The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 277 - Day One Wrap Up from Elko

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we wrap-up our first day and plot out a strategy for day two.

The Art Box - Episode 276 - Horses, Cows, Family and Basketball - Annie Mackenzie

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Annie Mackenzie, her sister/manager Megan and nephew Blaze. Annie from Jordan Valley, Oregon is a true embodiment of the Western lifestyle. From raising horses and cattle, milking along her old pickup, to the bonds of family and her new job of coaching basketball, Annie shares her journey and the values that shape her life. With deep roots in ranching and a passion for stories, she brings heart, grit, and wisdom to our conversation. Join us for an inspiring look at the balance between tradition, hard work, and the love of the land.
Connect with Annie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oregon_annie/?hl=en

The Art Box - Episode 275 - Rubbing Butterflies on Your Heart - Wisdom of Henry Realbird

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Henry Realbird a renowned Crow Nation cowboy poet, storyteller, and former Montana Poet Laureate (2009-2011). Born and raised on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, he grew up riding horses, ranching, and deeply immersed in Native traditions and the cowboy way of life. His poetry, often performed in both English and Crow, captures the vast landscapes of the West, the struggles and joys of ranching, and the spiritual connection between people, land, and horses.
Henry is known for his lyrical, rhythmic style, often performing his poetry on horseback, bringing an authenticity and deep-rooted passion to his work. His books include Horse Tracks, Wolf Teeth, and Ride the Wind, reflecting themes of survival, identity, and the beauty of the open plains.
A true embodiment of the cowboy poet spirit, Henry Real Bird's work bridges cultures, preserving both Indigenous and Western traditions through powerful storytelling.
Learn more about Henry at: https://www.westernfolklife.org/blog/tag/Henry+Real+Bird

The Art Box - Episode 274 - Meet Miss Rodeo Nevada 2025, Cyd Curle

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Cyd Curl, Miss Nevada Rodeo 2025, who shares her deep-rooted love for the Western way of life. From growing up in the saddle to baling hay and mastering dressage, Cyd’s journey is as inspiring as it is exciting. Join us as she brings the spirit of rodeo to life with her stories, passion, and undeniable charm!
Learn more about Cyd at: https://missrodeonevada.com/miss-rodeo-nevada-2025-cyd-curle/
 

The Art Box - Episode 273 - Meet Nevada Art Council's Brad McMullen

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Brad McMullen, Folklife Specialist for the Nevada Arts Council. With deep ties to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Brad shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences from this iconic event. Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore Brad’s journey, the rich history of the gathering, and the enduring impact of Western folklore and storytelling.
Learn more about Nevada Arts Council: https://www.nvartscouncil.org/
 
 
 

The Art Box - Episode 272 - Welcome to the 40th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, your favorite art hosts, Linda and Steve, are heading back to Elko, Nevada, for the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering! Broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center, this kickoff episode sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, storytelling, and Western artistry. Join us as we dive into the heart of the event, sharing our excitement and plans to bring you conversations with some of the most talented voices in cowboy poetry and beyond. Enjoy the first of sixteen special episodes from Elko!

The Art Box - Episode 288 - Best in Show Feb 2025 - Red Barn #2

This month at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center, the themed exhibition "A Touch of Red" showcased vibrant and captivating works of art. Taking home Best in Show was "Red Barn #2," a stunning piece by artist Katherine Rountree. In this episode, Katherine joins host Floyd Johnson to share the story behind her award-winning artwork, her creative process, and what inspires her. Tune in for an engaging conversation that brings art to life!

The Art Box - Episode 271 - Brushstrokes of Light: A Conversation with Daniel Marshall

Welcome to The Art Box! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of watercolor with award-winning artist Daniel Marshall. Known for his masterful use of light, atmosphere, and expressive brushwork, Daniel has built a reputation for capturing the beauty of landscapes, urban scenes, and nature with striking depth and emotion.
Join us as we explore his artistic journey, creative process, and the unique challenges of working with watercolor. Whether you're an artist, an art enthusiast, or just curious about the magic of this fluid and unpredictable medium, this conversation is sure to inspire!
You can find Daniels website at: https://danmarshallart.com/
He is also on Instagram @danmarshallart 

The Art Box - Episode 270 - "Synesthesia a Catalyst for Everything I Do" - Meet Christine Cassano

Earlier this year, Linda and Steve found themselves at Core Contemporary, chatting with Nancy Good when she casually mentioned synesthesia—a concept that, at the time, went right over our heads. Later, guest Monica Martinez brought it up again, and Laura Hales from Scottsdale Arts took it a step further, sharing her plans to curate an entire exhibition on the subject. That’s when Monica came to the rescue, suggesting her friend Christine Cassano from New Mexico, someone who could truly illuminate the topic. A few emails and texts later, Christine graciously agreed to join us from her Santa Fe studio.
What followed was an absolutely mesmerizing conversation with this extraordinarily talented and unique creative mind. Christine's insights into synesthesia and how it intertwines with artistic expression left us in awe.
As you tune in to this fascinating discussion, you’ll quickly understand why we were over the moon to have her on the podcast. So, grab your headphones, pour yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to dive into a world of neurological creativity you may have never explored before. This is one episode you won’t want to miss!
Christine's web site: https://christinecassano.com/
A favorite quote of Christine's: The famous Louise Bourgeois quote about motivation is: "It is not so much where my motivation comes from but rather how it manages to survive."

The Art Box - Episode 269 - Chasing Shadow Meet Sandi Randelle

Today on The Art Box, we welcomed local Mesquite author Sandi Randelle to our STEAM Center studio for an engaging conversation about her work and creative journey. Sandi holds a BA in English from Eastern New Mexico University and an MA in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A native Floridian, she now calls Mesquite, NV, home as she continues crafting captivating stories.
Sandi has published three novels, including two installments of her dark fantasy vampire trilogy, Of Blood & Consequences: Of Plight and Promises and Of Dark & Bright. She’s currently hard at work on the final book, Of Men & Empires, which is slated for release next summer. In addition to her fantasy work, Sandi has ventured into science fiction with her latest novel, Chasing Shadow.
Join us as we dive into Sandi’s writing process, the inspiration behind her gripping characters and worlds, and what readers can expect from her upcoming projects. Whether you’re a fan of dark fantasy, sci-fi, or just love hearing about the craft of storytelling, this episode is not to be missed!
You can find Sandi's books and fun merch at: https://www.teepublic.com/user/sandirandelle