What does it take to dedicate sixty years to a life in art? Artist Tom Nussbaum has been answering that question since childhood—first by tinkering in his dad’s Minnesota workshop, later by filling New York lofts with his whimsical, deeply human creations, and now through monumental public works that thousands encounter every day.

With his first major retrospective opening at the Montclair Art Museum this fall, Tom sits down with us to reflect on the arc of his career—from playful childhood inventions to intricate welded steel works crafted in his East Orange studio at Manufacturer’s Village. Along the way, we talk about the duality in his art: the bold, planned installations that brighten public spaces and the improvisational studio explorations that dig into memory, psychology, and narrative.

We also explore how New Jersey became Tom’s creative home, why community matters as much as craft, and how his lifelong curiosity continues to fuel new work. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just curious about the creative journey, this episode offers a rare look inside a six-decade practice still evolving with joy and purpose.

Montclair Art Museum Tom Nussbaum: But Wait, There's More!

Tom Nussbaum's website

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What happens when you grow up in a war zone and decide the solution to division is… more conversation? For Desh Amila, witnessing the devastation of civil war in Sri Lanka shaped a lifelong mission: bringing people together to talk across differences with honesty, nuance, and humanity.

From reinventing the way Australia engages with big ideas—marketing philosophers and scientists like rock stars—to launching Thinkable in Montclair, New Jersey, Desh has built a global platform for curiosity and connection. His speaker series will feature voices as diverse as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Richard Dawkins, Cornel West, John Wood Jr., Steven Pinker, John McWhorter, and Masih Alinejad, drawing thousands to venues that feel more like concerts than lectures.

At the heart of it all is Desh’s belief: when you give people a chance to listen deeply—even to those they disagree with—you create not just understanding, but community.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of dialogue, why ideas need stages as much as songs do, and how Montclair is becoming the latest home for this global movement.

Buy Tickets to the Season

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This week, our guest Dana Hawkins-Simons takes us on a journey that’s anything but ordinary — from her roots in rural Kansas to adventures around the globe. A celebrated journalist, singer, and tireless advocate, Dana’s story is equal parts grit, globe-trotting, and groove.

We talk about her career in international journalism (including the Barcelona Olympics!), her battle with Pernicious Anemia, and the Wall Street Journal article that turned her into a voice for patients everywhere. And of course, we get into her passion for music — from belting the blues to Montclair Early Music's MedievalFest, where knights, hurdy-gurdy's, and costumes collide.

Mark your calendar for August 24th from 11am-5pm at the Montclair Art Museum and prepare to be transported back in time as Dana shares how music, history, and community come together for a day that’s more than just an event. It's an experience you don't want to miss!

Get Tickets for MedievalFest!

Pernicious Anaemia Society

Montclair Early Music

Dana's Wall Street Journal article about Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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