Exploring The Backstories Of Seattle Artists

In this special hour-long edition of Art of Our City we explore stories from Puget Sound poets, illustrators, singers and more. They share the inspirations behind their work, and in some cases what they hope people will gain from it.

Poet Christine Deavel drew inspiration for new work from her family's long ago past. Deavel's latest collection "Woodnote," winner of the 2012 Washington State Book Award for poetry, is based on excerpts from an early 20th century diary left to Deavel by a relative. In "Woodnote," Deavel explores her creative process and the intrinsic value of the art she produces.

Plus, award-winning cartoonist Ellen Forney explores the connections between her creativity and bipolar disorder in her new graphic memoir "Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me."

Also in this edition of Art of Our City, newly-appointed director of Seattle's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs Randy Engstrom talks about his new job overseeing Seattle's diverse cultural community. Then Doug Fullington talks about 20 years leading the Tudor Choir, and the joy he gets from reviving classic artworks.