Life Along the Streetcar with Tom Heath from The Heath Team Nova Home Loans

This week, our Guest is Kate Green, the new Executive Director for the Museum of Contemporary Art and we’re going to learn what lured her away from the vibrant Texas Art scene and what we can expect out of MOCA.

Today is April 25th, my name is Tom Heath and you’re listening to “Life Along the Streetcar”.

Each and every Sunday our focus is on Social, Cultural and Economic impacts in Tucson’s Urban Core and we shed light on hidden gems everyone should know about. From A Mountain to the U of A and all stops in between. You get the inside track- right here on 99.1 FM, streaming on DowntownRadio.org– we’re also available on your iPhone or Android using our very own Downtown Radio app.

Reach us by email [email protected] — interact with us on Facebook @Life Along the Streetcar and follow us on Twitter @StreetcarLife

Our intro music is by Ryanhood and we exit with a song from Russ Freeman called “Modern Art”. We’re going to start today’s show with a little news of crooning.

Interview with Kate Green, Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Tucson, AZ

Our feature presentation today is about the Museum of Contemporary Art and specifically with the new Executive Director Kate Green. She joined MOCA in 2020 and previously to that spent a lot of time in Texas in the art world there and was the Senior Curator at the El Paso Museum of Art. We had a chance to speak with her by phone recently and find out what lured her away from Texas,. how her transition is going here in Tucson and what we can expect out of MOCA in the coming days weeks and years.

Transcript

Tom Heath
Good morning. It’s a beautiful Sunday in the Old Pueblo. You’re listening to KTDT Tucson. Thank you for spending a part of your brunch hour with us on your downtown Tucson Community sponsored Rock and Roll Radio Station.

Tom Heath
This week, our Guest is Kate Green, the new Eexecutive Director for the Museum of Contemporary Art and we’re going to learn what lured her away from the vibrant Texas Art scene and what we can expect out of MOCA.

Tom Heath
Today is April 25th, my name is Tom Heath and you’re listening to Life Along the Streetcar. Each and every Sunday, our focus is on social cultural and economic impacts in Tucson’s Urban core and we shed light on hidden gems. everyone should know about. From A mountain to UArizona and all stops in between, you get the inside track right here on 99.1 FM, streaming on Downtown Radio.org. Also available on your iPhone or Android. If you download the Downtown Radio Tucson app and then we’ll be in your pocket wherever you go.

Tom Heath
Our show email address is Contact at Life along the streetcar.org. That same URL will take you to all of our past episodes, and if you are a podcaster, you’ll find us just about anywhere podcast that can be found like SoundCloud, Spotify, iTunes, iHeartRadio, many others. And if you’re lazy like me, just tell your smart speaker to play The Life along the streetcar podcast.

Tom Heath
We’re going to start Today’s Show with a little news of crooning. You heard me right crooning. For the month of April, Thursday’s in downtown have been known as a Troubadour Thursday’s. Each Thursday from 5:30 to 8, musicians have been out strolling the streets and Performing for the patrons of the, I believe, nine outdoor cafes that have been set up. This is a partnership between the Fox Tucson theater and the Downtown Tucson Partnership.

Tom Heath
So the collaboration is meant to bring art back into the lives of to Tucsonans and give us a little reason to celebrate spring. It’s been nice weather. So we’ve had some Talent out there from Gypsy Jazz, Bluegrass, Americana Folk, all kinds of different music has been out there and it’s been every Thursday. And this Thursday, the 29th happens to be the last Troubadour Thursday. So if you’re interested in checking that out this Thursday from 5:30 to 8 Downtown, one of the outdoor restaurants when the performers, make their way from restaurant to restaurant, tooling around downtown spending about 15 minutes or so at each restaurant, entertaining those guests and giving those artists an opportunity to perform. Another creative way that Downtown Tucson Partnership is working with the Arts and the emergence down there.

Tom Heath
Our feature presentation today is about the Museum of Contemporary Art and specifically with the new Executive Director Kate Green. She joined MOCA in 2020 and previously to that spent a lot of time in Texas in the art world there and was the Senior Curator at the El Paso Museum of Art. We had a chance to speak with her by phone recently and find out what lured her away from Texas, how her transition is going here in Tucson and what we can expect out of MOCA in the coming days weeks and years.

Kate Green
My name is Kate green and I am the executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson.

