Mixing media

 

‘Art Beat’ spotlights Detroit visual artists

 

By K. Michelle Moran

Arts & Entertainment Editor

     Robert Maniscalco is an artist, but as host of the WTVS Detroit Public Television show “Art Beat,” he dons the cap of an everyman instead.

     “I’m willing to look stupid to ask those kinds of questions because I’m interested in breaking down the barriers or walls [to art appreciation],” said Grosse Pointe City resident Maniscalco. “I’m suggesting that art is available to everybody who’s willing to look deeply and think deeply.”

     Based on Maniscalco’s local cable show “Inside Art” and launched earlier this fall, “Art Beat” reaffirms the Detroit PBS affiliate’s commitment to the creative community by spotlighting different visual artists each week. They’ve ranged from the internationally known Tyree Guyton to emerging talents such as Mark Wolak.

     “We have produced a large number of arts programs in the past, and we thought the time was right to do a show on visual artists and give them well-deserved exposure on Detroit Public Television,” said John O’Donnell, manager of advertising and publicity for WTVS.

     Producer Todd Hastings of St. Clair Shores, a former segment producer for WTVS’s “Backstage Pass,” said the considerably lower-budgeted “Art Beat” is a challenge that requires the crew to shoot two 30-minute episodes in a day. They spend another day editing each show.

     “Art Beat,” which airs at 2 p.m. Saturdays, was slated to film 18 episodes in its first season, which Hastings said will be repeated before the new season starts. But on the strength of mostly word-of-mouth, he said it’s already getting a 1.4 rating — the equivalent of roughly 25,000-28,000 viewers, which he said is considered “extremely good” for a new show on the network.

     “Rob has so much to do with the success [of the show] … He’s got a nice, light touch with everyone, and he adds humor,” Hastings said.

     The show’s format includes Maniscalco talking with artists about their work, and the artists demonstrating what they do when they create.

     “I want to be able to show to the broader community the demystification of the artistic process,” said Hastings, who sees “Art Beat” as a way to encourage people to embrace art, whether or not they have an advanced degree in the subject.

     “I think sometimes people are intimidated by modern art,” he continued. “It’s fine to say, ‘I like the colors.’”

     As president of the Wayne County Council for Arts, History and Humanities, founder of the Detroit Artist Network and owner of the Grosse Pointe City gallery that bears his name, Maniscalco is a champion of the arts on multiple fronts.

     “One of my driving missions is to get the word out that fine art, creativity of expression, is available to everybody,” Maniscalco said.

     Plans are already underway for next season, which might start in April or May, Hastings said. Maniscalco would like to see the show become available nationwide, to introduce viewers elsewhere to the Detroit art community. They’re also seeking underwriting for “Art Beat.”

     Besides raising the profile of the area’s seemingly endless pool of talent, Hastings said “Art Beat” addresses social issues.

     “We’re trying to use the show as a catalyst for change, and show that artists are a viable group that can affect change,” Hastings said.

     You can reach K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com