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Talking Art
Hosted by Ben Gougeon

Talking Art is a partnership between WVIK, Quad Cities NPR and Quad City Arts in which a variety of hosts interview artists from the Quad Cities and beyond!

Sponsored by Quad City Bank & Trust

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Latest Episodes
  • Jazz Ambassadors: Bridging Cultures Through Music
    In this episode of "Talking Art," host Ben Gougeon welcomes a very special guest: United States Army Master Sergeant James Old, the tour coordinator for the U.S. Army Field Band. With an exciting free concert coming up on April 17th at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, listeners are treated to an in-depth discussion of the rich history and vibrant future of military music.
  • Directing Dreams: Emma Watts' Debut with 'Exit, Pursued by a Bear
    In today’s installment, host Ben Gougeon sits down with Augustana College senior Emma Watts, a burgeoning talent in Theatre and Film, who is making her directorial debut with Lauren Gunderson’s darkly comedic play, Exit, Pursued by a Bear.
  • Igniting Creativity: The Making of The Firebird
    In this episode of "Talking Art," host Ben Gougeon welcomes Ballet Quad Cities' Artistic Director, Courtney Lyon, to dive deep into the enchanting world of ballet and the upcoming production of Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird."
  • From Tradition to Innovation: Darrah Carr's Dance Journey
    In this episode of Talking Arts, host Ben Gougeon welcomes Darrah Carr, the Artistic Director and Choreographer of Darrah Carr Dance, a contemporary Irish step dance company based in New York City.
  • Community and Culture: The Heartbeat of Circa 21
    In this episode of Talking Art, host Ben Gougeon sits down with Brett Hitchcock, Vice President of Circa 21, to delve deep into the vibrant world of local theater and the exciting happenings at Circa 21 and its intimate side venue, the Speakeasy.
  • Cultural Preservation Through Music: Goitse's Mission
    In this episode of Talking Art, host Ben Gougeon welcomes Colm Phelan and Danny Collins from the award-winning traditional Irish ensemble, Goitse.
  • A Century of Creativity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Figge Art Museum
    In this episode of "Talking Art," host Ben Gougeon welcomes Melissa Mohr, the newly appointed Executive Director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum, to explore the dynamic landscape of the arts in the Quad Cities.
  • Blending Borders: The Art of Fusion Dance with Chicago Dance Crash
    In this exciting episode of Talking Art, host Ben Gougeon welcomes the dynamic trio from Chicago Dance Crash—Artistic Director KC Beavis, Executive Director Jessica Leyva, and dancer Phill Wood.
  • Talking Art with Jonathan Turner
    Talking Art with Jonathan Turner
  • Voices Unleashed: Empowering Youth Through Poetry with Aubrey Barnes
    With a passion for empowering the next generation of voices, Aubrey Barnes shares his journey from a shy junior high student discovering poetry as a means of self-expression to becoming a pivotal figure in the Quad Cities' arts scene.