Matter of Spark: The East End Arts Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EEAC × Frankie Neptune × NFCT Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

North Fork Community Theatre actor and director Nancy Magel, East End Arts Council photographer and collage artist Frankie Neptune, and EEAC sound designer and visual artist Chris Jones join forces for ASSASSINS, the theatre’s upcoming musical production.

Expanding the story beyond the stage, this collaboration pairs a site-specific installation by Frankie Neptune with custom sound design, graphics, and video woven into the live performance—creating a bold, immersive experience where theatre, music, and visual art collide.

Kevin Teare and Howard Thompson join Chris and Wendy to discuss what makes DETOUR VII distinct. Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

This year's DETOUR summer exhibition features two very different but very connected curations by two very different but very connected curators. Kevin and Howard have deep roots in music and explore how it intertwines with visual art, specifically what's currently on view. The exhibition also introduces the new Andy Tarshis Fine Art Gallery space at 48 W. Main St, Riverhead, where Kevin's Open for the Stones 3 curation is held, directly across from Mary Boochever's The Value of Nothing curation at the 11 West at Peconic Crossing Gallery.

The Teeny Awards Strike Back: Your 2026 Nominations! May 09, 2026

Show notes

Kasia Klimiuk and Anita Boyer join Wendy and Chris to announce the nominees for the 2026 Teeny Awards!

This East End Arts Council program (inspired by the Tony Awards) began in 2002 and is on a continued mission to elevate high school theater to acclaim equal to that of high school athletics in Eastern Suffolk County. Over twenty local high schools, 2000 teenagers, and fifty judges participate year-round, including many Teeny alumni, some of which have doubled down later in life to win Tony Awards. Theater incorporates all aspects of the arts and is a powerful driver of personal growth and community. See you on June 14th at Westhampton Beach High School!

I Was a Teenage Tony: The Teenys 2025 Nominations! May 02, 2025

Show notes

Kasia Klimiuk joins Wendy and Chris again to announce the nominees for the 2025 Teeny Awards!

This East End Arts program (inspired by the Tony Awards) began in 2002 and is on the continued mission to elevate high school theater to acclaim equal to that of high school athletics in Eastern Suffolk County. Over twenty local high schools, 2000 teenagers, and fifty judges participate year-round, including many Teeny alumni, some of which have doubled down later in life to win Tony Awards. Theater incorporates all aspects of the arts and is a powerful driver of personal growth and community. See you on June 8th 2025!

The Longitude of Grief Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Season 2! Author and poet Matthew Daddona joins Executive Director Wendy Weiss to read from and discuss his book The Longitude of Grief, mixtape culture, and how birds can be inspiring.

Reigniting the Spark Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Join Wendy Weiss and Chris Jones as they recount 2024, talk previews of Season 2 of MOS, and look forward to 2025 at EEA.

And the Nominees are… May 10, 2024

Show notes

Kasia Klimiuk joins the Matter of Spark duo to announce the nominees for the 2024 Teeny Awards! This East End Arts’ program inspired by the Tony Awards began in 2002 and is on the continued mission to elevate high school theater to acclaim equal to that of high school athletics in Eastern Suffolk County. Over twenty local high schools, 2000 teenagers, and fifty judges participate year-round, including many Teeny alumni, some of which have doubled down later in life to win Tony Awards. Theater is a unique medium that incorporates all aspects of the arts and is a powerful driver of not only personal growth but also community. The Teeny Awards strive to celebrate those talents and achievements. Teen + Tony = Teeny

Who is Elizabeth Richard? Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Travel back in time with Colin Palmer, grandson of East End Arts Founder Elizabeth Richard. EEA Creative Director Wendy Weiss discovers the origins and personalities behind EEA’s inception in 1972. A lifelong teacher, mentor, and champion of the arts, Elizabeth Richard has earned her title in The Annual Elizabeth Richard Memorial Members’ Show. Colin, a playwright and actor on the East End, provides great context to the founding of EEA through his storytelling and fantastic memories.

Give It Up for the Arts! Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

How important are the arts in our lives and to our wellbeing? In this episode, hosts Chris Jones and Wendy Weiss discuss the East End Arts’ 2023 year-end fundraiser, the Give It Up for the Arts Challenge, and hear from three artists who have different backgrounds and perspectives, yet share the same message. Vietnam veteran John Melillo gets candid on how art saved his life by helping him cope with his PTSD. Art therapy teacher Aude Verrier discusses the significance of nurturing the imagination at all stages of life and circumstances. Lastly, an anonymous letter from a struggling teen illustrates how EEA is playing a pinnacle role in her development.

Where is the Human? Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Host Chris Jones joins the EEA gallery opening reception of the 2023 Open Juried Exhibition ‘Where is the Human?’ to speak with its jurors, artists, and guests in pursuit of insights to the show’s theme and pieces that answer this most interesting question. Many thanks to [in order of appearance] Joyce Beckenstein, Glynis Berry, Sherry Davis, Edgar Jerins, Jody Cukier, DJ Collins, Debra Albert, Franklin Hill Perrell, Andrea Cote, Frankie Neptune, Eli Stoneman, Meredith Rose, Charles Wildbank, Marta Baumiller, and Tom Anderson.

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