The Art Box
Join our co-hosts as they interview local, regional and national guests on all things creativity and beyond.
All episodes(74)
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 460 - America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
Published Jun 30, 2026
Welcome to a very special edition of The Art Box Podcast, recorded from the Mesquite Works STEAM Center in the Mojave Desert. Two hundred and fifty years ago, an idea was set into motion, imperfect, evolving, debated, celebrated… and endlessly interpreted through the voices of generations that followed. America has always been more than dates in a textbook or words on fading parchment. It lives in stories. In songs. In poetry. In memory. In the arts. And tonight, The Art Box gathers together a r
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 459 - Creating the Life You Were Meant to Live - Back with Monique
Published Jun 29, 2026
Episode 390 guest Monique Long returns to The Art Box for a deeply personal conversation about identity, creativity, and the remarkable power of believing in yourself. While our first conversation explored Monique's extraordinary journey through Hollywood as an Emmy Award-winning costume designer, stylist, and creative visionary, this episode takes us deeper into the philosophy behind her celebrated "I AM..." series and the life experiences that continue to shape her work. Together, we explore w
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 458 - Cool Shit with Cool People: Laura Esbensen and the Art of Radical Generosity
Published Jun 28, 2026
What happens when you turn a 1960s vintage bus into an art gallery? You get Gallery RAG Las Vegas, the bold new artist-run exhibition space created by Las Vegas artist, curator, and community builder Laura Esbensen. In this energetic conversation, Steve sits down with Laura to explore her journey from illustration and photography to sculpture, installation art, and curating projects that challenge the traditional gallery model. Together they discuss creativity, experimentation, the beauty of ask
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 457 - Sarah Kilgallon: Walking Toward Wonder
Published Jun 28, 2026
Artist, photographer, writer, and explorer Sarah Kilgallon joins The Art Box from her home in Portugal for a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, creativity, and the winding path that leads us toward a meaningful life. Originally from Boston, Sarah followed both her heart and her imagination to Portugal, where she has found a vibrant artistic community and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we explore how photography became the foundation of Sarah's creative practice, why walking, whether
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 456 - Leaning In With Curiosity - A Conversation with Julie Notaro
Published Jun 27, 2026
Julie NotaroStep inside the vibrant creative world of Julie Notaro, Las Vegas mixed-media artist and founder of fraiche arts, a working art studio and gallery located inside the iconic Arts Factory in the Las Vegas Arts District (18B). Here, Julie paints, teaches, exhibits her evolving collection of fine art, and transforms her original artwork into elegant silk scarves, inviting visitors to experience creativity up close. In this thoughtful conversation, Julie shares her remarkable artistic journey, from g
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 455 - Lauren Camp – Turning Ordinary Words into Extraordinary Worlds
Published Jun 26, 2026
Poet, author, and former New Mexico Poet Laureate Lauren Camp joins The Art Box for a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, language, and the quiet power of paying attention. From her beginnings as a visual artist and jazz radio host to writing her acclaimed new collection Is Is Enough, Lauren explores how place, time, sound, and stillness shape her poetry. We also journey beneath the dark skies of the Grand Canyon, where her experience as Astronomer-in-Residence inspired In Old Sky, and disc
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 454 - Daring to Do Dementia Differently – Meet Dangle & Dot
Published Jun 17, 2026
In this inspiring and deeply human conversation, Steve Dudrow is joined by friend, intuitive, and past Art Box guest Kaye Ashbridge as co-host for a heartfelt discussion with Nancy Nelson ("Dangle") and her partner in advocacy Kat Hartley ("Dot"), the creative forces behind dangle & dot, a social enterprise dedicated to changing the way we think about dementia, caregiving, cognitive decline, and what it means to continue living a meaningful, engaged life. After receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 453 - The White Horse in the Frame – Photographer Will Enos
Published Jun 17, 2026
This was such a delightful conversation with photographer Will Enos, whom I met recently at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City. Will and his wife, Beth (also a fabulous photographer and a soon to be Art Box guest), were attending our mutual friend Candace Garlock's remarkable Road to Terminus exhibition, and I'm grateful our paths crossed. For more than forty years, Will has chased light, shadow, and the perfect image. In this thoughtful episode of The Art Box, he shares his journey from dis
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 410 - A Ranch Musical - Meet Natalie Aramendia and Kristyn Harris
Published Jun 16, 2026
As part of our continuing coverage of the 41st Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, Steve Dudrow welcomes filmmaker Natalie Aramendia and singer, songwriter, and actress Kristyn Harris to discuss the creation of the award-winning film A Ranch Musical. Recorded during our nineteenth conversation connected to this year's Gathering, Natalie and Kristyn take listeners behind the scenes of bringing this heartfelt story to life on a working ranch in Tuscarora, Nevada. They share th
