The Art Box

Episode 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 taught her how dreams are not simply wished into existence — they are climbed toward, one deliberate hold at a time. Along the way, she shares thoughts on curiosity, teaching, persistence, modern life’s overwhelming pace, and why she believes anyone can achieve their dream if they have the right roadmap. This is a conversation about endurance, about learning from both good examples and bad ones, and about standing at what Dierdre calls “the sharp end of life” — those moments where challenge, risk, and transformation all meet. And somewhere between the cliffs, classrooms, hardships, and victories… lies a reminder that it is never too late to begin the climb. Dierdre's bookc can be found on Amazon:  Her upcoming movie trailer here: Climbing Into Life: The Dierdre Wolownick Story    

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 connection, and the stories waiting quietly behind the lens. Steve first met Tiffany, Sue, and Teresa through Travel Nevada FOCUS photography conferences, while Marla and Steve crossed paths during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. Over time, all four became individual guests on The Art Box—and eventually the idea emerged: why not bring everyone together? The result is a warm, funny, and thoughtful discussion exploring: what first drew them to photography the emotional side of capturing images travel and creative curiosity finding beauty in overlooked places women supporting women in the arts and how photography teaches us to slow down and truly see the world around us From desert light to cowboy gatherings, quiet moments to unexpected friendships, this episode celebrates not just photography—but the community and conversations that grow around it. Sometimes the best images begin simply by paying attention.  

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, confidence, and imagination. And if you ask the students, they’ll tell you the same thing—Kristi genuinely cares, and it shows. Steve and Kristi talk about the evolving mission of the STEAM Center, the importance of creating safe and inspiring spaces for youth, and how creativity and learning often grow strongest when students are encouraged to explore freely. The conversation also touches on mental health, first responders, intuition, and the value of meaningful human connection. Kristi’s husband Felipe, leads the center’s chess club and helps young players discover strategy, patience, and confidence one move at a time. Beyond education, Kristi shares her passion for writing and poetry, often crafting deeply reflective pieces filled with emotion, resilience, and insight. Warm, thoughtful, and filled with heart, this episode is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most important thing a mentor can do is simply help someone believe they are capable of discovering something new within themselves.

From 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, and why he believes dialogue should reveal who a character is without always needing to say their name. The conversation moves through world travel, critique groups, imagination, creativity, and the challenge of staying true to yourself while life continuously throws unexpected curves. Along the way, Stephen discusses the balance between analytical thinking and storytelling, his skepticism of modern technology and AI, and the simple but powerful hope that readers might find connection, escapism, and shared humanity within the pages of his books. The episode also explores Stephen’s work as host of Gift of Giving on WWDBTV, a program dedicated to shining a light on smaller nonprofit organizations and the people quietly working to make a difference in their communities. It’s a passion project rooted in compassion, generosity, and the belief that even small acts of giving can create lasting ripples. Warm, reflective, and quietly insightful, this episode is a reminder that every life journey leaves fingerprints on the stories we choose to tell. Learn more about Stephen: https://authorstephenmurray.com/about/ View Gift of Giving: https://wwdbtv.com/shows/the-gift-of-giving/  

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'oponopono, the importance of listening inwardly, and the idea that sometimes the answers we seek are already quietly waiting inside us. As always with Kaye, the conversation becomes more than an interview. It turns into something restorative… a reminder to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the light we each carry within ourselves. This episode closes with what Kaye calls an “active prayer,” an unscripted shared moment of reflection focused on insight, higher selves, and innate Divinity, with Kristi joining Steve and Kaye in the experience. Whether you’re deeply spiritual, creatively curious, or simply searching for a little peace in a noisy world, this episode invites you to pause for a while… and lead with the heart. You can learn more about Kaye at: https://expandinghearttarot.com/ Instagram: @kayeashbridge

In 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 conversational, intellectually curious, and quietly human. Together, Steve and Tom explore how poems begin with fragments, titles, sounds, and passing observations before slowly gathering momentum into something tangible. The conversation drifts through Robert Frost, David Lynch, online poetry communities, social media as both blessing and distraction, and the ways modern life changes how we experience love, death, and connection. It’s an episode about attention, conversation, and the invisible harmonics that hold art together — even in a world that keeps asking us to scroll past it. Follow Tom on Instagram @tomsnarsky @night_light_poems_ LinkTree His new book of poetry MOUNTEBANK can be found here: https://www.brokensleepbooks.com/product-page/tom-snarsky-mountebank

