Thomas JamesEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this thought-provoking episode, Amber sits down with Thomas James, Curator of Arts & Culture and Executive Director of the Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR) , to explore equity in the arts and the transformative power of rest for Black creatives. Thomas shares his inspiring journey from promoting Go-Go music shows to curating art exhibitions and leading a groundbreaking retreat that prioritizes rest, rejuvenation, and restoration for Black artists. Founded in 2020 by artist Derrick Adams, TLRAR offers a unique sanctuary for creatives to reconnect with themselves and their craft, fostering long-term sustainability in the arts. Amber and Thomas delve into the importance of community, representation, and ownership for Black and Brown artists in the fine art world. They discuss how intentional relationships, equitable opportunities, and active support from collectors can cultivate a thriving, inclusive art ecosystem. Don’t miss this conversation about reshaping the future of art through equity, rest, and community care. KEY POINTS - Thomas’s introduction to his early career years - The retreat's mission and its impactful services - On the founding and vision of Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR) - On creating a safe space for individuals and building meaningful connections - Amber’s personal experience at the Last Resort - The concept of leisure therapy and its importance for the black community - The pivotal role of joy and rejuvenation without financial burden - From historical exclusion to having access to the art world for people of color artists - The importance of building a network and showing up for other artists - Challenges and strategies for emerging artists - The privilege James refuses to feel guilty about QUOTES “When we curate these dinner programs, overnight cohorts, [or] weekend-long cohorts, etc., we try to bring together groups of very interesting people. We are in the arts ecosystem. – Thomas James “We had curators, artists, directors of arts, nonprofits, [and] folks in the financial sector who are advocates of the arts—over dinner, games that we played, or even just sitting around in the living room. We not only have fun and get to know each other but there is that space for these really impactful conversations.” – Thomas James GUEST RESOURCES Thomas James LinkedIn | @thomas-james Amber Cabral IG | @bamcabral LinkedIn | @ambercabral Facebook | @amber.cabral Twitter | @BamCabral Watch Amber’s TED TALK episode here . Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon! Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others - Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network

Meet Thomas James, a curator and culture protector based in Baltimore, renowned for his dedication to promoting and elevating black artists and their distinctive perspectives. With a strong passion for redefining the black aesthetic in the art world, Thomas has curated numerous exhibitions that showcase the richness and diversity of black artistry. In this special bonus episode, recorded in September 2021 at The Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Thomas engages in an insightful art talk with hosts Rob Lee and Jason V, as they delve into the thought-provoking topic of "Repercussions: Redefining the Black Aesthetic." In this exclusive interview: We delve into the vast and ever-evolving black aesthetic, exploring how it reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of black artists. Join us as we discuss abstract art and its power to challenge traditional notions of fine art, allowing artists to explore different materials and perspectives. In this insightful conversation, we shed light on the unique hurdles faced by black artists in critiques and art appreciation, discussing how their work is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood. Discover the growing representation of black artists and curators in the art world, as more galleries and institutions recognize and celebrate the value of black art. Tune in to learn about the expanding Baltimore art scene, which attracts artists and collectors from other cities, fostering exciting collaboration and networking opportunities in the vibrant art community. In this episode of the Baltimore podcast "Local Color," host Jason and co-host Rob Lee interview Thomas James, a curator and culture protector. Thomas discusses his latest exhibition, "Repercussions," which showcases abstract black art. He explains that the black aesthetic is vast and ever-evolving, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives of black artists. Thomas also discusses the challenges faced by black artists in the art world and the changing landscape of gallery representation. He emphasizes the importance of empowering black artists and curators and expanding the Baltimore art scene. Repercussions: Redefining the Black Aesthetic "More than 50 years removed from the 1960s ‘new abstraction’ movement, contemporary Black artists are creating abstract works that add new layers to what we consider fine art. This work is important to analyze as these artists tell new stories, inserting themselves into the conversations affecting the modern world." —Thomas James, Exhibition Curator Featuring the artists * ALEXANDRE AMEGAH * ANTONIO MCAFEE * ASHA ELANA CASEY * BRIA STERLING * CHARLES PHILIPPE JEAN PIERRE * DESMOND BEACH * KY VASSOR * LEHNA HUIE *

