The Art Box

I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering alongside Matt Flores many times, and he never fails to inspire me with both his deep knowledge of Nevada’s wildlife and his generous spirit in sharing it. In this episode, Lois Etzel joins as co-host as we sit down for a fascinating conversation with Matt under the desert sky at Mount Irish, in the heart of the Basin and Range National Monument.
In this special field episode of The Art Box podcast, we take you deep into the wild heart of Nevada’s Basin and Range National Monument during its 10th anniversary BioBlitz. Our guest, Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biologist Matt Flores, shares his expertise and passion for Nevada’s bat species and small mammals, and takes us behind the scenes of this year’s BioBlitz survey team.
Recorded under desert skies near Mount Irish, this conversation dives into:
The importance of BioBlitz events for citizen science and wildlife monitoring
How bats contribute to the ecosystem, from pollination to insect control
The art and science of live-trapping and monitoring bats
Why Basin & Range NM is a vital refuge for diverse species
Personal stories from the field: night surveys, climate change challenges, and building community among scientists and volunteers
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the unseen life that fills Nevada’s public lands, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this stunning landscape, and the dedicated biologists who work to understand and protect it.
Listen in and fly with us through the desert night.
Learn more: https://www.ndow.org/
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/basin-and-range-national-monument
 

Today on The Art Box, we’re thrilled to welcome Las Vegas-based artist X. Darvi, a bold and boundary-pushing creative voice whose work challenges perception and celebrates identity. Known for a vibrant fusion of street art, surrealism, and storytelling, X. Darvi transforms canvases, and sometimes entire walls, into emotional landscapes that speak to personal truth and cultural memory. Whether through paint, performance, or public art, X. Darvi brings a fearless energy to every project, making space for voices too often left at the margins. Join us as we explore the inspirations, techniques, and philosophies behind X. Darvi’s compelling body of work.
We hope you will join us at 33 Gallery located 912 West Owens Avenue Las Vegas, NV on August 9 @ 11:30 AM for the opening of her solo show “Intuition Only”.
“Intuition Only” marks a significant milestone for Darvi, showcasing her evolution as a visual artist deeply rooted in community, identity, and self-expression. The show promises to be a powerful exploration of instinct, emotion, and the human experience.
Instagram: @artist.X.Davi  @X/Davi
Web Site: https://www.darvianna.art/
 
 

It took nearly a year of juggling calendars, but Tiffany Weems and I finally found time to sit down for a fun, insightful, and long-awaited podcast conversation.
Tiffany is a prominent Las Vegas-based photographer and the founder of the Las Vegas chapter of Women in Focus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting women photographers. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing Women in Focus branches in Chicago, St. Louis, and Las Vegas, fostering creative communities across these cities.
Women in Focus, originally founded in Atlanta in 1993, serves as a platform for women photographers to collaborate, exhibit their work, and engage in professional development. Under Weems' guidance, the Las Vegas chapter has become an active part of the city's art scene, organizing exhibitions and events that highlight the talents of its members.
Weems' own photographic work reflects her deep connection to the art form and her commitment to creating spaces where women artists can thrive. Her efforts have not only elevated the profiles of individual photographers but have also contributed to the broader appreciation of photographic arts in the communities she serves.
Visit Tiffany's web site: http://tiffanyweems.com
Visit Women in Focus Las Vegas: http://womeninfocuslasvegas.com
 

Sandi and Steve had the pleasure of welcoming Christy Kendall to The Art Box podcast, joining us by phone in our STEAM Center recording studio to talk about her debut novel, Erie Ending. Steve first met Christy a decade ago while volunteering at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, where Christy served as Project Leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southern Nevada complex.
Christy began her academic journey in her thirties, eventually earning a Master’s in Wildlife Science. Over the next twenty-five years, she built a distinguished career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, serving as a Wildlife Biologist, Refuge Manager, and Project Leader. Through those years, she developed a deep respect and admiration for the dedicated employees, volunteers, and non-profit partners who work tirelessly to protect our natural resources. Now, through the lens of mystery fiction, Christy brings their stories to life, honoring their work, challenges, and quiet heroism through compelling characters and suspenseful plots.
Find Christy's books here: https://camelpress.com/2025/02/20/eerie-ending-by-christy-j-kendall/
 
 

"Stories That Shape Us: A Conversation with Ana Pacheco"
In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with celebrated Santa Fe historian and author Ana Pacheco, whose deep knowledge of New Mexico’s cultural roots brings the past vividly to life. As the former Santa Fe City Historian and founder of La Herencia magazine, Ana has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of Hispano history, traditions, and spirituality in the Southwest.
We explore the inspiration behind her books, including A History of Spirituality in Santa Fe and Los Comanches: The Horse People, and dive into the power of storytelling in preserving identity across generations. Ana shares insights into New Mexico’s complex past, the influence of women in shaping community, and the importance of honoring oral histories in a fast-changing world.
Join us for a thoughtful journey through time with a woman whose voice helps keep the soul of Santa Fe alive.
Visit History in Santa Fe web site.
Purchase Ana's Books on Amazon

