Art Talk with April: Recent Episodes
April M Harris of Inked April
Artist advocate and supporter, April M Harris, discusses the deeper fears and obstacles that artists face in the industry and their process. Part vlog and part interview, Listen in on discussions that dive deep into the artist’s heart and mind.
Kait Steward is an artist and educator located in Huntsville, Alabama. She currently instructs Art Appreciation courses at a local community college, and spends her summer working with the Commonwealth Honors Academy at Murray State University. She keeps a studio at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment (325), with a practice that involves photography, drawing, and painting. Her work deals with themes like human connection, the landscape, and everyday interaction. She is a firm believer that making is magical, and creativity is essential. Kait is originally from Uniontown, Kentucky. She grew up in a rural community located on the Ohio river between corn fields and coal mines. She completed her Bachelors of Fine Arts at Murray State University in 2019. In May of 2023, she completed her Master of Fine Arts in Painting through Southern Illinois University. Her work has been exhibited nationally. Outside of academics she enjoys traveling, paranormal stories, reading, all things music, and spending time with her loved ones.
Laura Moore, a Dothan, Alabama native, is an artist whose works primarily feature acrylic, gouache, and resin on canvas. Inspired by the intricate beauty of chinoiserie, her pieces offer a contemporary take on this European style that celebrates Chinese art and design.
Website: www.LexieAustinArt.comSocials: Facebook.com/LexieAustinArt Instagram.com/LexieAustinArt
Beth McKay is a multi-faceted artist with disciplines in oil painting, watercolor, screen-printing, acrylic, mixed media and graphic design. Beth began her formal training in art at the University of Montevallo which led her to pursue a degree in Art Education from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Her studies concentrated in Graphic Design, Painting, and Education. She earned her Teaching Certification in 2018 and currently holds a Class B Visual Arts P-12 certification. She has worked professionally as a Graphic Designer, Social Media Marketing and an Art Teacher. Beth McKay currently operates out of Studio 261 at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville, AL.
Rebecca Tully Fulmer is a visual artist based in Birmingham, Alabama, whose interdisciplinary practice explores the material life of images through lens-based media, collage, and fiber techniques. Working primarily with transparent and reflective materials, Fulmer transforms photographs into layered, dimensional forms that exist between image and object. Her work invites viewers into an active perceptual experience where light becomes both medium and collaborator—shifting, refracting, and revealing the image anew with each change in perspective.Fulmer holds a BA in Interior Design from Auburn University's School of Architecture and an MFA from Lesley University Art + Design. Her recent solo exhibition, Light in Tandem, was presented at the Gadsden Museum of Art in Alabama.https://www.rebeccatullyfulmer.art/https://www.instagram.com/rebeccatullyfulmer/
Xavier Adams is a photographer and aspiring cinematographer based in Huntsville, Alabama. Raised as an Army brat before settling in Augusta, Georgia, Xavier graduated with a B.A. in Film/Video Production from Georgia State University in 2020.After graduating, Xavier pursued film photography to flesh out his creativity while working in the public sector. He initially began photography in 2015, but it wasn’t until he started shooting 35mm film in 2021 that it became a full-fledged creative hobby. Furthermore, he views it as an opportunity to build community before returning to the film industry. He primarily operates in a self-made darkroom to develop film and photographic prints.Xavier’s photographs have been exhibited in numerous places, such as the Huntsville Museum of Art (2023), Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (2025), Huntsville City Hall (2025), and “Framing the Future: a Black Photographers’ Gallery” in Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater (2025).
Holli Conger is a professional illustrator, found object artist and licensing artist in Winston-Salem, NC. Holli shares her journey through many different creative industries, working with agents, finding the work you would like to make and more!
Holli Conger is a professional illustrator, found object artist and licensing artist in Winston-Salem, NC. Holli shares her journey through many different creative industries, working with agents, finding the work you would like to make and more!
I'm Kitty Smothers and I have been painting portraits and fine art professionally for over 26 years. I live in South Alabama with my husband, two daughters and two dachshunds.I earned a B.A. in Studio Art from Troy University, and later a Masters of Science in Counseling and Psychology. I apprenticed under world-renowned artist Nall Hollis, constructing frames for his intricate paintings and learning drawing and painting techniques. I founded the Pike County Art Guild where local artists collaborate, learn and support one another. I believe the art community should be a place where all artists feel encouraged and cheered on.My artwork started as personal portrait paintings until people began asking me to paint portraits, places and pets for them. I also love painting scenes from around the countryside and gardens. I have a crazy passion for painting and my favorite thing of all is handing over a piece of artwork to a happy client.
