The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 265 - Not Invisible - Meet Rex

In March 0f 2023, Linda and Steve launched a new podcast called Clouds in the Sand, shifting the focus from pure art to a broader exploration of the humanities. The first episode featured a conversation with our friend Rex, whom we met at the Mesquite Library Learning Center. Back then, this was where we recorded our episodes before moving into our current studio at the Mesquite Works STEAM Center.
Rex, an avid and voracious reader, was often found sitting outside our door, immersed in one of the countless books he always seemed to have on hand. Over time, we formed a deep friendship with him, sharing many meaningful conversations about life, literature, art, and creativity, sometimes in the library, and other times over soup at Table of Contents.
As we look ahead to 2025 and continue to grow The Art Box podcast, we have decided to retire Clouds in the Sand. However, we plan to preserve some of its episodes within The Art Box collection. We’re confident you’ll enjoy this heartfelt conversation with Rex and gain fresh insights into the richness of humanity.
*Adult Content*
Our 29 episodes of "Clouds in the Sand" will not disappear and can be found on Spotify or use this link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oI5BDC0M14Zr1ytfbLC6R

The Art Box - Episode 264 - Linda and Steve Wrap Up 2024 and Hints of 2025

In this special 2024 wrap-up episode of The Art Box Podcast, we reflect on an incredible year filled with inspiring conversations, unforgettable guests, and creative breakthroughs. From uncovering the stories behind bold art journeys to exploring the passions that drive creators across Nevada and beyond, this year has been one for the books. We’ll revisit some standout moments, highlight a few of our favorite episodes, and share a sneak peek at the exciting ventures we have planned for 2025. Join us in celebrating another amazing year of art, connection, and storytelling, and thank you for being part of our journey!

The Art Box - Episode 263 - Dog City and Hangin' With KC - Meet KC Christon

In this episode, we sit down with KC Christon, the creative force behind the film Dog City and the beloved Hangin' With KC children's book series. KC shares his journey as a writer, director, producer, and author, blending storytelling with impactful themes that resonate across audiences of all ages. From the gritty world of Dog City, a film exploring the complexities of gambling culture, to his mission of encouraging family reading and addressing literacy challenges through his books, KC offers a unique perspective on creativity and purpose. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of storytelling, bridging genres, and making a lasting impact through art and literature.
Be on the lookout for Dog City Chapter 2 this February.
Watch Dog City
Click here for Dog City Trailer
Dog City getting some Indie love
KC Instagram Page
KC Children's Book For Sale by Clicking Here
Troy Price IMDb
KC IMDb

The Art Box - Episode 261 - "Fast Forward: Exploring Futurism with Lisa Hohenschuh"

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of Futurism with Las Vegas artist Lisa Hohenschuh. Known for her bold and innovative work, Lisa shares how the Futurist movement’s fascination with speed, technology, and modernity influences her artistic process. We explore the movement's origins, its impact on contemporary art, and how it continues to inspire bold creative visions today. Lisa discusses her unique perspective on blending the energy of the Las Vegas landscape with Futurist ideals. Join us for an electrifying conversation that celebrates art's ability to reimagine the future.
Visit Lisa's web site: https://hohenschuhart.com/
Instagram: @hohenschuhart
Support Prison Families Alliance where Lisa volunteers. https://prisonfamiliesalliance.org/youth-support/pfa-youth-art-program/

The Art Box - Episode 260 - Here and Hereafter - Meet Pat Hickey

Our friends at the Nevada Arts Council connected us with the remarkable Pat Hickey, journalist, state leader, regional spokesperson, and author of the thought-provoking book Here and Hereafter: Nevada Voices on Life and the Great Beyond.
This captivating work explores the profound questions of life and the afterlife through the perspectives of 34 prominent Nevadans, offering a unique glimpse into their beliefs and experiences.
In our conversation, Pat shares his incredible life journey, including his passions, travels, marriage to Shin Myung-hee, and raising four children. Join us for an engaging and heartfelt discussion you won’t want to miss!
Pat's book can be purchased: https://pathickey.net/

The Art Box - Episode 259 - Lucky 13 2024 Best in Show - Floyd Johnson

In this episode of The Art Box - Best in Show, our host Floyd switches roles and steps to the other side of the mic to share the story behind his award-winning entry. Slip on your headphones and join Linda as she dives into an engaging conversation with Floyd, exploring the fascinating 80-year history that makes his entry truly one of a kind.
Visit the Mesquite Fine Arts Center at 15 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, Nevada 89027. You can visit the web site at: https://www.mesquitefineartscenter.com/

The Art Box - Episode 258 - " Journey with a Heart: A Conversation with 'Walk of Ages' Author Withanee Andersen "

