This episode of When Creatives Thrive we feature B.K. Borison, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and Baltimore native.

Her most recent release, AND NOW, BACK TO YOU, is a warm, witty romance novel inspired by When Harry Met Sally. Its main characters, two rival meteorologists, are forced to cover the storm of the century - only to get snowed in together. Set in her beloved home city, the novel is part of Borison’s Heartstrings series, which reclaims Baltimore as a place of romance, charm, and possibility.

With an opening line of “Do you believe in fate?” AND NOW, BACK TO YOU portrays Baltimore with intention and softness—presenting it not as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing character worthy of a rom-com love story.

On this episode of When Creatives Thrive we feature Jamaal ‘Feedy’ Jackson, a textile artist based in Baltimore.

Feedy's venture into art began in 2021 while searching for a creative outlet during the pandemic. A simple video of tufting on social media inspired him to experiment with yarn and consider a new method of self-expression.

Initially designing rugs based on popular images intended to sell at venues like The Baltimore Farmers' Market, Feedy has since elevated his practice to designing and creating detailed, abstract portraits that explore complex human emotion and perception.

His commitment to his craft has led to early recognition, including his first, sold out, solo art exhibition at Monument Sotheby’s, as well as participation in Art Basel.

On this episode of When Creatives Thrive, we feature Red Giant, an artist-run gallery, studio, and workshop, located in the Bromo Arts District of Baltimore City.

Red Giant’s mission is to create a platform for art and artists by curating exhibits and embracing their neighborhood to develop cultural offerings that bring opportunities to local creatives. They are powered by ideals of access, inclusion, experimentation, and community development.

We also discuss Red Giant’s participation in the Scout Art Fair at Artscape, and how festivals are emerging as a mainstream strategy to elevate art and connect with collectors. Festivals like Scout are also an effective way to get cities like Baltimore in on national and international art conversation.

In studio today are two of the founding members, Mary Gagler and Patrick Bell, with a big shout out to the third founding member, Stephen Callender.

Podcast cover art photo: Kayla Morgan