Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Into the Void: Artist and Photographer Chris Ryan Ross

Maine native Chris Ryan Ross had built a very successful photography career for himself in New York City when he realized that the pull from his home state was too great to resist. In 2014–well before it was popular to do so–he decided to work remotely, traveling to photo shoots in Los Angeles and New York via the Portland International Jetport. Recently, Chris took another life leap, leaving his full-time photography work to develop his skills as a painter. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Art and Design in Providence, Chris recalled many childhood hours spent with his sketchbook, and found himself wanting to re-engage with that earlier version of himself. Following this theme of exploration, Chris and his wife, Alice, will be spending the next year in England with their two children, as they reconnect with Alice’s extended family. Join our conversation with Portland Art Gallery artist Chris Ryan Ross today on Radio Maine.

Oyster Entrepreneur Finds Home in Maine: Brad Blymier

Growing up in landlocked southern Pennsylvania, Brad Blymier never imagined a future involving oysters.  After graduating with an undergraduate degree in English, Brad was successfully building a career in artificial intelligence software sales on the West Coast when an impromptu call from a childhood friend changed the course of his life. Brad and his wife, Hannah, would go on to become co-owners of a high-end shellfish distribution company, War Shore Trading Co., named for the Virginia duck-hunting shoreline where Brad first tried his hand at oyster farming–at the suggestion of his childhood friend. Raised in Pittsfield, Maine, it was not hard for Hannah to convince Brad to return to her home state, where they both now live with their two sons. Join our conversation with oyster entrepreneur Brad Blymier today on Radio Maine.

Art Historian and Critic: Martica Sawin

Art critic and historian Martica Sawin has been connected to the international art community for decades. Born in New York CIty, she has had a similarly long-standing connection to Maine. After years of vacationing with her family at places like Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake in South Casco, Martica’s parents bought a farm in Yarmouth in the 1940s, so that her father could commute to his job with Bates Manufacturing in Lewiston.  Following a detour to Paris, where Martica met her first husband, (an artist) while studying art history, she continued her education at the University of Iowa. When she returned to New York City in 1946, Martica found the metropolis bursting with veterans pursuing artistic endeavors, and she quickly parlayed her own education into a job with the Museum of Modern Art. These early opportunities would start her down a storied path as an author, educator and overall art expert. Join our conversation with Martica Sawin today on Radio Maine.

Jane Dahmen, Maine Artist

Jane Dahmen is one of the Portland Art Gallery’s most beloved and longstanding artists. She was also one of our first Radio Maine guests, joining us on episode four from her Newcastle, Maine home, back when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a remote conversational format. A proud graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Jane has always been known for her commitment to Maine and passion for promoting her adopted state’s myriad talented artists. Despite challenges such as the death of her husband, Joe, three short years ago, Jane continues to embrace exploration, curiosity and perpetual reinvention, as reflected in her vibrant works of art. Join our most recent conversation with Jane Dahmen today on Radio Maine.

The Mark of Strong Leadership: Judiann Smith

Judiann Smith is a firm believer in the importance of strong leaders in healthcare, especially during times of rapid change.  As the executive director of the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership in Maine, Judiann has coordinated countless programs focusing on leadership skills for doctors, nurses, and others in the healthcare field, since taking this position in 2015. Judiann is no stranger to the reality of change, and the need to approach leadership creatively. After earning her law degree from Suffolk University in Boston, Judiann quickly realized that she wanted to use her education to benefit the greater good. A longtime Maine resident, Judiann spent more than 18 years working for Spurwink Services in Portland, and has functioned in numerous other public capacities, including six years as an elected member of the Yarmouth school committee. Join our conversation with Judiann Smith today on Radio Maine.

Gulf of Maine Research Scientist: Claire Enterline

Research scientist Claire Enterline has found that the ocean has much to teach us about climate resiliency.  As a research associate and project manager with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland, Claire works with FishSCORE (Fisheries Strategies for Changing Oceans and Resilient Ecosystems by 2030), a global program endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Raised in Ohio, Claire loved being outside as a child. She found her passion for marine biology while studying abroad in Ecuador and New Zealand, as part of her undergraduate degree in environmental science and policy at Boston University.  Claire now spends her time at GMRI helping to develop and deliver solutions to global climate and ocean challenges–right down the street from the Portland Art Gallery. Join our conversation with Claire Enterline today on Radio Maine.

Living with Art: Sarah Verardo

Artist Sarah Verardo has an eye for detail and design. Originally from a small Rhode Island beach town, Sarah grew up in a home filled with art, and socialized regularly with artists from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Her father, who briefly owned an art gallery, once brought five-year-old Sarah to Dale Chihuly's studio to watch him make art from blown glass. While a government major at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Sarah took her first painting class right before graduating. She applied her strong visual sense to marketing in fashion and home design, working for storied European fashion houses like Gucci from her New York City base. After 14 years, Sarah returned to Providence, where she picked up her paintbrush again. Her connection to the New England coast is clearly felt in the intricate details of her subject matter, which include seashells, flower petals and beach stones. Join our conversation with Sarah Verardo today on Radio Maine.

The Brand CEO: Mallika Malhotra

Mallika Malhotra is a business strategist, mentor, speaker, and author. Known as the Brand CEO, Mallika has helped hundreds of female entrepreneurs to maximize their strengths and draw upon their passions as they create success in their fields.  Born to parents who emigrated from India and the Philippines, Mallika learned the value of hard work, and the importance of appreciating opportunities, from an early age. Her experiences in the corporate and creative worlds have greatly informed her current work. Join our conversation with Mallika Malhotra today on Radio Maine.

Wylie Garcia:Garden Tender

Artist Wylie Garcia has learned to have faith in her intuition. Based in Charlotte, Vermont, Wylie draws upon memories of gardening with her mother when creating her much sought after floral paintings.  Wylie remains continually inspired by the varying shapes and changing colors of flowers, as she creates layered emotional landscapes with titles such as “A Trusting Place for Bower Birds,” and “Dreams of Southport Island.” Wylie’s creative process also plays into her role as curator at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, where she seeks to “highlight conversations that are happening visually between artists.” Visit with Portland Art Gallery artist Wylie Garcia today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more.

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

This artist is represented by the Portland Art Gallery of Maine. Click here to view her art.

Miranda Rico More Women Surf

More Women+ Surf media director Miranda Rico has a passion for fostering safe spaces and driving positive change. Raised in North Yarmouth, Maine, Miranda draws upon her interest in creative portraiture and skills as a photographer to help More Women+ Surf break down socio-economic, physical, and emotional barriers to create surf and water access for those who might not otherwise engage in this sport. The oldest of six children, Miranda experienced the power of unity, cooperation, and support while growing up in a larger-than-average household. Her family taught her the value of inclusivity, empathy, and fostering connections among diverse individuals. Miranda enthusiastically incorporates these values into her work with More Women+ Surf. Join our conversation with Miranda Rico today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. 

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.