Maine College of Art has appointed Isaac Kestenbaum as director of the Salt Institute, president Laura Freid announced. Kestenbaum begins his role at MECA on Aug. 10.
Kestenbaum is a 2008 graduate of the Salt Institute and a veteran audio producer and journalist, bringing more than 10 years of industry experience to MECA. Kestenbaum has worked with Vox, NPR, The Guardian US, The GroundTruth Project, AIR, and SIERRA Magazine and has taught and led workshops for UnionDocs, UVA, NYU and Monson Arts. Additionally, he is a former production manager at the national oral history and radio project StoryCorps.
“Isaac’s professional experiences as an audio storyteller and his own background as an alum of the Salt Institute make him a great asset and leader for Salt at MECA,” said Araminta Matthews, associate dean of graduate and professional studies. “Isaac will be a critical addition to the future of Salt Institute’s Radio and Podcasting track, as well as a support to the development of the recently updated Short Film curriculum. We are grateful to bring Isaac on board to lead the Salt Institute at such an important time for storytellers in the world.”
“Salt is an iconic institution within the journalism industry and has graduated countless legendary professionals,” said Kestenbaum. “As a native Mainer and Salt alum, I am honored to lead the Salt Institute and look forward to working with and training the next generation of storytellers.”
A native of Deer Isle, Kestenbaum is the co-founder, along with Josephine Holtzman, of the production company Future Projects, which created the best-selling true crime podcast “Midnight Son” for Audible Originals. He has reported extensively on climate change in Alaska, and his work has been funded by the Arctic Circle Foundation and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting. In recognition of his work, Kestenbaum has received a Peabody Award, a duPont Award, an Online News Association award, and an Alaska Broadcasters “Goldie” Award.
“Journalism and storytelling are cornerstones of our democracy,” said president Laura Freid. “I am encouraged and confident that Isaac will ensure our Salt graduates uphold the ethics of journalism and documentary storytelling, and enter our society as podcasters, documentary journalists and filmmakers at such a critical time in our history.”
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High Peaks Artisan Guild in Kingfield features Western Maine watercolor artist Karen Jordan Paul throughout September. Paul draws inspiration from wildlife found throughout Maine, particularly wild birds and fish. The guild celebrated Paul as its featured artist of the month during the Sept. 4 Kingfield Art Walk. High Peaks Artisan Guild is at 245 Main […]
Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle presents “Material Storytelling,” a three-artist exhibition featuring new work by Sheep Jones, Michele Ratté Delphin and Barbara Sullivan, through Oct. 11. The three artists use distinct materials and techniques to explore narrative, light and the quiet poetry of everyday objects. Jones brings her signature combination of oil and cold wax […]
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Maine Craft Weekend, an annual statewide celebration of craft, community and creativity, will return Oct. 3 and 4. The free, self-guided tour invites visitors to discover the people, places and stories behind Maine’s craft communities. Hundreds of participating artists and locations will host open studios, workshops, pop-up markets, exhibitions, fairs, artist talks, special events and […]