The Art Box - Episode 439 - 2026 Memorial Day Special

The Art Box - Episode 441 - Speak Your Ideas to the Universe - Meet Jen Tune

Recorded in Gardnerville, Nevada, Steve sits down with Jen Tune, Executive Director of Main Street Gardnerville [https://www.mainstreetgardnerville.org/], for a conversation about the power of creativity, collaboration, and community vision in rural Nevada. Jen shares how Main Street Gardnerville [https://www.mainstreetgardnerville.org/] works to support local businesses, strengthen economic development, celebrate the arts, and create a vibrant sense of place for residents and visitors alike. From revitalization efforts to community events, she discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with helping a small rural town thrive in a rapidly changing world. The conversation explores how curiosity fuels innovation, why the arts play a critical role in community development, and how creative thinking can spark new ideas that move a town forward. Jen also reflects on the importance of building connections, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating opportunities that encourage people to invest their talents and energy locally. Whether you're interested in rural development, the arts, entrepreneurship, or simply the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen their communities, you'll enjoy this inspiring discussion from the heart of Nevada. Join us as we explore how one creative leader is helping Gardnerville write its next chapter—one idea, one partnership, and one project at a time.

The Art Box - Episode 440 – Between Science and Poetry – The Words and Worlds of Rayann Hijazi

Poet, scholar, and proud Arab American Rayann Hijazi joins The Art Box Podcast to discuss the powerful intersection of poetry, culture, and science. A former Poetry Out Loud national competitor and current Microbiology and Immunology student at the University of Nevada, Reno, Rayann shares how her Palestinian heritage influences her writing, the challenges of finding your voice between different worlds, and why poetry remains one of the most powerful tools for understanding ourselves and each other. Thoughtful, insightful, and wise beyond her years, Rayann reminds us that curiosity and creativity belong in every field of study. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I get to sit down and chat with such amazing creative humans. Rayann is one of those people whose passion for learning, storytelling, and building understanding leaves you feeling hopeful about the future.

The Art Box - Episode 439 - 2026 Memorial Day Special

Join us as Wyoming Poet Darrell Holden recites his poem "Thanks" and Mesquite, Nevada resident DJ Van Dyke sings a beautiful Memorial Day ballad.

The Art Box - Episode 438 - The Sharp End Of Life - A Conversation with Dierdre Wolownick

Episode 438 steps into the sharp edges of perseverance, trust, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. In this conversation, Steve sits down with author, climber, speaker, teacher, and lifelong seeker Dierdre to discuss her new book, Success in 7 Steps, and the lived experiences that shaped it. From rock climbing partnerships where lives quite literally hang in the balance, to navigating difficult personal chapters with grit and tenacity, Dierdre reflects on the lessons that taught her how dreams are not simply wished into existence — they are climbed toward, one deliberate hold at a time. Along the way, she shares thoughts on curiosity, teaching, persistence, modern life’s overwhelming pace, and why she believes anyone can achieve their dream if they have the right roadmap. This is a conversation about endurance, about learning from both good examples and bad ones, and about standing at what Dierdre calls “the sharp end of life” — those moments where challenge, risk, and transformation all meet. And somewhere between the cliffs, classrooms, hardships, and victories… lies a reminder that it is never too late to begin the climb. Dierdre's books can be found on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dierdre-Wolownick-Honnold/author/B001KCDD1A?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=369bca4f-b878-4316-85bd-9be0d10f035f]:  Her upcoming movie trailer here: Climbing Into Life: The Dierdre Wolownick Story [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6JXH1mdWIM]

The Art Box - Episode 437 – Women in Focus – A Photography Roundtable Across the West

What happens when four talented photographers who first met through creative wanderings across the American West finally sit down together for a roundtable conversation? A whole lot of laughter, insight, storytelling… and a deep appreciation for the art of noticing. In this special The Art Box Podcast roundtable episode, Steve welcomes returning guests Tiffany Weems [https://tiffanyweigel.photoshelter.com/index], Sue Beauchamp [https://suebeauchamp.myportfolio.com/], Teresa Wasiak [https://photos-by-teresa.com/], and Marla Aufmuth [https://www.vwwomen.com/] for an engaging conversation about photography, creativity, travel, human connection, and the stories waiting quietly behind the lens. Steve first met Tiffany, Sue, and Teresa through Travel Nevada FOCUS photography conferences, while Marla and Steve crossed paths during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. Over time, all four became individual guests on The Art Box—and eventually the idea emerged: why not bring everyone together? The result is a warm, funny, and thoughtful discussion exploring: * what first drew them to photography * the emotional side of capturing images * travel and creative curiosity * finding beauty in overlooked places * women supporting women in the arts * and how photography teaches us to slow down and truly see the world around us From desert light to cowboy gatherings, quiet moments to unexpected friendships, this episode celebrates not just photography—but the community and conversations that grow around it. Sometimes the best images begin simply by paying attention.