Welcome to Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast SEASON 5!

Kicking off this season, Ben, Elisabeth, and Elise briefly catch up about what they have been up to, some of their favorite most recent arts events, and chat a little about what to expect for this season. Then we transition into our first interview with the incredible Dylan Collazo, which was recorded live at Inkwell in Allentown.

Dylan Collazo, born in Allentown, is a self-taught contemporary artist painting visual narratives that delve into the human psyche using relevant cultural and historical references, and symbolism in his style of portraiture. He uses his art to tie the human experience to the individual experience and vice versa, using his own complex journey as the anchor and foundation for the images, scenery, and symbolism found in the work.

You can keep with with Dylan by following him on Instagram at @the.collazo or by checking out his website.

Currently, Dylan's solo exhibition "When Eye Faced Myself, I Drew Blood" is on display at Inkwell, located at 125 Hamilton St Storefront, Allentown, PA 18101. He also has work on display at SNKR BOX in Easton, Jones on 9th in Allentown, and Lehigh University Art Galleries in Bethlehem.

Interested in learning what arts events are going on in the valley? Keep an eye on the Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast Instagram, where we frequently share details of local events on our story! Additionally, you can follow LV Artist Meetup and Connected by Craft to keep up with ongoing artist meetups. Interested in the LV music scene? Pick up a copy of The Bethl'mite zine at the Compact Disc Center, Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakes, or The Ice House!

In this unique episode, Ben explores the world of The Fellowship of Love with William H. Travis. The main interview portion of this episode was recorded at Elmwood Park in Bethlehem, and the live-music recording as well as supplemental interviews with friends and collaborators were recorded on July 27, 2025, live at the Compact Disc Center for the very first "Ruby" vinyl release show.

William H. Travis (AKA Travis Hobbie) is a singer/songwriter from the Lehigh Valley. Travis is a local singer/songwriter who has performed in and around the Lehigh Valley, in both solo shows and in groups. Most recently, he has been performing alongside Alex Luquet, Rebecca Nunes, John Morgan Kimock, and Justin Mazer. Currently, he is in the process of rolling out his newest album, "Ruby" on vinyl.

You can find William H. Travis on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, his website, YouTube, and (begrudgingly) on Spotify & Apple Music.

To purchase the Ruby Vinyl online, visit Square of Opposition Records' website! And keep up with Chris Reject/Square of Opposition Records/LVAC on Instagram!

The next "Ruby" vinyl release show will be at Apport Used Books in Emmaus on Saturday, September 13, at 7pm. William H. Travis will be joined by Chelsea Smarr and Super Infinity! There is a suggested donation of $10 for those attending the concert. Additionally, there will be a limited edition version of "Ruby" along with posters and art by Miki Tamura.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help make this episode a reality! There are so many people who lended their thoughts, wonderful voices, and ideas on how to make this episode what it is. Some of those individuals include: @_wyattpaul_, @mozzle_liam, @_kellyeah, @leahmccann45, @veggie_benji, @mamphibian, @johngalm, @jberkjj, @dearmisty, @lavalampbebop, @pantaloop and so many more!

And thank you to Colin Hart for helping to capture, edit, and mix the live-music recording at the Compact Disc Center! This episode truly came to life through the weaving of the live show with the interviews, and it couldn't have been done without him!

Lastly, shoutout to Nathan Allebach, host of the show "What's Really Good," who interviewed William H. Travis and provided boundless information to build this interview and episode off of! You can listed to that episode here if you would like to learn more!

SAVE THE DATE: Celebrate with us at Light Up LUAG on Friday, September 19!"

100 Years of Lehigh University Art Galleries
From the art and engineering of the first Lenape inhabitants, through the upheavals of the steel and railroad industries, to the hi-tech manufacturing of today, makers and innovators of all kinds have found a home in the Lehigh Valley.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this maker mindset found its way into the DNA of Lehigh University, shaping both artists and engineers. Lehigh University’s founder, Asa Packer, was a creative entrepreneur: a carpenter and boat-builder who believed in a well-rounded education. Built on this creative spirit, LUAG has championed the power of art since 1926 – the year of the first known art exhibition on campus.

A century later, the museum provides art experiences for all, offering dynamic programming and meaningful art education to learners of all ages. Exhibitions in our galleries represent artworks from both globally-recognized institutions and from LUAG’s own collection of more than 20,000 works of art.

Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists
In honor of this milestone, LUAG is thrilled to present Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists – a juried exhibition of 100 artists reflecting the wide range of artistic practices thriving in our local community today.

From September 2, 2025 through May 22, 2026, the 100 selected works will transform our galleries, providing a dynamic catalyst for a series of receptions, lectures, community workshops, and special events – a true celebration of LUAG's past, present, and future. Follow along here for a growing list of centennial events.

The yearlong exhibition draws from a vibrant wellspring of creativity: nearly 300 area artists submitted approximately 800 artworks, serving as a testament to the region’s breadth of talent and the power of art to inspire. The exhibition will coincide with an initiative to make significant purchases of works by local artists for the university’s collection.

We were pleased to have Curlee Raven Holton, Founding Director and Master Printer at Raven Fine Art Editions, Easton, as the exhibition’s guest community juror. Previously, Curlee served as the founding director of The Experimental Printmaking Institute (EPI) at Lafayette College, where he was the David M. and Linda Roth Professor of Art. He recently retired as the director of the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland.

For more information and a full list of the featured artists check out LUAG’s landing page for the exhibition: https://luag.lehigh.edu/exhibitions/here-and-now-100-years-luag-100-local-artists