ART/BTS
From tattooing to performance art to hip-hop, ART/BTS goes behind the scenes and into the creative minds of an eclectic mix of artists throughout Central Illinois, exploring their influences, styles, and inspiration.
ART/BTS is produced by Illinois Public Media, in partnership with 40 North 88 West.
Douglas Kistler, concrete artisan
Urbana-based concrete artisan Douglas Kistler discusses his passion for concrete, people, and collaboration.
Kevin Cory, musician
Champaign-based musician Kevin Cory discusses his life-long passion for music and performing.
Klevah, hip-hop artist
Urbana-based hip-hop artist Klevah shares her passion for music, peforming, and activism.
John McDevitt, mixed-media artist
Sullivan-based mixed-media artist John McDevitt shares his passion for woodworking, reclaimed materials, and collaboration.
Kenneth Johnson, drag perfomer
Urbana-based drag performer Kenneth Johnson shares his passion for hair, make-up, and high-energy performance.
T.R.U.T.H, emcee
Rapper and emcee T.R.U.T.H talks about writing, performing, and her first love: hip-hop.
Thomas Nicol, filmmaker
Filmmaker Thomas Nicol shares his passion for stories, stop-motion animation, and the Champaign film community.
Ryan Groff, musician
Musician Ryan Groff shares his passion for big sounds, teaching, and the magic that exists in Champaign-Urbana.
Nina Paley, animator
Animator and cartoonist Nina Paley discusses her evolution from stop-motion filmmaker to syndicated cartoonist to feature film animator.
Langston Allston, painter
Painter Langston Allston discusses his many influences, from comic books to art history, that go into his multi-layered works.
Deke Weaver, performance artist
Performance artist Deke Weaver discusses his passion for live performance and his use of different textures in his multi-media works.
Ann Coddington Rast, fiber artist
Fiber artist Ann Coddington Rast discusses being a maker and the innate connection to the natural materials in her sculptures and installations.