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, Michael shares how music—first discovered as a young boy at a hidden piano—became something essential to who he is. From classical piano lessons to rediscovering that spark later in life through the accordion, his journey is one of returning to something deeply personal and profoundly human. We talk about the accordion as a “magic box”—an instrument that must be embraced, breathed into, and felt. We explore the vulnerability of performing, the discipline of practice, and the connection between musician and audience. For Michael, music isn’t just sound—it’s a universal language, a way to evoke emotion, to connect, and to help people feel. From the intensity of hospice care to the joy (and occasional chaos) of live performance, this episode is a reminder that even in the most serious lives, there is space for creativity, expression, and a little bit of magic.

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, spontaneous collection of voices—artists, vendors, and visitors alike—each stepping up to the mic to offer a piece of themselves. Some heartfelt, some playful, all real. Along the way, you’ll hear the hum of the festival—laughter between booths, the camaraderie of creators, music drifting through the air, and the kind of moments that can only happen when people gather to celebrate art. This episode is a reminder that poetry isn’t confined to books or stages—it lives in conversations, in shared spaces, and in the courage to speak. So step in, take a listen, and spend a little time with us at one of Las Vegas’ most creative corners.

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 others throughout a lifetime.

In 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 conversation about learning, humanity, and the quiet ways we can all contribute to making the world a little better, one step at a time. Learn more about Professor Kelly at: https://millskelly.net/  

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 turns, and for nearly two decades, art and music quietly slipped away. What followed is a story of rediscovery. Through college classes, van life during COVID, and eventually stepping into open mic nights in Beaver Dam, Rachelle found her way back—not just to creating, but to herself. Today, she paints murals, plays violin by ear, and creates intuitively, trusting the process rather than chasing perfection. In this conversation, we explore the role of community in creative growth, the courage it takes to begin again, and how a single opportunity—like painting her first mural at the Beaver Dam Bar—can change everything. We also touch on the small but powerful moments that shape us, like an art teacher playing The Martian Chronicles in class—planting seeds of imagination that can last a lifetime. Rachelle’s story is one of resilience, healing, and a reminder that creativity is never truly gone—it’s just waiting for you to pick it back up. So whether your brushes are dusty or your instrument hasn’t been touched in years, this episode is your invitation: Start again. Find Rachelle on Facebook here. 

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 own personal experiences with Beat-inspired art and culture. Together, Steve and Dawn trace a line from the smoky backrooms of 1950s poetry readings to the wide-open, boundary-pushing creativity we see today. They explore how the Beats reshaped not just literature, but the very idea of what it means to be an artist, embracing spontaneity, authenticity, rebellion, and a deep search for meaning. This is more than a history lesson, it’s a living conversation about influence, inspiration, and the enduring spirit of creative freedom. It’s thoughtful. It’s a little rebellious. And yes… it was a whole lot of fun. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and maybe snap your fingers once or twice… the Beat goes on.

So 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 District in eastern Nevada. At the crossroads of the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert, White River Narrows (WRN) holds one of the most significant concentrations of petroglyphs in the region. But as Chester shares, these images may not have been created in silence. Recent work by Great Basin and California scholars is weaving together archaeological evidence with ethnographic records and oral traditions, revealing a deeper, more interconnected relationship between landscape, human behavior, and cosmology. Central to this discussion is the idea of “spirit voices”—phenomena described in oral traditions that point to multisensory religious experiences tied to these sites. The very act of creating rock art—especially through the repetitive, rhythmic process of pecking stone—may have generated intentional sound, transforming the landscape into a kind of resonant instrument. Chester discusses recent fieldwork conducted at a WRN site, where researchers tested how sound propagates through the canyon walls—echoes, reflections, and tonal qualities that mirror the kinds of sounds produced during rock art creation. These findings suggest that ancient artists may have been engaging not just with imagery, but with sound, space, and spirit in a unified experience. This conversation opens a door into a world where art is not static, where stone holds memory, and where listening becomes just as important as seeing. Come along as we explore a landscape that still hums with echoes of the past—and consider the possibility that some of those voices are still there, waiting to be heard.

