Levon Kafafian's new exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit features artifacts of an fantastical, imagined future for the Armenian diaspora. The show, titled Portal Fire: Shrine of the Torchbearer, features a mix of soft sculptures, wall hangings, carpets, and costumes. The exhibition is inspired by Kafafian's forthcoming graphic novel of the same name.  

Kafafian joined Stateside to talk about their textile work and worldbuilding process. 

GUEST:

Levon Kafafian, Detroit-based artist

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. Additional music featuring 

We also featured Lara Sarkissian's Our Dead Can't Rest (Old Jugha Flute Dance)

Levon Kafafian's <a href="https://mocadetroit.org/levon-kafafian-portal-fire/">new exhibition</a> at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit features artifacts of an fantastical, imagined future for the Armenian diaspora. The show, titled&nbsp;Portal Fire: Shrine of the Torchbearer, features a mix of soft sculptures, wall hangings, carpets, and costumes.&nbsp;The exhibition is inspired by Kafafian's forthcoming graphic novel of the same name.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Kafafian joined Stateside to talk about their textile work and worldbuilding process.&nbsp;
GUEST:
Levon Kafafian, Detroit-based artist
<hr>
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a> Additional music featuring&nbsp;
We also featured Lara Sarkissian's&nbsp;Our Dead Can't Rest (Old Jugha Flute Dance)

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.

To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit michiganpublic.org.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganradio.org/podfund

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.
To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/stateside">michiganpublic.org</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganradio.org/podfund

Stateside

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.

To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit michiganpublic.org.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganradio.org/podfund

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.
To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">michiganpublic.org</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://bit.ly/3RJN5Ul">supporting our work</a>: michiganradio.org/podfund

Weaving a fantastical Armenian future

Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country after a surprise offensive launched by opposition groups, ending the 50-year rule of the Assad family.  For many Syrians living outside of the country, it's opened up the possibility of returning home, or visiting loved ones who stayed. 

We met one Syrian immigrant who built a life with his family here in Michigan after fleeing Syria over a decade ago. He reflected on his time in Syria, and his hopes for the nation's future. 

GUESTS:
Adam Yahya Rayes, data reporter, Michigan Public
Basel Alyasin, vice president, American Syrian Arab Cultural Association 

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. 

 

Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country after a surprise offensive launched by opposition groups, ending the 50-year rule of the Assad family.&nbsp; For many Syrians living outside of the country, it's opened up the possibility of returning home, or visiting loved ones who stayed.&nbsp;
We met one Syrian immigrant who built a life with his family here in Michigan after fleeing Syria over a decade ago. He reflected on his time in Syria, and his hopes for the nation's future.&nbsp;
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Adam Yahya Rayes, data reporter, Michigan Public</li>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Basel Alyasin, vice president, American Syrian Arab Cultural Association&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Looking for more conversations from&nbsp;Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Syrian immigrant reflects on regime change

 Joe Cedillo was released Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from the Muskegon Correctional Facility after spending 38 years behind bars for a crime he committed when he was 18 years old. 

Cedillo’s case marks a significant milestone as the first in Kent County to regain his freedom following a state supreme court ruling that declared unconstitutional automatic life sentences without parole for people 18 years old and younger.

We had the chance to meet him on the day of his release.

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. 

&nbsp;Joe Cedillo was released Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from the Muskegon Correctional Facility after spending 38 years behind bars for a crime he committed when he was 18 years old.&nbsp;
Cedillo&rsquo;s case marks a significant milestone as the first in Kent County to regain his freedom following a state supreme court ruling that declared unconstitutional automatic life sentences without parole for people 18 years old and younger.
We had the chance to meet him on the day of his release.
<hr>
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>&nbsp;

One juvenile lifer’s second chance

University of Michigan gymnast Frederick Richard sits down for a conversation about the summer in Paris for the Olympics, growing men's gymnastics at the collegiate level at home, and building his brand on social media.

GUEST:

Frederick Richard, UM gymnast and Olympian

 

University of Michigan gymnast Frederick Richard sits down for a conversation about the summer in Paris for the Olympics, growing men's gymnastics at the collegiate level at home, and building his brand on social media.
GUEST:
Frederick Richard, UM gymnast and Olympian
&nbsp;

Weaving a fantastical Armenian future

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