This episode is an energizing bolt of lightning in the dreary caverns of the everyday. As Neil says- “a crash course in possiblity”. If you want to make things happen but the thing you want doesn’t exist, what if you created it so that it would?

Neil Martin is an example of a weaver of the fabric of place. What does it mean to be an artist in Pittsburgh, who are the people here? What stories do they have to tell? Neil makes sure they get to tell their stories. This episode is about accessibility, breaking down elitist gatekeeping, hard work, authenticity and the way community is essential to change. The way we can clear the barriers to being a part of a new kind of art scene. One that doesn’t belong only to the wealthy, or well connected.

This talk with inspire you to make that piece, call that contact, reach out to someone else. Lately I feel drained by the world; by cruelty, by elitist tropes. This conversation reminded me about what it means to be a part of the world, to believe in each other. Storytelling and art is not just for a select few. Its for all of us.

Please check out Neil’s gallery and the many programs he is involved with as well as Center of Life, the not for profit that has made such a difference here in Pittsburgh.

If there is anything to fight for in this life, it is for people and places like this.

Never take no for an answer. Share your story. We all need it.

Links:

Wick Monet

Center of Life