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 follow the odds. This episode pairs well with episode 424 where Addie takes us solo through a book suggested by Brian. Find out more about Brian at: https://brianrouff.com/

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 journey through the Lands Beyond, where boredom gives way to curiosity, language bends in playful ways, and learning becomes an adventure. Along the way, Addie reflects on why this timeless story still resonates, how it challenges the way we think about knowledge and imagination, and why perhaps the most important lesson is simply this: pay attention. It’s whimsical, insightful, and unmistakably Addie, equal parts charm, curiosity, and just a touch of down-under perspective. Learn more about Rian Rouff at: https://brianrouff.com/

In 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 technology as a creative tool. Marla also dives into her powerful project Love the Ride, highlighting women and their air-cooled Volkswagens as symbols of individuality, resilience, and freedom in traditionally male-dominated spaces. It’s a conversation about creativity, connection, and what it really means to sustain a life in the arts—where passion meets persistence, and storytelling lives in every frame. Please stop by the peruse Marla's current project passion: Love the Ride at: https://www.vwwomen.com/    

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      

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 the Mojave Desert, Dawn brings a deep sense of curiosity and appreciation to everything she does. A devoted hiker and a thoughtful observer of the world around her, Dawn talks about how nature and language intertwine, how a quiet trail or a desert sunrise can feel like poetry long before it’s ever written down. When she’s not exploring the desert or immersed in a book, you’ll often find her giving back to the community at the Mesquite Rotary Club Bookstore, helping others discover the joy of reading one $1 book at a time. This is a warm and reflective conversation about a life shaped by words, the magic of storytelling, and how reading can open doors not just to knowledge, but to connection, imagination, and meaning.

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 the way she discovered a passion for lighting design and directing, and developed a thoughtful process for building a production from the ground up. Her approach starts with two powerful questions: “Why this story, and why now?” and “What story do we want to tell the audience?” From there she focuses first on actor relationships and character dynamics before anything else, often finding that once the connections are real, the rest of the performance naturally follows. Jacqui also describes theatre as “the ultimate team sport,” where everyone, from actors and stage managers to costume dressers and technicians, plays an essential role in bringing a story to life. It’s a conversation about storytelling, leadership, and the magic that happens when a community comes together to serve the show and create something meaningful for an audience.

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, his story is a reminder that determination and creativity often matter more than a big budget. But like many good conversations on The Art Box, the road twists and turns. Along the way, Steve and Josh talk about the rugged beauty of the Arizona Strip, exploring trails and public lands, the adventures that come with running a Polaris off-road business, and a powerful near-death experience that shifted how Josh looks at life. They also reflect on Josh’s first visit to the Virgin Valley Photographic Society, where watching artists at work rekindled something inside him, a reminder that creativity often sparks when we simply place ourselves in rooms where people are making things. Josh describes himself as both a dreamer and a realist, someone who believes that even when projects are difficult, you still have to find the fun in the process. His advice for aspiring filmmakers? Don’t expect to get your money back, do it because you love the journey. It’s a lively conversation about filmmaking, resilience, creative curiosity, and the simple truth that sometimes the best stories happen when two people just sit down and chat up a storm. You can stream American Nobody on Tubu or Amazon Prime. 

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 Lombardo in 2023, Tom brings decades of experience in business, finance, and civic leadership to the role. A University of Nevada, Reno graduate and longtime Southern Nevada business leader, he reflects on his journey from CPA with Deloitte to commercial insurance executive and community advocate, as well as his service with organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Along the way, the conversation explores Nevada’s evolving economy, the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and communities, and how thoughtful leadership can help build ladders of opportunity for the next generation. It’s a discussion about growth, possibility, and what it takes to raise the step stool high enough for everyone to climb. Learn more here: https://goed.nv.gov/  

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 seeing Dances With Wolves as a kid and realizing the wide-open West was where she was meant to be. After eventually making her way to Montana, Leigh dove headfirst into ranch life, community gatherings, and the welcoming world of cowboy poetry. Her often humorous and light-hearted poems capture the perspective of someone learning the ropes a little later in life, bringing curiosity, humility, and a fresh voice to the tradition. Leigh also shares how her writing became a way to honor her late father, and how the supportive community of cowboy poets has helped her find her voice. Her work bridges the gap between longtime western storytellers and new audiences discovering the craft for the first time. You can learn more about Leigh on Instagram: @kinda_cowgirl_poetry @leigh_ratterman    

