Best Armin Mersmann Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 97: Passing the Baton by Teaching 41:07

8d ago41:07

41:07

In this episode, we delve into the art and passion of teaching . We explore our personal teaching styles and the profound impact that sharing knowledge has on both the teacher and the student. Teaching is more than just a profession for us; it is a rewarding journey filled with mutual inspiration and motivation. Key Highlights Personal Teaching Sty…

1
Episode 96: ALL ELSE PALES: 2 at Studio Kroner Opens April 17, 2025 59:02

22d ago59:02

59:02

Studio Kroner presents ALL ELSE PALES: 2 —an immersive exhibition uniting artists, scientists, and activists to explore sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice. Join Studio Kroner from April 17 – May 24, 2025, for dynamic discussions, artist talks, and community engagement. In this episode, Armin and I are joined by artist, design…

1
Episode 95: The Challenge of Maintaining Focus 40:16

1M ago40:16

40:16

In this latest episode, Armin and Val discussed the importance of maintaining focus as artists. This can range from adopting simple habits that promote concentration to being fiercely protective of your studio time. Artists thrive in that magical state of flow, which requires a natural ability to focus. Whenever an artist is sidetracked from their …

1
Episode 94: Meet Artist Robin Maria Pedrero 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

What a lovely weekend I had in Texas visiting my Aunt! It was jam packed with artistic and cultural experiences. A very special Friday morning was a studio visit with my Instagram Robin Maria Pedrero. It was our first time to meet in person and we had so much to discuss. On my return to Michigan, I said to Armin that we needed to invite her to be o…

1
Episode 93: Coffee Talk with a Couple of Artists. 36:25

2M ago36:25

36:25

Grab a cup of coffee and join us for an informal discussion on art that includes upcoming exhibits, free offers, technique ideas, and "what if" solutions for your art. Val and Armin recreate the free wheeling style of their weekend discussions. It was that kind of week, so this conversation lends a spontaneous hand to the work load. Often our best …

1
Episode 92: What is the Definition of Success 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

Armin and I discuss different aspects of success that artists can find as they present their art and themselves to the world. At each stage of an artist's journey the wins can be small, large, planned, unplanned, each step of the way varied and most times unpredictable. We share our personal experience on this topic and hope by sharing our stories …

1
Episode 91: Artists! What is your WHY? 49:42

3M ago49:42

49:42

Armin and I established three values early on for our Art Ladders mission. They are connection, commitment, and community. We feel this episode shares our personal experiences to bring those values to the forefront. We are encouraging our artist community to dive deep and examine the root reasons that you create art. What is your why. It is a soul …

1
Episode 90: A Conversation with Kimberly Kelly Santini 1:06:02

4M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Kimberly Kelly Santini says it all in her tagline for her bio: Painter, Dreamer, Instigator. When I composed her bio for our podcast introduction, I learned that Kimberly is an artist that creates her environment not only for inspiration but for a springboard that propels her curiosity into new territories of nature. In this episode, she bullet poi…

1
Episode 89: Our Word for the Year is Determination. 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

Welcome to 2025! Armin and I wish you all a wonderful start to the new year. In this episode we continue our tradition of announcing a guiding word for the year. We started this in 2022 and our first word was Discover. That word served us well as we had so much ground to cover in creating a new podcast using tech and editing skills we continue to l…

1
Episode 88: Meet Artist Samantha Williams-Chapelsky 48:54

5M ago48:54

48:54

Armin and I were thrilled to have artist Samantha Williams-Chapelsky as our guest for Episode 88. Samantha was recently awarded 2025 Artist in Residence for the province of Alberta, Canada by the Arts, Culture and Status of Women and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. She also talks about her recent residency at the Sam and Adele Golden Foundatio…

1
Episode 87: A Few of Our Favorite Things 43:27

5M ago43:27

43:27

These are a few of our favorite things that would make great gifts for artists in our lives. Some are dream big ideas while others are more on the stocking stuffer budget. Armin and I had fun revealing our quirky ideas to each other and we hope you find food for thought as you buy for your artists friends or ask for what you need from others. Here …

1
Episode 86: Navigating Uncertainty as an Artist with Dr. Yanina Gomez 52:58

6M ago52:58

52:58

Join us on this timely release of Episode 86 with Dr. Yanina Gomez, psychologist, author, educator, and speaker. She will be discussing the issue of navigating these uncertain times as artists. Her proactive approach is both enlightening and energizing. Dr. Yanina talks about the importance of cultivating a catalyst mindset instead of a victim mind…

1
Episode 85: Give Me Hope, Help Me Cope. 45:03

6M ago45:03

45:03

We examine the topic of anxiety, angst, and stress in creating art during these difficult times. Give me hope, help me cope, is a line from George Harrison's "Give me Love (Give me Peace on Earth) that sums up this podcast. We share the wats you can share with others plans to promote helpful ways to self-treat anxiety. It is a lifelong regulation o…

