The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 179 - The Great Gallery - Meet National Park Service VolunteersTeresa and Dave

You might recognize Teresa Skye and Dave Ward from their appearance in Episode 76 - Deep Space, Volunteering and Nature Journaling - from March 10, 2023. We recorded at their campsite in Gold Butte National Monument. The Art Box has not been recorded outside since then until now. Steve drove 323 miles to Horseshoe Canyon in Canyonlands National Park to catch our amazing volunteers at their National Park Service assignment this week, deep in Horseshoe Canyon at the Great Gallery. This episode has been in the works since we found out Dave and Teresa would be volunteering here. 
It was windy and our little handheld remote recorder struggled to silence the wind. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable trip, camping on the rim and walking the seven-mile round-trip to the Great Gallery.
You can find Teresa's passion for Nature Journaling on her Mojave Nature Journalers FaceBook page.
Dave is an avid dark sky lover and can spin you amazing tales and lore of the human visions of the night. 
More on Dave and Teresa.
Dave Ward
Born and raised in the East, David Ward has always considered the West his home. He has been a river rafting guide, a hiking guide, and a guide to the night sky, living his passion of sharing his love of the outdoors. Always searching for a dark sky, he spends his time between the deep canyons of Death Valley and the snow-clad peaks of the Pacific Northwest.
Teresa Skye
Teresa Skye has been a hiking guide and has put together outdoor programs for Death Valley Natural History Association since 2015. She is a former teacher, backpacking guide, and avid hiker. This includes hiking much of the Pacific Crest Trail, Yellowstone NP, and Death Valley NP. She currently volunteers for the Nevada Site Steward program as well as in Canyonlands NP and Ash Meadows NWR. Teresa has been nature journaling for several years, taking classes online as well as in-person workshops. She feels the joy of being a close observer of nature and capturing it in art and writing is something you can practice for life, no matter what your age or abilities.

The Art Box - Episode 177 - Imagine Nature - Meet Liana Morales

Steve was honored in early 2023 to attend Torrey House Press Voices for the West Writers Workshop in Sprindale, Utah just outside of Zion National Park. Our fiction group was led by amazing author Kase Johnstun and included Morgan Sjogren (Path of Light), Stacie Shannon Denetosie (The Missing Morningstar), the talented Liana Morales, many others and me. 
As we introduced ourselves I was enthralled that Liana was a librarian in New Mexico who had a background with bookmobiles. Growing up I loved our bookmoble. I was hooked and knew Linda and I would just have to have her as a guest on the Art Box. Well, schedules being such, with Liana and I both in need of a second brain (you will need to listen to understand this reference) it took over a year to finally arrange.
I loved our conversation as we talked poetry, writing, screenplays, AI, and bookmobiles.  
Find out more about the New Mexico library system.
Enjoy!
 

The Art Box - Episode 178 - Mesquite Public Arts Comission

The Art Box was pleased to welcome Mesquite Public Arts Commission (MPAC) Chair Karen Miskimins to our Do It Best Hardware Studio at the Mesquite Works STEAM Center to chat about promoting public art in Mesquite. Our wide-ranging conversation ran from MPAC inauguration by the city council, to initiatives such as First Fridays, fundraising, pollinator garden, our new fire department, youth art, and our many creative residents. 
Visit your MPAC commissioners at Mesquite Days Family Fun night on May 1 at the rec center and tell us your ideas for public art. 
Click here to access the MPAC web page.
You can email us at: mpac@mesquitenv.gov
 

The Art Box - Episode 176 - A Little Bit Country - Meet DJ Van Dyke

We were graced at our Do It Best Hardware studio in the Mesquite STEAM Center with local entertainer DJ Van Dyke. Listen in as DJ recounts her journey of creativity and song that she will be sharing this May in Mesquite.
DJ Van Dyke is an Iowa farm girl who made her way to Nevada by way of a short stop in Colorado that lasted 42 years.  DJ headlined a contempory rock band in the mid-70's.  Raising children, an over-the-road truck driving husband, and the emergence of Disco derailed her music career.  But, in 2018 and 2019, she participated in the Elvis Tribute Show at the CasaBlanca.  Somebody suggested she do Patsy Cline, and so, this is where she is today. 
Over the last five years DJ has performed in Sun City, St. George, and Overton.
Important Ticket Notes
Limited VIP Reserved seats for this event are located front-and-center in the first four rows of Mesquite Community Theatre.  VIP Reserved seats are available only online. Click here to purchase tickets.
 
Local comedian and Marketing Director for the Virgin Valley Theatre Group Suzie White co-hosted this interview with Steve as Linda was in Indiana watching the eclipse. 

