The Art Box - Episode 423 - "Traditions of the Heart" with Vanessa Maciel

In 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 artwork, it’s her spirit and generosity that truly shine. Through her workshops and outreach, especially with young people, Vanessa is touching lives across Nevada, bringing creativity, confidence, and joy to every space she enters. In our conversation, we explore her artistic process, the magic of working with humble materials like papier-mâché, and the deep influence of her journey emigrating from Mexico to the United States, an experience that continues to shape the stories she tells through her work. This is a heartfelt discussion about culture, creativity, and the power of art to connect us, and one we’re especially excited to finally share with you. Vanessa is also a teaching artist with the Nevada Arts Council: https://www.nvartscouncil.org/directory/teaching-artists/vanessa-maciel-napoles/ Facebook: Mexi Catrina Instagram: @vanemexicatrina