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 452 – Building Confidence One Swing at a Time: Laura Buxton and the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association
Published Jun 15, 2026
MJ sits down with Laura Buxton, President of the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association, to discuss how the organization is helping shape the next generation of golfers and community leaders. Laura shares the association's mission of creating a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment where young athletes develop not only their golf skills, but also confidence, discipline, teamwork, respect, and a lifelong love of the game. The conversation explores the exciting programs, clinics, and
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box Podcast – Episode 451 - From Fairways to Fine Art – Meet Kathy Cho
Published Jun 14, 2026
In this engaging episode of The Art Box, MJ Stiles sits down with Mesquite's own Kathy Cho, a woman whose creative talents seem to know no bounds. Kathy is a professional golfer, sought-after golf instructor, accomplished artist, internationally recognized clothing designer, and musician whose curiosity and passion continue to inspire those around her. Kathy shares her journey in the world of golf and her dedication to teaching players of all ages, helping beginners and seasoned golfers alike fi
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 449 - Flag Day 2026 Special - Old Glory
Published Jun 11, 2026
Every once in a while, The Art Box likes to pause from our usual conversations and celebrate the days that quietly stitch together the fabric of our shared lives. Holidays. Cultural moments. National remembrances. Days that ask us not simply to wave a flag or mark a calendar… but to reflect. One of the beautiful things about nearly five hundred episodes of conversations is that along the way, we’ve gathered an extraordinary family of artists, storytellers, musicians, poets, historians, dreamers,
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 448 - Reinventing Creativity – Meet Judi Moreo
Published Jun 11, 2026
From international stages to television studios, bestselling author, speaker, artist, and creativity advocate Judi Moreo has spent a lifetime helping others discover what they're truly capable of. In this inspiring conversation, Judi shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and creative courage, along with lessons learned while speaking in 29 countries and empowering countless individuals to pursue their dreams. We also discuss her newest passion project, The Center for Creative Expression
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 447 - The Ripple Effect: Cheryl Kilker's Journey of Joy
Published Jun 9, 2026
On Episode 447 of The Art Box, we sit down with one of Mesquite's most beloved performers, volunteers, writers, and community champions, Cheryl Kilker. From her days traveling the world with Up with People as Cheryl Kirking to her years on stage, in community service, and as an author, Cheryl has spent a lifetime creating connections and inspiring others. We talk about her remarkable journey, her love of music and performance, her experiences as Ms. Senior Mesquite and Ms. Senior Nevada, and the
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 450 - MJ & Petty Fever Live at the Headliners Club
Published Jun 8, 2026
Turn it up, Art Box listeners! For our milestone Episode 450, MJ takes The Art Box on the road to the Headliners Club for an electrifying evening with Petty Fever, one of the nation's premier Tom Petty tribute bands. From the first guitar riff to the final encore, the energy was off the charts as fans packed the venue to celebrate the timeless music of one of rock's most beloved songwriters. MJ goes backstage and behind the music to chat with the talented musicians who bring the spirit, sound, a
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 446 - Life Not Limits: Craft Beer, Community, and Connection with Scott & Vicki
Published Jun 7, 2026
On Episode 446 of The Art Box, we conclude our Gardnerville, Nevada road trip with Scott and Vicki, owners of Uninhibited: A Craft Brew Experience. What began as a love of craft beer has grown into something much larger, a gathering place where neighbors become friends, conversations flow as easily as the beverages, and community is always on tap. Scott and Vicki share the story behind their unique business, the welcoming atmosphere they've created in Gardnerville, and their mobile craft beer ex
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 445 - More Than Ink: Building Community at Above the Bar Tattoo with Jennifer Sutton
Published Jun 7, 2026
Jennifer SuttonOn Episode 445 of The Art Box, recorded during our Gardnerville, Nevada road trip, we visit with tattoo artist and business owner Jennifer Sutton of Above the Bar Tattoo. Jennifer shares stories from her early life, her path into the world of tattoo artistry, and the creative journey that eventually led her and her husband Nick from Venice, California to the Carson Valley. What they found in Gardnerville was more than a place to open a business—it was a place to build community. Today, Above the
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 444 - Drawing the Story: From Police Sketches to Travel Posters with Will Pender
Published Jun 6, 2026
Will PenderOn Episode 444 of The Art Box, recorded during our Gardnerville, Nevada road trip, we visit with artist Will Pender at the lively atmosphere of DST Coffee. Will shares stories of being the kid who was always drawing, how his artistic talents unexpectedly led him into a career as a law enforcement sketch artist, and how retirement has opened new doors for exploration, creativity, and curiosity. Today, Will is known for his striking travel poster artwork, capturing the character and beauty of plac
