- 19
- Episodes
- 12
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About FolkArtwork and Friends
FolkArtwork and Friends is the brainchild of Adam Oestreich, who started an Instagram account years ago and is now curating self-taught art exhibits across the country. This podcast is a deep dive into some of my favorite folk, outsider, visionary, and self-taught artists, and a conversation with some of my friends in the field about how they got their start, which artists inspire them, and which roadside attractions their children went to kicking and screaming but actually loved.
- Publisher
- Adam Oestreich
- Category
- arts · education · history
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 31 Aug 2025
- Latest episode
- 2 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
2 Oct 2026
15: Susan Aberth on Spiritual Artwork
Susan Aberth, the Edith C. Blum Professor of Art History at Bard College, joins me on this month's FolkArtwork and Friends podcast to discuss spiritual artwork, tarot cards, ghosts, women surrealists, and the exhibit she recently curated at Andrew Edlin Gallery in New York City titled “Conduits of the Unseen: Women Artists Imagine Other Worlds”, open now until October 31st. We talk about the incredible artwork of Paulina Peavy, who would create artwork with the help of an extraterrestrial named Lacamo, the differences between the reception of the artwork of Hilma af Klint and the spiritual artists that followed her, as well as the creative hub and retreat for artists in Mexico following World War II. If you have the chance, go see Susan’s show, “Conduits of the Unseen: Women Artists Imagine Other Worlds.” Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
4 Sept 2026
14: Dean Millien and Lee Kennedy
Earlier this summer I spoke with some of the most joyful and creative artists around -- Dean Millien joined me from New York City in his aluminum filled studio to talk about losing his toys as a kid and creating new toys out of aluminium, the recent success and joy he has recieved from his sculptures, as well as the artist talks and demonstrations he does inspiring people of all ages and abilitiles. Then, Lee Kennedy of VaultArt Studio, a progressive art studio in Pittsburgh, joined me to talk about his interests and loves, and why he puts them into his artworks. Plus, we discuss his favorite music, his photographic memory, and "Let's Go Pens!" Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
24 Aug 2026
Mini-sode: Back to school with Dismas Hill
I'm back at school! And there's no better way to kick that off than catching up with one of my favorite former students, Dismas Hill. We chatted about school during a pandemic, growing pains in high school and becoming more mature, prison art, as well as some of our favorite action films of all time, like "Hobo With a Shotgun". Be sure to come see FolkArtwork Collective in real life at Mainframe Studios on Friday, September 4th for "First Friday" from 5pm-7pm. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
7 Aug 2026
13: Affsoongar makes powerful art during war
Iranian self-taught artist Affsoongar joins in conversation from Tehran, Iran, to talk about outsider art inspiring her to make art after dropping out of architectural school, growing up in Iran, not seeing strong female heroes, making art during war, and the bittersweet emotions of having artwork at the Outsider Art Fair but not being able to enjoy it due to living in a digital blackout. Support Affsoongar by following her on Instagram @affs00ngar, buying digital prints of her work, and spreading her story far and wide. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
17 Jul 2026
12: "Narrow" Larry Harris + Art Environments
In the twelfth episode of the FolkArtwork and Friends podcast, I talk to my good friend and art environment extraordinaire, "Narrow" Larry Harris. I can't remember the first time I met Larry, but I've been going to his website, narrowlarry.com, for years as he has been documenting, scouring maps and encyclopedias, and more to find any and every art environment possible in the United States. We talk about how his work as an architect influenced his love for these self-taught environments, including his visits to The Orange Show and Watts Towers, which led him to build a replica of the towers, now housed in the collection of the Kohler Museum. Visit www.narrowlarry.com to find an art environment near you. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
10 Jul 2026
11: Ricky Boscarino of Luna Parc
In the eleventh episode of the FolkArtwork and Friends podcast, I am extremely thrilled to be joined by the one and only Ricky Boscarino of Luna Parc. I met Ricky a few months ago, and was blown away by his generosity to share the story of his one-of-a-kind art environment, and walk me through it for a video tour (check out YouTube!) on a bright and beautiful New Jersey day. Plus, we talk about the moment he knew this home would be his forever home, his days at NYU film school, traveling across the world, the importance of keeping his home a museum for people to visit forever and ever, and he shows me his final resting place where he plans to be buried... after he turns 106. Follow Ricky on Instagram at @rickyoflunaparc and donate to the project or book a tour at www.lunaparc.com! Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
3 Jul 2026
10: Jo Farb Hernández + Art Environments
