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Unbelievably, it’s been a year and a half since federal arts funding and humanities grants across the U.S. were abruptly canceled. In the wake of this decision, arts organizations and cultural institutions have scaled back or even halted their work altogether. Despite a general atmosphere of uncertainty, many are fighting back, determined to persevere. Since its inception, Crewest Studio—the production house behind NOT REAL ART and its sister organization, ArtsvilleUSA—has pursued one core mission: to help artists tell their stories and promote their work. Led by Scott “Sourdough” Power, Crewest has produced podcasts, launched television projects, and published books, all self-funded and free from paywalls, subscriptions, or advertising. Now, Crewest Studio is entering a new era with the launch of Arterial, a nonprofit grantmaking arm designed to keep artists’ stories alive and accessible to everyone. Today, Scott sits down with Morgan Laurens, editor-in-chief for both NOT REAL ART and ArtsvilleUSA, to talk about fiscal sponsorship, grantmaking, and the future of arts funding. Episode Credits Hosts: Scott “Sourdough” Power Guest: Morgan Laurens, editor-in-chief, NOT REAL ART, ArtsvilleUSA Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles Fiscal Sponsorship: Arterial Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to NOT REAL ART and follow on Instagram for coverage of the latest projects and exhibitions.

Joseph O’Connell launched Creative Machines from his garage over two decades ago with a mission: Create objects and environments that encourage creativity, support social interaction, and inspire confidence. Since then, the Tucson-based design and fabrication firm has ballooned in size and scope, creating and installing over 100 public artworks for clients on seven continents. Today, Creative Machines is famed for its interactive exhibitions, kinetic sculptures, light installations, and a commitment to community engagement. They even test their projects by having everyone from schoolchildren to retired engineers “play with the art and call out the BS” before anything leaves the studio. We sat down with Joseph O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Creative Machines, to talk about the economics of public art, his new nonprofit playground in Tucson, and his studio’s entry in our summer exhibition, 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S. Contacts & Socials Website: https://www.creativemachines.com Instagram: @creativemachines LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-machines Episode Credits Host: Scott “Sourdough” Power Guest: Joseph O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Creative Machines, featured artist in 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S. Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to NOT REAL ART, and follow us on Instagram for more coverage of the 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Marcus Brown crafts objects—sometimes monumental, sometimes intimate—that blend history, technology, and ritual. His work urges viewers to confront the unseen: memory, sound, and the stories buried beneath everyday footpaths. Marcus’ “Human Universal Musical Sculpture (HUMS)” was selected to represent Louisiana in 250: A Celebration of Public Art in America, our summer exhibition with CODAworx, the leading platform for the public art industry. Inspired by the electric hum of the human body, this interactive sound sculpture invites the public to trigger harmonic resonances through touch, a testament to Marcus’ ability to fuse old-world craftsmanship with the bleeding edge of innovation. But Marcus doesn’t make monuments that merely commemorate. With his ongoing project Slavery Trails, he maps America’s suppressed histories using augmented reality, turning street corners and parks into digital memorials that demand attention from passersby. In conversation, Marcus sifts through the spiritual mechanics of making, the ghosts of New Orleans, and the responsibility of placing memory in plain sight. Contacts & Socials Website: https://artistmarcus.com Instagram: @paintwithmusic Facebook: @artistmarcusbrown Episode Credits Host: Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power Guest: Marcus Brown, sculptor and educator, featured artist in 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S. Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to NOT REAL ART, and follow us on Instagram for more coverage of the 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.

Twelve years in, Toni Sikes shows no signs of slowing down. As founder and CEO of CODAworx—the leading platform for the public art industry—she has shepherded the ecosystem from ‘90s print directories to a global digital network representing over $13 billion in projects. For Independence Day 2026, CODAworx teamed with NOT REAL ART and nonprofit Arterial to launch 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.—an ambitious online exhibition featuring one artwork from each state, plus Puerto Rico and DC. Curated by NOT REAL ART’s Kirsten Bengtson-Lykoudis and powered by CODAworx’s extensive artist network, 250 is already live online and will remain available for all to explore indefinitely. How did this partnership come together? Toni and NOT REAL ART/Arterial founder Scott “Sourdough” Power unpack the vision behind 250, swap stories from the front lines of public art, and make the case for why murals, installations, festivals, and even giant flamingos belong at the heart of the American experience. See the 250 exhibition: Explore all 52 works online. Episode Credits Host: Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power Guest: Toni Sikes, CEO and founder of CODAworx, advocate for big art and public art’s economic power. Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to NOT REAL ART for future episodes, follow us on Instagram, and tag your favorite public art using #FirstFridays250.

