The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 313 - Meals, Mud, and Magic: Moments with Vicie Mixer

I had the true pleasure of meeting Vicie Mixer during my time at the Tuscarora Pottery School, where she played the role of indispensable assistant to instructor Jerry Hendershot, though "assistant" hardly captures the magic she brings. From preparing delicious meals to helping students center their clay, from spinning stories to offering quiet encouragement, Vicie was everywhere at once, always adding something special to the experience. She even attempted to teach me how to make a clay whistle (which, I must confess, ended in a spectacularly failed attempt, but that’s on me, not her!). I was grateful she took a few moments to sit down for a short and joyful chat.
Vicie Mixer is a respected ceramic artist and teacher with deep roots in the Tuscarora Pottery School community. Known for her skill in wheel-throwing and raku techniques, she has taught alongside Jerry during numerous summer sessions, earning a reputation among students as a patient, generous, and inspiring presence. Vicie now lives part-time in Tuscarora, where she continues to enrich the town’s seasonal art scene with her humor, knowledge, and kindness. Her ongoing involvement reflects the heart of Tuscarora’s legacy, a place where clay, creativity, and community come together under big desert skies. For anyone drawn to the spirit of pottery, Vicie’s presence is a treasure.
Thank you Nevada Arts Council for funding.

The Art Box - Episode 312 - High Desert, Hot Kilns: Teaching at Tuscarora with Jerry Hendershot

Join Steve for a special series of podcast episodes from the Tuscarora Pottery School, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council. We kick off the series with a conversation recorded in the cozy library of the historic Zweifel Rooming House, where Steve sits down with this session’s lead instructor, Jerry Hendershot, to talk clay, community, and the creative spark found in the high desert of Nevada. Tune in for the 14 to 17 Tuscarora episodes that will follow. 
In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with ceramic artist and educator Jerry Hendershot, who led the late May session at the Tuscarora Pottery School, a creative retreat nestled in the high desert of Nevada. Jerry shares his experience guiding students through the rhythms of the clay, the inspiration found in the remote Tuscarora landscape, and the enduring legacy of Dennis and Julie Parks.
From the heat of the kiln to the quiet magic of community dinners and shared studio space, our conversation explores what makes Tuscarora such a powerful space for artistic growth. Jerry reflects on his teaching philosophy, the technical approaches explored during the workshop, and how the land itself becomes part of the creative process. Whether you're a longtime potter or simply curious about the soul of handmade craft, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into one of America’s most unique and storied pottery schools.

The Art Box - Episode 311 - Creating Style, Spreading Smiles — A Conversation with MJ Stiles

Episode 311 of The Art Box brings a burst of style and creativity with our friend and guest Mary Jane Stiles, or as her many fans know her, MJ. She’s a jewelry artist, hairdresser, and now the social media powerhouse behind Juniper Outpost Boutique in Mesquite, Nevada. Whether she’s crafting bold statement pieces or lighting up local feeds with her signature flair, MJ knows how to turn everyday moments into something beautiful.
Tune in as we chat with MJ about her creative evolution, her love for community-driven art and fashion, and what it takes to stay fresh and inspired in today’s fast-moving social media world. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn — and you just might leave wanting to visit Juniper Outpost yourself!
Exciting news! MJ is joining The Art Box host team, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. She’ll be bringing her creative energy and fresh perspective as she leads conversations with inspiring artists from around the world. Welcome aboard, Mary Jane — we’re so glad to have you with us!

The Art Box - Episode 310 - Exploring the Night Wings: A Conversation with NDOW Biologist Matt Flores

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
 

The Art Box - Episode 309 - Something is Happening in the Universe - Meet X.Darvi

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 your 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/
 
 

The Art Box - Episode 307 - Women in Focus - Meet Tiffany Weems

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
 

The Art Box - Episode 308 - Erie Ending - Meet Christy Kendall

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/
 
 

The Art Box - Episode 306 - Stories That Shape Us: A Conversation with Ana Pacheco

"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

The Art Box - Episode 305 - Apocalyptic Dogs, Data Privacy, and the Importance of a Really Good Dare: Meet Ben Malisow

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.

The Art Box - Episode 304 - "The Little Things" - Tiffany & Yori Ludvigson

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/