Purchase Jo's book "Architectural Fantasies: Artist-Built Environments" from Tra Publishing here: www.trapublishing.com/products/architectural-fantasies Use promo code: AF15 for 15% off! -- In the tenth episode of the FolkArtwork and Friends podcast, I kick off art-environment summer with the one and only, Jo Farb Hernández, Director Emerita of SPACES (Saving and Preserving Arts and Cultural Environments) and Professor Emerita at San José State University. Joining me from her home in Spain, we talk about all the incredible work she has done in that country to find and document almost one hundred art environments through the years. Plus, we talk about her first art environment visited, the work she's done with Salvation Mountain, and the importance of Watts Towers, stories of visiting the artists who make these one-of-a-kind environments, as well as the weirdest thing she can remember seeing at an art environment, and what we can do to continue to document and advocate for these spaces. Check out spacesarchives.org or narrowlarry.com to find an art environment near you! Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
26 Jun 2026
09: Bill Miller + "Self-Made" Exhibit (Pt. 2)
In the second part of the ninth episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am pleased to be joined by self-taught artist Bill Miller, whose linoleum works of art are on display in the latest exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum, "Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists." Bill joins me to talk about his search for a very large studio, due to his very large piles of linoleum, which he uses in his artworks. We talked about his upbringing in Pittsburgh’s Industrial Arts Co-op, making art out of recycled materials, showing his work at the Outsider Art Fair, and the story behind creating two album covers for the late Frank Zappa. Then, we dine out on some of our favorite music to listen to while making art, I brag about being named the teacher with the best music at my school, and why Paul McCartney keeps texting us. Plus, Bill Miller wants your linoleum! Bill's artwork is made entirely of linoleum, and he has a giant warehouse to store it. So if you have some you want to donate, he'll take it off your hands! Go to www.billmillerart.com or www.billmillerwantsyourlinoleum.com and get in touch with Bill so he can take your linoleum off your hands and use it in a piece of art. Or follow Bill on Instagram at @billmillerart. Learn more about "Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists" at www.folkartmuseum.org and follow the American Folk Art Museum on Instagram at @afamuseum. If you're in New York City, visit the American Folk Art Museum open Wednesday–Sunday: 11:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. -- admission is always free. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
18 Jun 2026
09: Valérie Rousseau + American Folk Art Museum (Pt. 1)
In the ninth episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am honored to be joined by Valérie Rousseau, the Curatorial Chair and Senior Curator of 20th-Century & Contemporary Art at the American Folk Art Museum. Valérie joins me to talk about what led her to a career in curating self-taught artwork, which included growing up with two grandfathers who were both renowned in Canada, one for their work as an ethnobotanist and the other a wood carver. We talk about how the organization and the classification of art and nature as a kid led to curating, the works of art she remembers as a kid that will always stay with her, and then a discussion about the latest exhibit she co-curated with Suzie Oppenheimer at the American Folk Art Museum, "Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists," on view now until September 13th. Plus, I didn't jinx the Knicks! Learn more about "Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists" at www.folkartmuseum.org and follow the American Folk Art Museum on Instagram at @afamuseum. If you're in New York City, visit the American Folk Art Museum open Wednesday–Sunday: 11:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. -- admission is always free. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists
1 May 2026
08: Ryan Ward + Ralph Fasanella // FolkArtwork and Friends
In the eighth episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am pleased to catch up with my good friend Ryan Ward of The Ruffed Grouse Gallery. Ever since I was first mistaken for Ryan at the Outsider Art Fair in 2024, we hit it off, and he's been a great mentor and friend as he helps me navigate this world of outsider art. I talk to Ryan about his relationship with art growing up as a kid in rural Pennsylvania, spending tons of time outside, discovering artwork by Purvis Young and Jimmy Lee Sudduth that catapulted him into the world of self-taught and outsider art, as well as purchasing his first work while in grad school. Plus, we talk about our time at the Outsider Art Fair, the artist Little Walt Dog, discovering a piece of art created by Jerry Saltz, and the future of the outsider art world. Then, in celebration of May Day, a look at the life of self-taught artist Ralph Fasanella, whose large, detailed works depicted urban working life and critiqued post-World War II America. Follow Ryan Ward and The Ruffed Grouse Gallery on Instagram at @ruffed_grouse_gallery, and check out their latest gallery in Narrowsburg, New York, titled "Out Of Hand And Foot: Tanner Simon | Charles Farless" on display until June 14th. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists If you are in the Des Moines area, come to the Mainframe Studios "First Friday" event on May 1st from 5pm-8pm to see me hanging out with Ashley Mary in our studio and showcasing some of the artwork from the Outsider Art Fair, including works by Kay Le Seelleur Ara, Reneesa Mccoy, Jackie Bradshaw, Pam Puck, and more!