Baltimore’s harbor is calm, but resident artist Joan Cox is gathering momentum. Since her last appearance with NOT REAL ART, she’s been named a finalist for the Baker Artist Award, recognized among London’s Top 100 International Artists, and seen her intimate portraits circulate through exhibitions and publications. A past NOT REAL ART grant winner (2022), Joan is known for capturing the “energy field” of love between women. Now, her work takes center stage in NOT REAL ART’s Modern Love exhibition, running online at notrealart.com this spring. In conversation with host Scott “Sourdough” Power, Joan reflects on the work of recording contemporary queer intimacy. She describes her process, from asking strangers to sit for her, to searching for the subtle charge that passes between couples, all while managing the demands of a full-time career and raising a middle-schooler. Her canvases are lush and unscripted, dense with narrative detail—bedroom Buddhas, floral wallpaper in the corner of a bar. Beneath the surface, each painting offers an act of correction, adding a page to art history where overlooked couples are seen, valued, and, at last, collected. Where to Connect & Experience See Joan Cox’s latest work in Modern Love. Follow Joan on Instagram for in-progress shots and behind-the-scenes studio news. Learn more about the NOT REAL ART Grant. Episode Credits Host: Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power Guest: Joan Cox, Baltimore-based painter focused on queer intimacy, identity, and representation; NOT REAL ART grant winner. Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social Subscribe to NOT REAL ART for future episodes, follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation.

Michael Moore was one of the first artists to hit the NOT REAL ART airwaves, and he’s just as unpredictable now as he was then. A mainstay of the Chicagoland art scene, Michael is best known for his madcap “Frankenstein” machines: kinetic assemblages built from scrap steel, blinking warning lights, and whatever vintage oddities he can scavenge, all pieced together in his garage. These days, the self-taught tinkerer and lifelong musician has a new twist in his story: He’s a finalist for the People’s Artist competition, a wild card contest backed by Johnny Depp, Artforum, and the nonprofit Art of Elysium. The prize? Twenty-five grand, a spread in Artforum, and a moment in the LA spotlight at Elysium Salon, all decided by public vote. If you’re reading this, you can tip the scales by voting for Michael here. On this episode, Michael and host Scott “Sourdough” Power talk about the evolving world of people-powered art, the highs and lows of chasing votes, and why Michael still can’t quite believe his “cremation station”—one of his signature contraptions in the running—might just be his ticket to the big time.

Los Angeles doesn’t do subtle, and neither does Carmen Zella. For over two decades, she’s been yanking art out of the gallery and into the city, mixing it with technology and letting it spill onto LA’s streets. Carmen leads NOW Art, an agency that fuses art, architecture, technology, and community—sometimes all at once. She also co-founded NXT Art Foundation, the nonprofit arm of NOW Art, with a mission to shake up public spaces and reimagine how we experience the city together. The goal: break art out of the museum and let it breathe in LA’s neighborhoods. She’s collaborated with artists like Refik Anadol and Nancy Baker Cahill, launched citywide experiments like Luminex and Attune, and found ways to connect artists, neighbors, and city officials who might never have crossed paths. If you’ve ever paused on a sidewalk in LA, caught off guard by a burst of color or light, chances are Carmen had a hand in it. In our conversation, Carmen talks about what’s shifting in LA’s art scene, what makes public art both a thrill and a grind, and why cities need to stop micromanaging artists.

Houston might be known for its outsized personality, but every two years, during FotoFest, the city becomes a swirling epicenter of photographic art from around the globe. This year, to mark 40 years of pushing the boundaries of photography, FotoFest’s 2026 biennial, Global Visions, is bringing together a dizzying array of artists from over 58 countries. But what does it take to wrangle over 450 artists and hundreds of works into a two-month citywide celebration? Enter Chris Wicker, the unflappable exhibitions manager at FotoFest, and, as it turns out, an obsessive media-sampler, self-diagnosed denim junkie, and master of absurdist art. In this episode, Chris unpacks the coordination behind “Houston’s global photo party” and how his own art practice peels back the layers of Southern culture, NASCAR rituals, and the unstoppable flood of American consumerism. Episode Credits Host: Scott 'Sourdough' Power Guest: Chris Wicker Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles Theme Music: Ricky Pajot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social Subscribe to NOT REAL ART for more creativity, culture, and chaos. Leave us a review, share the show, and remember: Make it weird, y’all!