Apocalyptic Dogs, Data Privacy, and the Importance of a Really Good Dare: Meet Ben Malisow
Sandi Randelle hosts this episode featuring technical writer, author, and self-proclaimed lazy gadabout Ben Malisow.  Join them for an interesting and occasionally humorous conversation about technical versus creative writing, why Las Vegas may actually be the center of the universe, and the lasting value of a really good writers group.

What sparked this episode was a mural project my friend Tyler mentioned, one taking shape in the Special Education classroom at Virgin Valley High School. I realized, wait a minute, one of those teachers brings her class to the STEAM Center every week to dive into science and tech! A few emails later, Tiffany Ludvigson was kind enough to join us in the Mesquite Works STEAM Center recording studio to talk about her incredible work in special education.
As it turns out, her husband Yori, also a powerhouse in our community, is a business teacher, athletic director at VVHS, and a fellow board member at Mesquite Works. Oh, and as if that weren’t enough, the two of them also run a high volume BBQ business. When do they sleep? That’s still a mystery.
So sit back and enjoy the inspiring story of two creative, committed leaders making a real difference in our valley and the world.
If you would be interested in helping to paint the mural in Tiffany's classroom drop her an email: ludvit@nv.ccsd.net
The super fun Joel Hansen video episode of him devouring Big Luds "Super Sasquatch" can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5NmKq6_VMc
To learn more about the family BBQ Business: https://bigludsbbq.com/food-truck/
 
 
 

Melissa Eligul graciously joined Steve as guest co-host for a vibrant and wide-ranging conversation with the remarkable DeAnna Beachley, bird watcher, hiker, teacher, historian, artist, poet, and essayist. This lively episode offers a fresh wave of inspiration as we explore creativity, connection to place, and the power of words. DeAnna’s poetry and essays have appeared in an impressive array of publications, including Red Rock Review, Sandstone & Silver, The Nature of Our Times, Thimble, Slant, Blue Earth Review, Gyroscope, Liminal Spaces, Remington Review, Anatomy of an Essay, Awakenings: Stories of Bodies and Consciousness, and Wild Roof Journal.
Her debut chapbook, The Long View, is available now from Kelsay Books: https://kelsaybooks.com/products/the-long-view.
DeAnna mentioned UK writer Robert Macfarlane and you can find his books by following this link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Macfarlane/author/B001IOFAN4?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=5cd264c8-fc17-492a-941f-84c29b5d11df
 
 
 

In this compelling episode of The Art Box, we’re joined by Erika G. Abad; writer, scholar, educator, and unapologetic storyteller. Known for her work in Latinx studies, queer feminist theory, and community-driven narratives, Dr. Abad shares how she uses storytelling as a tool for healing, resistance, and cultural preservation.
We explore how her personal history, academic journey, and creative work intersect to amplify underrepresented voices. From her reflections on teaching at Nevada State University to curating conversations around identity, Dr. Abad reminds us that storytelling isn't just art, it’s activism.
Whether you’re an artist, educator, or lifelong learner, Dr. Abad’s insights will challenge and inspire you to lean into your own narrative power.
This episode will leave you inspired to view your work—and the world—through a more inclusive and curious lens.
Please excuse as we had a bit of a fuzzy phone connection, Erika's brilliance however fuzzy shines through.
You can learn more about their show "Two Cultures, One Family - Building Family, Finding Home" curated at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art at University of Nevada Las Vegas via this link: https://issuu.com/unlvmuseum/docs/twoculturesonefamily
I might also suggest dropping in on the "The Art People" podcast hosted by Justin Favela to learn more about Erika:. https://artpeoplepod.libsyn.com/2021/02
 

Episode 301.1 – Behind the Curtain: The Cast of Clowns with Guns
In this follow-up episode, join the cast and crew of Clowns with Guns as they gather around the mics at the Mesquite Works STEAM Center to reflect on their journey—rehearsals, challenges, laughter, and the powerful performance that followed.
What starts as a casual chat quickly turns into a lively, heartfelt conversation among friends who clearly loved bringing this one-act play to life. Fair warning: they promised Steve a 20-minute episode… and then just couldn’t stop sharing. (No regrets.)
This is a joyful, unscripted ride full of behind-the-scenes stories, genuine camaraderie, and plenty of laughter. Tune in and enjoy this rollicking, unfiltered conversation with a truly talented crew.