We had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Withanee Andersen , co-author of Walk of Ages. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Withanee shares the story behind her incredible 131-mile hike from Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental U.S., to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in Death Valley National Park. This journey, inspired by her father, Jim Andersen, is as heartfelt as it is extraordinary.
Our wide-ranging discussion touches on the motivations for this grueling trek, the challenges faced along the way—bumps, bruises, wildfires, and oxygen deprivation—as well as moments of joy, engagement rings, French toast, and beer. This episode will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye, and leave you in awe of Withanee’s determination and humanity. Don’t miss this incredible story!
Withanee Andersen earned her bachelor’s degree from the Reynold’s School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her first published article was included in Sagebrushed: Coming of Age and Working in Nevada. She was a wildland firefighter for many years and is now the communications coordinator for the City of Sparks in Nevada. Jim Andersen (1944–2022) was a freelance writer whose career began in 1980 with Nevada Magazine. He also wrote for the Battle Mountain Bugle and the Reese River Reveille. In 2005, he received first place from the Nevada Press Association for the Best Local Non-Staff Column. He is the author of Lost in Austin: A Nevada Memoir and Sometimes a Great notions, Isn’t, so much. This book is his final work. 
Click here to purchase "Walk of Ages" on Amazon.

The Art Box - Episode 257 - "art FOR them, instead of AT them" - Meet Myranda Bair

I’m genuinely at a loss for words to capture my conversation with Myranda Bair, it was inspiring, delightful, insightful, and so much fun. I wished it could have gone on forever! This is one of those episodes you simply have to experience for yourself. Myranda is truly one of the most remarkable individuals gracing our planet. Thank you, Myranda! Now, everyone, don’t miss this, tune in and enjoy!
Visit Myranda's web page at: https://myrandabair.carbonmade.com/
Instagram @mypandabair
Myranda Bair is an artist, educator, avid rock climber, natural space advocator, animal lover, and mediocre farmer. Her work focuses on conservation and how community education can lead to a richer outdoor experience for all while simultaneously reflecting the importance of preserving natural areas. She received her MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and her BFA from the University of Texas at Austin. Myranda has exhibited work across the country and participated in various residences, recent ones including Red Rock Canyon NCA (2014), Wildlife Divide (2013), and The Vermont Studio Center (2012). She continues to partner with the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association and the Desert Tortoise Habitat. Currently, she is a faculty member for the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas.

The Art Box - Episode 256 "Reimagining the World Through Art" Meet Lauren O'Connell

Steve capped off his trip to Scottsdale with an enlightening visit with Lauren O'Connell, curator of contemporary art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) in Arizona. The inspiring and thought-provoking conversation left him smiling all the way home on the drive back to Mesquite. 
Lauren is a curator, writer, and educator focusing on contemporary art. Lauren previously held positions at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in the Architecture and Design Department and UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive where she organized Architecture of Life (2016) with former director Lawrence Rinder and worked on numerous MATRIX projects and collection shows.​Her curatorial practice is rooted in artist-centric projects that expand and challenge artistic medium, critical dialogue, relational experiences, and art historical cannons. She has worked on special projects with artists including Tarek Atoui, Kristin Bauer, Diedrick Brackens, York Chang, Mimi O Chun, Martin Soto Climent, Otobong Nkanga, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Jean Shin, Anna Tsouhlarakis, and Qiu Zhijie. O'Connell's research positions contemporary art as an avenue to examine social reality through epistemological examination, speculative and historical (re)formations, mythology, and constructed environments. Her research process involves exhibition-making, artist engagement, and community-building.O'Connell is the author of Language in Times of Miscommunication: Art Critical of Social Reality (SMoCA, 2023) and co-author of Dorothy Fratt: Works (Radius Books, 2023). Her writing can be found in publications including New Time: Art & Feminism in the 21st Century (UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, 2021) and Harvey Quaytman: Against the Static (University of California Press, 2018).
Click here to learn more about Lauren: https://www.loconnell.com/about.html

The Art Box - Episode 255 - "Artful Minds: The Neuroscience of Creativity and Beauty" Meet Laura Hales

Steve had the distinct pleasure of visiting Scottsdale, AZ, to engage in an inspiring conversation with Laura Hales, curator for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' Center Gallery. With Linda traveling, our good friend and frequent guest Jen Urso stepped in as co-host. Don’t miss this captivating discussion. Enjoy!
Laura Hales curates Center Space, a community-based art gallery inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Her goal is to create thought-provoking and educational exhibitions, collaborating with field experts and Arizona-based artists. Recent exhibitions include: Unintended Consequences (2023), a group show about the human destruction of the desert, featuring artists Monica Aissa Martinez, Carolyn Lavender, and Mary Shindell; and Coming to Terms, (2023-24) a group show in collaboration with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. She is working on an upcoming exhibition for Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, also with Chatterjee and relating to neuroaesthetics, called Brains and Beauty: At the Intersection of Art and Neuroscience (opening August 2024). Hales has published research articles in Studies in Art Education, a national research journal. She leads arts and wellness programming initiatives at Scottsdale Arts.
Click here to find out more about  “ArtRx: The Mind-Body Connection” and Laura Hales