Tom Heath
I appreciate you being with us this morning and we’ll talk about MOCA here just a minute. But I’d like to talk first about you because you’re, you’re new to mocha and you’re new to Tucson, that accurate?

Kate Green
I am brand-new. Yes, completely accurate. I have been With MOCA Tucson since October. So about about, you know, on coming up on six months and and getting to know Tucson and getting to know, the the landscape and people and, and and MOCA’s communities. And, you know, Tom, what I am reminded of constantly is just how, like, how excited people are about culture in this town, and how excited people are to kind of help help that move forward, or move it forward, you know, but that everyone is kind of invested in moving, it forward. And so Partners appear, you know, around, you know, come out of the woodwork, excited about where MOCAs going and and how they can help get it. So, it’s been, it’s been tremendous.

Tom Heath
Where did where did you originate from? What was your previous location?

Kate Green
Yeah. My previous life, what was my previous life? So I’ve been in the museum world for more than two decades, which is kind of crazy to say. So I am from Portland, Oregon and New York and I moved to To Texas. I did my graduate work in New York and then was working in museums there. And, and then I moved to Texas in 2003 and I was at museums. I was a Art Pace in San Antonio. And, and then did my PhD in Art History in Austin at UT Austin. And then was directing a museum in Marfa and then leading efforts for the El Paso Museum of Art, in El Paso. And and then here. So, you know, I’ve been really around the block.

Tom Heath
What got you then to Tucson?

Kate Green
Really, you know I have to say it’s three things. It’s Tucson, and Tucsonans know what a treasure they have. I think you know this this like jewel in the desert that is so you know with The Dramatics Saguaro Cacti and you know, 60 minutes from the border and you know, near the ocean and mountains, and then all the kind of Rich cultural landscape here and thinking about this thinking about MOCA, it just was like an extraordinary opportunity. MOCA was founded in 1997 as really this like DIY artist-run space and, Tom I was talking with Foundation the other day and like likening MOCA to we’re now entering our 20s. I mean, we’re entering our third decade our second decade in this building here, our iconic former Firehouse in this BO Brutalist building on Church Street in one corner of downtown, right across from the TCC.

Kate Green
So we’re entering our second decade in this building and I really kind of think it about it as MOCA’s entering, it’s like 20s. You know, we’re kind of through adolescence, we know who we are. We are a museum devoted to working with contemporary artists and to education programs that extend the impact of that work to supporting artists through commissioning, through our Residency program and really working with some of the most ambitious, kind of, you know, some of the better-known artists, working nationally, internationally, but making projects with them that could only happen here. And that are about this landscape. And and in fact, using this space, the space of MOCA, our exhibition space as a platform for other voices, and find that are in our next three exhibitions, and I’ll talk about those in a moment, but, you know, just the opportunity to kind of help MOCA and even Tucson be a real leader in some of the most important conversations of our time and and it was really tremendously exciting.

Tom Heath
Let’s take one step back for someone like me. I’m sure everyone else is aware of this, but explain to me the difference between like a Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art. What is that?

Kate Green
I love it. I love that question. We love say our partners and friends the Tucson Museum of Art, shout-out to the amazing work that they’re doing. And unlike the Tucson Museum of Art, MOCA, a Museum of Contemporary Art, means that we’re devoted exclusively to working with art of this moment, with artists of this moment. So, you know, I’m an art historian, I love going to the TMA and looking at a painting from hundreds of years ago or sculpture made you know thousands of years ago even, but what a Museum of Contemporary Art, how MOCAs different is that we are the only Museum in the entire Binational Sonoran Desert. And really, if you think about it Tom, the only Museum east of California all the way along the Borderlands. The only Museum devoted exclusively to working with living artists, to Contemporary Art.

Kate Green
I mean, I learned hanging out with with all the folks who I get to hang out with. I was talking with someone a little earlier this morning and you know, they were reminding me that why they get so, this is a like a foundation, that’s why they are so excited about MOCA is that, you know, Contemporary Art is contemporary artists. They’re working with the same issues that that we’re thinking. That keep us up at night, you know? This is the material of our Lives, of our time. And, you know, when people often ask me like how did I get into doing what I do? Because I’ve been, I have been in larger collecting museums. Like, TMA is a collect what we would call a collecting Museum and also been in contemporary museums, and I love both, but one of the things that I remember when I was an undergrad and I started taking Contemporary Art, contemporary artist, art history classes, I realized I was really excited about history, but even more excited about how the art of our time tells the story of our time. And this is what we get to do at MOCA.