6 Mar 2026
07: Pam Puck + CC // FolkArtwork and Friends
In the seventh episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I had a delightful conversation with self-taught artist Pam Puck. I've known Pam for a few years now and have always been blown away by their sculptures, but I've never really had a chance to get to know them personally. I talk to Pam about getting her start with ceramics in a kids' pottery class, teaching English in Italy, growing up watching 'Rosemary's Baby', and being, well, as she put it, "a creepy kid". Plus, I learn about how her talented artist husband's work inspires them, living in a cave for a period of time, as well as the excitement of showcasing artwork at this year's Outsider Art Fair. Then, with the recent bombings taking place in Iran, an excerpt from "Empty Chairs", an exhibit by Fiuz Gallery and Outsider Inn Gallery featuring one-of-a-kind artworks by Iranian self-taught artist Alireza Asbahi Sisi, also known as CC. Follow Pam Puck on Instagram at @msglitterguts and look for her work in the FolkArtwork Collective booth at the 2026 Outsider Art Fair. Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists See you in a few weeks in New York City for the Outsider Art Fair AND if you are in the Des Moines area, come to the Mainframe Studios "First Friday" event on March 6th from 5pm-8pm to see me hanging out with Ashley Mary in our studio and selling artwork for self-taught artist James Ash.
6 Feb 2026
06: Barry Colpitts + Maud Lewis // FolkArtwork and Friends
In the sixth episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am absolutely honored to talk with Nova Scotia's own Barry Colpitts, folk artist and wood carver, who creates some of the most magnificent works of art in North America. Thanks to Audrey Sanford of Black Sheep Gallery for setting this up, I get to sit down with Barry and hear about his beginnings, including his lack of relationship to art when he was younger, his start in wood carving while working as a prison guard, some of his "racy" mermaid carvings when he was in his twenties, plus he brings his one of a kind Prayer Helmet Whirligig to show off. Plus, you can't really talk about folk art from Nova Scotia without talking about one particular artist, so please enjoy a little deep dive into the life and work of the one and only Maud Lewis. Follow Black Sheep Gallery on Instagram at @blacksheepfolkart and check out their gallery at https://www.blacksheepart.com/ Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists AND if you are in the Des Moines area, come to the Mainframe Studios "First Friday" event on February 6th from 5pm-8pm to see me hanging out with Ashley Mary in her beautiful studio and selling artwork for self-taught artist James Ash. PLUS, Noel Hatfield's exhibit "Unsung Heroes" at Wake Up Iowa Coffee opening Saturday, February 7th!
2 Jan 2026
05: Esteban Whiteside + Steve Ashby
In the fifth episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, self-taught artist Esteban Whiteside joins on a beautiful sunny morning to talk about how growing up, he was turned off from artwork because he could never draw realistically. After his dreams of playing professional basketball were dashed (I can relate), it was the free time he had while bartending and working as a security guard in one of his favorite museum collections that convinced him he could make art. After years of hustling and finding his calling, years later, he's still making some of the most poignant and powerful artwork in the contemporary art world. Plus, a look into the life and work of self-taught artist Steve Ashby, an artist who was brought to my attention thanks to Esteban, who didn't start carving wood and making art well into his 60's. Follow Esteban on Instagram at @esteban.whiteside and shop his artwork at estebanwhiteside.com or on FolkArtwork at www.folkartwork.art/shop/esteban-whiteside Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists AND if you are in the Des Moines area, come to the Mainframe Studios "First Friday" event on January 2nd from 5pm-8pm to see me hanging out with Ashley Mary in her beautiful studio and selling artwork for my friends self-taught artist Reneesha Mccoy and Canadian folk artist Jackie Bradshaw.