1
Episode 84: Meet Maggie Bandstra, Artist and Ox-Bow School of Art 49:17

7M ago49:17

49:17

We are happy to introduce artist Maggie Bandstra to our podcast audience. Maggie is a painter who delves deep into the connections we have with nature, healing and each other. She is committed to bringing artists together through her work at Ox-Bow and recently organized a fall artist retreat that Val attended a couple of weeks ago. Maggie is also …

1
Taking Risks-Hey You, Want to Perform with the Symphony? 46:39

7M ago46:39

46:39

How would you respond to taking a risk of being on stage with the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra? Well, like I did, you would say Hell Yes! What a wonderful way to express your creative process, be a collaborative being in our Great Lakes Bay Region community, and expand your horizons. Armin does a great job asking me questions in this episode and …

1
Episode 82: The Creative Process of Fouad Fakhouri, composer and conductor 55:46

8M ago55:46

55:46

Join us in this enlightening episode as we dive into the creative mind of renowned conductor and composer Fouad Fakhouri of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra in Michigan and the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra in Texas. During our conversation we explore the fascinating similarities and contrasts between the worlds of visual arts and music and di…

1
Episode 81: New Direction for Armin 47:45

8M ago47:45

47:45

In this coffee talk style discussion we are focusing on a new direction that Armin is taking with his artwork. Makes sense that we would put the spotlight on each other once in awhile and I had a such a great time coming up with questions for this interview. In October of 2023, we had the good fortune of our downtown studio space opening up with a …

1
Episode 80: A Conversation with Detroit Artist Meighen Jackson 1:00:16

9M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Armin and I had a great time in conversation with artist Meighen Jackson. I recently heard Meighen give a juror's talk at Anton Art Center for their Michigan Annual. She was the juror of the prestigious exhibition that is now in it's 51st year. After hearing her speak I knew she would be an excellent podcast guest. Meighen has been part of the Detr…

1
Episode 79: Olympic Spirit Connects to Visual Artists 45:49

9M ago45:49

45:49

Today, we explore the correlation between Olympic athletes and visual artists. Val's research unveiled intriguing connections that could infuse inspiration and resilience into your artistic journey. We identified six categories to spark contemplation for artists aiming to envision the broader scope of their careers. Even artists who use art as a br…

1
Episode 78: An Artist Creating Positive Change-John Sabraw 58:50

10M ago58:50

58:50

We are joined by artist John Sabraw for this episode. Armin has known John for quite awhile through their connection of working together at Good's of Evanston, an art supply and frame company. I met John as the curator at Studio 23 when I invited him to participate in the Land to River Exhibit. That exhibit was a collaborative experience with the S…

1
Episode 77: Protect Your Energy 45:27

10M ago45:27

45:27

Artists, visual and performing, have an extra layer of thought process fueled by energy. Energy is a precious commodity in the art world or in any world where one is passionate about a topic that is beyond the mundane. It can be found in our creative DNA as explained in Twyla Tharp's book The Creative Practice. In this episode we describe our own r…

1
Episode 76: The Power of Art through Communication with artist Trung Cao 57:18

11M ago57:18

57:18

Val here, and I had the distinct pleasure of reuniting Armin with his artist friend, Trung Cao. Trung and Armin met in the day of conversation boards specializing in art. Now these conversational threads have reinvented themselves. as groups on Facebook or other social media platforms. Who knew after all those years we would have a wonderful opport…

1
Episode 75: The Anatomy of an Artwork 1:00:01

11M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

We had a lovely conversation today on the making of art. Each of us has our own process with specific tools and art materials and in this episode we share them with you, our audience. Even if you are not an artist, you may find insights into the creative practice that fires up your imagination to see things in a different light. This episode is ded…

1
Episode 74: Conversation with Visual Artist Rebecca Crowell 58:20

12M ago58:20

58:20

We are so happy to have artist Rebecca Crowell as a guest on our podcast. She is well known in the world of painting and contemporary abstraction. Her portfolio of paintings in oil and cold wax are a visual feast of atmospheric color, profound depth, and the sense that the works are living and breathing. Rebecca with co-author, Jerry McLaughlin, wr…

1
Episode 73: Learning More About iPhoneography 1:00:45

1y ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Welcome to the panel discussion with seven members of the Great Lakes iPhoneography Group better known as GLIG. It is a rare time when we can have so many artists gather together for a discussion on their art. Thank you to speakers Cindy Bancroft, Nancy Brooks-Siebert, Julie Close, Steven Parkhurt, Elizabeth Sullivan, and Janis Taylor. Also thank y…