Casey Roberts is textile artist and poet living in Perry County. Trained by artist June Carlton in painting and their great-grandmother in sewing, they started in visual art before turning to garment-making. Their art is informed by growing up queer and remaining in the rural Black Belt of Alabama. Incorporating antique textiles, painted elements, and doll-making into wearable art and more is of particular interest. We are the sum of time: the resilience, the degradation, the patina all testify to a present informed by the past. Textiles are not only a shield from time, but a window into its passage.
Challiss’ circuitous art journey includes working a stint as a window decorator in Berlin in 1992, working with a team to paint endangered species murals for the Center for Biological Diversity in Tennessee and Alabama, and teaching art (mostly drawing) to all age groups. Challiss received a “Window of Opportunity Award” from the Leeway Foundation in 2000, an Alabama State Council of the Arts grant in 2005, was included in the Juror’s Pick / New American Paintings, Southeast Edition 2015. Challiss has exhibited her work in Portland, Oregon and Phnom Penh, Cambodia among other places in the Southeast.. Challiss collaborated with scientist, Dr Rick Strassman, on illustrations for his latest novel, released December 2024, Altered States: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth, published by Simon & Scheuster.
Hi, my name is Shawn Fitzwater, the artist behind Fitz Signs & Murals.Growing up I always enjoyed drawing and sketching. I would draw anything from cartoon characters to design layouts for my dream home. These self-taught skills from a very early age have molded me into the artist that I am today. Never could I have imagined that I would be making a living through art!In early 2018, I decided that I wanted to try and paint a mural on my children's bedroom wall. This was the first time attempting something at this scale and I also had very little experience using a paintbrush! Painting was a whole new world to me as I had always been a pad and pencil kind of guy. I also thought that this would be fun to do as a business, painting kids walls and nurseries because I enjoyed painting colorful characters.
yumedyne is an artist based in Huntsville, AL, whose work is a bold exploration of symbolism, mythology, and raw emotion. They blend street art aesthetics with surreal, dreamlike narratives, using vivid colors, layered textures, and expressive figures to create immersive compositions that challenge the viewer's perception of reality. Their works evoke a sense of mystery, rebellion, and introspection, incorporating cryptic text, iconic imagery, and abstract elements that feel both personal and universal. Whether painted, drawn, or sewn, their style exudes a punk-like DIY energy that is at once chaotic and deeply intentional.
Christina Wegman is a mostly self-taught Huntsville artist and small business owner. Born in 1985 in Northridge, California, she grew up in Madison County and has lived and traveled across the US, Canada, and Europe (including several years of splitting time between Alabama and Germany). Her work has been displayed by the Huntsville Art League, Arts Huntsville, and many other galleries and businesses in and around town such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Church Street Wine Shoppe, Harrison Brothers, and Alabama Goods. Her work has also been displayed in Decatur, AL at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and The Cupboard. She has painted two murals in Downtown Huntsville, including the very popular Alley Cats on the Clinton Row Color Walk. In 2018, she had the honor of being selected to be the Panoply poster artist, and later in the year collaborated with the Huntsville Historic Foundation on the Color Me Huntsville coloring book released in summer 2019 and did a second coloring book with the Historic Foundation in 2021. Her contemplations on her many interests often combine to form new styles and themes, but after running a gallery in Downtown Huntsville over the course of 4.5 years, a large amount of her work focuses on Huntsville scenes and historic landmarks, as well as the beauty and poetry of North Alabama in general.Christina is an avid reader, language learner, pianist, nature-lover, and supporter of local businesses and artists. Her interests extend to architecture and creative place-making; her goal is to pursue projects that allow her to transform her ideas into reality, and expand her understanding of her interests and her world.
Sam Roberts is a Birmingham born interdisciplinary artist, informal educator, and curator. They graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with their Bachelor of Fines Arts. Sam currently works as the Youth Program Coordinator at Studio by the Tracks, the assistant gallerist at Canary Gallery, and as a teaching artist with UABs Artplay and various independent partnerships.Their creative process blends organized chaos with research, helping them explore themes of healing trauma, identity, neurodiversity, processing, and connection. Through a balance of conceptual planning and intuitive practices, Sam delves into layered approaches to art, using their work to process emotions, thoughts, and understand the world around them. They've been heavily experimenting with upcycling fabrics into new things and various mixed media processes.
