Memorable interviews

As much as I love to write, I love doing interviews. I’ve often times been accused by many people of carrying on a conversation with so many questions that it seems more like an interview and they’re not wrong.

But those conversations/interviews, have allowed me to meet some amazing people. I’ve highlighted a few of them in the last two weeks. People doing wonderful things in our community.

I want to keep that theme going and tell you about several other great people making an impact through their work.

Ashlee Thomas, co-founder of MUCE 305 in Little Haiti.

There’s Ashlee Thomas, co-founder of MUCE (Miami Urban Contemporary Experience) 305, an open-air event, education, gallery site in Little Haiti. At MUCE, they host festivals, pop ups, educational workshops, multi-cultural performances and festivals. Ashlee is a leader in our arts community, providing a space for cultural exchange where artists come together to create and collaborate and this Miami native is doing it with style, grace and lots of heart. Click here to read my profile on Ashlee and click here to visit the MUCE 305 site.

T. Eliott Mansa

I also had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing local artist T. Eliott Mansa, whose exhibit at LnS Gallery in Coconut Grove fascinated me. My conversation with him about the pieces in that show and his life as an artist floored me, moved me and inspired me. His work has deep-rooted meaning and explores human connections between the past and present. Click here to read my article about him and click here to visit his website to view his large portfolio of work. I guarantee, his vision and themes will captivate you.

Kathie Klarreich (center) sitting attentively, listening to her students. Photo courtesy of Exchange for Change.

Then there’s Kathie Klarreich, founder of the Exchange for Change prisoner writing program. A former print, broadcast and radio journalist, Klarreich created the writing courses for incarcerated writers to both provide them with better communication skills and also, educate the public on the incarcerated. She even managed to keep the program thriving during the pandemic. This program is making a difference in these people’s lives. It is allowing them to express their experiences through powerful prose and poetry. Click here to read my article on the program and click here to visit the Exchange for Change website. There are published books featuring the prisoner’s work. I purchased one at the Miami Book Fair a few years back and I love it.

I hope you find these stories inspiring and that you’ll enjoy reading about these individuals as much as I enjoyed interviewing them. It’s always so gratifying to have the opportunity to give credit where credit is due.

Until next time…be well and peace.