The Mississippi Artist to Artist podcast was born from a simple, personal desire: to foster a sense of community and shared understanding within Mississippi's visual arts landscape. Hosted by painter Derek Covington Smith, founder of The Little Yellow Building in Brookhaven, MS, this project aimed to create the kind of communal space that can sometimes feel elusive for artists.
Originally launching in late 2020 as "Spotlight On...", the semiweekly show quickly evolved into its truer form: "Mississippi Artist to Artist". It became a platform for authentic conversations, where artists from across the state could share their creative processes, their inspirations, and the very real experiences of building a life in art. The hope was that by sharing these personal journeys, both artists and art enthusiasts would find a common thread, recognizing the shared dedication and sometimes challenging realities of the creative path. The podcast sought to offer a quiet space for connection and mutual discovery among Mississippi's dispersed but vibrant creative community.
Mississippi Artist to Artist: Conversations for Connection
The Story of the Show: Its Evolution & Moments of Connection
The podcast ran approximately from 2020 to mid-2022, producing around 65 episodes. Episodes typically ranged from 20-45 minutes, with some longer special features.
Running from approximately late 2020 through mid-2022, the podcast eventually grew to include around 65 episodes, typically varying in length from 20 to 45 minutes.
A Journey of Shared Discovery: The shift to "Mississippi Artist to Artist" reflected the essence of what it became: two artists simply sharing a conversation, exploring the fascinating aspects of a creative life. For the host, each interview was a privilege, a chance to connect with and learn from artists whose dedication was deeply admired. Many of these conversations blossomed into lasting friendships, a testament to the genuine connections the podcast fostered.
Shared Highlights:
Diverse Voices & Black History Month: While the podcast consistently sought to feature a diverse range of artists in terms of both practice and ethnicity, episodes highlighting amazing Black artists, such as Episode 41, were naturally re-aired as "rewind" episodes during Black History Month. These powerful stories continue to be shared to inspire students.
Building Bridges: While a modest, independent endeavor, the podcast aimed to contribute to the statewide artistic dialogue. At the time, similar platforms for Mississippi artists were scarce. It was a sincere effort by one individual, working from a small building in a small town, deeply grateful for every artist who was willing to share their story and "play along." The project's most rewarding outcome was witnessing the organic formation of friendships and the occasional opportunities—like shows, residencies, or teaching—that arose for some of the featured artists.
A Unique Milestone: Episode 50, aired on April 29, 2022, marked a particularly special moment. In a collaborative gesture, guest host Angee Montgomery stepped in to interview Derek Covington Smith himself. This was a candid conversation for Derek, a commitment made out of fairness and a willingness to share his own life experiences after asking so many others to do the same. This open dialogue lasted for nearly 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Where to Listen:
Memorable Moments & Impact: Every single interview was a highlight, a true "fan-boy" moment for Derek, recognizing how incredibly difficult it is to be an artist and to excel. Each conversation was deeply personal, often leading to lasting friendships and opportunities to meet many of these talented individuals in person across the state. The podcast aimed to foster a sense of shared community among artists, emphasizing that while the creative path is challenging, "we are all in the trenches together." It also served as a vital archival effort, born from the understanding that today's contemporary artists are tomorrow's history, a "thread to pull" for future art historians seeking to understand the interconnected tapestry of Mississippi's vibrant creative community. This mission-driven approach also led to a close relationship with the Mississippi School of the Arts, which would go on to host future exhibitions, further solidifying the podcast's legacy.
We invite you to explore the archive of conversations and discover the diverse voices from Mississippi's creative landscape. The Mississippi Artist to Artist podcast remains available on these platforms:
* [Apple Podcasts]
* [Spotify]
* [Amazon Music]
* [Buzzsprout]
The podcast was a mission-driven project, aiming simply to contribute to connecting and elevating the state’s visual arts community.