5 Dec 2025
04: Jennifer Gilbert + Shinichi Sawada
In the fourth episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, a longtime friend and champion of self-taught, disabled, and overlooked artists from around the world joins me -- Jennifer Gilbert of Jennlifer Lauren Gallery in Manchester. Jennifer shares her background and her work as a curator and advocate for inclusive art, from studying graphic design to discovering outsider art through her work with artists with schizophrenia, as well as curating her recent exhibit "Look Everywhere" with the artists whose work made up the brilliant show. All that, and more, including her outsider art collection series, what galleries and museums can do to be more inclusive, and meeting the one and only Shinichi Sawada. Plus, a look into the life and work of Japanese ceramicist Shinichi Sawada, who spent almost two decades baking bread in his mornings and creating out-of-this-world clay creatures in the afternoon -- all on the side of a mountain, firing his creations in a traditional wood fire oven, and becoming an internationally renowned artist. Follow Jennifer on Instagram at @j_lgallery and check out her collector series interviews and learn more about her work here: http://jenniferlaurengallery.com/ Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists AND if you are in the Des Moines area, come to the Mainframe Studios "First Friday" event on December 5th from 5pm-8pm to see me hanging out with Ashley Mary in her beautiful studio and selling artwork for my friends self-taught artist Reneesha Mccoy and Canadian folk artist Jackie Bradshaw.
8 Nov 2025
03: Montrel Beverly (Pt. 2)
In the third episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, instead of telling you about one of my favorite artists, I am joined by one of my favorite contemporary self-taught artists Montrel Beverly. This summer, Montrel was generous enough to create a few pieces of art for the show I curated at SAGE Studio & Gallery, and he continues to push the boundaries of what seems possible with art made from pipe cleaners. We talk about the first pipe-cleaner sculpture he ever made, a pipe-cleaner prank he pulled in high school, and his plans for a pipe-cleaner world record. Plus, you can see his work this January 2026 in Los Angeles at Megan Mulrooney Gallery. Follow Montrel on Instagram at @mrclowney_ Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists.
7 Nov 2025
03: Isa Segalovich + Merry Cemetery (Pt. 1)
In the third episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am thrilled to be joined by author and anti-authoritarian folk art historian Isa Segalovich. My former teacher of "Folk Art + Modernism" and I discuss the lightning rod moments that changed her mind from pre-med to trying to make the world a better place through artwork. We discuss her love for Wisconsin roadside art environments, the Mummers Parade, her journey to Romania and Bulgaria, as well as her love for all things ornament, which led her to write her first book, "Ornament Now," out in 2026. Plus a glimpse into the humor and symbolism of the over 800 crosses that adorn the most beautiful cemetery in the world, the Merry Cemetery, located in Săpânța, Romania. Follow Isa on Instagram and TikTok at @interstellar_isabellar Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists.
3 Oct 2025
02: Alex Huninghake + Minnie Adkins
In the second episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am delighted to sit down and talk to my friend Alex Huninghake, the Executive Director of Outsider Art Museum & Gallery in Louisville. I talk to Alex about becoming disillusioned with fine art in Austin, Texas, growing up in Kentucky, and having folk art around his whole life, how his mom helped convince him to start a gallery for outsider artists, and I thank him for giving me such a great hat. Plus, a deep dive into the life and art of Minnie Adkins, a 91-year-old self-taught wood carver from Kentucky who has become internationally renowned for her hand-carved and painted wooden animals. Be sure to check out Outsider Art Museum & Gallery's latest exhibit, "Melanated Messages", a group show dedicated to contemporary Black art spanning multiple generations in Louisville. Follow Alex on Instagram at @outsiderartky Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists.
5 Sept 2025
01: Kylie Ryu + JB Murray
In the first episode of FolkArtwork and Friends, I am thrilled to be talking to my friend Kylie Ryu, the Associate Director at Ricco/Maresca Gallery in New York City. I talk to Kylie about life before outsider art, how a random suggestion from her mom changed her art career, stumbling upon the world of outsider art, and how competitive cheerleading helped her land a job she knew she was destined for. Plus, a deep dive into the life and art of JB Murray, a self-taught abstract expressionist painter from Georgia, whose ghostly, colorful works of art helped ward off evil. Be sure to check outRicco/Maresca Gallery's latest exhibit later this month, "Sarah Theresea Lee: What Big Eyes You Have", opening September 18th from 6pm-8pm. Follow Kylie on Instagram at @kyliejryu Follow @folkartwork on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Subscribe to the "This Week in Outsider Art" Newsletter on Substack Visit folkartwork.art to shop self-taught art by emerging contemporary artists.
31 Aug 2025
FolkArtwork and Friends (Trailer)
FolkArtwork and Friends is a deep dive into some of my favorite folk, outsider, visionary, and self-taught artists, and a conversation with some of my friends in the field about how they got their start, which artists inspire them, their favorite piece of art in their collection, and which roadside attractions their children went to kicking and screaming but actually loved. Once a month, listen, watch, like, subscribe, and enjoy a fun conversation between me and my friends.
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