3/1/2023

Dear Ester and Larry:

I want to take a moment to thank you for all that you do to support the arts and artists in our area.  Your program guests and their wide-range of topics are informative and very interesting.  Both of you are excellent and entertaining interviewers.  Your programs are a welcome and necessary part of the artistic culture here.  Thank you for your efforts and for all that you do on behalf of the artists in our area.  Our cultural environment is richer for the Art on the Air broadcasts.

With thanks and kind regards,

 Jeannie

Jeannie Rapstad, MA

President, Jeannie Rapstad Enterprises LLC

2/20/2023

AOTA [Art on the Air] is a wonderful resource for the region, providing in-depth looks into artists and arts organizations providing relevant content for listeners to make informed decisions about how they consume cultural content.

 Amy Davis Navardauks – Executive Director - Art Barn

2/10/2023

Art on the Air is a great way for me to find out what cultural events are happening in the dunes.
I also love to listen to the guests on the show. So many interesting people out there !

Eve Landsman Wiersbicki – Executive Director Dig The Dunes

2/9/2023

February 9, 2023

Art on the Air on WVLP and Lakeshore Public Radio

It is an honor to write this testimonial for Art on the Air at WVLP and Lakeshore Public Radio for their application to the Art Project Funding Program of the Indiana Arts Commission. I am impressed by the range of programming developed, given the perceived restriction of an hour, and audience outreach challenges in this age of scattered attention. Nonetheless, the program flourishes, each episode leaving the listener almost impatient for the week to whip by to the next episode. 

Art on the Air fulfills an invaluable service to not only the arts community and arts lovers in Northwest Indiana. In a state where one has to travel some distance to attend a concert or an art exhibit, Art on the Air, through its live broadcast and archives, enables everyone within the Lakeshore Public Radio listening area, and beyond, has access to the immense body of artistic endeavors produced by, and under the respected leadership of Larry Brechner. In fact, even though I have moved back to Boston, I can continue to be a listening fan.

During my service on the Indiana Arts Commission, we were committed to a mission of IDEA, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access. In my opinion, Art on the Air embodies this mission. The programming reflects diversity of voices of our multiracial, multicultural composition of the region. Practically all the disciplines oft considered an art form are introduced and featured, from the professional and high school symphonies, to paintings and photography, and the simple yet complex discoveries of art created from found objects. To use a trite expression, there is something for everyone. Please be assured that the art featured is not just a hodge lodge of random artists and artworks; rather, each show is carefully curated and researched, and the narratives are always in-depth, engaging, and insightful..

I wish to note that my appreciation and observation center on the fact that:

(A)  Art on the Air demonstrates the pride of the region’s rich art heritage and potential, and not as a “poor cousin” of Chicago. When I first moved to the region from Chicago, an art leader exclaimed that “How wonderful that you can connect us with the Chicago art scene!” Not so, my friend, and Art on the Air demonstrates that NWI is proud of its art and cultural creativity. And

(B)  The programs honor artists in all phases of their careers, and in their varied backgrounds, from the yet-unknown rural painter, to the urban successful jewelry designer. All are given “pride of place” at the Art on the Air Table of Inclusion.  

I am proud to be a listener and supporter of Art on the Air, and am confident that new and seasoned listeners will continue to be dedicated to the exciting gift offered by this program. One additional comment: I truly believe that Larry, a professional and gifted photographer, has an acute yet relatable sense of aestheticism that informs his work as the producer of the show. 

Sincerely yours,

Libby Chiu

libbychiu@yahoo.com
Former Commissioner, Indiana Arts Commission
Adjunct Professor, Arts Administration, Goucher College

2/6/2023

Northwest Indiana is the state’s second-largest metropolitan area and home to a thriving and varied artistic community. Toiling away while tucked under the shadow of big-city Chicago, artists in the Calumet Region unfortunately don’t always get the media coverage they so richly deserve. But Art on the Air on WVLP and Lakeshore Public Radio has shone a spotlight on many talented local painters, photographers, sculptors, musicians, authors, actors, theater directors and other artists working in many different mediums. During the hour-long weekly radio show, hosts Larry A Brechner and Ester Golden interview a number of artists, curators, and others about the Region’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Artists get the opportunity to talk in-depth about their work in substantive, high-minded conversations. The show also informs its audience about concerts, gallery shows, museum exhibitions, and other cultural events on the calendar. It’s an exciting, educational, and edifying program that helps keep people abreast of the arts in Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Art on the Air also reaches audiences as a podcast, making it even more accessible to the public it keeps informed. It’s become a vital cultural resource in Northwest Indiana. It’s essential listening for artists and anyone with an interest in the arts. It’s a bright, shining light that deserves support.

–Joseph S. Pete, author and journalist with The Times of Northwest Indiana
 

2/6/2023

Dear Indiana Arts Commission: Hello. I hope this arrives to find you well.

 I am a supporter of Dr. Brechner and Art on the Air. I appreciate the love with which  Ester and Dr. Brechner curate the topics for the program. It is the only regularly scheduled program of its kind in our area dealing with the fine arts and culture in Northwest Indiana.  The fine arts, the arts and the humanities are needed now more than ever to ameliorate our politics and to inform better judgments in the areas of law, government, commerce and philanthropy. The underlying rationale for all of these important areas of our society are informed by the arts and what it releases.  As President Kennedy so ably noted in his address at Amhurst College in 1963, “When power leads men toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.” I support the Art on the Air Program. I hope the Indiana  Arts Commission will support it too and renew its grant for the application period. Thank you.       

