Series will turn spotlight on region's artists

WSIU Public Television, the public media arm of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIUC, announces the debut of "Expressions," a new weekly local series that turns the spotlight on regional artists and their work.

Each half-hour episode follows artists on their journey toward creativity and showcases both their inspirations and the various techniques they use to create works of art.

Artists from the Union County area will be among those featured in the upcoming series.

Hosted by Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, an artist and an associate professor of art in SIUC's School of Art and Design, "Expressions" is scheduled to air Thursdays at 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 19, with repeats on Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

Season one will feature 13 episodes and will showcase one to two artists per episode.

Episode one, airing on Jan. 19, will introduce custom motorcycle artist Anthony Spinazola of Cobden and ceramicist Chris Scamehorn of Makanda.

Upcoming episodes and their airdates include sculptor and metalsmith John Medwedeff of Murphysboro and painter Fran Jaffe of Anna, who is known for her use of aboriginal dot art techniques on gourds (Jan. 26); photographer Fern Logan of Carbondale and watercolor artist Mary Pachikara (Feb. 2); painter Robert Ketchens of Grand Chain (Feb. 9); and fiber artist Robin Haller of Carbondale, who is known for non-traditional quilting techniques, and wood artist and craftsman Kyle Kinser of Makanda (Feb. 16).

A website for the series will be available soon at <a href="http://www.wsiu.org">www.wsiu.org</a> and will include programming information, archival episodes, photos and more.