In this special section, curious young children sit down at the Carter Burden Gallery bench with a renowned artist to uncover the mysteries behind art and creativity. The program bridges generations, as young, inquisitive minds pose thoughtful questions to seasoned artists about their work, process, and personal journeys.
The bench becomes a stage for connection, laughter, and discovery as kids delve into topics like:
Inspiration: What sparks an artist's imagination?
Beginnings: How did they take their first steps into the world of art?
Challenges: What do they do when creativity doesn’t come easily?
Favorites: Which piece of their own work do they hold closest to their heart?
The artists, representing a diverse range of styles and mediums, share heartfelt stories and valuable insights, encouraging young participants to think creatively and dream big. By the end of the conversation, the children leave not only with answers but also with the seeds of inspiration to explore their own artistic paths.
Barbara Herzfeld
Henry sits down with artist Barbara Herzfeld to dive into her inspiring creative journey. Her fascination with painting bodies began with sumo wrestlers — a subject that became deeply personal. Barbara says she sometimes feels there’s “a little sumo” inside her, helping her fight life’s challenges. She is also obsessed with vintage photography and wishes she could time travel. Tune in to hear where, when, and why she’d go if she could journey through time.
Mary Rieser Heintjes
Olivia sits down with artist Mary Rieser Heintjes to explore the evolution of her creative journey and the distinctive fusion of materials that define her work. From a young age, Mary was drawn to art and has continually explored new forms of expression. Growing up near the steel mills of Pennsylvania inspired her fascination with industrial materials, eventually leading her to experiment with glasswork and welding—two mediums she now masterfully combines.
Helen Iranyi
In this special conversation, Emilee sits down with Helen Iranyi to explore her remarkable artistic journey. Helen reflects on her evolution across media—from photography to her powerful abstract acrylic paintings and collages, as well as her presence in the publishing world—always guided by a spirit of curiosity and reinvention.
Liz Curtin
Emilee sits down with Carter Burden Gallery artist Liz Curtin to explore her lifelong connection to art and her multi-medium practice. Curtin shares how she works with painting, collage, found objects, and handmade paper, always eager to experiment with new techniques. Currently in an art residency at the Leonard Covello Older Adult Center, Curtin is preparing for her solo show running from September 18 to November 20, 2025.
Stephen Cimini
Middle schooler Henry sits down with Carter Burden Gallery artist Stephen Cimini to learn about his art journey. Stephen explains how his paintings evolve from architectural roots into what he calls “random symmetry,” where balance emerges without a clear pattern, creating meditative and emotionally resonant environments. Using oil paint mixed with cold wax, he builds textured layers guided by the golden mean.
Vija Doks
Emilee, a 5th grader, sits down with Vija Doks to talk about her art. Her work dances between the influence of old masters like Vermeer and the spirited charm of cartoon characters, blending history, humor, and personal reflection. Whether painting famous women or reimagining fairy tales, she brings heart, curiosity, and a unique perspective to every canvas.
Bernice Kramer
Seventh grader Henry sits down with artist Bernice Sokol Kramer to talk about her work. Bernice creates fabric and papier-mâché sculptures inspired by the human figure, often displayed suspended or resting on the floor. Drawing on her biology background and childhood love of marionettes, she transforms the human form through “genetic mischief,” blending human and animal traits in imaginative ways.
Karin Bruckner
In this video, Emilee, a 5th grader, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Karin Bruckner, a talented printmaker, exploring her artistic journey, sources of inspiration, creative process, and career.
Jennifer Simon
Emilee, a 5th grader, sits down with Jennifer Simon to share the inspiration behind her art, the diverse forms she explores, her creative collaborations, and her latest projects. Some even call her "an artist who can tie a bow tie on an ant."
Marlena Vaccaro
Olivia interviews, allery director Marlena Vaccaro on the non-profit NYC gallery whose mission is to exhibit artists age 60 and over with a goal to overcome ageism in the arts.