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Looking back on a year of Cutting & Pasting the arts into a podcast

Clockwise from left: Alcar, Nick Carlson, Alan Cleaver, Quincy

The arts in St. Louis are similar to the fabled elephant described by six men who cannot see: “It’s like a snake!” cried one who grasped the tail. “No, a tree trunk!” insisted another, as he rubbed a leg.

Art is a staged dialogue that makes you wince with recognition. It's a brushstroke that evokes sadness; a beat your toes can’t help but keep. And it's as unique as the artist, as we've learned in our first year of putting together the Cut & Paste podcast.

We talked with dozens of guests including a 93-year-old working painter, a novice playwright and a sampling of up-and-coming musicians. We found out that sometimes poetry starts with math, that the best advice comes from unexpected places and that almost anything can be a musical instrument.

Here’s a little of what you’ll hear in this Cut & Paste first anniversary podcast:

  • Artist/musician Stan Chisholm on not taking himself too seriously: “Art is entertainment, just period. No matter how serious, no matter how therapeutic it is.” Tweet #cutpastestl
  • Theater professional Nancy Bell imitating the director of an early New York audition: “You’re flying! It’s amazing! Alright, thank you.” Tweet #cutpastestl
  • Turner Arts Center artist Alehra Evans on being bold: “You’ve just got to put it out there, test yourself.” Tweet #cutpastestl
Cut & Paste

Look for new Cut & Paste (#cutpastestl) podcasts every few weeks on our website. You can also view all previous podcasts, which focus on a diverse collection of visual and performing artists, and subscribe to Cut & Paste through this link.

Follow Willis and Nancy on Twitter: @WillisRArnold and @NancyFowlerSTL

Please help St. Louis Public Radio find artists to feature on Cut & Paste. Tell us which artists and cultural themes deserve a closer look.

Nancy is a veteran journalist whose career spans television, radio, print and online media. Her passions include the arts and social justice, and she particularly delights in the stories of people living and working in that intersection.