Thomas James is a visual arts curator and content creator based in Maryland. An appreciator and collector of fine arts, he highlights working artists and facilitates spaces for creatives to refine and develop their craft. Thomas James is the Visual Arts Curator at Creative Alliance in Baltimore, Maryland and a blogger for Urban Walls World. He studied Business Administration at Frostburg State University where he first dove seriously into the world of art. His first exhibition was at Mountain City Center for the Arts, where he was interning. After graduation, Thomas took an opportunity to independently curate another exhibition, Darkest Before the Dawn at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, and was eventually able to get the show to travel to the ArtReach Gallery in Washington, DC. Thomas then went on to join the team at The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC and conduct a fellowship at The Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis, Maryland before joining the Baltimore anchor institution, Creative Alliance, in 2018. Today, Thomas continues to curate beyond Creative Alliance at institutions like the Eubie Blake Cultural Center in Baltimore, Maryland and Anne Arundel Community College. Thomas James and I discuss his love for the arts and how a mentor gave him some amazing advice in the Art world. We talk about the new show "Organic Destruction" that starts April 17th and runs through the end of May. https://www.creativealliance.org/category/exhibitions IG: ThomasJames.DC Sponsor: www.zekescoffee.com

Welcome to "The Truth in This Art." I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest: Thomas James, curator, arts facilitator, critic, and Visual Arts Director for Creative Alliance. We discuss his new exhibition BRIGHT . Thomas is a curator with extensive experience in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, joined Creative Alliance in 2018. His background includes crafting exhibitions with prominent organizations such as The Phillips Collection and The Jerusalem Fund. In his latest endeavor, the BRIGHT exhibition, he brings together ten Black American artists to showcase their stunning works in Creative Alliance's main gallery. This collection challenges mainstream portrayals of Black bodies, offering an authentic and vibrant depiction of Black life that encourages viewers to see Blackness in a new light. Join us as we discuss: Exploring the groundbreaking "Bright" exhibition curated by Thomas James, aimed at shedding light on underrepresented histories and narratives through the powerful lens of black artists. Expect to encounter captivating works that challenge conventional perspectives. Get ready to meet Thomas James, an arts facilitator, and curator dedicated to supporting and promoting black artists. Expect to learn about his mission to bring representation and equity to the forefront of the art world, breaking free from historical marginalization. Discover the path to becoming a curator as we uncover the essential steps: attending art shows, forging connections with artists and fellow curators, and developing your own unique vision for thought-provoking exhibitions. Expect to be inspired to take your first steps into this creative realm. Explore the concept of equitable support for artists, where specialized assistance and artist development take center stage. Expect insights into how nurturing and prioritizing artists' growth can foster a thriving artistic community. Be inspired by Thomas James' commitment to cultivating inclusive art spaces that embrace diversity and create opportunities for all artists to shine. Expect to witness the transformative impact of representation and equity in the art world. EXHIBITION ARTISTS: Ambrose Marie Charlotte Amegah Destiny Belgrave Michael A. Booker Schroeder Cherry Andrew Gray David Ibata Jabari C. Jefferson <a href="https://ww

Welcome to a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Hot Sauce Artist Collective 's James Alpha Massaquoi Jr and Creative Alliance's Thomas James. In this interview, we'll discuss Hot Sauce Artist Collective's 'Hot On The Block'. This gallery exhibition motivated to create opportunities for artists to show their work in person during the pandemic. A group of artists will present their perspectives through artwork. The ultimate goal is to offer a space where different perspectives can coexist and people can experience art in person. Join us as we discover: The vibrant arts scene of Baltimore, with its galleries, museums, and black-owned restaurants, celebrating creativity and culture. Prepare for an enlightening podcast episode as Alpha Massaquoi takes us into the world of his large drawings, showcasing black beauty and countering negative narratives. Join us to explore Thomas James' genuine intentions as he facilitates important conversations and supports emerging artists on their creative journey. Join us in this enlightening episode as Rob Lee interviews James Alpha Massaquoi and Thomas James about their work as artists and curators in Baltimore. Alpha discusses his focus on creating beautiful artwork that showcases black beauty and challenges the negative narratives often portrayed in the media. Thomas talks about his role as a curator and the importance of having authentic intentions when working with artists. They also discuss their favorite places in Baltimore, their goals as artists and curators, and upcoming projects, including an exhibition at UV Blake featuring the Hot Sauce artist collective. Mentioned in this episode Hot Sauce Artist Collective 's James Alpha Massaquoi Jr 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund , the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore) . Host : Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis . Production: Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis Edited by Daniel Alexis Sh