Framing the Hammer Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:42:23 -0400 https://framingthehammer.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Framing the Hammer yes dd2f04f0-1a6a-5081-9bc6-2aaadad9ad5a 4A Arts episodic false 4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.


Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.


Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.


We would appreciate your support in our efforts.


LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) 4A Arts https://storage.buzzsprout.com/fz4uzrc6zbyysi7bzpikt7w7mbu1?.jpg Framing the Hammer FTH Ep. 119: The Art of Building Community with James Brown III FTH Ep. 119: The Art of Building Community with James Brown III Broadway artist-turned-developer James Brown III joins us to explore Storyhouse Village, creative economy jobs, arts-powered community, and joy.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Broadway artist-turned-developer James Brown III joins us to explore Storyhouse Village, creative economy jobs, arts-powered community, and joy.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-18013206 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3098 1 19 full false FTH Ep. 118 - Cartooning Around in the Creative Economy, with Ellis Rosen FTH Ep. 118 - Cartooning Around in the Creative Economy, with Ellis Rosen Episode 18 of Framing the Hammer finds us in etymological and philosophical hilarity with cartoonist Ellis Rosen. A cartoonist of many decades, Rosen has been featured in The New Yorker in addition to dozens of other publications, online, and restaurants in Manhattan. We explore his career, cartooning’s place in the creative economy, as well as 4A Arts’s study of the wellbeing economy. Additionally, we explore several rabbit holes of art’s purpose, the definition of “success,” and what really matters in life. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Episode 18 of Framing the Hammer finds us in etymological and philosophical hilarity with cartoonist Ellis Rosen. A cartoonist of many decades, Rosen has been featured in The New Yorker in addition to dozens of other publications, online, and restaurants in Manhattan. We explore his career, cartooning’s place in the creative economy, as well as 4A Arts’s study of the wellbeing economy. Additionally, we explore several rabbit holes of art’s purpose, the definition of “success,” and what really matters in life. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-15899674 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 2605 1 18 full false FTH Ep. 117 - Culture is Not an Industry, with Professor Justin O'Connor FTH Ep. 117 - Culture is Not an Industry, with Professor Justin O'Connor Professor Justin O’Connor of University of South Australia’s Creative Economy Department joins us for episode 17 of Framing the Hammer to discuss the ideas behind his new book, Culture is Not an Industry.

For decades, many governments capitalized on the notion of a "creative economy," fueled by the work of academics and economists, including Professor O’Connor. He has reformed the idea that arts and culture are merely means for making economic value and instead that arts, culture, design, and craft are critical elements to human rights and a healthy society. We chat about the paradigm shift toward a "wellbeing economy" and the ways many governments are re-framing the rights of citizens to include culture. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Professor Justin O’Connor of University of South Australia’s Creative Economy Department joins us for episode 17 of Framing the Hammer to discuss the ideas behind his new book, Culture is Not an Industry.

For decades, many governments capitalized on the notion of a "creative economy," fueled by the work of academics and economists, including Professor O’Connor. He has reformed the idea that arts and culture are merely means for making economic value and instead that arts, culture, design, and craft are critical elements to human rights and a healthy society. We chat about the paradigm shift toward a "wellbeing economy" and the ways many governments are re-framing the rights of citizens to include culture. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-15545305 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0400 3564 1 17 full false FTH Ep. 116 - Democratizing Art, with Bianca Bosker FTH Ep. 116 - Democratizing Art, with Bianca Bosker “Democratization of American Arts and Culture” means lowering or removing barriers to experiencing, creating, and sharing art. Through this process, ideas are explored, questions asked, humanity exposed, bonds created, and communities are greatly strengthened. Democratizing the arts also helps strengthen American democracy, by strengthening communities, building belonging, and advancing interest in participatory citizenship. This is why Democratizing the Arts is one of the pillars of the 4A Arts mission, and our 2024 issues agenda includes Arts + Democracy. We believe that real investment in American arts, culture, design, and craft can strengthen communities and counter the political polarization currently undermining American democracy. 


Bianca Bosker is the New York Times bestselling author of “Cork Dork” whose most recent book, “Get the Picture” is a deep dive into various aspects of the visual arts industry. As a child, Bianca was a lover of all things artsy but had grown disillusioned with the snobbery and barriers erected by the art world. Eventually, the realization of her disengagement drove her to immerse herself in various aspects of the art world for better understanding. Through her research for Get the Picture, she worked as a gallerist, artist assistant, and museum guard.