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 443 - Where Stories Gather: Meet Marissa Mills of Luminary Books
Published Jun 6, 2026
Nestled in the heart of Gardnerville, Nevada, Luminary Books is much more than a bookstore, it is a community gathering place where creativity, curiosity, and connection thrive. In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with owner Marissa Mills, an artist, dance instructor, passionate reader, and champion of all things creative. Marissa shares the story behind one of Steve's favorite independent bookstores, her love of literature and the arts, and the many imaginative events she creates, f
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 442 - The Eye of Rie - Meet Rielynn
Published Jun 4, 2026
Step back in time with us as we visit Gardnerville, Nevada, and meet Rielynn, the creative force behind Eye of Rie Tintype Photography. In an age of smartphones and instant images, Rielynn has embraced one of photography's oldest and most fascinating processes, creating stunning tintype portraits that connect modern subjects with the rich history of the photographic arts. In this episode, we explore Rielynn's journey into historic photography, the challenges and rewards of working with nineteent
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 441 - Speak Your Ideas to the Universe - Meet Jen Tune
Published Jun 3, 2026
Recorded in Gardnerville, Nevada, Steve sits down with Jen Tune, Executive Director of Main Street Gardnerville, for a conversation about the power of creativity, collaboration, and community vision in rural Nevada. Jen shares how Main Street Gardnerville works to support local businesses, strengthen economic development, celebrate the arts, and create a vibrant sense of place for residents and visitors alike. From revitalization efforts to community events, she discusses the challenges and oppo
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 440 – Between Science and Poetry – The Words and Worlds of Rayann Hijazi
Published May 31, 2026
Poet, scholar, and proud Arab American Rayann Hijazi joins The Art Box Podcast to discuss the powerful intersection of poetry, culture, and science. A former Poetry Out Loud national competitor and current Microbiology and Immunology student at the University of Nevada, Reno, Rayann shares how her Palestinian heritage influences her writing, the challenges of finding your voice between different worlds, and why poetry remains one of the most powerful tools for understanding ourselves and each ot
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 439 - 2026 Memorial Day Special
Published May 24, 2026
Join us as Wyoming Poet Darrell Holden recites his poem "Thanks" and Mesquite, Nevada resident DJ Van Dyke sings a beautiful Memorial Day ballad.
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 438 - The Sharp End Of Life - A Conversation with Dierdre Wolownick
Published May 14, 2026
Dierdre WolownickEpisode 438 steps into the sharp edges of perseverance, trust, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. In this conversation, Steve sits down with author, climber, speaker, teacher, and lifelong seeker Dierdre to discuss her new book, Success in 7 Steps, and the lived experiences that shaped it. From rock climbing partnerships where lives quite literally hang in the balance, to navigating difficult personal chapters with grit and tenacity, Dierdre reflects on the lessons that taugh
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 437 – Women in Focus – A Photography Roundtable Across the West
Published May 12, 2026
What happens when four talented photographers who first met through creative wanderings across the American West finally sit down together for a roundtable conversation? A whole lot of laughter, insight, storytelling… and a deep appreciation for the art of noticing. In this special The Art Box Podcast roundtable episode, Steve welcomes returning guests Tiffany Weems, Sue Beauchamp, Teresa Wasiak, and Marla Aufmuth for an engaging conversation about photography, creativity, travel, human connecti
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 436 - Happily Facilitating Ah-ha Moments at the STEAM Center - Meet Kristi Tausinga
Published May 9, 2026
In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with Kristi Tausinga, manager of the Mesquite Works STEAM Center, to explore creativity, mentorship, healing, and the joy of helping young minds discover those unforgettable “aha” moments. A retired police officer turned educational leader, Kristi brings a deeply human perspective to her work with students. Known for thinking outside the box, she helps create unique hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity,
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 435 – Journeys, Characters, and the Roads Between – with Stephen Murray
Published May 9, 2026
Stephen MurrayFrom England to Southern Africa to the Nevada desert, Stephen Murray has lived a life shaped by travel, reinvention, observation, and story. In this thoughtful episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with the author, retired software entrepreneur, and host of Gift of Giving on WWDBTV in Las Vegas to explore how a lifetime of experiences eventually found their way into fiction. Stephen shares reflections on writing six novels across multiple genres, the importance of strong character development,
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 434 - Ho'oponopono - Lead with the Heart - Kaye Ashbridge
Published May 8, 2026
In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with one of his best friends in Mesquite, Kaye Ashbridge, for a conversation centered around intuition, healing, self-reflection, and leading with the heart. Kaye shares thoughts from her intuitive practice and her work with tarot cards—not as tools to predict a fixed future, but as gentle doorways into deeper thought, self-awareness, and personal growth. Together, Steve and Kaye explore the Hawaiian practice of Ho'o