1
Episode 72: The Audaciously Creative Amy Keever 53:35

1y ago53:35

53:35

I met Amy Keever at the wonderful ADC Fine Art Gallery in Cincinnati. We were both attending the 2023 Art Summit led by our past podcast guest Litsa Spanos and her sister, Sylvia Rombis. She walked in with the most wonderful hot pink pom-pom earrings and white artist smock and I, of course had to comment. That's all it took for us to hang out for 3…

1
Episode 71: The Ebb and Flow of Passion in Your Art Life. 40:31

1y ago40:31

40:31

Passion can be elusive and it is always a good thing to consider how you can find your muse when times seem rough or even dull. Armin and Val approach art making as a relationship that needs to be cultivated and held in esteem. Let us know how you keep passion alive in the studio. Show Notes: Valerie Allen Art Armin Mersmann Workshops for the Summe…

1
Episode 70: Jeannette MacDougall and Living Life as an Artist. Travel, Teaching, Creating 1:02:42

1y ago1:02:42

1:02:42

We met Jeannette MacDougall during an exhibition at Calvin College's (106) Gallery at ArtPrize 2015. In this exhibit "Weighing the Landscape", installed by curator Joel Zwart, Jeanette, Armin and I were hanging next to each other. Our friendship began during that time as we all felt our artwork had a very cohesive aesthetic and professionalism. Jea…

1
Episode 69: Revisit our Number One episode with Artist Sally Hirst. 1:06:13

1y ago1:06:13

1:06:13

We've been creating this podcast over two years and it's fun to check out the rankings. Here we have a replay of our #1 episode to date with UK artist Sally Hirst while we are installing a new exhibition. Sally has boundless energy and you can't help but get fired up for your own art as you listen to this replay. She is an artist, teacher, and ment…

1
Episode 21: Conversation with artist Sally Hirst 1:05:39

1y ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Art Ladders welcomes artist Sally Hirst to the podcast! This lively interview with Sally is about creating art, teaching and what it means to be an artist in this changing world of technology. Sally is a painter and printmaking who describes herself as a tutor, nomadic, restless, curious, experiential, irreverent, untidy, loud…lol...and we can add …

1
Episode 68: Time in Real Time 43:47

1y ago43:47

43:47

Finding time to create artwork can be a real challenge just for one artist in the family. This becomes even more challenging when others depend on you as a family member, studio group or community. Events appear, marketing needs to be processed, household chores get in the way and the never-ending pick up and drop off of artwork to exhibits. In the…

1
Episode 67: Conversation with artist Kenneth Hershenson 53:31

1y ago53:31

53:31

Artist Kenneth Hershenson found his muse in a set of ball and jacks that qualifies him to say, he does know Jack! So much so that he feels he has enough conceptual ideas to keep him painting for another 20 paintings or so. In this episode we hear the many twists and turns he took in his career. Those bends taught him lots about the business of art …

1
Episode 66: Working the Room for Artists 47:35

1+ y ago47:35

47:35

Get ready for a java-sipping chat with Val and Armin in Episode 66! These two art aficionados spill the beans on networking for artists - from schmoozing the room to FaceTiming with fellow creatives. We all know that feeling of stage fright and self-doubt that can hit when we enter a room full of art-world movers and shakers. But fear not! It's all…

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Episode 65: Secrets of the Art World with Litsa Spanos 57:40

1+ y ago57:40

57:40

Driven by a passion for art and the desire to bring beauty into as many homes, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices as possible, Litsa Spanos opened the doors of Art Design Consultants, Inc. (ADC) thirty years ago. With just two clients and limited space, her ultimate goal was to create exquisite and inspiring environments. Litsa has an unc…

1
Episode 64: Word of the Year for 2024 47:44

1+ y ago47:44

47:44

Art Ladders is excited to announce that 2024 will be guided by the word, prosper. We intend to flourish and thrive by creating new habits that will benefit our art, finances and health. In this episode a review of habits to help us prosper will be examined. We talk about the importance of planning ahead and dreaming big. A practical list of doable …

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Episode 63: A Bucket Full of Questions with Val and Armin 46:15

1+ y ago46:15

46:15

With over 30 questions collected over that past years of the podcast, Val and Armin draw five specific questions from their sunflower bowl to answer in this end-of-the-year episode. Diving in to teaching and communication styles of artists to keeping a budget, you will learn areas that artists need to know for success. Val and Armin are very honest…

1
Episode 62: Chasing the Deadline 32:55

1+ y ago32:55

32:55

We have spent the last few days working on the exhibit, Contemporary Realism with artists Frits Hoendervanger, Robert Shefman, Todd Burroughs and curated by Armin for Buckham Gallery in Flint. Armin and I work as a team for these major events in our lives. There is framing, marketing, delivery and just overall hard work involved in reaching the dea…

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Episode 61: Conversation with Michele Leclaire of Buckham Gallery 47:31

