The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 410 - A Ranch Musical - Meet Natalie Aramendia and Kristyn Harris

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 the challenges and triumphs of planning, filming, and now distributing a movie that celebrates the people, landscapes, traditions, and music of the rural American West.
The conversation also takes a wonderfully personal turn as Kristyn shares the excitement surrounding the birth of a new foal on her Texas ranch, while Natalie reflects on the recent arrival of her young son. Their stories reveal the deep connections between family, creativity, ranch life, and the enduring values that inspired the film.
Filled with laughter, memories, and behind-the-scenes adventures, this touching episode offers a glimpse into the passion and perseverance required to transform an idea into an award-winning motion picture.
Special thanks to the Nevada Arts Council for the grant support that makes our annual journey to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering possible, allowing us to share the stories of the artists, musicians, poets, filmmakers, and cultural traditions that make the American West such a remarkable source of inspiration.
Follow Kristyn Harris: https://kristynharris.com/
Follow A Ranch Musical: https://www.ranchmusical.com/
 

The Art Box - Episode 452 – Building Confidence One Swing at a Time: Laura Buxton and the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association

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 opportunities planned for this summer, along with the dedicated volunteers and community support that make youth golf thrive in Virgin Valley. Whether your child is picking up a club for the first time or looking to improve their game, Laura explains how the association is committed to helping every young golfer succeed both on and off the course.
Join MJ and Laura for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, youth development, healthy lifestyles, and the enduring lessons that golf can teach.
Find the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association at: https://www.vvjga.com/
For more information: Rick Smith (rixtersmith@gmail.com)
 

The Art Box Podcast – Episode 451 - From Fairways to Fine Art – Meet Kathy Cho

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 find confidence and joy in the game. Beyond the fairways, she discusses her work as a celebrated fashion designer and artist, exploring how creativity fuels every aspect of her life.
As if that weren't enough, Kathy is also a musician who enjoys playing both the ukulele and accordion, adding yet another layer to her rich creative life. Throughout the conversation, MJ and Kathy explore the connections between art, music, design, and sport, discovering how each discipline teaches patience, expression, and lifelong growth.
Join us for a delightful conversation with a true Renaissance woman whose life demonstrates that creativity has no limits and that it's never too late to keep learning, creating, and sharing your gifts with the world.
Golf: http://www.kathychogolf.com/
Art: https://www.facebook.com/kathychoartspace/
 

The Art Box - Episode 449 - Flag Day 2026 Special - Old Glory

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, and deep thinkers. And on special occasions like this, we’re honored to invite some of those voices back to help us celebrate through their own unique creative gifts.
Today, in recognition of Flag Day 2026, we welcome back our friend Stephen Murray. Many of you may know Stephen as the host of Gift of Giving on WWDBTV in Las Vegas, where he shines a light on small nonprofit organizations and the people working quietly behind the scenes to make a difference in their communities.
For this special episode, Stephen lends his voice to a stirring essay written by Ralph Champion titled Old Glory.
Flags can mean many things to many people. History. Sacrifice. Hope. Complication. Unity. Memory. In the hands of artists and writers, symbols often become invitations—not demands—to think more deeply about who we are, where we’ve been, and what we still hope to become.
So wherever you may be listening from today—across the desert, across the nation, or somewhere far beyond our borders—we invite you to settle in for a few thoughtful moments of reflection.
This… is Old Glory.Written by Ralph Champion.Read by Stephen Murray.

The Art Box - Episode 448 - Reinventing Creativity – Meet Judi Moreo

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, and why she believes creativity is not reserved for artists, it's one of the most important survival tools we possess as human beings.
A thoughtful conversation about embracing possibility, overcoming limitations, and rediscovering the creative spark that lives within all of us.
Find out more about Judi at: https://judimoreo.com/

The Art Box - Episode 447 - The Ripple Effect: Cheryl Kilker's Journey of Joy

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 life lessons that inspired her book, 100 Ripples of Joy.
Along the way, Cheryl shares stories of resilience, gratitude, friendship, and the power of small acts of kindness to create waves of positive change far beyond what we can see. Her story is a reminder that one encouraging word, one song, one smile, or one act of service can send ripples across a community and beyond.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation with a woman who has spent a lifetime proving that joy grows when it is shared.
Because sometimes the smallest ripple becomes the biggest wave.

The Art Box - Episode 450 - MJ & Petty Fever Live at the Headliners Club

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, and soul of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to life night after night. We explore the passion, preparation, musicianship, and pure joy that goes into recreating these iconic songs for audiences who know every word.
Whether you're a lifelong Tom Petty fan or simply love great live music, this episode captures the excitement, camaraderie, and magic that happens when a band connects with an audience through songs that have become part of our collective soundtrack.
So grab your air guitar, sing along, and join MJ for a high-energy celebration of music, memories, and the enduring legacy of Tom Petty.

The Art Box - Episode 446 - Life Not Limits: Craft Beer, Community, and Connection with Scott & Vicki

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 experience that brings people together at block parties, holiday celebrations, community festivals, and special events throughout the region.
Along the way, we explore entrepreneurship, building community in a small town, and the simple joy of creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and share stories.
Special thanks to the Nevada Arts Council for supporting our Gardnerville recording project and to Jen Tune and Main Street Gardnerville for their generous hospitality and for helping us discover the creative people and businesses that make this community so special.
Life not limits. Community not strangers. One conversation at a time.

The Art Box - Episode 445 - More Than Ink: Building Community at Above the Bar Tattoo with Jennifer Sutton

On 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 Bar Tattoo serves as much more than a tattoo studio. Whether someone is stopping in for new ink, conversation, or simply a sense of connection, Jennifer and Nick have created a welcoming gathering place that reflects the spirit of small-town Nevada. Along the way, we discuss creativity, entrepreneurship, taking risks, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel at home.
Special thanks to the Nevada Arts Council for supporting lodging during our Gardnerville recording project, and to Jen Tune and Main Street Gardnerville for their generous hospitality and assistance in helping us connect with the creative people who make this community so special.
Abovethebartattoo.com
Find out more at: http://Abovethebartattoo,com  

The Art Box - Episode 444 - Drawing the Story: From Police Sketches to Travel Posters with Will Pender

On 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 places.
Join us as we discuss the intersection of art and observation, the fascinating world of forensic sketching, and how a lifelong passion for drawing continues to shape Will's creative journey. And yes, you'll hear a little coffee shop ambiance in the background, a reminder that some of the best conversations happen in the middle of real life.
Thank you Nevada Arts Council for covering in part my lodging and Jen Tune at Main Street Gardnerville for being a fabulous host.