=0cdaed186eb4478c  Theatre Within Website - https://www.theatrewithin.org  Dive Bars NYC -https://divebarnyc.com  STEAM Fund Homepage - https://steamfund.org/  Donate to the STEAM Fund -https://cfosny.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1400  Educational Opportunities - https://steamfund.org/#education  MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time) - https://steamfund.org/#mogaat