Rosie Fitzgerrel is a landscape and figure painter and graphic designer whose paintings study the influence and interruption of natural world by humanity and presents the meeting of these two elements as a neutral observer. Her vibrant works are primarily created with vinyl emulsion paint, as well as gouache and oil pastels. The abstraction of components within her work is informed by her experience as a graphic designer.
Rosie Fitzgerrel is a landscape and figure painter and graphic designer whose paintings study the influence and interruption of natural world by humanity and presents the meeting of these two elements as a neutral observer. Her vibrant works are primarily created with vinyl emulsion paint, as well as gouache and oil pastels. The abstraction of components within her work is informed by her experience as a graphic designer.
Amanda (she/her) is a textile artist specializing in sustainability and natural dyeing. After a decade in New York City’s art and fashion scenes, she moved to Eufaula, Alabama, in 2021 to reconnect with nature and focus on her family. This transition deepened her commitment to organic materials and eco-conscious practices.Inspired by motherhood, Amanda explores plant-based dyes and the longevity of textiles, blending traditional techniques with modern design. Her work celebrates change, sustainability, and our bond with the natural world. She is passionate about preserving textile heritage while innovating with natural processes.Amanda’s artistic journey began early, studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design. She has exhibited at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts, where she won a Merit Award in 2023, as well as Bells Gallery and the Fearrington Art Show. Through her evolving practice, she continues to create meaningful, sustainable art.
Isabel Marie Atha is a 23 year old Animation graduate from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. In her last semester, she fell in love with tattoo art, and rapidly switched her portfolio concentration from video game concept art to tattoo designs. Her passion for game art never quite left her, though, and she’s a proud developer for the indie game “Phantasmal Reality” which was nominated by UAH for consideration in the BAFTA Student Awards. Isabel is inspired by all things creepy, medical, and surreal, but also dainty and feminine. Her portfolio is built around beautiful women, bugs, and biological phenomena. She’s inspired by pop surrealist painters like Camilla d’Errico and gothic manga masterminds like Yana Toboso and Junji Ito. She’s a proud workaholic who’s almost always at her jobs, saving up money for a tattoo apprenticeship— but when she’s not working, painting, collaborating with Team Phantasmal, or designing merchandise, she’s probably watching films with her friends and making extensive tier lists about them.
A fascinating conversation with Holly Meyers, the owner of the Dothan AL gallery "The Bells Gallery"
Fascinating discussion with Amita Bhakta about her work, heritage, indian culture and our footprint as artists in the world
Meet the amazing artist Ashley Chancellor, the lead curator of Free Art Bham and Free Art PC!
A great conversation with Birmingham artist Morgan Jones Johnston about her experiences as an artist and her advise through the many artist's challenges.
Excellent conversation with artist Chris Wade of Huntsville, AL. Chris creates these amazing surreal ethereal space paintings that are inspired by his dreams. In this interview we talk about how his work has evolved over the year, different mediums he is trying, changes in color palette, networking opportunities and his thoughts on Generative AI.
Excellent conversation with artist Chris Wade of Huntsville, AL. Chris creates these amazing surreal ethereal space paintings that are inspired by his dreams. In this interview we talk about how his work has evolved over the year, different mediums he is trying, changes in color palette, networking opportunities and his thoughts on Generative AI.
Valerie and I talk about her artist journey, Criticisms by fellow artists, pricing work and more
Justin and I talk about his artist journey, Generative AI and Advice for artists starting out
Heather Baumbach is a textile artist living in northern Alabama. It was an absolute pleasure to learn about her artistic journey, exploration of mediums, being a mother artist and the ends and outs of collaboration.
Fascinating conversation with the multi-passionate artist, Lynette Melnyk. Such incredible insights and conversation!
Fascinating conversation with the multi-passionate artist, Lynette Melnyk. Such incredible insights and conversation!
Fascinating discussion about mediums, technique, subject matter and more with the amazing Tracy Ingham
Wonderful discussion around working through illness, inventing mediums and processes and marketing the unusual.
Wonderful conversation with multimedia abstract artist Misty Granade. We talk about design troubles, fun with supplies, community, how to experience abstract art and more!
