The Art Box
Join our co-hosts as they interview local, regional and national guests on all things creativity and beyond.
All episodes(36)
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Art Box - Episode 438 - The Sharp End Of Life - A Conversation with Dierdre Wolownick
Published May 14, 2026
Dierdre WolownickEpisode 439 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