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 433 - "Zero Barrier to Entry" a Chat with Tom Snarsky
Published May 8, 2026
Tom SnarskyIn Episode 433 of The Art Box, Steve welcomes Virginia poet Tom Snarsky for a thoughtful and wonderfully wandering conversation about poetry, mathematics, the internet, rejection, collaboration, and the strange beauty of language in modern life. Tom is the author of several poetry collections including Light-Up Swan, Reclaimed Water, and his newest release A Letter From The Mountain & Other Poems. Living in the mountains of northwestern Virginia, Tom writes poems that are at once deeply conversa
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 432 - The Magic Box: Michael Napper and the Healing Power of Music
Published May 6, 2026
In June of 2023, we sat down with Michael Napper for one of our most poignant episodes—Episode 10 of Clouds in the Sand—where he shared his powerful journey as a healthcare worker navigating the challenges of COVID, offering care, compassion, and presence during one of the most difficult times in recent history. Now, Michael returns. This time, we step into a different side of his story—one that has been with him just as long. With over 40 years as an LPN and decades of musical exploration, Mich
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 431 - Spring 2026 East Fremont Festival of Arts - Poetry Slam
Published May 4, 2026
Spring 2026 East Fremont Festival of Arts | Downtown Container Park, Las Vegas Sometimes the best episodes aren’t planned—they’re discovered. In this special on-location episode of The Art Box, Steve heads to the vibrant Spring East Fremont Festival of Arts, hosted by our friend Liezl Siojo of ART BOX, at the ever-energetic Downtown Container Park. Under a sky full of color, music, and creativity, we set up and invited something simple… and powerful: Share a poem. What followed was a beautiful,
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 431 - Spring East Fremont Festival of Arts
Published May 4, 2026
Spring East Fremont Festival of Arts | Downtown Container Park, Las Vegas Sometimes the best episodes aren’t planned—they’re discovered. In this special on-location episode of The Art Box, Steve heads to the vibrant Spring East Fremont Festival of Arts, hosted by our friend Liezl Siojo of ART BOX, at the ever-energetic Downtown Container Park. Under a sky full of color, music, and creativity, we set up and invited something simple… and powerful: Share a poem. What followed was a beautiful, spont
- StandardSummaries onlyEpisode 430 – The Art of Negotiating: The Journey of Joe Dwyer
Published Apr 28, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, host MJ sits down with Joe Dwyer, whose life’s work spans from representing workers as a Teamster in Billings, Montana to serving on state boards for three governors as Chairman of the Montana State Fund. Born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, Joe reflects on a lifetime of service, leadership, and advocacy—before ultimately finding his way to Mesquite, Nevada with his wife of 52 years Kathy. It’s a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and what it means to serve
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 429 - I Saw A Bobcat!!! - or Exploring History with Professor Mills Kelly
Published Apr 27, 2026
Professor Mills KellyIn this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with Mills Kelly, a retired history professor whose work bridges the worlds of storytelling, education, and public engagement. From decades in academia to creating a podcast on the history of the Appalachian Trail, Mills shares how curiosity, patience, and archival discovery shape his process. Together, they explore the idea that history, much like a long trail, is something we move through, question, and rediscover along the way. It’s a thoughtful
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 428 - Rediscovering the Song: Rachelle McMullin on Art, Music, and Finding Your Way Back
Published Apr 18, 2026
In this heartfelt episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with artist and musician Rachelle McMullin to explore a creative journey that is anything but linear—and all the more powerful because of it. Rachelle’s story begins with a home filled with creativity, guided by a mother who believed art and music were essential to life. From a cracked violin and an out-of-tune piano to the deep resonance of the cello, creativity was always within reach. But like many artists, her path took unexpected tur
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 427 - Ink, Jazz, and Rebellion: The Beat Generation’s Lasting Echo
Published Apr 14, 2026
Step into a dimly lit coffeehouse where the espresso is strong, the saxophone hums low, and the words still matter. In Episode 427 of The Art Box, Steve sits down with returning guest Dawn Amundson for a deep and delightfully free-flowing conversation about the Beat Generation, what it was, what it challenged, and why it still pulses through today’s creative world. After first scratching the surface months ago, Dawn went all in, diving into research, revisiting the voices, and reflecting on her
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 426 – Archaeoacoustics in White River Narrows with Chester Liwosz
Published Apr 13, 2026
Chester LiwoszSo this episode is a bit noisy as we recorded outside at the Alamo Inn, right on Nevada Route 93, the Great Basin Highway, where we had to contend with AC's and rural traffic. What if rock art isn’t just something you see… but something you hear? In this fascinating episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with archaeologist Chester Liwosz to explore the emerging field of archaeoacoustics—the study of sound in ancient cultural landscapes—through the lens of the White River Narrows Archaeological