We hope you enjoy this conversation about Bianca’s fascinating dive into the art industrial complex rabbit hole. 


4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> “Democratization of American Arts and Culture” means lowering or removing barriers to experiencing, creating, and sharing art. Through this process, ideas are explored, questions asked, humanity exposed, bonds created, and communities are greatly strengthened. Democratizing the arts also helps strengthen American democracy, by strengthening communities, building belonging, and advancing interest in participatory citizenship. This is why Democratizing the Arts is one of the pillars of the 4A Arts mission, and our 2024 issues agenda includes Arts + Democracy. We believe that real investment in American arts, culture, design, and craft can strengthen communities and counter the political polarization currently undermining American democracy. 


Bianca Bosker is the New York Times bestselling author of “Cork Dork” whose most recent book, “Get the Picture” is a deep dive into various aspects of the visual arts industry. As a child, Bianca was a lover of all things artsy but had grown disillusioned with the snobbery and barriers erected by the art world. Eventually, the realization of her disengagement drove her to immerse herself in various aspects of the art world for better understanding. Through her research for Get the Picture, she worked as a gallerist, artist assistant, and museum guard.

We hope you enjoy this conversation about Bianca’s fascinating dive into the art industrial complex rabbit hole. 


4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-14909236 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400 2283 1 16 full false FTH Ep. 115 - Growing Arizona's Arts Advocacy Ecosystem, with Patrick McWhorter & Sabrina Estrada FTH Ep. 115 - Growing Arizona's Arts Advocacy Ecosystem, with Patrick McWhorter & Sabrina Estrada A conversation with Arizona Citizens for the Arts (AZCA), the state arts advocacy organization fighting to increase funding in the Arizona state budget. In this episode, we chat with the AZCA Executive Director, Patrick McWhorter, and Director of Community Engagement, Sabrina Estrada. we touch on the exciting cultural developments statewide, as well as the distressing state of arts funding in the upcoming 2024 Arizona budget. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> A conversation with Arizona Citizens for the Arts (AZCA), the state arts advocacy organization fighting to increase funding in the Arizona state budget. In this episode, we chat with the AZCA Executive Director, Patrick McWhorter, and Director of Community Engagement, Sabrina Estrada. we touch on the exciting cultural developments statewide, as well as the distressing state of arts funding in the upcoming 2024 Arizona budget. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-14587468 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500 1854 1 15 full false FTH Ep. 114 - How Loneliness Inspires Creativity, with Richard Deming FTH Ep. 114 - How Loneliness Inspires Creativity, with Richard Deming In episode 114 of Framing the Hammer, we chat with Richard Deming, Yale Director of Creative Writing and author of the recently published, This Exquisite Loneliness: What Loners, Outcasts and the Understood Can Teach Us About Creativity. In the book, Deming profiles six historic figures who publicly wrestled with loneliness and used creativity to cope (Melanie Klein, Zora Neale Hurston, Walker Evans, Walter Benjamin, Egon Shiele, Ron Serling). Their legacies leave us tools for better understanding loneliness, knowing that it is a condition that affects most people, and demonstrates how they harnessed their loneliness in their creative pursuits. 


In coping with loneliness, Deming emphasizes that vulnerability, and intimacy in relationships are critical for countering loneliness. Furthermore, the creative process is best fed with vulnerability and intimacy, leading to self-awareness and better understanding of other people. 


4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In episode 114 of Framing the Hammer, we chat with Richard Deming, Yale Director of Creative Writing and author of the recently published, This Exquisite Loneliness: What Loners, Outcasts and the Understood Can Teach Us About Creativity. In the book, Deming profiles six historic figures who publicly wrestled with loneliness and used creativity to cope (Melanie Klein, Zora Neale Hurston, Walker Evans, Walter Benjamin, Egon Shiele, Ron Serling). Their legacies leave us tools for better understanding loneliness, knowing that it is a condition that affects most people, and demonstrates how they harnessed their loneliness in their creative pursuits. 


