The Art Box

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/

The Art Box - Episode 279 - Pure Energy with Hot Club of Cow Town

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!
Get ready to swing! In this episode, we dive into the electrifying performance of the Hot Club of Cowtown—and oh my goodness, what a show! This dynamic trio—Elana James, Whit Smith, and Jake Erwin—brings a mesmerizing fusion of Western swing, hot jazz, and dazzling musicianship that keeps toes tapping, heads bobbing, and seats swaying. Their infectious energy and masterful sound transport audiences to a place where rhythm rules and the spirit of the West meets the soul of swing. Don’t miss this lively conversation celebrating one of the most exciting bands on the scene today!
Find out more about Hot Club of Cowtown: https://hotclubofcowtown.com/
 

The Art Box - Episode 278 - One All Around Great Guy - Gus Brackett

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 back our good friend Gus Brackett—but this time, he turns the tables and starts interviewing us! It’s always a pleasure to have Gus on The Art Box, bringing his wit, storytelling, and deep-rooted knowledge of the cowboy way of life.
Raised on a working cattle ranch spanning the wide-open spaces of Southwestern Idaho and Northeastern Nevada, Gus was on horseback by age five and sold his first steer at ten. His love for storytelling started in a one-room schoolhouse, where he first penned cowboy tales inspired by the rich oral history passed down from his grandfather, Noy Brackett, and legendary cowboys like Uncle Rolly Patrick and Truman Clark.
In 2010, Gus began writing the Badger Thurston series, chronicling the grit, humor, and adventure of the West. Today, he still lives and works on the same ranch where he was raised, serving as Chairman of the Board of the very school where his storytelling journey began. At home with his wife Kimberly, their four children, and a barn full of animals, Gus continues to write—so keep an eye out for more books in this incredible series!
You can find his books at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00J8RGB2M
 

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!