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 storytelling in the rural West. Ben walks his own trail between western folk music and cowboy poetry, sharing honest stories about family, travel, community, and the people who shape life in small towns. From building a homestead from recycled materials during COVID to performing more than a hundred shows a year across Montana, Ben’s creative life is fueled by curiosity, hard work, and a deep respect for the people and places of the rural West. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the importance of giving voice to communities that are often overlooked. You can find out more about Ben at: https://www.oldmanben.com/  

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 Patricia’s creative process, the way her characters seem to develop lives of their own, and how fiction can capture the emotional truths of our lives in powerful ways. We also discuss her newest non-fiction book, The Artist Academic, a thoughtful and inspiring guide for creative thinkers everywhere.  The book offers valuable insights for artists working in any medium, writers, painters, photographers, musicians, and storytellers of every kind. This episode is a reminder that when we allow ourselves to create, something remarkable can happen: stories emerge, ideas take shape, and magic finds its way onto the page. Learn more about Patricia at: https://patricialeavy.com/  

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 stories of senior women in our community. Together they discuss the many benefits the pageant brings, not only to the contestants, but to the entire Mesquite community. We begin the episode with a short public service announcement featuring Sara Ruiz, who joins us to talk about the upcoming Annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Canyonlands Healthcare and the City of Mesquite, taking place on March 28. It’s a conversation about community spirit, celebrating life’s journeys, and the power of staying active, creative, and engaged at every stage of life. The 2026 Ms. Senior Pageant takes place May 2 at the Mesquite Community Theatre 150 N. Yucca Street.

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 some wonderful prose, and at one point even a painting stepped up to the mic to share a poem of their own. It was one of those days where creativity just seemed to flow naturally from everyone around us. A truly fun afternoon, and we hope you enjoy this short episode capturing a bit of that energy. You can find our host at The Art Box by Liezl Siojo, located in Container Park at 707 East Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101.

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 narrative. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about memory, culture, and the living art of telling a good story.

We 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. So you’ll hear the hum of the gathering — folks chatting, boots shuffling, laughter rolling through the background. It’s real, it’s unpolished, and it fits Gus perfectly. Our conversation wandered the wide range of topics you’d expect from a modern-day rancher-thinker: Gus’ belief that “Art is an emotional connection between two people.” The mythology of outlaws. His young adult writing journey. Artificial Intelligence (the digital kind — as opposed to the ranch version, Artificial Insemination). And the daily adventure of keeping up with his kids. You can find Gus’s books — including his award-winning Badger Thurston series — on Amazon. If you enjoy thoughtful Western storytelling grounded in lived experience, you’ll want to saddle up with his work. Sometimes the best conversations aren’t planned. They just happen when you walk across the parking lot and decide to stay awhile.

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 like the Cowboy Poetry Gathering matter, how travel connects culture and community, and what makes Nevada such a compelling place to explore, from its rural traditions to its creative heartbeat. There’s laughter, a little bit of behind-the-scenes tourism insight, and that unmistakable Elko energy that brings people together year after year. Proof that sometimes the most authentic Nevada stories begin right there in the parking lot. Find out more about the great things Travel Nevada does in our state: https://travelnevada.biz/  

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 Leigh on Instagram at @leigh_ratterman and @kinda_cowgirl_poetry.

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 radio before stepping into his current role as part of the long-running, extraordinary Saturday roots music mix at KVMR. He treasures every minute he spends behind the mic. What he values most is KVMR’s identity as the “Voice of the Community,” amplifying the work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations and individuals across its listening area. Imagine a radio station powered by a small paid staff, sustained entirely through its own fundraising, memberships, and underwriters—supported in every conceivable way by hundreds of volunteers—where all on-air broadcasting is done by unpaid community members. It sounds impossible. And yet, for more than three decades, KVMR has been doing exactly that. Find out more about Larry here: https://www.kvmr.org/users/larry-hillberg/  

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 rolling, things got a little… discombobulated. But hey — it’s our podcast, and we reserve the right to shuffle the deck now and then. So sit back and enjoy Dave Siriani, DJ Van Dyke, and Steve as we chuckle our way through the origins of this little ditty. Stick around until the end to hear our musical masterpiece come to life. We are really, really. really going to miss Dave and Charlotte and their Juniper Outpost.  

