Ep 66: Alec DeJesus on almost giving up on art and then choosing to keep going

Artist Alec DeJesus was first a guest on the podcast a year ago. Since then he's had some of his highest highs and lowest lows. He found success with an art commission through Broward College in Florida, painting two murals for them, but then progress on the murals wasn't happening and he almost gave up on art altogether. In the end he didn't abandon his art career and he found tremendous success in actually getting the murals done and inspiring a group of young artists at the college. Episode 66 of the podcast is an often raw and vulnerable conversation where Alec delves into all the struggles an artist carries with them in the audacious attempt to get their art made.

Here are some recent articles detailing Alec's work, focusing especially on his murals in Florida:
Journal Star Article on Painting the Planter in the West Bluff and Photo Gallery
Widower's Grief Blog Profile
Profile on the murals with Amsterdam Street Art
Graphite Gallery Artist Page

Past Podcast Episodes on Peoria Area Artists:
Subscribe to the podcast on itunes 
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Episode 63: Artist Jaci Musec

Episode 60: A Discussion of Nathan Peterson's "Is It a Sin?"
Episode 46: Artist Quinton Thomas
Episode 13: Artist Jessica Ball—Owner of the Art Garage
Episode 22: Artist Blair Jeffers
Episode 21: Carol McPherson—Director of the Fost Gallery
Episode 38: Musician Jared Grabb

Episode 40: Coffee Artist Kagan Masters
Episode 42: Artist Alec DeJesus (2017)
Episode 43: Jimmy Bridgeman of Rock Solid Studio
Episode 44: Natalia and Earl of Yaku
Episode 45: Brooks McDaniel—Philosophy and Religion Professor

Supporting Local Artists (and a new song from me)

This Friday I will be playing some music at The Art Garage, a local art studio that also allows kids (and adults!) the opportunity to explore their artistic sides and give them some lessons at the same time. The Art Garage is owned by artist Jessica Ball and she was gracious enough to allow the people of my church to put on an art show as part of the monthly Peoria First Friday event organized by Ciao (the Central Illinois Artists' Organization). You can see our event page here. We'd love to have you stop by on Friday night. The great thing about the First Friday event is there are a ton of great local restaurants nearby (like Broken Tree which makes some killer pizza and has some great artisan sodas and beers on hand) and a number of the participating studios have snacks and refreshments on hand as well. In other words, make it a date night!