Tom Heath
We’ll be back to finish up that interview with Kate Green and find out some events that are happening at MOCA throughout the remainder of the year. But first, I do want to remind you that you are listening to Life along the streetcar and Downtown Radio 99.1 FM and available for streaming a Downtown Radio.org

Tom Heath
All right, we’re going to finish up our interview here with Kate Green. She’s the Executive Director for the Museum of Contemporary Art, took over in October of 2020, and we’re going to find out some upcoming events and what we can expect at a MOCA here in the future.

Tom Heath
Well, uh, let’s let’s talk a little bit more about some of that art, you mentioned. There’s three exhibitions coming up. Yes. Tell us…

Kate Green
Yes, I mean May is an extraordinary time. I mean, you know, I’m so, I’m so excited to be talking with everyone here. We’re now at the end of April and looking into May, we have our extraordinary education programs continuing and, in fact, the virtual showcase for our School of Drag, one of our many education programs working with LGBTQ+ Community. School of drag is, in particular, a program that is around the Like performance of identity and Contemporary Art. And we have a virtual showcase for that on May first. I hope everyone checks that out and all the other amazing education programs, we have go on, like our Teen Council. And, you know, visit www.MOCA-Tucson.org to find out about everything.

Kate Green
But I’ll just share with you, tease out a little bit about our upcoming, our exhibition that just opened its with a Mexico City based artist named Pierre Camille and we are are doing three projects, we’re helping her present three projects simultaneously by her: one is going to be over our heads, over your heads, when you come visit MOCA. MOCA which, you know, is COVID safe. Even as we all get more comfortable, we have our bay doors open, air flowing and plenty of space for social distancing. So over your heads, when you come Local. You’ll see this kind of Patchwork of t-shirts use t-shirts that were produced in the u.s. I’m sorry. Produced in Mexico cheaply for US market and then used by US here in the US and then sent back to Mexico for like used clothing markets, you know.

Kate Green
And then we’re purchased and put into this Patchwork of a kind of quilt that you can actually perform. You can enter ER, act with so you can put your head through the T-shirt holes. So it’s this beautiful Patchwork of colorful t-shirts that speaks to these informal economies and the economic relationship and even kind of exploitative relationship between us and Mexican economies. Yeah but I think it really it also really celebrate these connections because this is a patchwork of t-shirts you know connected. So it really celebrates not really just critiques but kind of celebrates these connections.

Tom Heath
And that’s just one part of the, the artist display, right? So there’s three parts.

Kate Green
It is, so part two will be below your feet. You will get to lie down on a sea of carpet and with apply to that carpet patch work on the floor is a kind of design that speaks to the the kind of structures that you know, the kind of decentralizing structures are different structures. We’ve used over time I’m too kind of think differently about systems circular structures for example. And and that structure is actually the support for a series of programs. So the artist has invited is inviting. Anyone can apply to use mocha space and use that sculpture under our feet that we can lie on use that sculpture as a kind of platform during the exhibition for For you know talk they want to do or program they want to do. So really using the museum as a platform for their own ideas and we even have small stipends for you know speakers fees or cookies or you know materials whatever might be used. So you can apply for those opportunities at MOCA dot which mocha – Tucson dot-org.

Kate Green
So that’s part. Number two, is this is this Sculpt this carpet. You get to lay on and look up at the school sculpture. Number one from and also use as a platform for your own ideas, sharing your own ideas and then part three is so exciting. Tom also, something everyone can participate in. So we are asking folks to share a bit about their experience of Of Tucson and that kind of Sonic story. Will that sound? That sound there are kind of soundscape of Tucson will be translated. Will be, will we in exchange will give you a gift certificate to Bookmans? So, you know, nothing’s nothing’s free. We know if we want your stories, we need to give you something. So in exchange, we’ll give you a Bookmans gift certificate and then those stories are actually going. Be translated, shared sonically. And then flag piece is going to be created and mounted outside of mocha in relationship to those stories. So, it kind of will come the flag will come out of these stories. So these three pieces, you know, the overhead underfoot the quilt. They’re all like, there’s a collectivities that’s about that. Part of all of them, you know, they’re made of all of us. And I, they’re beautiful and, and energetic. And I’m just so thrilled to share them with audiences.