What happens when you stare fear in the face and choose to laugh? Filmmaker Zinzi Gugu Johnson joins host Scott “Sourdough” Power to discuss “Fears,” her new short film that turns American anxieties into darkly humorous cinema. Don’t miss this surprisingly funny episode on embracing your fears as fuel.

On today's episode, we're diving into a wild and totally unexpected topic: the intersection of art and adult entertainment, sparked by a hilarious story about our own "Not Real Art" sticker showing up in a porno scene. Yep, you heard that right! We will explore the quirky synchronicity of how our little brand made its way into a billion-dollar industry and forces the question: is pornography not real art? So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let's talk porno!

Artist and podcaster Tyler Ramsey joins us today to dive into the vibrant world of creativity and the power of choice in happiness. In this episode, we explore how Tyler transitioned from a chaotic career in Hollywood to a fulfilling life as a visual artist, emphasizing that being happy is a conscious choice we all can make, even when life throws its curveballs. We chat about his unique artistic process, from finger painting to using multimedia elements like wood and neon, and how his experiences in recovery have shaped his art and outlook on life. Expect a fun and insightful conversation filled with humor, anecdotes, and a whole lot of heart as we navigate the intersection of art, authenticity, and personal growth. Links referenced in this episode: notrealart.compainfullessons.comadoptogether.org

Buckle up, folks, because today's episode of Not Real Art is a real eye-opener! Our beloved host Sourdough is back, and he’s dishing out some spicy takes on why the art market appears to be hitting a rough patch. With a blend of playful humor and serious analysis, he dives into the current state of galleries closing their doors and sales figures that are making everyone a bit jittery. What’s the deal? Sourdough proposes that we’re witnessing a fundamental shift as the baton is passed from the boomer generation to the millennials. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a cultural shift that’s reshaping the very fabric of the art world. As he navigates through the conversation, Sourdough highlights that millennials are not just inheriting a market built on the boomer’s dreams; they’re actively rejecting it in favor of their own creative expressions. They’re proving that you don’t need to drop stacks of cash on a piece of art to appreciate it or to have a meaningful connection with it. This generation is all about supporting local artists and finding joy in affordable pieces that resonate with their personal tastes. It’s a refreshing perspective that challenges the traditional notions of art as an elitist pursuit reserved for the wealthy. Sourdough doesn’t shy away from calling out the stagnation in the art market—he points out that the same old models are no longer serving the majority of artists or buyers. With a lack of innovation and a failure to engage younger audiences, the art world risks becoming obsolete. He urges a reevaluation of how we connect artists with buyers, especially at the entry level, where most people are still dipping their toes into the world of art. With humor and heart, this episode invites listeners to rethink their relationship with art and to embrace a future that is more inclusive, innovative, and vibrant. So grab your headphones and get ready to rethink everything you knew about the art market! Takeaways: The Not Real Art podcast is all about celebrating creative culture and fresh ideas, aimed at inspiring listeners to appreciate art beyond the traditional boundaries. We're tackling the big question of why the art market is crashing, diving into how economic cycles and political uncertainty are reshaping the landscape. Millennials are shaking things up by rejecting the expensive art market of their boomer predecessors, opting for art that resonates with them personally rather than just what’s deemed valuable. The podcast highlights a seismic demographic shift as millennials and younger generations become the new driving force in the art world, leaving behind the old models. In a world where boomers are aging out, the art market faces a fundamental transformation because millennials and Gen Z aren’t buying into the old ways of doing things. We discuss the lack of innovation in the art market over the past decades, emphasizing the importance of attracting new buyers and fresh ideas to keep the industry alive. Links referenced in this episode: notrelart.comarterial.org Companies mentioned in this episode: Arterial Crewest Studio Not Real Art Parlor Social Captivate

Dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket and a mug of cider (or a pumpkin spice latte, if you prefer), and settle in for three tales of terror from our Art World Horror Stories series. First on the chopping block is Mellyssa Diggs, a brand identity designer whose passion for social justice quickly spiraled into a nightmare of cyberbullying and social media censorship. Next, we turn to Asheville-based artist Wendy Newman. Last fall, her life was upended by Hurricane Helene, which not only obliterated her gallery but also displaced countless artists in her community. Finally, we meet painter Jacobina Oele, another Asheville artist, whose masterpiece was mangled beyond recognition at the hands of an unscrupulous gallery owner.  Presented by NOT REAL ART’s parent company, Crewest Studio, Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. In today’s crossover episode, we delve into the spine-chilling stories usually reserved for the spookiest podcast in Crewest’s network. How You Can Get Involved Listen: 5 Practical Tips From 30 Years of Art World HorrorListen: Muralist Amandalynn Took a Great FallVisit the Art World Horror Stories website.Visit Mellyssa Diggs on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.Visit Wendy Newman on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.Visit Jacobina Oele on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.Learn more about Crewest Studio and our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power.Submit a horror story for 2026. About Art World Horror Stories and Crewest Studio  Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. The series is produced by Crewest Studio, an independent company specializing in entertainment media, publishing, and experiential content, serving a diverse network of professional creatives and enthusiasts. With a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire, the studio recognizes the significance of the $2 trillion creative economy and the 30 million professionals within it. At the helm are co-founders Scott "Sourdough" Power, a seasoned leader with decades of experience, and Man One, a passionate artist dedicated to the transformative power of art in society.  Follow NOT REAL ART WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube Thanks for listening! Subscribe, share, and support creative culture! Episode artwork: David Schwartz.

On May 3, hundreds of arts organizations across the US opened their inboxes to an abrupt notice: their NEA grant applications had either been denied or rescinded. Among them, Art21, the New York nonprofit that produces the beloved public television series Art in the Twenty-First Century, lost an $85,000 grant to support the production of seasons 12 and 13. In today’s episode, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with Lolita Fierro, Director of Development at Art21, to discuss the triumphant premiere of Season 12 (Oct.17), despite executive orders defunding the NEA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier this year. Together, they unpack the season’s first episode, “Between Worlds,” which features artists whose practices explore the space between the self and the other, reflect on histories of migration, borders, and displacement, incorporate knowledge across disciplines, and create human connections across difference. Together, Scott and Lolita Unpack… The upcoming premiere of Art in the Twenty-First Century, Season 12, on Oct. 17, 2025Art21’s new social-first series, IRL, focusing on artists working in both online and offline spacesThe second biannual film festival in New York, which included premieres, panel discussions, and behind-the-scenes insightsWhy Art21 is an essential educational resource that supports teachers and lifelong learnersThe challenges and rewards of securing support for nonprofit art organizationsThe concept of art as “soul food”—exploring its spiritual and philosophical significance beyond market value and investment  How You Can Get Involved With Art21 Watch the trailer for Season 12 of Art in the Twenty-First Century.Explore over 600 films with no paywall and global accessibility.Register to host an Art21 Screening Society screening event.Discover tools for educators.Watch Art21.live, an always-on broadcast channel featuring high-quality, hand-selected video programming on contemporary art and artists.Support Art21; donations of any size are meaningful. About Art21 and Lolita Fierro Art21 is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to contemporary art through documentary films, educational resources, and public programs. With a mission to inspire a more creative and inclusive world, Art21 produces award-winning films that highlight groundbreaking contemporary artists. Its flagship PBS series, Art in the Twenty-First Century, along with digital shorts like "Extended Play" and "New York Close Up," engages millions of viewers worldwide. Art21 also offers free materials and professional development programs for educators and hosts community film screenings globally, making contemporary art accessible to all. Lolita Fierro, the Director of Development at Art21, plays a vital role in overseeing the organization’s annual operating budget and donor engagement strategies. Under her leadership, Art21 has launched its first gala, revitalized events programming, and strengthened its patron programs to connect supporters with artists and cultural communities. Fierro also spearheads "Art21 for Everyone," the organization’s inaugural capacity-building campaign to enhance operations and expand reach. With a background in graphic design, marketing, and art history from the University of Texas at El Paso, she previously held key roles at ArtTable and the Chinati Foundation, further enriching her expertise in fundraising and arts advocacy. WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokX (Twitter) Follow NOT REAL ART WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube Thanks for listening! Subscribe, share, and support creative culture!

Throughout history, figures like Jane Goodall, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci have stood out as polymaths—individuals driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and expertise across a multitude of fields. This week, we welcome Hans Fjellestad, a member of their esteemed ranks. A true Renaissance man, Hans's talents span music, film, and education. In our conversation, Hans walks us through his artistic evolution, starting with his classical piano background and progressing into the realm of experimental electronic compositions. Along the way, he shares stories from his experiences in documentary filmmaking, including insights from acclaimed projects such as Moog and a recent work centered on the sculptor Luis Bermudez. As Hans and Scott delve deeper into the conversation, they explore the roots of creativity, the fascinating interplay between music and language, and the chaotic beauty of performing live in front of an audience. For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/hans-fjellestad