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 425 - Take the Leap - Meet Brian Rouff
Published Apr 1, 2026
Today we head into the bright lights and deeper truths of Las Vegas with author Brian Rouff—a writer who has spent decades exploring the thin line between luck and consequence, chance and choice. From cult classic novels like Dice Angel to his powerful memoir A Long September, Brian takes us behind the scenes of a city built on probability, and reveals the very human stories that live underneath it all. This is a conversation about storytelling, survival, and what happens when life doesn’t follo
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 424 – Down Under with Addie: The Phantom Tollbooth (and the Art of Not Being Bored)
Published Mar 31, 2026
In this special solo episode of The Art Box, our always-curious research assistant Addie takes the mic for the very first time, venturing down a literary rabbit hole with The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. After a suggestion from Episode 425 guest writer Brian Rouff, Steve sent Addie off on a mission: read the book, unpack its meaning, and see what wisdom might be hiding behind its wonderfully strange characters and wordplay. What follows is a delightful and thoughtful exploration of Milo’s
- StandardSummaries onlyEpisode 409 - Love the Ride: VW Women and the Art of Seeing with Marla Aufmuth
Published Mar 27, 2026
Marla AufmuthIn this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with photographer Marla Aufmuth for a warm and engaging conversation about the craft, business, and heart behind photography. From her early days in a high school darkroom—watching images come to life—to building a career across music, weddings, events, and portraiture, Marla shares how curiosity and problem-solving have shaped her journey. We explore her evolving relationship with photography—from film to digital—and her thoughtful perspective on tech
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 423 - "Traditions of the Heart" with Vanessa Maciel
Published Mar 22, 2026
Vanessa MacielIn this episode of The Art Box, we sit down in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation area visitors center with the incredible paper-mâché artist Vanessa Maciel, a bright light in the Nevada arts community and someone we’ve been hoping to have on the show for quite some time. Currently serving as Artist in Residence at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Vanessa creates remarkable large-scale masks and life-sized figures inspired by folklore, identity, and imagination. But beyond her artwo
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box Podcast - The United States 250th Anniversary Special
Published Mar 20, 2026
Joining us from Placerville, California, returning guest Gwen Reid (Episode 400) brings a thoughtful and heartfelt perspective on freedom, creativity, and the ties that bind us to place and purpose. In a time often filled with noise and celebration, this episode offers a quieter reflection—on what it means to be independent, to create, and to belong. A perfect companion for a summer day—rooted in story, spirit, and a deep appreciation for the American landscape. Thank you for being loyal listene
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 422 - She Loves Words - Meet Dawn Amundson
Published Mar 18, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with hiker, reader, poet, and lifelong lover of language Dawn Amundson for a conversation that celebrates the simple and powerful beauty of words. Dawn shares how her connection to reading began almost from the moment she entered the world—a lifelong relationship with books that carried her through careers as a school teacher and librarian, and continues to shape her days today. Whether she’s turning pages, writing poetry, or walking the trails of
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 421 - Serving the Show: Jacqui Thomassen and the Team Sport of Theatre
Published Mar 15, 2026
I absolutely love this episode, Jacqui is such a treasure to our creative communities. In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with theatre director and technical theatre specialist Jacqui Thomassen to talk about the craft, collaboration, and purpose behind live theatre. Jacqui shares how what began as a simple bucket-list audition quickly turned into a full-fledged career, eventually leading her to earn a degree in technical theatre and work in a $25-million professional theatre. Along
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 420 - American Nobody: Dreamers, Trails, and the Stories We Tell
Published Mar 14, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with filmmaker, entrepreneur, and all-around storyteller Josh Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with his feature-length independent film American Nobody and quickly wanders into all sorts of unexpected territory. Josh shares the long road it took to bring the film to life, including building much of his own camera gear when professional equipment was out of reach. From homemade camera jibs and sliders to improvised lighting setups,
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 419 - Raising the Top Step: Tom Burns on Opportunity, Growth, and Nevada’s Future
Published Mar 14, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, for a thoughtful conversation about how opportunity grows communities. Tom shares an idea that has guided much of his work: raising the top step of the stool. When individuals are given the chance to reach higher, through education, opportunity, and economic growth, it lifts families, neighborhoods, and entire communities along with them. Appointed by Joe Lo