Tom Heath
Well, we’ll get, we’ll get people directed over to your website so they can check this out and see how beautiful it is because your websites, you know, got a very good representation of how this all comes together. It’s just beautiful, but you had mentioned before we got on the air you mentioned an event coming up in May I want to make sure we talk about I think is this have something on May 1st?

Kate Green
Thank you. We have I want to give a like, a particular shout out to two events. Have a lot of events happening in May but there’s two, I want to really call attention to one is on May 1st. We are having a Buffalo Exchange sale so it’s really like a perfect timing because of Pia Camille show is about you know, reusing and they used clothing Market. We know beloved Buffalo Exchange Changes is Tucson born. So, come on to come out to mocha on May 1st and get yourself, some, some clothes that will be outside on the Plaza. So completely, you know, safe for anyone. And then a few weekends later in May May first is also that showcase I mentioned for school drag, that’s virtually and then a few weekends later in May I think it’ll be 23rd, we will have a sketchy Sunday, the return of mochas sketchy, Sunday’s. So this was going to be a super fun event. Again, it’s gonna be outside on the Plaza led by an artist and everyone will get it’s for all ages. Everyone can come and take part in creating a timeline. So it’s going to be. I really think that event is going to be not to be missed.

Tom Heath
Most certainly a lot of interactivity. Well, we are ya talking with Dr. Kate Green of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson. New to Tucson. Still exploring and MOCAs ot a lot of really cool things coming up. So check out their website and welcome to Tucson. Thanks so much and I just your excitement is just it’s contagious. So it I’m excited to see where we’re going.

Kate Green
Yay. Thanks Tom. I’m thrilled to get a chance to talk about where we are going and please visit our website, become a member, stay connected with MOCA because we’re going places.

Tom Heath
Well, I’m excited to see where mocha continues to grow, recently have their Gala just about, I think it was last week, it was after our interview so we don’t know all the details, but I did hear from some of those that attended the Gala live and remotely. That is just a fantastic event. So more good things to About the Museum of Contemporary Art and Kate Green. Welcome to Tucson excited to see what you have in store for us. Well my name is Tom Heath. You are listening to Life along the streetcar and Downtown Radio 99.1 FM and available for streaming and Downtown Radio dot org.

Tom Heath
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Tom Heath
But you know what, if you don’t want to pay for the schwag, I’ll make a deal with you. Send us a story. Tell us how a Downtown Radio has impacted you. Maybe got you through a tough year, maybe it’s expanded your music Horizons or maybe it’s done something different for you. But send that story to stories at Downtown Radio dot org and few lucky listeners will have their stories played on the air and maybe win a little free merchandise from Downtown Radio along the way. Not a bad trade-off there. While you’re over on Downtown Radio dot org. You can also check out our schedule and see all the cool shows happening Monday through Saturday is a rock mix Sunday’s the shows and little bit different style of music.

Tom Heath
And again, I’m just so impressed with each one of our DJs and how much time and effort they put into curating, just a fabulous mix of rock. You’re going to find something you like them. I, I can guarantee it. Well, we also looking for topics on the show. So if you know of anything, we should be covering it, reach us out, reach us out. Yeah, that’s what I said, reach out to us on contact at Life, along the streetcar. Dot-org, hit us up on social media share, the things that you know and we would like to share those as well.

Tom Heath
Next week, we have Terry Etherton on the show, Etherton 10 Gallery. This has been a staple in the urban core for 40 years. He kind of opened Upon a spur-of-the-moment. Decision really wasn’t a lot of forethought and planning, you just found the right opportunity. It struck him. And he opened up his first place. Just off of 4th Avenue and later moved downtown. And after 40 years, he’s on the move. Again, you’re wondering where the Etherton galleries going to move? Well, you got to tune in next Sunday at 11:00 o’clock and wow, Terry Etherton. Tell us all about his history. What they’re doing these days and where we’re going to be able to find them, come May.

Tom Heath
I want to thank Kate Green from Museum of Contemporary Art for classing up the joint today and telling us all about the art World, welcome to Tucson. And I’m looking for some great things out of the Museum of Contemporary Art. And keeping with that classy theme, we’re going to leave you today with a little Jazz and it’s a 2009 song from rust free minutes off the album called Modern Art, course. It’s a song by the same name, it’s Russ Freeman. 2009 here is his song a modern art. Want to thank you for tuning in. This Sunday, my name is Tom. Heath, you’ve been listening to Life along the streetcar will be back next Sunday until then. Maybe we’ll see you out there. Troubadour Thursdays on the 29th, have a great week.

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