Recorded 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 audiences and the timeless wisdom of western heritage. Gary shares the inspiration behind the film, the creative journey of bringing Dick’s story to the screen, and why voices like his continue to resonate so deeply today. Find out more at: https://cowboymeditations.com/  

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 poetry collections—and he’s currently on a musical quest to perform in all 56 counties of Montana, with 42 already behind him. You can find Ben at: http://oldmanben.com  

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 belief that music brings joy, hope, and unity across generations. For Thiriot, live music isn’t just performance, it’s a soundbath that reorders the chaos of life and awakens something deep within us. We are so excited for the opening performance, please join us at the Virgin Valley High School 820 Valley View Drive Mesquite, NV 89027 for a Saturday February 28th afternoon matinee at 3 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.snsymphony.com/

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 that honor both heritage and hard-earned wisdom. Jessica joins us fresh from the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, where she debuted new work and carried forward the tradition of ranch storytelling. As a recipient of the Della Johns Scholarship, named for the Nevada ranch woman who helped found the Gathering, Jessica embodies the strong, steady voice of women whose labor and leadership sustain both family ranches and rural culture. Beyond the page, Jessica serves on the Legacy Council for the California Rangeland Trust, advocating for collaboration between ranchers and conservationists. With a background in rangeland ecology and land conservation policy from UC Berkeley, she brings both heart and science to the conversation, championing what she calls “Carhartt Conservationism”: finding common ground to steward the land for future generations. This episode is about roots, resilience, collaboration, and the enduring belief that ranchers are conservationists, storytellers, and essential caretakers of the American West. Click here to learn more about Jessica: https://www.jessicateonaschley.com/  

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 49'ers flocking to California to strike it rich. From ranch life to historical reflection, Gwen’s poems honor tradition while preserving the everyday moments that often matter most. Her voice is steady, warm, and grounded in a deep respect for heritage and community. Episode 400 is a celebration, of poetry, perseverance, motherhood, storytelling, and the kind of strength that quietly shines. Gwen Reid reminds us that sometimes the richest gold is found in the stories we live and the words we dare to write. Here’s to 400 episodes, and to the solid gold people who make The Art Box what it is. In exciting news, Gwen has graciously recorded a very special poem for us that will air on our nation's 250th birthday, July 4, 2026. Thank you Gwen you are an American treasure. 

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 mercy. It’s a poem about being “let off the hook,” about unconditional love, and about the kind of wisdom that doesn’t come from lectures, but from lived example. Episode 399 is a beautiful reminder of the grandmothers who shaped us, the small moments that linger, and the power of poetry to carry love forward across generations. Settle in, this one will touch your heart.

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 growing up in a ranching family, the lessons learned under big desert skies, and the quiet strength of women who worked just as hard as any cowboy. With warmth and honesty, Kathy reflects on how she more recently embraced the title of “poet,” not out of ambition, but out of a calling to preserve stories that matter. Her poems hold both sorrow and joy, the ache of loss, the laughter of family gatherings, the dust of corrals, and the resilience of rural life. At the Gathering, her words land softly and strong, reminding listeners why cowboy poetry remains such a powerful cultural thread in the American West. Episode 398 is a heartfelt conversation about heritage, identity, and the courage to step forward and claim your voice, even if you didn’t always call yourself a poet. Saddle up and settle in, this one carries the heart of the range. You can catch Kathy and her friends performing at the Mesquite Western-Roundup. Show times are Friday February 20th at 7 PM, Saturday February 21st at 1 PM and 7 PM. You can purchase tickets at the Mesquite Community Theatre Box Office located at 150 North Yucca Street or on-line at http://mctnv.com. Admission is $20. Event sponsors are Desert Gold Reality and the Eureka Casino.

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.