In coping with loneliness, Deming emphasizes that vulnerability, and intimacy in relationships are critical for countering loneliness. Furthermore, the creative process is best fed with vulnerability and intimacy, leading to self-awareness and better understanding of other people. 


4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-14317974 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500 2792 1 14 full false FTH Ep. 113 - The Force (of the Creative Economy) Awakens, with Jason McGatlin FTH Ep. 113 - The Force (of the Creative Economy) Awakens, with Jason McGatlin In Episode 12 of Framing the Hammer, we chat with Jason McGatlin, a Hollywood producer who worked on films such as The Adventures of TinTin, Volcano, and the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian, and (not least of all), the seventh, eighth and ninth of the Star Wars series, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker . 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In Episode 12 of Framing the Hammer, we chat with Jason McGatlin, a Hollywood producer who worked on films such as The Adventures of TinTin, Volcano, and the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian, and (not least of all), the seventh, eighth and ninth of the Star Wars series, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker . 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-14247668 Thu, 04 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3156 1 13 full false FTH Ep. 112 - Are Your Musicians Ethically Sourced? with Hillary Perkins FTH Ep. 112 - Are Your Musicians Ethically Sourced? with Hillary Perkins In episode 12, we chat with Hilary Perkins, founder of Whippoorwill Arts (www.whippoorwillarts.org) a nonprofit advocating for music and musicians that recently underwent a comprehensive report on recommended wages for working musicians. We talk about the report that makes suggested base and graduated pay for musicians of all types, stripes, and locations.  

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In episode 12, we chat with Hilary Perkins, founder of Whippoorwill Arts (www.whippoorwillarts.org) a nonprofit advocating for music and musicians that recently underwent a comprehensive report on recommended wages for working musicians. We talk about the report that makes suggested base and graduated pay for musicians of all types, stripes, and locations.  

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-13730375 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0400 2743 1 12 full false FTH Ep. 111 - Hyperreality and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, with Boris Eldagsen & Jason M. Allen FTH Ep. 111 - Hyperreality and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, with Boris Eldagsen & Jason M. Allen In episode 11 of Framing the Hammer, we chat with artists Boris Eldagsen and Jason M. Allen about their respective approaches to, uses of, and thoughts about artificial intelligence. Both Boris and Jason received awards for their work using AI, but they took different principled stands in accepting (or not refusing) their awards. Join us as we discuss AI as well as the definition of art, design, creativity as well as Plato’s theory “Forms” and Baudrillard’s theory “simulacra”.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In episode 11 of Framing the Hammer, we chat with artists Boris Eldagsen and Jason M. Allen about their respective approaches to, uses of, and thoughts about artificial intelligence. Both Boris and Jason received awards for their work using AI, but they took different principled stands in accepting (or not refusing) their awards. Join us as we discuss AI as well as the definition of art, design, creativity as well as Plato’s theory “Forms” and Baudrillard’s theory “simulacra”.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-13587144 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0400 5347 1 11 full true FTH Ep. 110 - Sonic Branding is the New Sonic Boom, with Danielle Venne FTH Ep. 110 - Sonic Branding is the New Sonic Boom, with Danielle Venne 4A Arts dives into another aspect of the creative economy in our discussion with creative director Danielle Venne of Made Music Studio. Her firm specializes in “sonic branding” or, “The audio equivalent of a visual logo” as Danni says. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts dives into another aspect of the creative economy in our discussion with creative director Danielle Venne of Made Music Studio. Her firm specializes in “sonic branding” or, “The audio equivalent of a visual logo” as Danni says. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-13484382 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0400 1824 1 10 full false FTH Ep. 109 - Cultivating the Crafting Community, with Mx. Domestic FTH Ep. 109 - Cultivating the Crafting Community, with Mx. Domestic In our conversation with Mathew Boudreaux, known in the online crafting world as the “Themperor of Crafting”, @mx.domestic. Mathew addresses their favorite quilting and crochet projects, being a crafting influencer, the sense of community developed in the art world, social justice melding with arts, their idea that 95% is good enough (the last 5% will steal your joy), and finally, “without creativity, without culture, without the humanities, without art, what is life?”