The Art Box - Episode 175 - "Treat Life Like Art" Meet Lydia Wolfe

It was our pleasure to host Lydia Wolfe as a guest on the Art Box Podcast. Lydia is full of energy in her work at Get Outdoors Nevada and her many other heartfelt commitments to our local community. Those who know Steve, know that he loves quotes and Lydia gave him two "Every artist breathes life into the piece they are making" and one so amazing it is the title of this episode "Treat art like life". YES!!!!!! 
Lydia (She/Her/Hers) has lived in Las Vegas since 2009 and has always had an interest in learning about culture and connecting to nature. One way that she was able to do this was to major in Anthropology at UNLV where she is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in December 2022 with a minor in American Indigenous Studies. Currently she also interns with IndigenousAF Inc. and volunteers with The Cupcake Girls.
You will enjoy this episode.
More about Get Outdoors Nevada.
We love the work Get Outdoors Nevada does for our communities. 
Outside Las Vegas Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is now doing business as Get Outdoors Nevada. The original organization was formed in 2000 by a group of passionate Nevada outdoor enthusiasts and community leaders. This dynamic group predicted a critical link between our spectacular outdoors places and our quality of life. We changed our name to Get Outdoors Nevada in 2018 because we celebrate and support ALL of Nevada’s amazing outdoor experiences.
Today, it is Get Outdoors Nevada’s mission and vision to connect Nevadans and visitors from all backgrounds and ages to the state’s diverse outdoor places. To this end, we pursue a three-fold approach of education, service, and community engagement. Many of our efforts and programs focus on the needs and lives of families and school children, especially those who are at-risk and often have limited opportunity to experience the great outdoors. We are committed to preserving Nevada’s public lands, urban trails, and community parks. We love Nevada and Nevada’s outdoors.
 

The Art Box - Episode 173 - Pop Up Produce Stands - Southern Nevada Health District

As part of our humanities programming The Virgin Valley Artists' Association and The Art Box are proud to present a podcast with Southern Nevada Health Districts health educator Pitchaya Pattasema. Pitchaya oversees the Pop-Up Produce Stands program. 
The Pop-Up Produce Stands program is part of CDC’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program which aims to improve health, prevent chronic disease, and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic populations with the highest risk of chronic disease. The Pop-Ups Produce Stands enable low-access and low-income persons to access fresh fruits and vegetables. People are able to use their SNAP/EBT benefits to purchase produce at a discount on top of being able to use incentives such as Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) to maximize their purchase. The DUFB works by providing dollar to dollar coupons for every dollar of fruits and vegetables purchased. If a client buys 10 dollars’ worth of fruits and vegetables with their SNAP/EBT benefit, they will receive a $10 coupon to buy more fruits and vegetables.
You can find out more at the web site for Get Healthy Clark County or from you phone you can dial 211 for Nevada 211, a program of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, that is committed to helping Nevadans connect with the services they need.
We work with many programs, agencies, coalitions, organizations, and community partners to foster physical, social, and policy changes that make it easier for residents and visitors to engage in healthy lifestyles.
Mission
To mobilize communities, develop innovative, evidence-based programs and advocate for policies that support healthy lifestyles, healthy communities and the elimination of health disparities.
Vision
To lead through collaboration with internal and external partners to bring innovative, creative health promotion programming to the community.
Goals
The Office of Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion works toward the achievement of several health goals. These goals have been selected using health and needs assessment data for our community to ensure that they align with the health needs of Clark County residents.
Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults
Promote quitting (tobacco products)
Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke
Reduce and eliminate chronic disease-related health disparities
Increase physical activity levels
Increase fruit and vegetable consumption
Increase the percentage of people who are at a healthy weight
Reduce soda and sugar sweetened beverage consumption
Improve health outcomes and self-management efficacy for people who have chronic diseases
Promote healthy behaviors and link residents to existing programs and resources
Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets selling fresh grown produce may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think desert living. But actually, there are several markets around the Valley giving residents access to lots of locally and regionally grown produce.
Shopping at your local farmers market not only supports small businesses and farmers, it’s also a great opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from and how it’s grown, empowering you to make informed food choices for your family.
Farmers Markets Accepting EBT, SNAP, Debit & Credit
Market dates, hours, and locations are subject to change. Please check with the market before your visit.
To see a list of Farmers Markets participating in WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program visit the Nevada WIC website.
Veggie Buck Truck Mobile Market
Call 702-636-4152 for information on truck stops.
Las Vegas Farmers Market - Downtown Summerlin
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1825 Festival Plaza Dr.Las Vegas, NV 89135
 
The District at Green Valley Ranch
Thursday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2240 Village Walk DriveHenderson NV 89052
 
Henderson Cornerstone Park
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1600 Wigwam Pkwy,Henderson, NV 89074
 
Boulder City Farmers Market
Every 1st & 3rd Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Parking Lot Of Boulder City Assembly of God Church1100 Adams Boulevard 
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
 
Intuitive Forager Farmers Market
Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
818 Commerce StreetLas Vegas, NV 89101
 
Dollar Loan Center
Every Monday from 9am-2pm
200 S Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89012
 
Downtown Henderson
Last Friday of the Month,February - April and September - November4 pm - 8 pm
129 S Water Street Henderson, NV 89015
 
Pop-Up Produce Stands
April 2nd & April 9thMay 7th & May 14thJune 4th & June 11th12:00 pm - 3:00 pm or until supplies last
101 E Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
 
