The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 294 - The Creative Journey Has Only Just Begun - Meet Nichelle Thornton

It was an absolute joy to welcome actress Nichelle Thornton to our Mesquite Works STEAM Center studio. Fresh off her starring role as Anne Shirley in Mesquite Community Theatre’s production of Anne of Green Gables, Nichelle brought energy, heart, and fascinating behind-the-scenes insights to our podcast.
Join us for a conversation with this talented rising star, as she shares her journey, passion for storytelling, and what’s next on her path to stardom!
More on Nichelle and the Mesquite Community Theatre: https://mvprogress.com/2025/02/25/top-notch-theater-at-mct/
 

The Art Box - Episode 292 - Public Service Episode - Rotary International Interact Club - Meet the Team

Last Christmas, Steve ran into his friend and Rotary member, Linda Gault, at Smith's, where she and her Interact Club group were ringing the bell for The Salvation Army. A quick chat, a dollar in the bucket, and soon we were scheduling a podcast episode.
Linda oversees the Interact Club at Beaver Dam Jr./Sr. High School, a small-town school on the north-western corner of the Arizona Strip. Over the course of a couple of days, we recorded at the high school—so you’ll hear the lively sounds of campus life in the background.
In this episode, you’ll meet five incredible Interact Club members as they share their experiences and the impact their club has on the community.
Click here for information on The Rotary Club of Mesquite: https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVRotary
 
 

The Art Box - Episode 293 - Finding Deeper Truths - Meet Edie Dotan

Linda and Chris recently sat down in our Mesquite Works STEAM Center studio with the multifaceted creative force, Edie Dotan. A visionary artist, Edie’s work is a celebration of interconnectedness, nature, and the cosmos, brought to life through vibrant colors and imaginative, heart-centered imagery. Her paintings not only uplift but also evoke a sense of serenity and wonder. Constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft, she experiments with acrylics and mixed media, allowing her artistic expression to evolve organically.
So grab a glass of orange juice, slip on your headphones, and immerse yourself in this soulful and inspiring conversation.
Find out more about Edie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qQ44HGhVJM
Edie's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568297762272#
Edie's web site: http://wherewestarted.org
 

The Art Box - Episode 291 - Easter Eggs, 2209, Spreadsheets, and A Passion for Fiction - Meet Cory Desmond Wolfe

Magic happens when two talented fiction writers come together, and this episode is proof. Sandi Randelle steps in as co-host for an electrifying conversation with Cory Desmond Wolfe, where creativity sparks, writing insights flow, and Easter egg strategies unfold. Passion, energy, and storytelling wisdom fill the hour. So, pour yourself a glass of Merlot, slip on your headphones, and dive into this unforgettable podcast treasure.
Click here for Cory's books.
Click here for Sandi's books.

The Art Box - Episode 290 - K through 12 and Life Long Arts Leaning Meet Sogand Tabatabaei

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sogand Tabatabaei, Arts Learning Specialist at the Nevada Arts Council. Passionate about expanding access to the arts, Sogand works to integrate arts learning into Nevada classrooms and build partnerships that ensure arts education is accessible to all, regardless of age or background. She is particularly dedicated to bringing more resources to underrepresented communities in northern Nevada.
With a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Bachelor of Arts in Painting from Tehran University of Art, Sogand brings a rich artistic perspective to her work. As a visual artist for over a decade, she weaves drawing and textile design into a distinctive creative identity. Beyond her role at the Nevada Arts Council, she actively contributes to the northern Nevada arts scene as a board member for Double Scoop, a nonprofit arts journalism platform, and as an art educator at the Nevada Museum of Art.
Don’t miss this engaging discussion about the power of arts education and the transformative impact of creativity in communities across Nevada!
Learn more about Nevada Arts Council and Sogand: https://www.nvartscouncil.org/release-nevada-arts-council-taps-sogand-tabatabaei-as-northern-nevada-arts-learning-specialist/

The Art Box - Episode 289 - Transgressions - Jeannie Hua's Solo Show in NYC

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with our friend, Las Vegas artist Jeannie Hua, as she prepares for her upcoming solo show, "Transgressions," opening February 21 at Gallery 456 in New York City.
Through her powerful and deeply personal work, Jeannie explores themes of racism, mental health, generational trauma, and the ultimate act of defiance, thriving in the face of discrimination. "Transgressions" is more than an exhibition; it’s a statement, a reckoning, and a celebration of resilience.
Don't miss this incredible discussion ahead of her much-anticipated show at Gallery 456 (456 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013).
More information on the event: https://www.oca-ny.org/
Find Jeanie on Instagram: @huajeannie
Jeannie's web site: https://www.jeanniehua.art/
 

The Art Box - Episode 287 - Cowboy Poetry Wrap-Up

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!
That is a wrap - Such an enjoyable time at this years Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Thanks to the many incredibly talented guests.
Thank you for listening we hope you enjoyed.

The Art Box - Episode 286 - Fourth Generation Rancher, First Generation Columnist - Meet Sharon

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!
At the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, we had the pleasure of sharing the Cedar Room with fellow press member Sharon O’Toole, a talented writer and regular columnist for High Country News. In this episode, we dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from ranching life and raising sheep and cattle to the joys and challenges of growing up—and raising children—on the land. Sit back and enjoy this insightful and engaging discussion with a true voice of the West!
Learn about the Ladder Ranch: https://www.ladderranch.com/
High Country News: https://www.hcn.org/author/sharon-otoole/
Sharons books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sharon-Salisbury-OToole/author/B093KKHTKC?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

The Art Box - Episode 285 - Drinking Wild Water - Meet Amy Hale

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!
WOW, what a conversation! In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Amy Hale, a gifted cowboy poet, author, and storyteller whose creative journey is as inspiring as her words. Amy takes us on a ride through her experiences with writing, publishing, and the art of cowboy poetry, sharing insights on creativity, inspiration, and the stories that shape her work. This is one episode you won’t want to miss!
Follow Amy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writingandriding/
Soon her Web Page will be ready: https://www.amymhale.com/
You can find her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rightful-Place-Voice-American-West/dp/0896728870
 

The Art Box - Episode 284 - Buck Ramsey Scholarship Winner - Venassa Carpenter

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!
I’m not sure anyone was busier at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering than Venessa Carpenter, this year’s Buck Ramsey Scholarship recipient. When she wasn’t lighting up the stage, she was taking classes, connecting with vendors, and making the most of every moment. We were thrilled to sit down with her and her mom for a fun and lively conversation.
As a special treat, Venessa graciously offered her music for our podcast’s lead-in and closing segments—and as a bonus, she’s allowing us to feature her song "You Gotta Earn Your Spurs" in this episode! Enjoy the music and the conversation with this rising star of Western performance.
Find Venessa’s music on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpN2jczucszlFSFdCB32xUA/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venessacarpenter_westernsinger/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083087930576