1+ y ago47:31

47:31

Buckham Gallery has a rich history with strong connections to working artists. We are joined by executive director, Michele Leclaire and she will tells us about the behind the scenes workings of this art nonprofit that is innovative and artist-centric. She explains how nonprofits can give a voice to artists who are experimental and often cutting ed…

1
Episode 60: Being Personal with Your Creative Process 1:01:50

1+ y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Looking within and revealing the personal reasons you create art can be a meaningful way to connect with your collectors, audience and yourself. Art is influenced by so many subtle interactions in our day to day life and it is worth making note of those experiences and weaving them into your story. Armin and I were recently inspired by an Instagram…

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Episode 59: Conversation with Art Writer and Storyteller John Seed 53:01

1+ y ago53:01

53:01

On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, we had the honor and pleasure to interview author, ⁠⁠John Seed ⁠⁠via Zoom from his home base on the Central California Coast. He defines himself as an art writer and we would add storyteller with rich experiences in the world of art that tell all the sides of the art coin. From taking the path of an art student, to MFA…

1
Episode 58: Making a Living as an Artist 59:33

1+ y ago59:33

59:33

Val and Armin's experience highlights an important issue for artists looking for work that allows them to pursue their creative passions. While jobs in art-related professions can provide valuable experience and insights into the art world, they can also be demanding and time-consuming, leaving little time and energy for personal artistic pursuits.…

1
Episode 57: Conversation with artist Kristen Palana 1:03:53

1+ y ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Lilongwe, Malawi in Southeastern Africa is indeed a long, long way away and we are happy to travel over the Zoom waves to visit with artist, designer, educator and mentor, Kristen Palana. Valerie met Kristen virtually a few months ago as a student in Kristen's Web Presence and Social Media Marketing class through Mastrius.com. Through Mastius, Kris…

1
Episode 56: Comparing Yourself to Others 50:45

1+ y ago50:45

50:45

Comparing yourself to other artists means that you are evaluating your own abilities, qualities, or achievements in relation to those of artists. This can involve looking at someone who you perceive as better than you in some way, or someone who you believe is worse off than you in some aspect. This type of comparison can have both positive and neg…

1
Episode 55: Conversation with Larry Butcher 1:06:16

1+ y ago1:06:16

1:06:16

On a beautiful August afternoon we had the pleasure to talk with artist and mentor, Larry Butcher. This conversation proceeds to tell a story of a young man coming to age on a rural Michigan farm with a father who expected his children to be navigators of inventive thinking and a mother who encouraged her young ones to be makers. Creative thinking …

1
Episode 54: It's Showtime! How to Navigate Show Proposals 49:43

1+ y ago49:43

49:43

We are nearing the time when galleries and art centers announce their exhibition line up for 2023-2024. This process involves not only reviewing proposals sent by artists but also planning logistics such as funding, delivery and installation. Artists can choose different ways to seek out exhibitions but the most common are submitting online proposa…

1
Episode 53: The Story of Mastrius 55:56

2y ago55:56

55:56

Creativity, community and mastery are the trio of words that best describe the online community for artists that Mike and Julie deBoer founded along with Victor Lee in Canada. Mastrius is now serving artists in 29 countries through an online mentor program that connects aspiring, emerging and accomplished artists with masters who provide feedback, …

1
Episode 52: Gallery Talk with Jane and Kelly Littlefield 1:08:21

2y ago1:08:21

1:08:21

Visiting Littlefield Gallery is a highlight in any artist or art lover's time in Maine. It is located in Winter Harbor, a small fishing town on the Schoodic National Scenic Byway. Armin and Valerie had the pleasure of visiting Littlefield Gallery while attending a Golden Apple Residency less than an hour away from the gallery. On the very first vis…

1
Episode 51: Hold the Vision, Trust the Process 49:56

2y ago49:56

49:56

"Hold the Vision, Trust the Process" Author Unknown...Artists bring artwork into existence with determination, perseverance, and courage. Their original vision can go through many edits and transformation during the process. The day to day studio practice can be fulfilling and stressful all during the same project. Val and Armin discuss their own s…

1
Episode 50: The Healing Power of Art with artist Audrey Phillips 58:19

2y ago58:19

58:19

Episode 50 is a conversation with artist Audrey Phillips. We learn more about Audrey and her beautiful acrylic paintings and her incredible journey through life that included both dark and light, tragedy and triumph. Audrey received her Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Florida. Audrey has exhibited in solo and group shows in Florida, whe…

1
Episode 49: An Artful Summer 42:47

2y ago42:47

42:47

Join Val and Armin as they discuss setting intentions to keep your art practice engaged throughout the summer. Setting a few intentions of what you want to accomplish will help you stay focused but still have time to just relax and daydream. The trick is to keep your plans flexible and give yourself a lot of room for improvisation for some spontane…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Armin Mersmann Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen