Episode 104: Todd Gray, Artist, Speaker and Michael Jackson's Official Photographer for Over 10 Years

11/11/21 • 22 min

Todd Gray is an artist in every sense of the word. Todd is an internationally renowned photographer, artist and author. He was Michael Jackson's official photographer for over 10 years beginning in the late 70's throughout the 80's. He shot The Jacksons on American Bandstand and Soul Train back to back. He was with him documenting his life for Off The Wall, Thriller, Moonwalking, The Victory Tour, We Are The World and Michael Jackson hand picked him to be the guy who captured the highest times of his life and career. Todd captured the iconic image of Michael on point in those shining sparkling shoes. By the time Todd was 17 he had photographed an album cover, travelled with The Rolling Stones and had his photographs published in LIFE Magazine

I occasionally meet "those" kind of people, artists, whose art crosses all boundaries of space and time which brings me to Todd's exhibit currently on display at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (now until January 2, 2022) TODD GRAY: Crossing The Waters of Space, Time and History. Three of his new works will make their debut at the KIA. Todd melds images together that juxtapose his art will make you step back and think, re-think, examine and explore the possibilities. In general the art will challenge you both by what he is including and also by what he is leaving out.

Learn more about Todd Gray

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Episode 103: Brian Skerry Adventurist Author of National Geographic Kids Almanac 2022

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I’m sure both the NatGeo Kids Almanac and underwater photographer and explorer Brian Skerry are both familiar to you, especially with the recent release of the NatGeo book and Disney+ original series Secrets of the Whales. Brian will be talking about being a featured explorer in the brand new Kids Almanac 2022. We also talked about diving with sharks and what was the scariest thing that ever happened.
Reviews:
'"...this gathering of upbeat, vividly illustrated, browser-friendly dips into topics ranging from black holes to blue-footed boobies to Bolivian street food is hard to put down, and the pop quizzes and research guides at each chapter’s end will give studious sorts a leg up, too." - Kirkus

The book has all the usual fantastic colorful features and it also features a new Kids vs. Plastic chapter packed with ideas on how to reduce plastic waste. Brian will introduce the 2022 Challenge which helps kids to celebrate our awesome ocean.
Learn more: www.BrianSkerry.com

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Episode 102: Holly Robinson Peete & Her Son RJ Write A Book - Charlie Makes A Splash!

Like many kids on the autism spectrum, Charlie finds solace and empowerment in pools, ponds, sprinklers, visiting the aquarium, and swimming in the ocean. Through his adventures and discoveries, he shows the world that even though he has autism, autism doesn’t have him. It is a beautiful ode to the love between siblings Callie and Charlie, while showing readers that kids who may experience the world in different ways can help us see the wonders of swimming to your own rhythm. CHARLIE MAKES A SPLASH, co-authored by Holly Robinson Peete and her son, RJ Peete, is a companion to the award-winning book MY BROTHER CHARLIE. With the same cast of characters bringing whimsy to everyday fun for all children, the Peetes co-wrote these books to help share awareness about autism with other children who have been touched by it.