A fun conversation about competitiveness, collaboration, and community with the wonderful multidisciplinary artist Kimberly Hart
A wonderful discussion with artist and educator Aynslee Moon Smithee. Aynslee is a mom, educator, artist and pastor. We discuss her journey as an artist and mom, creating meaningful work, finding time to create and more!
Cat Schappach is an amazing surrealist artist who specializes in the unusual and symbolic. Her work features the female form amongst morphing imagery that is both magical and deeply meaningful. Cat is often times struck by the stories and happenings of our world and she pulls in those emotional themes through her symbolism. She also treasures and is energized by the young artists she teaches throughout the year. She breaks molds and lets their young minds wonder and grow as she leads them through.
Guest Host Véronique (Véro) Vanblaere interviews April Harris, the artist and host of Art Talk with April. We talk about the design industry, self-confidence and supporting other artists.
In this episode I talk with British Columbia oil painter, Caprice Hogg about painting, teaching, finding time to make art, getting a habit of making something daily and so much more!
A wonderful conversation with artist Natalie Henderson on making pen and ink drawings on the relationships between humans and nature
All you ever wanted to know about colored pencils, drawing animals and pets, and beginning an artistic journey.
Great conversation with Jeff Dailey, all about his toy photography process, setup, ideation, and more. We also hit on the subject of Artists supporting Artists
A wonderful conversation with artist Jeane Vogel on making art that speaks to the things that matter. Creating conversations about equality in the art world.
A wonderful conversion about the importance of letting go of the "shoulds", embracing who you are and creating an art dialogue
A wonderful discussion with Rita Burkholder about the many obstacles we face as artists. From having a multitude of creative interests and "mediums" to not being pressured into the "typical" lifestyle instead of making art.
A fascinating discussion with the very talented Gloria Aitken. We discuss everything from the artist with chronic illness to overcoming anxiety
Amanda Banks is an interdisciplinary artist local to Huntsville, AL. Her inspiration comes from the pattern language of life and her artistic practice examines how patterns can be recontextualized to create new realities.
A fantastic discussion about silversmithing, how teachers can affect the trajectory of our creative journey and work through problems to a solution with Genevieve Flynn
A fascinating trip into the world of photography with artist and photographer, Dan Hollenbaugh of Capitalist Tools.
David Lozeau is a figurative painter who creates unique, expressive skeleton characters and puts a modern, Lowbrow twist on traditional Dia de los Muertos iconography.
In this episode of ArtTalk, I interview interdisciplinary artist, Aaryn Lee. She takes us through her inspiration, how she came about her vision and so much more! Really enjoyed Aaryn's story and she is such an inspiration.
We had a great discussion as I got to know Walter and his artists journey. "Nothing too deep" he says about his process. However, Walter is amassing thousands of clever, humorous, and entertaining artworks. He gives us a glimpse into his thinking and perspective, which is absolutely refreshing.
Jenny paints with acrylics and oils. She is inspired by so much in this world! Flowers, nature, color, animals, and so much more. Her work is very colorful. Color makes her happy and she wants her audience to feel that joy that she feels when she paints.
Vero is a local interdisciplinary artist that has such a colorful, quirky and imaginative style. She was the owner of the first local art gallery that featured both functional and illustrative types of art. I was honored to be one of her artists before she closed. Since the days of Naked Art Gallery, she has been focusing on her art and traveling to beautiful places worldwide.
We discuss experimenting with different mediums, the power of networking as an artist, the business side of being an artist and excellent advice for those who are interested in being a professional artist. So so good you guys!!
Amber has set off on THE big artist's adventure! She is looking for new beginnings and is set on the path of living a successful artist's life.
You can find Marmaduke Davenport’s workhere:
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Find out more about Melissa B. Tubbs, her art process, advice on art supplies, and much much more!
Kitty and I talk about everything from failures in portraiture to fighting the negative voices to favorite artists and books.
We talk about everything! Classes, mistakes, messes and more! A fun and chatty interview with the lovely Suzanne Noble
April talks about why she started this podcast, the goals for the content and how social media helps artists.
An impromptu interview with my dear son, Aidan. He enjoys so much art, nature, and music. He shares with us his experiences as an artist, how to draw a crab, AND a spur-of-the-moment vocal performance inspired by Halloween.