Skip to main content

Artbeat Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-260

Scope and Content

The ARTBEAT Collection consists of program transcripts and audio cassette program tapes. The collection serves as an excellent oral history of artists who exhibited their work in the Dayton area from June 1986 to June 1993.

Series I: Audio Interviews, contains the cassette tapes of the 160 programs. Each program interview offered insights into the artist’s origins, history, vision, intent, and meaning.

Series II: Transcripts, contains the transcripts from each program.

In the collection inventory, the program number and date refer to the original air date on WYSO; this program number is indicated on a white sticker on each tape. The WDPS and WDPR program numbers and air dates can be found in the original handwritten notations on the tapes, as well as on the transcripts.

Scope and Contents

Series 1, Program Tapes, contains the tapes of the show. Each show gave the audience an opportunity to get to know the artist on a more personal bases, as each artist discussed where they came from, and why they decided to become an artist, as well as what other artists most influenced them and their styles of art. Ms. Zurcher also discusses the meanings behind each artists work, and questions how different pieces were made, and from what materials are they made of. Also of interest, Ms. Zurcher discusses any local art shows that may be taking place in and around the Dayton area, as well as events on the national and international scene as well.

Series 2, ARTBEAT Transcripts, consists of written transcripts from each show.

Dates

  • Creation: 1986-1993

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Due to preservation concerns, original audio and video materials cannot be accessed in the reading room. Patrons may have access to reference copies. Items without reference copies can be digitized at the request of a patron for the cost of creating a digital copy. Please provide us at least two (2) weeks advance notice if you would like to request an audio or video reference copy. Call (937) 775-2092 or e-mail us at archives@www.libraries.wright.edu. Use of digitized content is subject to conditions governing use.

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

History of Artbeat

ARTBEAT was a 30-minute, twice-monthly radio program that served to educate its audience about visual arts-related and visual art exhibits in Dayton, Ohio. The program was produced and hosted by Susan Zurcher, a Dayton sculptor. It first aired on WYSO-FM, the Miami Valley’s Public Radio Station, on June 12, 1986, and ran continuously until June 16, 1993.

ARTBEAT was also broadcast on WDPS-FM from September 10, 1986, until June 16, 1993, and WDPR-FM from February 3, 1990, until June 16, 1993.

Each program included an interview with an artist (local, regional, or national) currently showing in the Miami Valley, a listing of current exhibits, and an audio art work.

Extent

2.25 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

ARTBEAT was a bi-monthly, half-hour radio program about the visual arts in the Miami Valley. Produced and hosted by Dayton artist, Susan Zurcher, the highlight of the program featured an interview with an artist currently showing in the Miami Valley. The program aired on several local Public Radio stations. The collection consists of tapes and transcripts of the broadcasts.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is arranged into two series: Series I: Audio Interviews; and Series II: Transcripts

  1. Series 1: Program Tapes
  2. Series 2: Program Transcripts

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

This collection contains original audio cassette tapes, which must be digitized prior to access, due to preservation concerns.

Acquisition Information

The ARTBEAT Collection was accessioned into Special Collections and Archives in November 1994. The collection was donated by Susan Zurcher who produced the show on WYSO, the Miami Valley's Public Radio station, from 1986 until 1993.

Title
Guide to the Artbeat Collection (MS-260)
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Jason Rudesill, 1995; revised and updated by Lisa Rickey and Susan Zurcher, September 2016
Date
2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2016 Sept: Processing revised by Lisa Rickey, July 2016. Lisa Rickey and Susan Zurcher revised and updated the finding aid, September 2016.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Wright State University Libraries
Special Collections and Archives
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton OH 45435-0001 USA
937-775-2092