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In our conversation with Mathew Boudreaux, known in the online crafting world as the “Themperor of Crafting”, @mx.domestic. Mathew addresses their favorite quilting and crochet projects, being a crafting influencer, the sense of community developed in the art world, social justice melding with arts, their idea that 95% is good enough (the last 5% will steal your joy), and finally, “without creativity, without culture, without the humanities, without art, what is life?”

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-13253420 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400 1814 1 9 full false FTH Ep. 108 - Creating the Fringe, with Elena K. Holy FTH Ep. 108 - Creating the Fringe, with Elena K. Holy In this episode of Framing the Hammer, we speak with Elena K. Holy, founder and director of the New York International Fringe Festival as well as the 4A Arts general manager. Elena has spent a lifetime as a theatrical producer with a passion for solving problems and creating more outlets to share more innovative theatre with the largest variety of theatre-goers.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In this episode of Framing the Hammer, we speak with Elena K. Holy, founder and director of the New York International Fringe Festival as well as the 4A Arts general manager. Elena has spent a lifetime as a theatrical producer with a passion for solving problems and creating more outlets to share more innovative theatre with the largest variety of theatre-goers.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-12989335 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0400 2442 1 8 full false FTH Ep. 107 - An Indianapolis Jazz Luminary, with Larry Ridley FTH Ep. 107 - An Indianapolis Jazz Luminary, with Larry Ridley Jazz legend and current board member for 4A Arts, Larry Ridley, recounts his musical youth in the Indianapolis jazz scene, his time touring with jazz greats like the Montgomery Brothers, and his lifelong commitment to sharing jazz through education at the National Endowment for the Arts and starting the jazz program at Rutgers University. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Jazz legend and current board member for 4A Arts, Larry Ridley, recounts his musical youth in the Indianapolis jazz scene, his time touring with jazz greats like the Montgomery Brothers, and his lifelong commitment to sharing jazz through education at the National Endowment for the Arts and starting the jazz program at Rutgers University. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-13218350 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0400 2017 1 7 full false FTH Ep. 106 - FDR and the Artsy Alphabet Soup of the WPA, with Troy Plumer FTH Ep. 106 - FDR and the Artsy Alphabet Soup of the WPA, with Troy Plumer Framing the Hammer episode 106 brings us Troy Plumer, a Louisville, KY-based master’s student in history. Troy is an aficionado, though not a trained expert by his own admission, with the era around the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of the Great Depression and arts funding during that period. Troy contributed a guest blog to the 4A Arts website that’s full of interesting historical tidbits and soaring rhetoric around how art lifts us all to new heights. This interview on Framing the Hammer reflects his poetic passion for art and history.

Check out our show notes for pictures of artwork Troy references. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Framing the Hammer episode 106 brings us Troy Plumer, a Louisville, KY-based master’s student in history. Troy is an aficionado, though not a trained expert by his own admission, with the era around the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of the Great Depression and arts funding during that period. Troy contributed a guest blog to the 4A Arts website that’s full of interesting historical tidbits and soaring rhetoric around how art lifts us all to new heights. This interview on Framing the Hammer reflects his poetic passion for art and history.

Check out our show notes for pictures of artwork Troy references. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-12905706 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0500 2720 1 6 full false FTH Ep. 105 - Art as an Act of Vandalizing Nature, with Ishkoten Dougie FTH Ep. 105 - Art as an Act of Vandalizing Nature, with Ishkoten Dougie A chat with Indigenous artist Ishkoten Dougi whom Gavin met at the Santa Fe Indian Art Market in August.  During our conversation, Ishkoten discusses many fascinating aspects of his art, creative process, and experience as a Native artist. 

Of the many tidbits he shared, some highlights include that he feels forced to speak out and create artifacts that will set the historic record straight, particularly for Native populations. Also, he sees art as an act of “vandalizing nature” and creating art for audiences 1,000 years in the future.

See our show notes for videos and photos of Ishkoten's work as well as some of his cultural references. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> A chat with Indigenous artist Ishkoten Dougi whom Gavin met at the Santa Fe Indian Art Market in August.  During our conversation, Ishkoten discusses many fascinating aspects of his art, creative process, and experience as a Native artist. 

Of the many tidbits he shared, some highlights include that he feels forced to speak out and create artifacts that will set the historic record straight, particularly for Native populations. Also, he sees art as an act of “vandalizing nature” and creating art for audiences 1,000 years in the future.

