As OPB’s executive editor of arts a culture and the executive producer of OPB’s award-winning series “Oregon Art Beat,” Jessica Martin has produced documentaries and stories on everything from history to science to pop culture collectibles and more — but her favorite projects are rooted in her love of the arts.

Jessica recently spoke with OPB’s Jamie Hershman to reflect on her three-decades-long career as she and the “Oregon Art Beat” team celebrate a retrospective of the beloved series at the Portland Art Museum’s Rental Sales Gallery exhibit, open to the public June 5 through July 11, 2026.

Jamie Hershman: What originally drew you to storytelling 30 years ago, and what keeps you in it?

Jessica Martin: I was drawn to the idea that everyone has a story, deep and powerful, and that one story often connects to another. I continue to be amazed by the generosity of the people we feature on “Art Beat,” sharing not only their creative process with us, but also their personal stories and connections to our communities.

Hershman: “Oregon Art Beat” has been on the air for over 25 years. What do you think has allowed it to remain so relevant and beloved across generations?

Martin: We’ve learned that featuring the actual art-making — seeing someone creating something amazing on camera — as well as the story of how someone became an artist is what resonates with people. Everyone’s on a journey of discovery and joy, and sometimes hardship and loss, yet always life affirming. It’s the power of a shared story.

Hershman: What does the process of uncovering an artist’s story look like behind the camera?

Martin: It involves a lot of research and listening. The team spends time learning about the arts and culture scene happening all around our region and getting to know individual artists. When we’re filming an artist bringing wood or clay or words to life, sharing that with viewers, students — everyone — in such a way that it makes people feel inspired and empowered to tap into their own creativity — that’s what we love!

Hershman: What’s been one of the most unexpectedly powerful or emotional moments you’ve experienced while filming or producing?

Martin: There have been so many over the years! Sharing the connections made through arts and culture with people across the state is so powerful. Getting to tell meaningful stories of artists with ties to our region who’ve had a profound impact on generations of Oregonians and the world at large has been incredibly rewarding.

Our special program on painter Mark Rothko is one example. Raised in Oregon he went on to forever change the way we look at painting. And just in time for her 100th birthday in 2016, “Art Beat” produced a half-hour special about children’s author Beverly Cleary. Set in a NE Portland neighborhood, her stories have helped raise generations of readers all over the world.

Hershman: What does the future of regional storytelling look like to you, and how does “Oregon Art Beat” fit into that future?

Martin: People tell us they want to see stories about the creative people living and making an impact in their own neighborhoods. “Art Beat” tells those local, singular stories. And telling stories about the power of art making and community building creates a transformative through line, lifting us all up and connecting us through the power of art.

Hershman: How has the definition of “art” expanded over the lifetime of the show? And how do you balance honoring the show’s legacy while still making space for reinvention?

Martin: We’ve always cast a wide net regarding what art is and who is an artist. I think the definition expands with each generation. The wheel turns and there are new ideas, new technologies and new people making amazing things happen in arts and culture all over Oregon.

The evolution of the show has been tremendous. It’s gone from a weekly television series to an arts and culture story hub covering an ever-expanding range of what an arts story can be.

Editor’s note: A shortened version of this interview appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of OPB’s quarterly member magazine, OPB Connect.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/05/25/an-interview-with-opbs-jessica-martin/