Drew Barr, acclaimed director of new, modern, and classical plays known for his work on Broadway and internationally with productions such as War Horse, joins Kate Savage to discuss his latest project: directing Harvey Fierstein’s Casa Valentina for the Act Out Theatre Group in Lexington. Kate Savage delves into Drew Barr’s background, prolific career, and previous challenging productions like Angels in America, before turning to the story and context of Casa Valentina—a play about a group of cross-dressing heterosexual men and their wives who find community at a secret Catskills resort in the early 1960s. Drew Barr unpacks the fascinating, hidden history that inspired the play, the layered challenges of bringing its complex characters and mysterious tone to life, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in community theater. The conversation highlights the fearless mission of Act Out Theatre, the dedication of cast and crew, and the unique, ongoing need for vibrant, challenging theater in Lexington.

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Artist Stacey Chinn-Hart discusses her conceptual art exhibition 'Recreation,' exploring themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation through personal and powerful works. Host Kate Savage delves into Stacey's creative process, the significance of her pieces, and the emotional journey behind her art.

Stacey R. Chinn (Chinn-Hart) is a Lexington, Kentucky-based visual artist, designer, educator, and entrepreneur whose interdisciplinary practice spans sculpture, ceramics, fiber, painting, jewelry, and found-object assemblage. She earned her MFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1998 and her BFA from the University of Kentucky in 1994. Working fluidly across media, Chinn creates psychologically and materially layered works that explore identity, memory, labor, vulnerability, contradiction, and transformation through the use of porcelain, fiber, reclaimed materials, and found objects.

Her work has been exhibited locally, regionally, and nationally and featured in exhibition catalogs and publications, including Sculpture and FiberArts magazines. In addition to her
studio practice, she has served as a curator, gallery director, juror, panelist, public speaker, mentor, and educator. She has held adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Kentucky, Georgetown College, Eastern Kentucky University, and Bluegrass Community & Technical College, and has taught at the Bluegrass Arts Center, The Living Arts & Science Center, and Redwood Cooperative School.

Previously, Chinn owned MADEky, a working studio and retail gallery in Lexington’s Historic Distillery District. Alongside her fine art practice, she has worked professionally as a graphic designer for the last decade. She currently designs and creates contemporary functional ceramics and jewelry under her brand, Lil Crow.

Her current show is at the Lexington Art League at Loudon House until 17th July 2026.

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JoEllen Wilhoite, Director of Corporate and Annual Giving at the Nest, along with artist and illustrator Pam McDaniel and singer-songwriter Buffy Lawson, discuss their heartwarming collaboration on the children’s book "The Nest We Built," launching June 16 at Arts Place. Jo Ellen talks about the Nest’s holistic mission to prevent abuse and neglect, and how the idea for the book was inspired by nature and community at Duncan Park, paralleling the cooperative spirit found both in wildlife and the Nest’s work. Pam describes how the natural setting and the symbolism of the nest guided her illustrations, and Buffy shares how she was moved to tears by the story, leading her to create a song that seamlessly weaves together with the book. The team explains how a QR code connects readers to the music, why all proceeds benefit the Nest’s free family programs, and how the project not only raises vital funds but also inspires children and grown-ups alike to contribute their unique gifts—whether perfect or not—towards building a stronger, more compassionate community.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html