Behind the Masterpiece on Florida’s Cultural Coast

White Plume Productions Brings Naga-Mandala to Life

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, Brian Hersh sits down with director Salil Singh to explore Naga Mandala, the visually striking and deeply layered production from White Plume Productions. Rooted in the work of acclaimed Indian playwright Girish Karnad, this story weaves mythology, music, movement, and live storytelling into an immersive theatrical experience inside the Circus Arts Conservatory. Salil shares what it means to launch a new nonprofit in Sarasota with a bold cross-cultural vision, why this particular play continues to call him back, and how artists from different backgrounds are coming together to build something meaningful. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Salil Singh, White Plume Productions, Director of Naga-Mandala
(00:55) What is White Plume Productions?
(02:15) How did you select Naga-Mandala?
(06:00) About Naga-Mandala
(08:50) Performing in the Sailor Circus Arena
(11:50) What are you learning in rehearsal?
(15:00) How does a production like this add to the cultural landscape of Sarasota?
(17:30) What’s next for White Plume?
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Building Community Through Art with Venice Art Center CEO Mary Moscatelli

In this episode of Sarasota’s Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin sits down with Mary Moscatelli, CEO of the Venice Art Center, to explore what it really takes to build a thriving community arts hub. Mary shares how her background in mental health shaped her leadership style, why community energy matters as much as the art itself, and how the Venice Art Center has grown into a cultural destination with hundreds of classes, exhibitions, and artists each year. From supporting local creatives to hosting beloved events like the Martini Art Party, this conversation offers an inside look at how art can connect, heal, and inspire an entire region.
https://veniceartcenter.com/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Mary Moscatelli, Chief Executive Director of Venice Art Center
(01:05) What is the Venice Art Center?
(02:00) When did Mary join the Art Center?
(03:00) Art Center Store
(04:30) Organizational culture
(05:20) How did art come into Mary’s life?
(07:30) Artini Event and restaurant support
(09:40) Come take a class at Venice Art Center
(12:25) What does Mary do for fun?
(14:04) What is coming up for Venice Art Center?
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Why This Sarasota Artist Makes His Own Paints and Teaches Like It’s 1800

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin sits down with classical realist painter Charles Miano, founder of the Miano Academy, to explore what it truly means to preserve craftsmanship in a modern world. From grinding his own pigments and studying the Old Masters to teaching a rare apprenticeship-style model practiced in only about 100 studios worldwide, Charles shares how light, storytelling, and humility before nature shape his work. This conversation dives into why classical realism still matters, how art can capture what cameras cannot, and why Sarasota has become an unexpected hub for preserving centuries-old artistic traditions.
mianoacademy.org
charlesmiano.com
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Charles Miano, Classical Realist Painter, Miano Art Academy
(03:45) Starting Miano Art Academy
(06:30) Charles’ inspiration
(09:15) Getting into art as a career
(13:50) Residency at Art Ovation
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Melissa Rummel on Dancing Joan of Arc at Sarasota Contemporary Dance

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hirsch sits down with Melissa Rummel of Sarasota Contemporary Dance as she returns to the lead role in Jehenne. Melissa shares what it means to revisit this emotionally intense work at a very different stage of life, how the piece was originally created in silence before live music was added, and why faith, sisterhood, and resilience sit at the heart of the choreography. The conversation explores the physical and emotional demands of a long dance career, the impact of motherhood on performance, and the collaborative culture that defines Sarasota Contemporary Dance. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how movement, music, and life experience come together to create powerful storytelling on stage.
 
Visit SCD's website at the link below:
https://sarasotacontemporarydance.org/
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Melissa Rummel, Dancer/Studio Coordinator/SCDE director
(01:00) How do you prepare to be Joan of Arc?
(02:50) When you were creating this, how did you prepare the story without music?
(04:55) How does music help movement tell the story?
(06:30) How does dance tell stories?
(07:45) Melissa’s role as Studio Coordinator
(09:30) How do you prepare your body?
(14:30) What is the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble?
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com
 

Inside Wonderland Circus: How Nik Wallenda Inspires Through Spectacle

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh sits down with high-wire legend, seventh-generation circus artist, and Sarasota Native, Nik Wallenda to explore the magic behind Wonderland Circus. Nik shares the heartfelt inspiration behind the show, the deep-rooted family legacy that fuels it, and how he and his wife craft a Cirque-meets-Broadway experience with a purpose, to leave audiences inspired. From storyboarding in their home office to importing a new European big top, Nik walks us through the creation of a performance that blends tradition, spectacle, and soul. 
 
https://wonderlandcircus.com/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Nik Wallenda, Wonderland Circus
(00:50) How did Wonderland Circus come to be?
(03:35) How does it all come together?
(06:00) How do you raise the bar each year?
(07:50) Getting prepared for these shows
(10:45) What do rehearsals look like for this show?
(13:30) Preparing for the 54+ performances
 
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Celebrating 81 Years: The Legacy and Future of Sarasota’s Classical Scene