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 418 – Leigh Ratterman: A “Kinda Cowgirl” Finds Her Voice in Cowboy Poetry
Published Mar 14, 2026
We first discovered Leigh Ratterman during a Poetry Open Mic session at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. She stopped by our remote studio at the Elko Convention Center for a quick chat in Episode 405, and we immediately knew there was much more to her story. So we invited her back for a full conversation, and we’re very glad she said yes. In this episode of The Art Box, Steve visits with Leigh, a cowboy poet from Arlee, Montana whose journey west began in suburban Connecticut after
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 416 - Ben Larson – New Tales From Old Montana
Published Mar 13, 2026
I first met Montana songwriter, storyteller, and cowboy poet Ben Larson in Elko at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, where he appeared in one of our short episodes (Episode 402). It was immediately clear that Ben had far more stories to share, so I reached out and invited him to join us for a full conversation. In this episode, Ben calls in from his home in Philipsburg, Montana, and we explore the winding path that led him from the backwoods of Vermont to a life of music, writing, and storyt
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 415 - Magic Happens When You Are Creating - Patricia Leavy
Published Mar 10, 2026
If you listen to just one podcast this year, make it this one. Award-winning author Patricia Leavy joins us for a fascinating conversation that takes listeners behind the scenes of her beloved works of fiction and the characters who continue to live on in her imagination long after the final page is written. Patricia shares how storytelling first took root in her life through the influence of her grandmother, who instilled in her a deep love for stories and the magic they can hold. We explore Pa
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 414 – Celebrating Community
Published Mar 8, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with Marie Alvery, the reigning 2025 Ms. Senior Mesquite, along with Becky Boyd, the longtime leader and administrator of the Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant in Mesquite. Marie shares her personal experience as this year’s titleholder and how participating in the pageant has opened doors to new friendships, community service, and personal growth. Becky offers insight into the heart behind the program and how it celebrates the wisdom, talents, and life stor
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 413 - East Fremont Street Fair
Published Mar 7, 2026
Once again it was a beautiful day at the East Fremont Street Art Fair, hosted by The Art Box by Liezl in the East Fremont Street Arts District. The day was filled with music, creativity, friends, and art everywhere you turned. For me, it was especially fun to host a small gathering of poets at the open mic, sharing words and stories right in the middle of the hustle, bustle, and joyful noise that only a street fair can bring. Friends DeAnna Beachley and Larry Coffee happened by and treated us to
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 408 - Oral Story Telling is Art - Meet Brad McMullen
Published Mar 1, 2026
At the 41st Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, we sit down with Brad McMullen, the Nevada Arts Council’s Folklife Specialist and Nevada State Folklorist, to explore a simple but powerful idea: oral storytelling is art. From cowboy poetry stages to kitchen tables, Brad reminds us that stories passed from voice to voice carry history, identity, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. We talk about what makes a story “folk,” why tradition isn’t static, and how communities preserve themselves through na
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 407 - Art Is an Emotional Connection: A Fun Chat with Gus Brackett
Published Mar 1, 2026
Gus BrackettWe slipped out of our remote recording perch in the Cedar Media Room and wandered over to the Conference Center to spend some time with our friend Gus Brackett. Gus wears a lot of hats — rancher, husband, dad, columnist, young adult author — and I’m proud to add friend to that list. The plan? A quick five-minute update. The reality? An hour-long conversation that I didn’t want to end. Since I’d left the “official” recording gear back at the remote studio, we captured this one on my cell phone. S
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 406 - Parking Lot Serendipity: Nevada Travel Meets The Art Box in Elko
Published Feb 28, 2026
Sometimes the best conversations aren’t scheduled — they just happen. At the 41st Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, we rolled into the parking lot and, as luck would have it, arrived at the exact same time as our friends from Travel Nevada, Megg Mueller, Ali Anderson, and Alexandria Olivares-Wenzel. What started as a quick hello turned into an impromptu Art Box episode celebrating storytelling, sense of place, and the magic of Nevada’s wide-open spaces. We talk about why events lik
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 405 - Kinda Cowgirl Poetry - Meet Leigh Ratterman
Published Feb 25, 2026
We were delighted to discover Leigh Ratterman during a Poetry Open Mic session. Her prose lives playfully on the “I’m just learning to be a cowboy” side of the ledger—light, airy, self-aware, and full of charm. There’s an authenticity to her voice that draws you in right away. Leigh has a wonderful story to tell and is so easy to visit with that we’re already hoping she’ll return for a full-length episode. We have a feeling our listeners are going to love her as much as we did. You can follow Le
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 404 - Unrequited Friendship - Larry Hillberg
Published Feb 25, 2026
