Not Real Art

Art has an extraordinary ability to connect people, and director Laura Patterson is on a mission to make it accessible to everyone through her groundbreaking new project, Arthouse. This unscripted TV show allows real people to meet real artists and acquire art without breaking the bank, sidestepping the intimidation often associated with traditional galleries.With over 25 years of experience directing popular shows like Unsolved Mysteries and House Hunters, Laura’s career path has been shaped by her upbringing in a family devoted to the performing arts. This background has given her a profound understanding of storytelling, especially in conveying complex narratives in the unscripted genre. In our chat, she highlights the emotional depth of these real-life stories and the art of approaching them with a delicate touch.In line with Laura’s mission, Arthouse aims to change how we see art in our lives, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter. By blending her extensive experience in storytelling with a commitment t

What if an artist-focused TV series filmed an episode in your hometown? Which artist would you want to meet? Who would you recommend?Now, art lovers will have the chance to nominate an artist or city of their choice for Arthouse, a groundbreaking TV series that promises to bridge the gap between authentic artists and the communities that often overlook their talent. Produced by Crewest Studios and supported by NOT REAL ART fiscal sponsor Arterial, Arthouse aims to peel back the layers of the art world, sharing the personal stories of regional artists and their collectors.With a mission to democratize art, Arthouse empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.To support this vision, Arthouse has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chi

In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on Linc Thelen, a Chicago-based artist who plays a key role in Arthouse, an unscripted home design television show. Produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor, Arthouse aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and everyday people, redefining how art is experienced in personal spaces. With a mission to democratize art, Arthouse empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.To support this vision, Arthouse is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chicago, the pilot will follow an individual or family as they explore local art scenes, visit artist studios, and make informed purchasing decisions with the help of host Carmen Acosta. The c

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Carmen Acosta, also known as Jane Dope, back to the podcast. The experienced LA artist and curator will soon assume her new role as host of the unscripted home design television show “Arthouse.” Produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor, “Arthouse” aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and everyday people, redefining how art is experienced in personal spaces. With a mission to democratize art, “Arthouse” empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.To support this vision, “Arthouse” is launching a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chicago, the pilot will follow an individual or family as they explore local art scenes,

In this week’s episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power welcomes Vincent Bragg and Joe Michael Nickson, the co-founders of ConCreates, a creative agency that elevates the talents of individuals with criminal backgrounds. Vincent and Joe, both former inmates who met in prison, tell us how their lived experiences inspired them to challenge societal stereotypes surrounding incarceration and led to the founding of ConCreates. ConCreates connects currently and formerly incarcerated individuals—known as ConCreators—with established brands, like Meta and Google, seeking innovative perspectives. The agency aims to provide these individuals with meaningful work and fair compensation that matches their skill sets. A key aspect of their values is the belief that diversity benefits businesses and, more importantly, that it fosters creativity. Vincent and Joe discuss how their unique insights attract major corporate partners, allowing them to disrupt conventional marketing narratives with authentic stories.This episode

Forget the sales gimmicks—“Arthouse” is here to support artists sidelined by the traditional gallery model. In today's episode, our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, founder of nonprofit media platform Arterial, discusses the concept behind “Arthouse,” an innovative TV series currently in pre-production. This series, which is fiscally sponsored by Arterial, aims to connect artists directly with buyers, eliminating the need for middlemen or galleries.“Arthouse” is all about community engagement. Each episode will feature a family, a couple, or an individual interested in purchasing original art from a local artist but feels intimidated and unsure where to start, often working within a budget of just $500 to $1,000. The “Arthouse” team will meet with prospective buyers in their homes to better understand their needs, tastes, and living situation. Then, he takes them to visit the studios of three talented artists from their community. This immersive experience allows them to learn about the artists’ practices and t

Public art in America transforms ordinary streets into extraordinary canvases for everyone to enjoy. Today, we welcome back filmmaker Badir McCleary for a sneak peek into Remote, his documentary series on contemporary public art. In this episode, Badir gives our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, the inside scoop on season two, slated for release on NOT REAL ART in July 2025. This season is all about changing how we think about public art—not just where to find it, but the deeper stories and themes behind it. Badir shares his vision for this new approach, encouraging us all to reflect on the societal narratives these works of art represent and their impact on our urban environments. Throughout the chat, he opens up about his personal experiences and the hurdles he faced while bringing this season to life. From logistical challenges to those unexpected moments that can change everything, Badir's insights highlight the creative process as fluid and evolving.His passion for public art is contagious, prompting u

What happens when the worlds of animation and fine art collide? This week on the NOT REAL ART podcast, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with the talented Bob Boyle, an Emmy Award-winning animation creator whose work spans Disney to Netflix. In today’s episode, Bob dives into the fascinating connections and contrasts between animation and visual art. Drawing from his vast experience, he shares how his journey in animation has enriched his artistic expression, turning complex ideas into vivid, memorable visuals. But it’s not just about creating art; it’s about fostering community. Bob recounts heartwarming stories from art fairs and discusses his inspiring initiative, “art drops,” where he anonymously distributes original pieces in public spaces, sparking dialogue and connection among strangers. Throughout the conversation, Bob emphasizes the idea that art has the incredible power to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life. His pieces, which he refers to as “hieroglyphs for

In our fast-paced world, staying ahead creatively means rolling with the punches. This week on the podcast, host Scott Sourdough Power, founder of NOT REAL ART, talks with Mark Brickey, host of the acclaimed arts podcast Adventures in Design. Mark, who started as a musician, has made a name for himself as a content creator with a successful podcast and a YouTube channel, Hey Brickey, which focuses on Disney-themed content and boasts over four million views.During the episode, Mark shares his story and talks about how important it is for artists to be resilient and adaptable in today’s ever-changing creative landscape. He also dives into the power of storytelling and explores the challenges artists face in staying true to themselves while also trying to make a living. With over a thousand interviews under his belt with artists, designers, and makers, Mark brings a ton of experience and insight to the table.Scott and Mark go on to discuss how to balance the passion for art with the reality of making money, stre

In this month’s auditorial episode, we dive into some exciting discussions around fiscal sponsorship and how it can really benefit artists. But we don’t just stop there; we also explore the deeper connection between NOT REAL ART and its parent nonprofit, Arterial, when it comes to the role of art in our culture. Host and Arterial founder Scott shares some personal anecdotes and reflects on how the podcast and his own artistic journey have evolved over time. He emphasizes how crucial it is for artists to have sustainable ways to thrive, without getting bogged down by commercial pressures. This isn’t just about making a living; it's about creating a space where creativity can grow freely. Listeners, we encourage you to see yourselves as more than just consumers of art. You’re part of a community that plays a vital role in supporting and promoting artistic expression. Whether through sharing your thoughts, attending events, or even spreading the word about the importance of creativity, everyone can con

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Kristin Reese, the executive director of the Mono Arts Council. Kristin shares her journey and dedication to promoting creativity in the Eastern Sierra region of California. In our conversation, she outlines the Mono Arts Council’s evolution, emphasizing its shift toward arts education. Kristin believes that every child in Mono County should have access to the arts, and she discusses the numerous initiatives aimed at making that happen. Having grown up in the Eastern Sierra, Kristin developed a passion for the performing arts early on, influenced by her family of artists, musicians, and dancers. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in music from Sonoma State University, she felt the pull to return to her roots. Once back, she co-founded the Sierra Classic Theatre in 1999 and later worked at the Edisto Gallery & Tea Room, where she connected with local artists. Now at the helm of the Mono Arts Council, Kristin is committed to ensuring arts education is a pr

Ever wondered what it takes to break into Hollywood as a writer? In today’s episode, NOT REAL ART host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Paul Miloknay, a former attorney turned author, to chat about his new book, Welcome to Hollywood: A Survival Guide for Aspiring Writers.In their discussion, Paul shares his journey from the courtroom to crafting a comprehensive guide specifically designed for novice writers. He emphasizes the challenges that come with trying to make it in Hollywood and highlights the critical importance of understanding the legal aspects of creative work. Among the key topics discussed are the value of building trustworthy relationships, the need to protect your intellectual property, and why every collaboration should involve clear written agreements.The conversation also digs into the current landscape of the entertainment industry, especially how recent economic shifts and labor strikes have reshaped opportunities for writers. Paul not only shares insights but also offers practical s

Is there life after layoff? Today, former creative director Carmen Acosta, aka Jane Dope, joins us to talk about resilience, the lessons she learned during her recent career transition, and how she found renewed passion in creative pursuits after leaving her corporate job. As the former creative director at Sofi Stadium, Carmen played a key role in shaping the stadium’s brand identity with her innovative ideas. From her debut group show in Los Angeles in 2008 to curating over 25 art exhibitions in various locations, Carmen’s story is one of purpose and dedication. In this episode, we dive into her unique experiences and her commitment to uplifting local artists while navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry. Carmen opens up about a major turning point in her career—her transition into voiceover work after a layoff—and shares her excitement about exploring this new avenue of artistic expression. We also touch on the idea of resilience—Carmen shares some personal and professional c

What happens when a two-time Emmy Award-winning television executive decides to flip the script on her career? In this episode of the NOT REAL ART podcast, host Scott "Sourdough" Power uncovers the remarkable story of Shannon Malone-deBenedictis—a creative entrepreneur transforming the media landscape. From sharing the screen with Hollywood legends to forging her own path with the artist mentorship organization Padlin Creative, Shannon’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and authenticity. Throughout our conversation, we explore Shannon’s history in documentary filmmaking, where she’s had the privilege of working alongside legendary figures like James Cameron and Sigourney Weaver. It’s fascinating to hear her reflect on her transition from the bustling world of television to launching her own venture, Padlin Creative. This new endeavor is more than just a career shift for her; it’s a heartfelt mission. With the media landscape in constant flux, she’s deeply committed to mentoring creatives and p

Every brushstroke, every note, every pixel—what if your artwork could live forever? In this episode, you’ll discover why archiving your work isn’t just about saving files—it’s about preserving your legacy. Join host Scott "Sourdough" Power as he highlights the critical role of preserving artistic legacies for future generations, especially as creators navigate life's complexities and the reality of mortality.Scott shares a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help artists inventory their creations and choose the best storage methods. Listeners will explore various strategies for effective archiving, including how to compile a comprehensive inventory, organize physical storage, and develop a system that emphasizes the significance of each piece. Scott also underscores the necessity of estate planning and the value of designating a legacy keeper to honor an artist's wishes after they're gone.This episode serves as a rallying cry for artists to take proactive steps in documenting their work, alleviating pressu

This week, the NOT REAL ART podcast features Casey Fletcher, a grant recipient whose exploration of identity, faith, and artistic expression is both personal and provocative. As a biracial artist raised in a family committed to the Salvation Army, Fletcher's work reflects his own experiences while challenging societal norms and sparking meaningful conversations about culture, spirituality, and belonging. In this episode, he shares details about his recent project involving the Chamberlain Rock—a boulder removed from the University of Wisconsin campus because of its association with racist terminology. This initiative showcases Casey's dedication to confronting historical injustices and initiating dialogue about race and identity. For him, art transcends mere self-expression; it is a powerful means of cultivating community discourse that fosters understanding and healing. Throughout the episode, Casey articulates a vision of art that is deeply connected to his faith and personal convictions. He views

In this episode, you’ll learn about an incredibly relevant topic: the connection between art, creativity, and climate change.Today, host Scott “Sourdough” Power highlights the staggering impact of recent climate disasters on creative communities in Los Angeles and Asheville, North Carolina. When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina last September, it displaced hundreds of artists and flattened key creative spaces across 25 counties. As Scott explores the history of climate disaster, he also tackles the common but false belief that some places, like the Appalachian Mountains, are safe from its impacts. It’s a stark reminder that climate change doesn’t play favorites—it affects everyone, regardless of background.Our conversation also touches on the Palisades and Eaton fires, two of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history. An Angeleno himself, Scott witnessed firsthand how a trifecta of fire-friendly climate conditions turned entire neighborhoods into heaps of ash and

This episode is your guidebook to our 2025 First Friday Exhibition series. Today, NOT REAL ART Editor-in-Chief Morgan Laurens joins the podcast to share the first half of this year’s exhibition schedule, beginning with January's exploration of figurative art, Out of Body: New Narratives in Figurative Art.In February, Pantone 2025: Mocha Mousse showcased pieces that embody comfort and warmth. March celebrates craft artists from Western North Carolina, created in partnership with ArtsvilleUSA, to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. April highlights under-recognized emerging artists, while May features exhibitions on creatures, both real and imagined. Finally, the June exhibition focuses on Midwestern iconography, spotlighting artists from between New York and Chicago.Curated by Morgan Laurens and former New York gallerist Kirsten Bengtson-Lydoukis, the First Friday Exhibition series supports an array of talented artists who submitted work to our biennial grant.ArtsvilleUSAFirst Friday ExhibitionsFu

Creativity can be a powerful tool for spreading eco-awareness. As the climate crisis worsens, today’s guest, sustainable sculptor and NOT REAL ART grant winner Danielle O’Malley, joins us to discuss the intersection of art and environmental awareness and how communities can work together to stem the rising tide.Growing up in rural Montana, Danielle learned to garden, preserve food, and care for livestock, which heightened her sensitivity to local environments and the increasingly hazardous climate. Still based in Montana, she now creates large-scale, site-specific sculptural installations that explore the ecological impact of industrialization with a combination of upcycled materials and industrial surplus. Throughout the episode, Danielle shares insights into her creative process, which ebbs and flows with the season. Our conversation also explores the complexities of being an artist in a conservative state like Montana, where the creative community is supportive but underfunded. Danielle reflects on th

It’s often said that no friendship is an accident. In this special holiday episode, our final one for 2024, hosts Scott “Sourdough” Power and Man One reflect on the enduring bond they've cultivated over the years. Their ability to weather life's many ups and downs is a testament to their strong friendship, which has provided unwavering support, laughter, and many opportunities for creativity. In today’s episode, the two friends share heartfelt stories about their challenges and emphasize how creativity has guided them through tough times. The conversation is a warm reminder of the power of maintaining a positive mindset and the health hurdles that often accompany the life of an artist. Sourdough and Man One also explore what it means to be an artist today, discussing the passion that fuels their creativity and exploring the intriguing crossover between art and sports. They share insightful reflections on how society views artists, the struggles they encounter, and the vital need to find purpose and meani