Ernest Shaw returns for his second appearance on The Truth in This Art!

A renowned muralist and educator, Shaw shares his thoughts on the power of art to reflect identity, preserve community history, and connect generations in Baltimore, the city that has shaped much of his work.

In this episode, Shaw discusses how his West Baltimore upbringing influences his art, the lessons he carries from his family, and the role murals play in honoring untold stories. He also reflects on the joys and challenges of being an artist and educator, as well as his ongoing efforts to inspire and uplift the next generation.

This conversation explores the connection between art and culture in Baltimore, focusing on resilience, representation, and the ways that murals serve as powerful expressions of truth and community.

Topics Covered:

• Shaw’s reflections on his work since his first appearance
• Baltimore’s influence on Shaw’s approach to murals and visual art
• Honoring community stories and history through public art
• The role of art in inspiring younger generations

Thank you for joining this insightful conversation with Ernest Shaw. Be sure to explore more episodes of The Truth in This Art for more discussions that spotlight creativity, culture, and the voices shaping Baltimore's unique narrative.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Zina Verduzco joins The Truth in This Art to explore how digital innovation is transforming community and entrepreneurship in Baltimore and beyond.

With deep expertise across marketing, branding, and emerging technologies, Verduzco shares her journey from museum work to leading-edge digital marketing and AI development. She offers practical insights into helping local businesses adapt to the evolving online landscape—emphasizing the power of authenticity, strategic storytelling, and creative use of digital tools.

Verduzco discusses the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs today, from building a strong digital presence to navigating rapid changes in technology. For Verduzco, embracing the future means empowering communities, diversifying revenue, and using digital platforms to connect, uplift, and inspire.

Topics Covered:

• Strategies for building authentic digital communities in Baltimore
• The role of storytelling and branding in small business success
• The impact of AI and innovation on entrepreneurship
• Lessons learned from supporting creative and cultural enterprises

Stay connected by following Zina Verduzco on Instagram @zina.verduzco for updates, resources, and behind-the-scenes stories from Baltimore’s digital frontier.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble

Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival take center stage in this episode of The Truth in This Art. Guests Gab Sussman and Victoria Lebrón share how they are reshaping education and community through Bmore Transform’s abolitionist, decolonizing approach and the city’s premier Graphic Novel Fest—celebrating sequential art, uplifting Queer and BIPOC creators, and advancing arts and literacy education across Baltimore.

Sussman and Lebrón reflect on the powerful role graphic novels play in engaging young readers, making literacy accessible, and fostering a love of storytelling. They discuss their work with Bmore Transform—an initiative dedicated to decolonizing education and supporting youth through creative programming, professional learning, and book clubs—highlighting how centering community and equity transforms classrooms and learning outcomes.

The conversation explores how the Graphic Novel Fest was born from a passion for comics and a desire to create a celebratory, dignified space for visual storytelling in Baltimore. For Sussman and Lebrón, education means building community, championing inclusivity, and helping every young person find their voice through the arts—work exemplified by Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival.

Topics Covered:

• How graphic novels build bridges and encourage literacy for diverse learners
• The mission and impact of Bmore Transform in Baltimore’s educational ecosystem
• Creating inclusive, engaging educational experiences through community-driven design
• The story and significance behind Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival (Graphic Novel Fest)

Baltimore’s very own Graphic Novel Festival

SAVE THE DATE: October 4, 2025
📍400 S Higland Ave, Baltimore

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble