The Art Box

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

The Art Box - Episode 283 - Big Voice, BIG Talent and Busy - Back with Kristyn Harris

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!
It has been an incredible journey watching our ultra-talented friend Kristyn Harris as her career and travel schedule continue to soar. From music and rodeo life to cows, steaks, and horses, we dive into it all in this lively and fun-filled conversation. Sit back and enjoy as we catch up with one of Western music’s brightest stars!
Catch Kristyn’s amazing talent: https://www.kristynharris.com/

The Art Box - Episode 282 - The Creative Apple Does Not Fall Far from the Tree - Meet Serafina

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!
Serafina comes from a family of remarkably talented artists, but she’s carving her own creative path with a passion for mask-making. While she doesn’t follow her parents' mediums, her artistry shines through in her award-winning designs, earning her recognition and admiration. In fact, her work is so impressive that Linda couldn’t resist ordering a custom mask! It was a true pleasure to interview this exceptional young talent and explore the inspiration behind her craft.

The Art Box - Episode 281 - Modern Spirit of the American West - Welcome Back Jessie Veeder

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!
Our hearts are always a little fuller when Jessie Veeder stops by for a podcast. A true icon of the American West, she brings her warmth, wisdom, and undeniable talent, reminding us why her voice and storytelling resonate so deeply with those who love the land and its traditions.
Jessie Veeder is a country singer-songwriter, storyteller, and rancher whose music and words capture the heart of the rural American experience. Raised on her family's fourth-generation cattle ranch in North Dakota, Jessie weaves her deep connection to the land, family, and small-town life into her soulful, heartfelt songs. With a voice rich in warmth and authenticity, her music blends classic country, folk, and Americana, resonating with those who cherish wide-open spaces and honest storytelling.
Beyond music, Jessie is a dedicated mom, writer, and advocate for rural living, using her platform to celebrate the resilience and beauty of life in the countryside. Whether she's performing on stage, writing about ranch life, or raising her children on the same land she grew up on, Jessie Veeder embodies the modern spirit of the American West.
Find our more about Jessie: https://jessieveedermusic.com/home

The Art Box - Episode 280 - Cowboying, Photography and a Beautiful Voice - Meet Melanie Larue

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 introduce the incredibly talented Melanie Larue, a woman of many skills and passions. From working cattle and living the cowboy life to capturing the West through her photography and gracing audiences with her beautiful voice, Melanie embodies the spirit of the modern-day cowgirl. Join us as she shares her journey, the stories behind her images, and the deep connection she feels to the land, the animals, and the music that moves her soul.
Follow Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanielaruephoto/