Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County - Spotlight on Arts & Culture Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/cultural-alliance-of-fairfield-county-spotlight-on-arts-culture-podcast The Cultural Alliance’s monthly SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE live on-air interview program is broadcast monthly each month on community radio station WPKN 89.5FM, based in Bridgeport. Broadcasts are also available as podcasts on all platforms. © 2026 WPKN, CAFC cbe8897f-e0f7-5bfe-bb65-0298149b0e8d yes en Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:29:44 -0400 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:30:12 -0400 https://img.transistorcdn.com/GKZPxS996oq47M-wRa_brWORyDQgM7cWUdJVLuTYTOk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lMmIx/MWI4ODc2MmE4NWU4/ZjhhNDQ2ZGZiZjM1/YmJiOC5wbmc.jpg Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County - Spotlight on Arts & Culture episodic WPKN, CAFC The Cultural Alliance’s monthly SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE live on-air interview program is broadcast monthly each month on community radio station WPKN 89.5FM, based in Bridgeport. Broadcasts are also available as podcasts on all platforms. The Cultural Alliance’s monthly SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE live on-air interview program is broadcast monthly each month on community radio station WPKN 89.5FM, based in Bridgeport. art, culture WPKN, CAFC No No Spotlight on Miggs Burroughs 2 2 4 4 Spotlight on Miggs Burroughs full 7c03856f-bdb0-4316-a9ac-da4b5ab4be5c https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6b6e911 What does it mean to be an artist and to build a creative community that lasts for generations? In this episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, Douglas Laustsen sits down with the patron saint of Westport Arts and a cofounder of the artists collective of westport, Miggs Burroughs, for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about art, activism, community, and an extraordinary life in the arts. Hear stories of the generations of Westport artists, his upbringing and his father’s animation career, his very brief acting career and subtle protests during the civil rights movement, making lenticulars, the need for community as an artist, and even painting an egg for a president. Along the way, discover why connection and community can be just as essential to an artist as the work itself. A fascinating conversation with one of Fairfield County’s most distinctive creative voices and a glimpse into the people and stories that have shaped its vibrant arts landscape.

]]> What does it mean to be an artist and to build a creative community that lasts for generations? In this episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, Douglas Laustsen sits down with the patron saint of Westport Arts and a cofounder of the artists collective of westport, Miggs Burroughs, for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about art, activism, community, and an extraordinary life in the arts. Hear stories of the generations of Westport artists, his upbringing and his father’s animation career, his very brief acting career and subtle protests during the civil rights movement, making lenticulars, the need for community as an artist, and even painting an egg for a president. Along the way, discover why connection and community can be just as essential to an artist as the work itself. A fascinating conversation with one of Fairfield County’s most distinctive creative voices and a glimpse into the people and stories that have shaped its vibrant arts landscape.

]]> Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:04:38 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 3250 What does it mean to be an artist and to build a creative community that lasts for generations? In this episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, Douglas Laustsen sits down with the patron saint of Westport Arts and a cofounder of the artists collective of westport, Miggs Burroughs, for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about art, activism, community, and an extraordinary life in the arts. Hear stories of the generations of Westport artists, his upbringing and his father’s animation career, his very brief acting career and subtle protests during the civil rights movement, making lenticulars, the need for community as an artist, and even painting an egg for a president. Along the way, discover why connection and community can be just as essential to an artist as the work itself. A fascinating conversation with one of Fairfield County’s most distinctive creative voices and a glimpse into the people and stories that have shaped its vibrant arts landscape.

]]> art, culture No Spotlight on Especially Everyone 2 2 3 3 Spotlight on Especially Everyone full 19a1389c-01ed-4a60-a660-d8d98661b567 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f21d8b57 How can music create spaces where everyone belongs?

In this episode of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s WPKN Spotlight Series, we sit down with Pete Kozak and Jill Tuck, the founders of Especially Everyone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive musical experiences for people of all abilities. Especially Everyone is redefining what participation in the arts can look like. Our conversation explores the importance of creating universally accessible events and how music can foster connection and community. Join us as we discuss the challenges and rewards of making the arts more accessible and why inclusion strengthens the entire cultural landscape.

]]> How can music create spaces where everyone belongs?

In this episode of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s WPKN Spotlight Series, we sit down with Pete Kozak and Jill Tuck, the founders of Especially Everyone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive musical experiences for people of all abilities. Especially Everyone is redefining what participation in the arts can look like. Our conversation explores the importance of creating universally accessible events and how music can foster connection and community. Join us as we discuss the challenges and rewards of making the arts more accessible and why inclusion strengthens the entire cultural landscape.

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:12:37 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 3176 How can music create spaces where everyone belongs?