The Sarasota Concert Association is celebrating its 81st season, and it’s not slowing down. In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, Jeffrey Kin talks with Executive Director Linda Moxley about how the organization continues to bring top-tier classical music to Sarasota year after year. They discuss what goes into planning a full season, the shift from volunteer-led to professional leadership, and why the theme “Expect the Extraordinary” reflects more than just clever branding. From international orchestras to free local matinees, it’s a look at how one organization keeps classical music alive and well on Florida’s cultural coast.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Meet Linda Moxley, Executive Director, Sarasota Concert Association
00:34 – “Expect the Extraordinary” Tagline
01:47 – Lucerne Music Festival Trip
04:09 – Linda’s Musical Roots
06:25 – Career Journey Through Major Orchestras
08:40 – Becoming SCA’s First Executive Director
10:20 – 81 Years of Sarasota Concert Association
11:30 – How a Season Gets Programmed
13:57 – 2025 Highlights: Joshua Bell, Danish Quartet & More
23:33 – Free Music Matinees & Community Impact
 
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Inside the Venice Chorale: Brent Douglas on Vision, Voice, and the Upcoming Season

What does it take to breathe new life into a community chorale? Brent Douglas, Music Director of the Venice Chorale, is transforming this beloved Florida ensemble into a hub of innovation, education, and immersive performance. In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, Brent shares how he curates multi-sensory concerts, fosters local talent, and brings global inspiration to the Gulf Coast. From black light opera to Venice’s upcoming centennial celebration, discover how the Venice Chorale is becoming one of the most dynamic arts organizations on Florida’s Cultural Coast.
Visit Venice Choral's Website: https://thevenicechorale.org/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Brent Douglas, Music Director, Venice Chorale
(03:20) Going from education to professional performance
(04:30) Blacklight Opera version of Magic Flute coming to Venice
(07:18) Growing up a musician
(11:40) Planning the Venice Choral season
(15:00) “The Big Sing” - Celebrating 100 years of Venice, Florida
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Inside “The Hat”: How the Historic Asolo Theater Shapes Sarasota’s Art Scene with Elizabeth Doud

What’s “The HAT”? It’s more than just a nickname, it’s a beloved cultural landmark. In this inspiring episode of Behind the Masterpiece, Jeffery Kin sits down with Elizabeth Doud, Currie-Kohlmann Curator of Performance at the Historic Asolo Theater, to uncover the history, heartbeat, and creative soul behind this iconic venue at The Ringling. From the origins of its top-hat moniker to curating global talent for Sarasota audiences, Elizabeth shares how the theater blends historic charm with cutting-edge artistry. Hear how she discovers boundary-pushing performers, why intimacy matters in live arts, and what’s in store for the upcoming season. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Elizabeth Doud, Currie-Kohlmann Curator of Performance at The Ringling Museum and the Historic Asolo Theatre
(07:00) How Elizabeth got to the Historic Asolo Theatre
(10:40) How Elizabeth curates the performances at the HAT
(13:00) Masterclasses
(15:00) Building relationships with artists
(20:30) Upcoming performances
(23:00) How do you stay motivated?
(27:00) The importance of the arts
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

100 Years of Sarasota Art: Inside the Centennial Celebration at Art Center Sarasota

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh sits down with Alecia Harper, Centennial Archivist and Guest Curator for Art Center Sarasota, to celebrate 100 years of Sarasota's rich artistic legacy. Alecia shares fascinating stories unearthed from the archives, from telegrams by Cecil B. DeMille to original Beaux Arts Ball tickets, and previews a full year of exhibitions, artist talks, and interactive events leading up to the 2026 centennial celebration. Whether you're a local or visiting Florida’s Cultural Coast, this episode reveals why Art Center Sarasota has been a cornerstone of creativity for generations. Tune in to discover the hidden gems of Sarasota’s art history.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Alecia Harper, Art Center Sarasota Centennial Archivist
(01:00) Art Center Sarasota is turning 100!
(03:00) What stories are you finding in the archives?
(05:30) How is Art Center Sarasota commemorating the past yet focusing on the future?
(09:40) The Beaux Arts Ball
(11:30) Alecia's exhibit in 2026
(13:50) How can guests experience Art Center Sarasota?
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com

Preserving Sarasota's Black History: A Conversation with Vickie Oldham of Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin sits down with Vickie Oldham, President & CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition. Together, they dive into the emotional roots of her mission, from preserving Black history through the Leonard Reid House to launching legacy projects like butterfly gardens and storytelling murals. Vickie shares how her love for history, community, and even gardening helps shape a more connected Sarasota. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with purpose, passion, and the power of storytelling.
Visit the Leonard Reid House: 2529 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
Website: https://thesaacc.org/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Vickie Oldham, President & CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
(01:30) Facebook Byline and getting interested in African American History
(06:30) The Leonard Reid House creation and current activities
(10:00) Interest in horticulture and the role at Leonard Reid House
(13:00) The Legacy Walk and butterfly garden
(14:45) Tours of the Leonard Reid House
(17:50) Walter Gilbert Murals popping up around town
(20:20) Growing up in an artistic household
(22:00) Past life as a news reporter
(25:11) Discover everything SAACC is doing
For more information and to listen to all the episodes, go to sarasotapodcast.com