Michael W. Griffin, M.P.A., MMC/CPFA/ACPFIM

Citizen Servant

Highland Clerk-Treasurer (1.1.1992 to 2.72022) • State Senator (2.7.2022 to 1109.2022) 

2/6/2023

I really enjoy listening to Arts on the Air, because the information is timely useful. They give you a behind the scenes look at local arts organizations as well as individual artists that we don’t often get a chance to see. I know for me, I get a greater appreciation for the artists and organizations featured in the Arts on the Air. Something that I believe increases community interest in our local arts organizations and individual artists something that is very valuable to all of our communities here in Northwest Indiana  

 Larry Brewer, Executive Director, South Shore Dance Alliance Inc 

 2/6/2023

Dear Art on the Air,

I was deeply touched when Ester informed me that you wanted to interview me for my upcoming shows at Gallery Guichard and the Chicago Art Dept. Your interest in my art and background as a self-taught artist meant so much to me, as it has often been a challenge for me to find an audience that appreciates my work.

 Your interview was a true validation of my professional status as an artist, as you asked insightful questions about my techniques and inspirations. Your approach created a warm and familiar atmosphere, and I felt comfortable sharing my story with you and your listeners.

 Thank you for the incredible work you do in promoting and supporting artists like myself, and for giving us the opportunity to share my passion with your audience. I fully support your efforts and look forward to the possibility of future interviews with you.

 Namaste,

Lammie

 D. LAMMIE-HANSON

Contemporary Metalpoint and Painter

2/4/2023

 Don Widmer (on Instragram) donwidmerpaperarts

I enjoyed my conversation with Larry and Ester for @artontheairnwi .
They asked some great questions (I hadn’t thought about the art I did in elementary school for decades).
Check it out at:
https://www.lakeshorepublicradio.org/show/art-on-the-air/2023-02-14/art-on-the-air-february-26-2023

or

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/810025328/art-on-the-air

  #donwidmerpaperarts #pulppainting #handmadepaper #artontheair #lakeshorepublicradio 
  #artistinterview #fortheloveofartfair

2/3/2023

Art on the Air is a significant asset to the Northwest Indiana community.  I am not only a  listener but also was interviewed as an artist.  The two interviewers, Esther and Larry are kind and always give a positive outlook and that makes the show so enjoyable.  It's a gem and uplifts the spirit.

I also  want to mention how important art is to our community.  When Art on the Air broadcasts, there are budding artists of all ages listening.  I have been contacted by listeners asking me about my art and how I started as they would like to paint, or make but haven't had the confidence to do so.

There are  many shows and podcasts to choose from and Art on the Air is a great choice as it is valuable and fun.  We really need this good news today !  Thanks for providing.

 Sincerely,

Dorothy Graden

 Thanks !! 
https://www.dorothygraden.com

Dorothy Graden Artist LLC

2/3/2023

I have listened to Art on the Air with Larry and Ester for several years. Their show makes an essential contribution to the art ecosystem of our region and opens the possibilities of engagement in the arts to their audience. In the past year, my partner and I have been guests on the show to speak about exhibitions we curated; it was a wonderful experience; they were informed about our topic and asked great questions. As interviewers, they are warm and curious, which makes the show fun for everyone. 

Linda Dorman

DORMAN + TORLUEMKE

Facebook / Social Media comments 

Carrie Miller Bedwell
Last week I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Larry A Brechner and Ester Golden on Art On The Air regarding
Listen to your Mother Northwest Indiana !

Thanks so much for having me! Your dedication to the arts is outstanding and appreciated!

Listen to the interview here: Listen to a ART ON THE AIR interview about "Listen To Your Mother" with Carrie Miller Bedwell at: https://brech.com/aota/spots/Spot_Carrie_Bedwell_Listen_Mother_3-29-2023.mp3

Meg Demakas
Thanks for your wonderful radio show.

Edda Taylor Photographie
With every good wish ! don’t stop we need your program !

Karen M. Maravilla
I really appreciate and enjoy your interviews! In a world filled with so much negativity, your shows are uplifting!

 Suzy Vance
Karen M. Maravilla totally agree!

Edda Taylor Photographie
Love your shows !!!  We all do ! please don’t stop !!!

  
Karen M. Maravilla

I am looking forward to tuning in!
So glad that you were featured Chad Clifford 
I just saw Chad Clifford perform at Northwoods Falls! Dana Conti and her hubby are hosting great music there!
Chad has been one of my faves for many years! Looking forward to tuning 

Patti DeNucci
Congratulations! And thanks for your service, Larry A Brechner!

Karen M. Maravilla
A GEM in N.W. Indiana...including you!

Carri Cole
Congratulations! You've done great

Mary LeVan    Lakeshore Public Radio Member
You do good work!
We love what you do!

 Leslie Green Schlesinger       
I just listened to the interview!!!! It was SPECTACULAR! You and Ester are amazing,
you really ask great questions and you work so well together!
It flows so beautifully! I know that doesn't "just happen" that's called talent and skill!