See our show notes for videos and photos of Ishkoten's work as well as some of his cultural references. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-12905528 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0500 2370 1 5 full false FTH Ep. 104 - Finding Their Ikigai, with Art Therapist Yuko FTH Ep. 104 - Finding Their Ikigai, with Art Therapist Yuko Enjoy this conversation with an art therapist who works with violent criminals. Her nonjudgmental compassion for her patients and artistic process bring insight into the multitude of ways art restores our humanity and helps our self-understanding.

We don’t share her last name or work location for reasons of privacy, particularly to protect her workplace, however we get into some deep topics regarding those she helps on a daily basis. 

Originally from Japan, this art therapist has a different perspective of art and cultural expression from many Americans, making this conversation all the more intriguing. 

See our show notes to see some of the artist's own work and dive deeper into some of her referenced pieces. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Enjoy this conversation with an art therapist who works with violent criminals. Her nonjudgmental compassion for her patients and artistic process bring insight into the multitude of ways art restores our humanity and helps our self-understanding.

We don’t share her last name or work location for reasons of privacy, particularly to protect her workplace, however we get into some deep topics regarding those she helps on a daily basis. 

Originally from Japan, this art therapist has a different perspective of art and cultural expression from many Americans, making this conversation all the more intriguing. 

See our show notes to see some of the artist's own work and dive deeper into some of her referenced pieces. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-12905638 Fri, 14 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0400 2620 1 4 full false FTH Ep. 103 - Children and Art, with Jim and Katherine Starkey FTH Ep. 103 - Children and Art, with Jim and Katherine Starkey In this episode, 4As executive director Gavin Lodge is reunited with his high school junior and senior English teachers, Katherine and Jim Starkey. This married dynamic literary duo inspired their students to think deeper, write expressively, and appreciate all things creative. 

During this lively discussion they talk about how Jim developed a teaching technique with a framed hammer, their romance that began with an artistic “assignment”, why they incorporated art into all of their English lessons, and their philosophies for how deeply high schoolers should (or should not) go into the Shakespeare rabbit hole.

See our show notes to watch videos and see photos of the artworks they reference. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> In this episode, 4As executive director Gavin Lodge is reunited with his high school junior and senior English teachers, Katherine and Jim Starkey. This married dynamic literary duo inspired their students to think deeper, write expressively, and appreciate all things creative. 

During this lively discussion they talk about how Jim developed a teaching technique with a framed hammer, their romance that began with an artistic “assignment”, why they incorporated art into all of their English lessons, and their philosophies for how deeply high schoolers should (or should not) go into the Shakespeare rabbit hole.

See our show notes to watch videos and see photos of the artworks they reference. 

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-12905318 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1985 1 3 full false FTH Ep. 102 - Everyone Is an Artist, with Charlie Reinhart FTH Ep. 102 - Everyone Is an Artist, with Charlie Reinhart Everyone is an artist! 4A Arts founder Charlie Reinhart explores creativity, inclusion, and how art belongs to everyone. Discover your creative side!

Find our show notes here.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Everyone is an artist! 4A Arts founder Charlie Reinhart explores creativity, inclusion, and how art belongs to everyone. Discover your creative side!

Find our show notes here.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> 4A Arts Buzzsprout-12905230 Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1472 1 2 full false FTH Ep. 101 - Why Can't It Be Art? with Gavin Lodge FTH Ep. 101 - Why Can't It Be Art? with Gavin Lodge Executive Director Gavin Lodge introduces 4A Arts and explores a new age of arts advocacy, where art shapes identity, economy, and democracy.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> Executive Director Gavin Lodge introduces 4A Arts and explores a new age of arts advocacy, where art shapes identity, economy, and democracy.

4A Arts believes that arts and culture are basic human rights and powerful tools for building a whole and healthy society.

Please follow our efforts and growth to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please sign up for updates of our movement to change the narrative around American creativity and consequently to increase support from elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4aarts/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/4AArts.Org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/4aarts/

]]> https://4aarts.org/2022/09/01/why-cant-it-be-art-an-introduction-with-4a-arts-executive-director-gavin-lodge/ 4A Arts Buzzsprout-13299534 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1104 creative economy, arts for wellbeing 1 1 full false