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 learners of all ages in understanding our increasingly algorithm-driven world. As a special bonus, Bridget recites her poem “Gator Girl,” reminding us that poetry doesn’t have to rhyme to resonate — it simply has to be authentic. You can follow Bridget on Instagram: @beoutside2writes

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 are born after long days in the saddle, cold nights helping heifers calve, or quiet mountain sunrises. Some come easy. Others take the same hard work as ranching itself. Rooted in the West Desert and Great Basin, his writing carries deep gratitude, fierce advocacy for agriculture, and a willingness to tackle hard subjects, loss, family struggles, and the realities facing American ranchers. “If I do my job right,” he says, “you won’t hear my poems, you’ll feel ’em.” We talk about stepping outside comfort zones, keeping faith at the center, collaborating with musicians like Brenn Hill and others, and why poetry isn’t a contest, it’s connection. It’s therapy. It’s life. This conversation is about heritage, humility, and honoring the sacred in everyday moments. And yes — you’ll feel it. For Ben's book of poetry drop him an email at: [email protected]  

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 steady signal across the range, amplifying artists, honoring heritage, and connecting communities. Ben shares his perspective on the evolution of Western media, the responsibility of curating authentic voices, and what it means to gather once a year in Elko where poets, musicians, and storytellers come together to celebrate a living tradition. From the airwaves to the stage, this episode explores how stories travel, and why they still matter. Saddle up as our 41st Gathering series continues. https://americancowboyradio.com/

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 year. From Open Mic poets finding their voices to the community spirit that fills every venue, the Gathering is already alive with energy. Our first guest is one of the most talked-about young musicians at this year’s event, singer/songwriter Jimmy Cantwell from Colorado, attending his very first Gathering. There’s a genuine buzz surrounding Jimmy’s performances, and it’s easy to hear why. With thoughtful lyrics, strong musicianship, and a presence well beyond his years, he represents the next generation of Western music. Jimmy joins us to talk about making the journey to Elko, stepping into a legendary tradition, and what it feels like to be part of a community that honors both heritage and fresh voices. Saddle up, our 41st Gathering series begins here.

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 pieces celebrate the diversity of people, animals, and landscapes she encounters across the globe, from beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs to the cultural textures of distant countries. Paulette shares how mentorship, risk-taking, and a willingness to “let the fabric tell her where it wants to go” have shaped her artistic voice. We talk about art as conversation, about being misunderstood in a nontraditional medium, and about finding joy in movement, nature, and human connection. This is a story about courage, late-blooming creativity, and seeing the world, then stitching it into something others can experience too.

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 transformed into meaning. Encouraged by mentors to treat creativity as a practice rather than a talent, she has built a life centered on connection: between people, between ideas, and between the inner world and the outer one. At the heart of this episode is Shannon’s vision for a Traveling Ribbon Tree, an evolving community art project inspired by her childhood in the desert. As a young girl, she would ride her horse to a lone, wind-worn sagebrush and tie ribbons to its branches, each ribbon holding a word or feeling she was ready to release. That simple act became her first lesson in letting go. Now, she hopes to bring that ritual to communities everywhere. The Traveling Ribbon Tree invites people to write a word on a ribbon, a hurt, a fear, a burden, and tie it to a shared tree. As it moves from town to town, it becomes a living archive of human courage and honesty. A canopy of quiet release. A reminder that none of us carry our stories alone. Throughout the conversation, Shannon shares her creative process — beginning with listening, moving through reflection and experimentation, balancing intuition with discipline. She speaks candidly about uncertainty, resilience, collaboration, and the evolving role of technology in creative life. Her recurring themes of connection and meaning reveal a worldview grounded in compassion, curiosity, and growth. Shannon reflects on the importance of presence and inner freedom. She reminds us that growth is not linear, it loops and spirals, and that sometimes the smallest gesture can hold the greatest power. The Giving Tree is a conversation about release, community, and creative courage. It’s about trusting the process, honoring ritual, and recognizing that healing, like art, is meant to be shared. And in the end, it leaves us with a simple but profound truth: sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is name what we’re ready to let go, and tie it to the wind.