We first met Larry four years ago at the Gathering, sharing the media room in the Elko Convention Hall. From that very first conversation, it was clear, Larry always has a story ready to tell. This year, I was lucky enough to capture three of them on the recorder. Don’t get too excited just yet, we’re releasing one for now, and saving the other two for our Harvest of Thought 2026 special coming this October. Larry Hillberg has been broadcasting since 2001, starting with years of early morning ra
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 417 - Almost Heaven, Three Friends and a Mic
Published Feb 25, 2026
In our little hometown of Mesquite, creativity is always brewing around Mesquite Plaza, especially in the space between Juniper Outpost and the STEAM Center. This is the story of how three friends came together to craft a song that captures the spirit of our town, fueled by laughter, wordplay, and the magic that happens when you bring a talented singer into the mix. Yes, we know Episode 417 is a bit out of order. Between wrapping up our Cowboy Poetry series and keeping our regular schedule rolli
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 403 — Cowboy Meditations with Gary Milliken
Published Feb 22, 2026
Gary MillikenRecorded live at the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, this episode of The Art Box features a thoughtful conversation with filmmaker Gary Milliken and his wife Gail about Gary’s evocative film Cowboy Meditations. The film centers on cowboy and poet Dick Gibford, capturing his words, spirit, and reflections on life, the land, and the enduring traditions of the West. Blending poetry, imagery, and the quiet rhythm of cowboy philosophy, the project offers a contemplative bridge between modern a
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 402 - Steering With My Knees - Meet Ben Larson
Published Feb 19, 2026
In this episode, we ride along with Montana storyteller and musician Ben Larson, whose work lives somewhere between western folk tradition and what he calls interstellar honkytonk. From tales of family, friends, and life on the road to reflections shaped by years spent working outdoors, Ben’s songs and writing capture the spirit of the modern rural West with honesty and heart. Broadcasting from his home base in Philipsburg, Ben has self-published four albums, three nonfiction books, and two poet
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box – Episode 412 - Where Music Awakens: Inside the Southern Nevada Symphony
Published Feb 17, 2026
In an absolute delight of an episode of The Art Box, we sit down with Susan Thiriot, director of the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra, as she prepares for the upcoming “A New World” concert on February 28. With over forty years of musical experience and one of the few female conductors in the nation, Thiriot shares her passion for inspiring confidence in young musicians now joining the orchestra in record numbers. Blending seasoned performers with student artists, the ensemble embodies her bel
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 401 - Hiraeth: A Home the Heart Still Knows - Jessica Schley
Published Feb 16, 2026
In Episode 401 of The Art Box, we welcome Jessica Schley, writer, rider, realtor, rancher, and fierce advocate for the land. Raised on a multigenerational working cattle and horse ranch in California’s Happy Canyon, Jessica grew up steeped in old cowboy stories, ranching traditions, and a deep respect for rangelands. Her latest book, Roots & Resilience: California Ranchers in Their Own Words, brings together the voices of 17 ranchers across the Golden State, weaving stories, poems, and essays th
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 400 - Solid Gold - Meet Gwen Reid
Published Feb 10, 2026
Episode 400 feels like a milestone worth celebrating, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting guest than Gwen Reid, pure solid gold. Hailing from Placerville, California, Gwen Reid is a cowboy poet whose life has been as full and layered as the stories she tells. A proud mother of nine children, Gwen brings decades of lived experience to the page, crafting poetry that reflects family, faith, grit, humor, and the enduring spirit of the West. In this special episode, Gwen shares the story of the 4
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 399 - Grandma - Meet Gary Sisk
Published Feb 10, 2026
At the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, we sit down with Idaho cowboy poet Gary Sisk, a man whose words carry the quiet weight of memory and the warmth of family. In this heartfelt episode, Gary shares a tender poem about his grandmother, a steady presence in his young life, full of grace, humor, and understanding. With the rhythm of the range and the softness of recollection, Gary tells the story of a time when he probably deserved a little trouble… but instead received me
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 398 - Reciting Poetry with Love in Her Heart - Meet Kathy Smith
Published Feb 10, 2026
From memories of Arizona to the wide-open ranges of Utah and Nevada, Kathy Smith carries the West in her bones and in her poetry. Kathy sits down to share how a fifth-generation ranching upbringing shaped her voice, her grit, and her storytelling. Raised in a world where hard work, heartbreak, humor, and heritage are woven together like rawhide, Kathy draws from lived experience, her own and those of the people she loves, to create poems that feel both personal and universal. She talks about gro
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 397 - I Fly With The Raven - Dick Warwick
Published Feb 8, 2026
During the Cowboy Poetry Gathering open mic session, Dick Warwick took the stage and recited his powerful piece, “I Fly with the Raven.” It was one of those moments when the room grew still and the words did the flying.
