With exhibits on the Underground Railroad, the ghost of a childhood home and a dome made from 3-D printed hexagons, DATMA’s current exhibit features public art in multiple locations across downtown New Bedford exploring the idea of ‘Shelter.’
James Baumgartner
James produces and engineers Political Roundtable, The Weekly Catch and other special programming on The Public’s Radio. He also produces Artscape, the weekly arts & culture segment heard every Thursday. His favorite part of the job is talking with artists, musicians and other creators about their process and what inspires them.
James learned the basics of audio editing while studying music at Missouri State University. He went on to get a Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Art at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he created electronic music, video art and internet-based media art. While at RPI, James went on the air for the first time, hosting an electronic music show on Rensselaer's station, WRPI, but his love of radio came from staying up late so he could hear punk rock on KKFI, the community radio station in Kansas City, Missouri.
Rhode Island PrideFest returns; ‘Fairview’ lulls the audience with sitcom humor before implicating the ‘white gaze’
We have two items to feature in this week’s Artscape: Rhode Island PrideFest and “Fairview” at Trinity Rep
PVD Fest 2022 brings music, footwork and spectacle to downtown Providence
Although PVD Fest had some small events in the last couple of years, this year is the first full festival since 2019. It’s a big one! There are events this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Contemporary art, music, food and the semiotics of cod at Fabric Fall River
The Fabric Fall River Festival takes place May 12 – 14 and it’s about a lot more than textiles. There’s music, visual art, performance art, food and more.
Chapman Cycles and the art of the custom bicycle
Most bicycles you see at the local bike shop today are made in factories in Taiwan and China. But there are still a few people in the U.S. who make custom bicycles by hand. Brian Chapman of Chapman Cycles is a local builder with a world-wide reputation. Artscape producer James Baumgartner met with him to find out more about the art of custom bike-building.
PVD Cello Fest celebrates the beauty and versatility of the cello
Zan Berry and Isabel Castellvi are cellists who helped organize PVD Cellofest – a collection of concerts featuring a wide range of music genres but with one thing in common – the cello.
RISD Black Biennial envelops the viewer with the work of nearly 80 artists
The First RISD Black Biennial opened recently at the RISD Museum in Providence, showcasing the works of nearly 80 artists. Artscape Producer James Baumgartner talked with the show’s co-curators.
With ‘Seeing Providence Chinatown’ Jeffrey Yoo Warren creates a virtual neighborhood for a forgotten enclave
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Providence had a small Chinatown neighborhood, centered around Empire & Westminster Streets. Artist and designer Jeffrey Yoo Warren is creating “Seeing Providence Chinatown” – a virtual 3-D model of what was once a thriving community. Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Chuck Hinman talked with Jeffrey about the project.
The Gamm’s ‘An Octoroon’ hopes to be uncomfortable and joyous
The Gamm Theatre’s latest play opens January 27th. It’s called ‘An Octoroon.’ Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Chuck Hinman talked with actor Marc Pierre and director Joe Wilson Jr.
Festival Ballet and Big Nazo collaborate on a fresh look for this year’s ‘Nutcracker’
The Nutcracker is a perennial favorite during the holidays, but this year’s Festival Ballet production is a bit different. Morning Edition host Chuck Hinman and Artscape producer James Baumgartner visited Festival Ballet’s rehearsal center for a preview of what’s new this year.