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. From collaborating with legendary designers to shaping visual stories for Hollywood and Disney, her life has been steeped in storytelling through fabric, color, and form. Now, Monique has entered a bold new chapter as a fine artist, developing her signature Intelligent Mixed Media Process (IMMP)—a deeply intuitive and symbolic approach that blends layered materials, narrative intention, and emotional honesty. Her vibrant, declarative works explore themes of self-worth, identity, resilience, healing, and spiritual renewal, inviting viewers to see themselves reflected in each piece. Her powerful “I AM…” series has become a touchstone for audiences, offering affirmation, strength, and connection. Whether displayed in galleries, hospitals, outdoor installations, or fine art centers, her work resonates as both art and invitation: to claim one’s story and stand in personal truth. MJ and Monique discuss her journey from Hollywood to fine art, the courage it takes to follow lifelong dreams, the healing power of creativity, and how art can become a mirror for transformation. This episode is a celebration of bold color, layered meaning, and the brave act of becoming fully yourself. You can find Monique on Instagram: @monique_marie_long IMDB Facebook: Monique Marie Long  

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 inspired by Bob’s deep love for the game and the people who shaped him along the way. His storytelling weaves together personal history, creative imagination, and a profound respect for baseball’s cultural impact. This episode celebrates how memory becomes narrative, how friendships become characters, and how a life well-lived can become the richest source of fiction. Purchase Bob's books at: https://thegeniuswhosavedbaseball.com/ Note: Bob’s storytelling also inspired a Calder Blackwell Alternate Realms episode built around a real-life moment in baseball history, when a 17-year-old girl, Jackie Mitchell famously struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig back-to-back. Calder takes that astonishing event and asks a simple, powerful question: What if the gate had stayed open? The result is a short, thought-provoking “what-if” episode that reimagines history and leaves you lingering in possibility long after it ends. You can find Calder Blackwell’s Alternate Realms on Spotify.  

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 and the reverence for making something beautiful first took root. The conversation unfolds into Rebecca’s return to visual art through collage and mixed media during a time of physical pain and recovery. What began as a way to cope became a joyful, experimental practice using watercolor, ink, wood, paper, thread, stone, and even a Dremel tool. Her current lichen-inspired series becomes a powerful metaphor for identity, relationship, and interdependence—how, like lichen itself, we are formed through connection and cannot exist in isolation. Rebecca reflects on the mystery and magic of the creative process, the discipline of showing up, the athlete’s patience she brings to art-making, and the freedom that comes from separating creativity from commerce. She speaks openly about vulnerability, perseverance, and allowing play back into the studio. Her thoughts on community, collaboration, and creative kinship remind us that art is never solitary. It is built through love, encouragement, and shared courage. This episode is a gentle reminder that art is how we make sense of being alive—and how we give that understanding back to the world. Learn more about Rebecca at: https://www.rebeccaaeckland.com/

In this tender and inspiring episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with Las Vegas photographer, wife, and mom Teresa Wasiak for a conversation that beautifully reframes what it means to be an artist. Teresa may jokingly call herself a “newbie,” but her journey tells a richer story—one of curiosity, courage, and lifelong becoming. From her early days of rock climbing in Joshua Tree, Idyllwild, and Tuolumne Meadows—camera clipped carefully to her harness—to discovering her love for hummingbirds, black and white photography, vibrant color, and even capturing her first Milky Way, Teresa’s path is shaped by nature, exploration, and wonder. She shares how photography became her way of seeing the world more deeply, especially when the most powerful images weren’t always found at the summit, but “down below,” in the textures, shadows, and quiet beauty of the desert. Teresa reflects on her deep admiration for Ansel Adams, her growth through UNLV photography classes, her brave 365-day photo challenge, and her continued evolution through experimentation with color, muted tones, astro photography, and now flash and Lightroom. She speaks openly about imposter syndrome, time constraints of being a working mom, and the delicate balance between family, career, and creative passion. As a proud member of Women In Focus Las Vegas, Teresa celebrates the power of artistic community—of learning together, showing work publicly in libraries and galleries, and finding confidence through shared inspiration. She also talks about creating her 2025 calendar Past the Boulevard, a project that taught her as much about business and vulnerability as it did about art. This episode is a gentle reminder that creativity isn’t about arrival—it’s about openness. It’s about taking chances, trying things that feel uncomfortable, showing up anyway, and allowing yourself to grow. Teresa’s story is for anyone who has ever said, “I’m just starting,” no matter how far they’ve already come. A heartfelt conversation about photography, motherhood, community, and the quiet bravery it takes to keep learning.