Artists at Work Speakers Series

Our guest A.C. Valdez, an award-winning audio producer has shaped some of the most influential podcasts and radio projects of the past decade for outlets such as Vox Media, The Atlantic, and NPR, including the Pulitzer-winning podcast, “No Compromise.” 

In conversation with Sitar alum and actor Nyla Marie Mickel, A.C. provided an inside look at the ever-evolving landscape of radio, podcasting, and nonfiction storytelling. And he shared insights on crafting powerful nonfiction audio and on building stories that resonate. 

Click below to watch the event recording.

We kicked-off our 2026 Artists at Work Speakers Series by going behind-the-scenes with Jeff Bazemore, senior production manager at Arena Stage. 

A national leader in technical theater, Jeff Bazemore sat down with new series moderator Nyla Marie Mickel, a college student, talented emerging actor, and Sitar alum, for a dynamic conversation. They explored the fascinating world of designing and building sets, props, lights, sounds, and costumes. Jeff shared his inspiring journey of bringing your favorite performances to life.

We closed out our 2025 speakers series by welcoming multitalented photographer and editor Oliver Contreras. His fascinating career spans roles in the White House Press Office, leading newspapers and news agencies, and even creative forays into music as a percussionist and DJ.

In conversation with special guest moderator Tonya McCleary, former executive producer of ABC7’s Good Morning Washington, Oliver brought into focus his experiences photographing the president, political news, and human-interest stories centered on the Latinx and Hispanic communities and local artists.

In celebration of Youth Art Month, we sat down with Smithsonian curator and DC native Michelle Banks, the lead curator for the upcoming Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Youth and the Power of Culture.

In conversation with special guest moderator Tonya McCleary, former executive producer of ABC7’s Good Morning Washington, Michelle shared stories of her roots in DC, her role in showcasing our nation’s traditional artists and artisans, and her remarkable career exploring the intersections of language, culture, and sustainability.

Click below to watch the event recording.

We opened our 2025 Artists at Work Speakers Series season by sitting down with DeMoya Watson Brown, director of community engagement at The Washington Ballet. As an arts administrator, dance educator, choreographer, and performing artist, DeMoya has dedicated her career to nurturing young talent, providing opportunities for aspiring artists to thrive, and has graced some of the most prestigious stages as a professional dancer. 

In conversation with series moderator Charis Gomez, executive producer and host of Living Local DMV, DeMoya pulled back the curtain on her inspiring journey from dancer to arts administrator, as well as answered our pressing questions.

In the final installment of our 2024 Artists at Work Speakers Series, we sat down with local art curator and rising star Camille Brown.

As assistant curator at The Phillips Collection, Camille led the presentation of “African Modernism in America, 1947-67” and is part of a curatorial team known for such acclaimed exhibitions. In conversation with series moderator Charis Gomez, executive producer and host of Living Local DMV, Camille painted a picture of her remarkable career collaborating with world-renowned visual artists and museums, as well as answer our pressing questions.

For our second event in the series, we sat down with Omrao Brown the visionary behind some of DC’s most renowned jazz performances and art venues, and one of the producers of DC JazzFest at The Wharf. In conversation with series moderator Charis Gomez, executive producer and host of Living Local DMV, Omrao shined a light on his remarkable career bringing live music to DC audiences, as well as answered our pressing questions.

To learn more about this event and our featured artist—click below to read the full story or watch the recording.

We sat down with Danica Rodriguez, a local casting director who is part of a new generation of casting professionals changing the industry.

In conversation with series moderator Charis Gomez, executive producer and host of Living Local DMV, Danica pulled back the curtain on her remarkable career casting some of DC’s top theatrical productions, as well as answered our pressing questions.

To learn more about this event and our featured artist—click below to read the full story or watch the recording.