The Escalette Collection of Art presents the third season of “The Artist is Present,” a mini podcast series hosted by Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast. This series, hosted and produced by Helene Volk (’26 Art History, Business Administration) during her 2025 Interterm Internship, features students interviewing Escalette Collection artists, asking questions about their artwork, career, and interests.

This season includes interviews with artists Virginia Katz and Lorena Ochoa, as well as Bonnie Barrett, long-time friend and colleague of Escalette artist Inna Jane Ray, and more.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of the podcast production,” said Volk. “From constructing questions to editing and interviewing artists within the collection to selecting the intro/outro music, I have learned that podcasting is equal parts art and science.” Reflecting back on her entire internship experience, Vlok came away with a newfound appreciation for the artwork that we see on campus every day.

“I have gained experience that extends beyond the realm of producing… a podcast… I have learned more about art acquisitions, exhibition planning, how to care for different types of artwork, and what it truly means to be part of a ‘museum without walls.’”

You can find “The Artist is Present” wherever you listen to podcasts – just search “Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, ITunes, Spotify, etc. You can also find them on the Catalyst website.

Read more! 

(Photo header: Collection Manager Jessica Bocinski with the Escalette Collection’s student workers. (back row, left to right) Cassandra Chan ’25, Diya Patel ’25, Ysabella Rodriguez ’27. (front row, left to right) Collection Manager Jessica Bocinski and Natalie Teeter ’25.)