Storefront Artist Project Hosts WAMC's Vox Pop Show

ALBANY, NY (04/21/2011)(readMedia)-- Storefront Artist Project (SAP) is proud to host a live-audience taping of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio's Copyright Forum, a special edition of the radio program Vox Pop, on April 26 at 7pm in SAP's new space at 31 South Street in downtown Pittsfield. Vox Pop is a call-in show that connects WAMC listeners with experts in various fields. The Copyright Forum's expert panelists include graphic and fine artist Polly Law, medical illustrator Bill Westwood and Berkshire-based intellectual property lawyer and SAP Advisory Board member Paul Rapp, with WAMC President and CEO Dr. Alan Chartock leading the discussion. "Storefront Artist Project is one of the most creative parts of the Berkshire scene," says Chartock. "Julia Dixon, Maggie Mailer and all of their colleagues have created an opportunity for artists of all stripes to show and sell their works. They have become leaders in the Pittsfield revival movement. WAMC is proud to participate in this event and encourages everyone who can to attend."

Law, Westwood and Rapp have been appearing regularly on the Copyright Forum since 2002. Hilariously moderated by Dr. Chartock, the Copyright Forum's broadcasts are among the most popular of the Vox Pop shows, as the trio of experts answers an endless stream of often mind-bending copyright questions from listeners. "It's amazing," says attorney Rapp, "as soon as the show begins all four phone lines light up and stay lit up for the entire hour. There's never ever a lag."

A different take on the traditional Vox Pop format, participants at this program will have the rare opportunity to ask the panelists questions in person. The event, Storefront Artist Project's season kick-off fundraiser, is open to designers, writers, musicians, photographers and others who have questions about art and legal issues including copyrights, trademarks and intellectual property rights. The public is invited to attend the taping with or without prepared questions, but participation is not mandatory! Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 to benefit the Storefront Artist Project.

Alan Chartock, President and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, is a broadcaster, educator, syndicated columnist, newspaper publisher and musician. In addition to hosting WAMC's long running Media Project and Capitol Connection series - which are heard on public radio stations around New York and the nation - he also takes the host chair every Monday at 2pm for the popular "Medical Monday" edition of WAMC's call-in program, Vox Pop, and hosts WAMC's "In Conversation with..." series. Dr. Chartock is Professor Emeritus at the University at Albany. He is Executive Publisher and Project Director of the Legislative Gazette, the newspaper of state government. Alan's syndicated column on politics appears in newspapers throughout New York State. A second column, I Publius, appears in The Berkshire Eagle each Saturday.

Polly Law of Kingston, NY is a mixed-media artist and designer, and gained copyright law experience from over 20 years of service in the Graphic Artists Guild including 4 years as National President. She exhibits her fine artwork and "paper doll" pieces throughout New York's Mid-Hudson Valley region and has garnered honors from local art organizations including the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum.

Bill Westwood holds a Master's degree in medical illustration from the Medical College of Georgia, is Board Certified in medical illustration and a Fellow in the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI). He is a past President of the AMI, served two terms on the Board of Governors and recently received the AMI's Lifetime Achievement Award. His medical artwork has won 37 national awards for excellence, including a Billings Gold Medal from the American Medical Association. He currently manages a successful medical illustration studio in Albany, NY and is an author on business issues affecting industry artists including copyright, marketing, business practices and pricing.

Paul Rapp is an intellectual property lawyer and writer who lives and works in Housatonic, MA. Rapp teaches art and entertainment law at Albany Law School and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and writes the column "Rapp on This" for Metroland, the Alternative Newsweekly of New York's Capital Region. In addition to his position on Storefront Artist Project's Advisory Board, he is president of the board of the Berkshire Community Radio Alliance.

The Storefront Artist Project is a non-profit arts organization active since 2002. Operating in a gallery/office space in the heart of Pittsfield, it brings art to diverse members of the community by presenting innovative art exhibitions and installations, providing non-traditional, visually accessible studio space to artists and connecting artists with the public through education, opportunities and exposure. Its programs include storefront artist residencies, the Mentor and Intern Programs, monthly exhibitions, artist salons, and Open Studios. Visit http://storefrontartist.org for more information.

Member-supported WAMC Northeast Public Radio broadcasts news, informational and cultural programming to listeners in portions of seven northeastern states. WAMC is an award winning producer of regionally based programming and an affiliate of National Public Radio, American Public Media, and Public Radio International.

Stations include: WAMC-FM 90.3 FM, Albany; WAMC, 1400 AM, Albany; WAMK 90.9 FM, Kingston; WOSR, 91.7 FM, Middletown; WCEL, 91.9 FM, Plattsburgh; WCAN, 93.3 FM, Canajoharie; WANC, 103.9 FM, Ticonderoga; WRUN, 90.3 FM, Remsen-Utica; WAMQ 105.1 FM, Great Barrington, MA; WWES 88.9 FM, Mt. Kisco; 90.1 WANZ Stamford, NY,93.1 FM, Troy; 99.3 FM, Oneonta; 97.1 FM, Hudson; 107.1 FM, Warwick; 107.7 FM, Newburgh; 103.9 FM, Beacon; 96.5 FM, Ellenville; 106.9, Middletown; 102.1, Highland, NY and 90.9 FM, Milford, PA.; 97.3 FM, Cooperstown and on-line at http://www.wamc.org.