State of the Art is a weekly dive into the Maine arts scene with the people who create, collaborate and shape our vibrant cultural landscape. Host Heather McDougall and other members of the Maine Public Classical Team sit down with guests, sharing their stories, experiences and forthcoming projects and events.
Episodes are broadcast on Sundays and Mondays on Maine Public Classical, and an extended version of each episode is also available for on-demand listening on our website. An archive of episodes is available below.
Our warmest thanks to Portland-based Palaver Strings for sharing their recording as our series sig tune, the fiddle set, Yorkshire Lass/One Hour in Hungary/Shuckin’ Stiddy - Greg Boardman/Mikael Marin/Roger Tallroth/Elsie Gawler.
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Artistic Director Wilhelmina Smith and composer Dawn Avery join us to talk about this year’s edition of Salt Bay Chamberfest and their new album, Sweetgrass. -
Monson Arts’ Chantal Harris joins us to talk about the outdoor sculpture installation and gallery exhibition titled, The Quarries: Muse and Material, now on display in the town. -
Last month, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art appointed Grant Wahlquist as its new curator. He joins us this week to talk about his first summer on the job and what’s ahead for CMCA this autumn and for its forthcoming milestone anniversaries. -
Composer Daniel Strong Godfrey and violinist Muneko Otani join us to talk about centering a very personal, democratic approach for the Seal Bay Festival of American Chamber Music, which is back for its 22nd season later this month. -
We’re joined by Matt Cahill and Mary Johnston Letellier to talk about the upcoming production of Svadba, one of several offerings as part of Hogfish 2025. -
DownEast New Music Co-Artistic Directors Clare Monfredo and Conrad Winslow join host Sarah Tuttle to talk about their summer concert series and what makes contemporary Classical music so special. -
The Bates Dance Festival is a global destination for dance right here in Maine. Its director Shoni Currier talks about the 2025 edition kicking off in July. -
Melissa Reardon and Henry Kramer join us to chat about the upcoming 32nd edition of the Portland Chamber Music Festival. -
Wallace & Co. is a business based in Gorham that specializes in the building and restoration of pipe organs - and it happens to be run by a father and son team! In this Father's Day episode, host Sarah Tuttle sits down to talk about this special family business with David and Nick Wallace. -
As part of a visit to Waterville for the recent Maine Art Educators Association Spring Conference, Misha Oraa Ali sits down to talk about laser cutting in the art classroom.