In this episode of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s WPKN Spotlight Series, we sit down with Pete Kozak and Jill Tuck, the founders of Especially Everyone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive musical experiences for people of all abilities. Especially Everyone is redefining what participation in the arts can look like. Our conversation explores the importance of creating universally accessible events and how music can foster connection and community. Join us as we discuss the challenges and rewards of making the arts more accessible and why inclusion strengthens the entire cultural landscape.

]]> art, culture No Spotlight on... The Quick Center's Arts For All Program 2 2 2 2 Spotlight on... The Quick Center's Arts For All Program full 80c807ae-9db5-4fe0-83b9-7bd7da9c8848 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b78fa83 The arts have the power to shape lives long before someone steps onto a stage or into a gallery. In this episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, Douglas Laustsen speaks with Katie Lang, Manager of Engagement Initiatives at Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, about the Quick’s Arts for All initiative and its commitment to expanding access to arts education throughout Fairfield County. Serving more than 3,000 students each year, Arts for All connects young people with professional artists through workshops, live performances, mentorships, transportation assistance, scholarships, and long-term partnerships with schools and community organizations. The program demonstrates how sustained investment in arts experiences helps foster creativity, confidence, academic success, and lifelong engagement with culture.

]]> The arts have the power to shape lives long before someone steps onto a stage or into a gallery. In this episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, Douglas Laustsen speaks with Katie Lang, Manager of Engagement Initiatives at Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, about the Quick’s Arts for All initiative and its commitment to expanding access to arts education throughout Fairfield County. Serving more than 3,000 students each year, Arts for All connects young people with professional artists through workshops, live performances, mentorships, transportation assistance, scholarships, and long-term partnerships with schools and community organizations. The program demonstrates how sustained investment in arts experiences helps foster creativity, confidence, academic success, and lifelong engagement with culture.

]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:35:24 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 1467 The arts have the power to shape lives long before someone steps onto a stage or into a gallery. In this episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, Douglas Laustsen speaks with Katie Lang, Manager of Engagement Initiatives at Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, about the Quick’s Arts for All initiative and its commitment to expanding access to arts education throughout Fairfield County. Serving more than 3,000 students each year, Arts for All connects young people with professional artists through workshops, live performances, mentorships, transportation assistance, scholarships, and long-term partnerships with schools and community organizations. The program demonstrates how sustained investment in arts experiences helps foster creativity, confidence, academic success, and lifelong engagement with culture.

]]> art, culture No Spotlight on the Aldrich's "i am what is around me" 2 2 1 1 Spotlight on the Aldrich's "i am what is around me" full 34381fc8-e657-45d0-ae98-f4a72db77ed9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/161d86c4 In this episode Douglas Laustsen visits with The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum to explore I Am What Is Around Me, the museum’s inaugural Decennial exhibition. The exhibition brings together 40 artists living and working across Connecticut, celebrating the depth, diversity, and vitality of the state’s contemporary art scene. Douglas is joined by Chief Curator Amy Smith-Stewart and artists Remy Sosa, Arghavan Khosravi, and Gary Burnley for a conversation about creative practice, place, and the importance of investing in artists working close to home. Together, they discuss how this landmark exhibition strengthens connections across Connecticut’s creative communities and affirms Fairfield County’s place within the state’s evolving cultural landscape.

]]> In this episode Douglas Laustsen visits with The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum to explore I Am What Is Around Me, the museum’s inaugural Decennial exhibition. The exhibition brings together 40 artists living and working across Connecticut, celebrating the depth, diversity, and vitality of the state’s contemporary art scene. Douglas is joined by Chief Curator Amy Smith-Stewart and artists Remy Sosa, Arghavan Khosravi, and Gary Burnley for a conversation about creative practice, place, and the importance of investing in artists working close to home. Together, they discuss how this landmark exhibition strengthens connections across Connecticut’s creative communities and affirms Fairfield County’s place within the state’s evolving cultural landscape.

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:42:48 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 2257 In this episode Douglas Laustsen visits with The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum to explore I Am What Is Around Me, the museum’s inaugural Decennial exhibition. The exhibition brings together 40 artists living and working across Connecticut, celebrating the depth, diversity, and vitality of the state’s contemporary art scene. Douglas is joined by Chief Curator Amy Smith-Stewart and artists Remy Sosa, Arghavan Khosravi, and Gary Burnley for a conversation about creative practice, place, and the importance of investing in artists working close to home. Together, they discuss how this landmark exhibition strengthens connections across Connecticut’s creative communities and affirms Fairfield County’s place within the state’s evolving cultural landscape.

]]> art, culture No Community, Creativity, and Cultural Equity in Bridgeport with Brandon Clark (Executive Director of Park City Presents) and John Torres (Founder & Board Chair, General Manager) 1 1 4 4 Community, Creativity, and Cultural Equity in Bridgeport with Brandon Clark (Executive Director of Park City Presents) and John Torres (Founder & Board Chair, General Manager) full e94437a3-f6d0-44dd-91dc-d10ce48647be https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c7c9cdd We’re turning up the volume on community, creativity, and cultural equity in Bridgeport!


This episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, we sit down with Brandon Clark, Executive Director of Park City Presents, and John Torres, Founder & Board Chair of Park City Presents and General Manager of Park City Music Hall. From live music to visionary programming, hear how they’re using the arts to build bridges, amplify underrepresented voices, and transform Fairfield County—one beat at a time.

]]> We’re turning up the volume on community, creativity, and cultural equity in Bridgeport!


This episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, we sit down with Brandon Clark, Executive Director of Park City Presents, and John Torres, Founder & Board Chair of Park City Presents and General Manager of Park City Music Hall. From live music to visionary programming, hear how they’re using the arts to build bridges, amplify underrepresented voices, and transform Fairfield County—one beat at a time.

]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:55:05 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 3600 We’re turning up the volume on community, creativity, and cultural equity in Bridgeport!


This episode of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, we sit down with Brandon Clark, Executive Director of Park City Presents, and John Torres, Founder & Board Chair of Park City Presents and General Manager of Park City Music Hall. From live music to visionary programming, hear how they’re using the arts to build bridges, amplify underrepresented voices, and transform Fairfield County—one beat at a time.

]]> art, culture No Women in the Arts with Nikkya Hargrove 1 1 3 3 Women in the Arts with Nikkya Hargrove full d6e2678e-0140-4828-ab82-2f9dc16b3557 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1d688552 It’s Women’s History Month and Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, is thrilled to have @nikkyahargrove join us for this episode of “Spotlight on Arts and Culture”. Nikkya Hargrove is a LAMBDA Literary Nonfiction Fellow, the author of Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found, and the owner of an independent bookstore in Stratford, CT called Obodo Serendipity Books. Join us for us an exciting and inspiring conversation about women in the arts!

]]> It’s Women’s History Month and Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, is thrilled to have @nikkyahargrove join us for this episode of “Spotlight on Arts and Culture”. Nikkya Hargrove is a LAMBDA Literary Nonfiction Fellow, the author of Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found, and the owner of an independent bookstore in Stratford, CT called Obodo Serendipity Books. Join us for us an exciting and inspiring conversation about women in the arts!

]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:03:53 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 3292 It’s Women’s History Month and Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, is thrilled to have @nikkyahargrove join us for this episode of “Spotlight on Arts and Culture”. Nikkya Hargrove is a LAMBDA Literary Nonfiction Fellow, the author of Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found, and the owner of an independent bookstore in Stratford, CT called Obodo Serendipity Books. Join us for us an exciting and inspiring conversation about women in the arts!

]]> art, culture No The Power of Curation and the Role of Black Curators in Shaping Cultural Narratives 1 1 2 2 The Power of Curation and the Role of Black Curators in Shaping Cultural Narratives full 4b37eb6e-6428-4532-8d71-93660c7db7bf https://share.transistor.fm/s/d98a3e3c In this special episode of Spotlight on Arts and Culture Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, speaks with Lewis Derogene, Head of Exhibitions at MoCA CT! We’re diving into the power of curation, the role of Black curators in shaping cultural narratives, and how exhibitions can tell stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate.

]]> In this special episode of Spotlight on Arts and Culture Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, speaks with Lewis Derogene, Head of Exhibitions at MoCA CT! We’re diving into the power of curation, the role of Black curators in shaping cultural narratives, and how exhibitions can tell stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate.

]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:56:00 -0400 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 3314 In this special episode of Spotlight on Arts and Culture Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, speaks with Lewis Derogene, Head of Exhibitions at MoCA CT! We’re diving into the power of curation, the role of Black curators in shaping cultural narratives, and how exhibitions can tell stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate.

]]> art, culture No The Tip of the Iceberg: Shelton's Creative Economy 1 1 1 1 The Tip of the Iceberg: Shelton's Creative Economy full 95da4295-bfa4-4706-bd98-b7dc7fae17c2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d92b600d Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, speaks with Shelton creatives Melissa Alves-Garrity, an employee of 415 Howe Avenue and a Speakeasy Owner, and Dominick Cerritelli, Owner of 415 Howe Street. The location 415 Howe Street is "a destination for commerce and community" in Downtown Shelton.

]]> Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, speaks with Shelton creatives Melissa Alves-Garrity, an employee of 415 Howe Avenue and a Speakeasy Owner, and Dominick Cerritelli, Owner of 415 Howe Street. The location 415 Howe Street is "a destination for commerce and community" in Downtown Shelton.

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:02:49 -0500 WPKN, CAFC WPKN, CAFC 3600 Erika Wesley, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, speaks with Shelton creatives Melissa Alves-Garrity, an employee of 415 Howe Avenue and a Speakeasy Owner, and Dominick Cerritelli, Owner of 415 Howe Street. The location 415 Howe Street is "a destination for commerce and community" in Downtown Shelton.

]]> art, culture No