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 396 - Gators, Prose and Why Rhyme - Meet Bridget Hayes
Published Feb 8, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, we welcome Bridget Hayes, Digital Literacy Specialist with the Sonoma County Library. We first experienced Bridget during the second open mic session and were captivated by the depth and honesty in her poetry. As an educator passionate about the intersection of people and technology, Bridget shares why libraries are becoming essential spaces for digital awareness and empowerment. She also gives us insight into the innovative programs they’re developing to support
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 395 - Don't Put Your Candle Under A Bushel - Meet Darrell Holden
Published Feb 8, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with a 5th-generation Utah rancher, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and cowboy poet. He writes the stories of those who came before him and the working ranch families of today, determined to keep their lives, struggles, humor, and grit alive through verse. Inspired in 1983 after hearing cowboy poet Scott McKendrick recite at his high school, he discovered that poetry wasn’t just something from the past, it was still riding the range. His poems ar
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 394 - Voices of the Range: Ben Parks & the Power of Cowboy Radio
Published Feb 6, 2026
Our second episode from the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada features a conversation with Ben Parks of American Cowboy Radio — a familiar voice worldwide to many who follow Western culture, music, and storytelling. Broadcasting from the heart of the Gathering, we talk with Ben about the enduring importance of radio in preserving and promoting cowboy poetry, Western music, and rural traditions. In a fast-moving digital world, American Cowboy Radio continues to serve as a stea
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 393 - Gathering the First Notes: Jimmy Cantwell’s Elko Debut
Published Feb 5, 2026
Thanks to a generous grant by the Nevada Arts Council and support from The Western Folklife Center, we’re back in Elko, Nevada for the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, our fourth year attending this remarkable celebration of Western poetry, music, and storytelling. In this opening episode of our special Gathering series, we set the stage from the heart of downtown Elko, sharing reflections on what it means to return once again to the Western Folklife Center, and what feels different this y
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 392 - Threading the World: Travel, Texture & Taking the Leap
Published Feb 4, 2026
In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with Southern Utah fiber artist Paulette Schermerhorn, whose vibrant fabric collages stitch together travel, photography, and a lifetime of curiosity. After more than 30 years as a registered nurse, Paulette answered the quiet call of creativity and began exploring fabric as fine art. What started as traditional quilting evolved into richly layered textile works that blend printed photography, hand-dyed fabrics, thread painting, and beadwork. Her piece
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 391 - The Giving Tree - Shannon Garza
Published Feb 3, 2026
In Episode 391 of The Art Box, Steve and co-host Terri Fitzsimmons sit down with Shannon Garza in the Mesquite Works STEAM Center recording studio for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about creativity, release, and the quiet rituals that shape who we become. Shannon’s life and work sit at the intersection of curiosity and expression. Drawn to imagination and problem-solving from an early age, she learned that ideas could be shaped into something real, stretched, tested, and transfor
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 390 - From Hollywood Costumes to “I Am”: The Art and Vision of Monique Long
Published Jan 26, 2026
In this inspiring episode of The Art Box, MJ welcomes Emmy Award–winning Costume Designer, Stylist, Fine Artist, and Creative Visionary Monique Marie Long for a powerful conversation about creativity, transformation, and telling the truth through art. Monique’s extraordinary career spans fashion, film, television, and theme-park design, including work on iconic projects such as Casino, Golden Girls, This Is Us, What Happens in Vegas, major awards shows, and her Emmy-winning work on NewsRadio. Fr
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 389 - Saving the Game, Telling the Legends: Bob Ingram on Baseball, Brilliance, and the Stories That Matter
Published Jan 24, 2026
In Episode 389 of The Art Box, we welcome author Bob Ingram for a conversation that blends baseball, imagination, and a lifetime of lived experience. Bob shares how his journey through sports, business, and growing up in Berwyn, Maryland became the foundation for his fiction, where real friendships, adventures, and moments from his life are transformed into powerful stories. We explore his two novels, The Genius Who Saved Baseball and The Amelia Earhart of Baseball, both works of fiction inspire
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 388 - From Grandmother’s Studio to the Kitchen Table: Meet Rebecca Eckland
Published Jan 20, 2026
In this deeply moving episode of The Art Box, Steve welcomes writer and visual artist Rebecca Eckland for a conversation that flows between memory, language, healing, and the enduring power of creative inheritance. Rebecca shares how her artistic life began with words, how her MFA helped her claim her voice, and how place, lived experience, and storytelling continue to shape everything she creates. She also reflects on the quiet influence of her grandmother’s art studio, where the smell of oils