 
 

The Art Box - Episode 169 - Never too late to start exercising - Meet Donna and Ann

If you hang out at the Mesquite Rec Center chances are you will catch a glimpse of our two whirlwind friends Donna and Ann buzzing about, teaching classes and being happy. Linda has been working for some time to schedule a podcast and poof a week ago our Art Box studio in the STEAM Center came alive with these two dynamos. Here is a little bit about them below, then listen to an energy packed podcast.
Donna Schorr
I started in teaching in 1984 after my favorite instructor told me I should be leading class, and took me under her wing. I started teaching what we called "aerobics" back then, which was really dance exercise, similar to Jazzercise or Zumba. I quickly progressed to teaching sports conditioning, boot camps and circuit training, as well as spinning and yoga. It just makes me so happy! I get a truly euphoric experience when the music is pumping and all the bodies are moving in unison. My whole paradigm changed after I took Pilates training, there is no other exercise system that starts with your skeleton first, then works outward to the muscles. The latest training I completed was on coaching senior fitness/cognitive training, and am already implementing the concepts in all my classes. I love what I do! 
Ann Murphy
Then: Raised on a Wisconsin farm, off to college and married a local Marine. Have lived in seven states and travel is in my blood. Serious fitness and health advocate since the my early 20's. Worked in the airline industry before turning to teaching fitness full time. Married a couple more times, ran a B&B and a horse boarding stable.
Now: Settled in Mesquite and still have the fitness passion, particularly in motivating others. Enjoying dancing with the Lifelong Dancers, biking, hiking and weekends in Vegas. Lastest travel was cruise on the Amazon. My partner Jim Russell and I are planning an expedition cruise to Antartica. I am about to finish my five year reign as Ms. Senior Mesquite which has been a very rewarding experience. I just adopted yet another rescue dog. Life is good.
 
 

The Art Box - Episode 174 - Best of Show March 2024 - Linda Harris

We are going to start a new short podcast idea by interviewing artists whose works have received Best of Show awards. Not just at our local gallery but from anywhere. We will start with the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery March exhibition "Through Our Eyes" and the Best of Show "Leaping Lizards Southwest Style" by Linda Harris. Linda is interviewed by Floyd Johnson. Enjoy.

The Art Box - Episode 171 - Enjoying Mother Nature Through Vintage Lens - Meet Lori Rowland

Steve looks forward to Spring every year when Lori and Dan Rowland visit Gold Butte National Monument giving him friends to go out and play. 
This year JT and Anastasiya came along with Dan, Lori, Ruby and myself on a good hike in Garden Canyon. The next day Lori and Dan visited our STEAM Center studio for a much anticipated podcast. Lori was her always brilliant self giving us a behind the scenes look at her amazingly creative life. 
Find out more about Lori at Oregon Exposures. 
Oregon Exposures is all about sharing the love of the great outdoors and the joy of nature photography, pure & simple! My name is Lori Rowland and I’m a landscape photographer lucky enough to be living in Eastern Oregon. Through my galleries, tutorials, and blogs, I will share with you stories and photographs taken on my travels from around the state.
I believe Mother Nature and landscape photography go hand in hand, each experience greatly enhancing the other. Therefore, I always keep my camera close at hand when I am out hiking. What I love about photography is that it makes it easy for me to bring home a little piece of my outdoor experience and share it with people like you.
I enjoy traveling in our RV with my husband, Dan, and black lab, Ruby. I guess you can say that they are my support team. 🙂 One of our favorite things to do is travel in our RV.  You could call our traveling style, roaming aimlessly. We make no reservations and pick our routes to take all the scenic highways we can find, even though it often adds miles to our trip. Traveling at this slow pace is how I discover some of my most beautiful and unique images.
In addition to traveling in the RV, I enjoy backpacking, hiking & skiing. I am fortunate to have two mountain ranges not far from where I live, each packed with hiking trails just waiting to be explored. Neither my camera or I am never disappointed by the views we find at the end of those dusty trails.
In conclusion, I want to invite you to join me on my photographic journeys as I explore the beautiful landscapes in the remote corners of Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
 

The Art Box - Episode 170 - Sounds of the Blue Spaces - Meet Fred Bell

The Art Box was privileged to host director Fred Bell at our STEAM Center studio. Fred recently captured the Best Nevada Filmmaker award at the Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City, Nevada for “Sounds of Blue Spaces.”
Fred Bell is very comfortable sitting in the desert, miles from anywhere, listening to (and recording) the spirit of the land.  A 2005 article in the Seattle Times about “One Square Inch of Silence” was his epiphany, causing him to realize that while on numerous hikes he heard the sounds of nature, yet he never stopped to intentionally listen.  Thus began his pursuit of finding and recording natural soundscapes around Nevada and the southwest.  He is a member of IATSE Local 720 (the stagehand union) and currently works as a video technician for the Las Vegas convention industry.  He has a website, www.SoundsAndSpaces.net, and encourages everyone to… Hike With Your Ears.