Choose954 Podcast Episode 49 With Local Artist Cheryl Brown

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXcs1x1_Fig&list=PLOQvdw7d0cd9RZZkd2lZy2hmrnJv-cfLI&index=52

Evan: So we're back here on the Choose 954 podcast, episode 49, with local artist Cheryl Brown, a ceramicist and gallery owner here in our track studio in FAT Village. For those of you that aren’t familiar with Choose 954, we started a social movement to cultivate culture and community here in Broward County, to keep people informed about all the great things going on and to make this a better place to live, not just a better place to vacation. The point of the podcast is to connect you with amazing people like Cheryl, who’s doing incredible things in the community. And she’s doing quite a bit with the show you’ll get to see this weekend during Art Walk. This podcast is sponsored by the Thousand Mermaids Artificial Reef Project, creating artistically crafted artificial reef modules to help save the reefs, support ecotourism, create fish habitats, and provide research and citizen science opportunities. For more information, log on to www.1000mermaids.com.

Cheryl Brown: Hi, I’m Cheryl Brown, I’m a ceramic artist who’s been in FAT Village for five years, here at Art Tracks, and I’m one of the original artists who moved in when we opened. I’ve been working in clay for many, many years, although I took a few breaks for family life. But I actually started working in clay back in the late 70s.

Evan: Why don’t you tell us a little bit about where we are right now for those who aren’t familiar with Art Tracks?

Cheryl Brown: Art Tracks Studios is a space for both studios and galleries. We have seven studios with seven resident artists at the moment, ranging from painting, photography, to ceramics. We also have a gallery, which we’re sitting in right now. Each month, one of the seven artists becomes the curator for that month. This is my turn, and I curated an exhibit called Structures. The exhibit is also the theme for the resident artists who exhibit here in the gallery. Additionally, we do special events, and one of those special events that we do every year is Art Start, which is a mentoring and emerging teenage artist exhibition.

Evan: That’s fantastic. Can you tell us more about the Art Start program and how it benefits teenage artists?

Cheryl Brown: Sure! I’m the founder and director of the Art Start program. It’s a professional development program for teenage artists, and currently, I’m working with students from Dillard High School, focusing on Fine Arts and Digital Art. Over the years, the quality of their work has been phenomenal. The program helps them develop their artistic documents, such as artist statements and bios, which are not easy to write, even for me! We also teach them how to create and curate their own exhibits with multiple artists. It gives them the experience they might not get in school.

Evan: That’s amazing. The program really seems to give these students an incredible opportunity to launch their artistic careers. You also mentioned that their work is very affordable since they’re just starting out.

Cheryl Brown: Yes, exactly! They get a lot of exposure through our exhibits, and at the end of each cycle, I ask them to donate one piece of art to the program to help raise funds. You can pick up a really nice framed piece for as little as $50, and it supports their growth as artists.

Evan: And for those who don’t know, Art Tracks is located in FAT Village, part of the Flagler Village Arts District in downtown Fort Lauderdale. FAT Village is a vibrant arts community, and the Art Walk, which happens once a month, is one of the greatest community events, where art studios and galleries stay open late, and people can enjoy live music, food trucks, and see the work of local artists. It’s a fantastic way for artists to get discovered. How has Art Walk helped you and the artists at Art Tracks?

Cheryl Brown: Art Walk has been such a great opportunity for us to connect with the community and showcase our work. It’s tough for artists to get their own retail space and attract foot traffic, but Art Walk brings thousands of people into the area. It’s a free event that encourages people to explore the local art scene, and it’s great for both emerging and established artists.

Evan: Absolutely, and for anyone who hasn’t been to the Art Walk, it happens on the last Saturday of every month, so make sure to check it out! Cheryl, you don’t just exhibit your students’ work here at Art Tracks—you’ve shown their work in other places as well. Can you tell us where else people can see these young artists’ work?

Cheryl Brown: Yes, we have an exhibit coming up on November 16th at Gallery 21 as part of the MAD Arts Block. It will feature the Alumni Collection from the Art Start program. We’ve also collaborated with ArtServe, where the students have exhibited their work. ArtServe has been a wonderful partner, supporting the program and giving these young artists a platform.

Evan: It’s great that you’re able to provide these students with exposure to different venues and experiences. You’ve done a lot of work to make this program successful. What drives your passion for helping these emerging artists?

Cheryl Brown: It’s definitely a passion project. I’m not an official nonprofit, but I run the program for the purpose of helping these kids. I believe it’s important to give them the tools they need to succeed as artists, and I want to create opportunities for them to be seen and heard.

Evan: That’s incredible, and I give you a lot of credit for all the work you’re doing. If people want to get involved or support the Art Start program, how can they do that?

Cheryl Brown: People can find us on Facebook at Art Start Program—all one word. They can also come out to Art Walk and talk to me directly. We’re always looking for more ways to expand and support the program.

Evan:: Great! And Cheryl, you’ve been working hard on your own art. Can you tell us a little bit about your current show and the work you’ve been doing?

Cheryl Brown: I’ve been working all summer on a new body of work. You might be familiar with my Soul Houses, which I exhibited at Art Fort Lauderdale. They’re part of this current exhibit, along with a new installation I’m calling Towers. My art often explores introspective themes and focuses on what unites us as humans. Both projects reflect on our vulnerabilities and the dualities we face, and you’ll see that in the glaze techniques and structures.

Evan: Your work is really powerful, and I’m excited for people to see it this weekend. You’ve also been expanding your skills—you took a printmaking class this summer, right?

Cheryl Brown: Yes, I did! I took an introductory printmaking class at IS Projects here in FAT Village, and it was such a great experience. I created a series of prints that reflect the theme of Structures, and it sparked a lot of creativity for me. I’ve even created some new ceramic pieces inspired by the prints, which I’m calling Huts.

Evan: That’s amazing! You’re such a multi-talented artist, and you’re always finding new ways to create. For those who might be interested, you also offer classes, right?

Cheryl Brown: Yes, I do! I offer ceramic classes in my studio. I have wheel classes and hand-building classes, which is my specialty. If someone just wants to focus on glazing, I also teach that. All the glazes you see on my pieces are formulated and created in my studio. You can find more information about the classes on my Facebook page.

Evan: That’s awesome! And your classes make a great date night or team-building activity, right?

Cheryl Brown: Definitely! I also offer a class called Create a Plate, where you can come in and make a plate in one class. You can either glaze it yourself or I’ll glaze it for you. It’s a fun, creative night out!

Evan: That sounds like so much fun. And if people want to reach out for team-building or other group activities, they should definitely contact you. You’ve also got another event coming up soon, right?

Cheryl Brown: Yes! I’m hoping to bring back my Paint Your Stein event soon. It’s a great event where people can come to a craft brew pub, paint their own ceramic steins, and then a few days later, I bring the fired steins back to the pub for them to pick up. It’s a fun way to create something unique while enjoying some craft beer with friends.

Evan: That sounds like a blast! It’s another great way to support local artists while having fun. Cheryl, you’ve really built something special here. Thank you so much for everything you do for the arts community.

Cheryl Brown: Thank you! It’s been a joy to be a part of this community and to help it grow.

Evan: If you haven’t been to the Art Walk yet, come out this Saturday to FAT Village and check out Cheryl’s studio. You can find her on Facebook at Cielo Clay Works, and her website will be launching soon. Cheryl, why do you choose 954?

Cheryl Brown: I choose 954 because I believe in supporting the local arts community. I’ve been a part of this area for years, and it’s so important to give local artists a voice.

Evan: Amen to that! We want to hear why you choose 954, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll see you at the Art Walk! Cheers!