The Art Box - Episode 454 - Daring to Do Dementia Differently – Meet Dangle & Dot

The Art Box - Episode 454 - Daring to Do Dementia Differently – Meet Dangle & Dot

In this inspiring and deeply human conversation, Steve Dudrow is joined by friend, intuitive, and past Art Box guest Kaye Ashbridge as co-host for a heartfelt discussion with Nancy Nelson ("Dangle") and her partner in advocacy Kat Hartley ("Dot"), the creative forces behind dangle & dot, a social enterprise dedicated to changing the way we think about dementia, caregiving, cognitive decline, and what it means to continue living a meaningful, engaged life. After receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2013, Nancy could have accepted the traditional narrative of fear and loss. Instead, she chose a different path—one grounded in resilience, humor, creativity, curiosity, and hope. Through poetry, public speaking, advocacy, and now dangle & dot, Nancy has spent more than a decade demonstrating that a diagnosis does not define a person and that there is still a rich and rewarding life to be lived. Together, Steve, Kaye, Nancy, and Kat explore the power of community, the importance of "workarounds," the role creativity plays in wellbeing, and why Nancy believes that "what is to be, is up to me." The conversation highlights the unique perspective of dangle & dot, with Nancy sharing insights from the experience of living with cognitive change and Kat offering the equally important viewpoint of a care partner and advocate. Filled with wisdom, laughter, honesty, and a refreshing dose of hope, this episode challenges the dementia tragedy narrative and replaces it with one of inclusion, possibility, purpose, and human connection. It is a conversation about adapting, learning, helping others, and finding light where there once seemed to be none. Join us for a remarkable discussion that reminds us all that resilience comes in many forms—and that sometimes the most powerful act of courage is simply to keep moving forward with grace, gratitude, and a smile.

The Art Box - Episode 453 - The White Horse in the Frame – Photographer Will Enos

This was such a delightful conversation with photographer Will Enos, whom I met recently at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City. Will and his wife, Beth (also a fabulous photographer and a soon to be Art Box guest), were attending our mutual friend Candace Garlock's remarkable Road to Terminus exhibition, and I'm grateful our paths crossed. For more than forty years, Will has chased light, shadow, and the perfect image. In this thoughtful episode of The Art Box, he shares his journey from discovering black-and-white photography in high school to a successful career in advertising and marketing photography, including two decades with Eastman Kodak, and ultimately to his current passion for creating powerful fine art photographs. Will talks about his love of wandering off the beaten path in search of images that speak to the soul, often returning from days of exploration with only a single photograph and considering that a successful adventure. Together, we explore the emotional power of black-and-white photography, the interplay of light and shadow, the importance of artistic community, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of creative work. Along the way, Will introduces us to the fascinating concept of the "white horse" that unexpected element within a scene that transforms an ordinary photograph into something memorable. His insights on observation, patience, craftsmanship, and curiosity offer inspiration not only to photographers, but to anyone seeking to see the world more deeply. Join us for a conversation about looking beyond the obvious, embracing creative growth, and discovering that sometimes the most meaningful images are found during a quiet walkabout before the sun rises over the horizon. Find Will at: https://www.e2-photography.com/ [https://www.e2-photography.com/]

The Art Box - Episode 410 - A Ranch Musical - Meet Natalie Aramendia and Kristyn Harris

As part of our continuing coverage of the 41st Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, Steve Dudrow welcomes filmmaker Natalie Aramendia and singer, songwriter, and actress Kristyn Harris to discuss the creation of the award-winning film A Ranch Musical. Recorded during our nineteenth conversation connected to this year's Gathering, Natalie and Kristyn take listeners behind the scenes of bringing this heartfelt story to life on a working ranch in Tuscarora, Nevada. They share the challenges and triumphs of planning, filming, and now distributing a movie that celebrates the people, landscapes, traditions, and music of the rural American West. The conversation also takes a wonderfully personal turn as Kristyn shares the excitement surrounding the birth of a new foal on her Texas ranch, while Natalie reflects on the recent arrival of her young son. Their stories reveal the deep connections between family, creativity, ranch life, and the enduring values that inspired the film. Filled with laughter, memories, and behind-the-scenes adventures, this touching episode offers a glimpse into the passion and perseverance required to transform an idea into an award-winning motion picture. Special thanks to the Nevada Arts Council for the grant support that makes our annual journey to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering possible, allowing us to share the stories of the artists, musicians, poets, filmmakers, and cultural traditions that make the American West such a remarkable source of inspiration. Follow Kristyn Harris: https://kristynharris.com/ [https://kristynharris.com/] Follow A Ranch Musical: https://www.ranchmusical.com/ [https://www.ranchmusical.com/]

The Art Box - Episode 452 – Building Confidence One Swing at a Time: Laura Buxton and the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association

MJ sits down with Laura Buxton, President of the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association, to discuss how the organization is helping shape the next generation of golfers and community leaders. Laura shares the association's mission of creating a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment where young athletes develop not only their golf skills, but also confidence, discipline, teamwork, respect, and a lifelong love of the game. The conversation explores the exciting programs, clinics, and opportunities planned for this summer, along with the dedicated volunteers and community support that make youth golf thrive in Virgin Valley. Whether your child is picking up a club for the first time or looking to improve their game, Laura explains how the association is committed to helping every young golfer succeed both on and off the course. Join MJ and Laura for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, youth development, healthy lifestyles, and the enduring lessons that golf can teach. Find the Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association at: https://www.vvjga.com/ [https://www.vvjga.com/] For more information: Rick Smith (rixtersmith@gmail.com)

The Art Box Podcast – Episode 451 - From Fairways to Fine Art – Meet Kathy Cho

In this engaging episode of The Art Box, MJ Stiles sits down with Mesquite's own Kathy Cho, a woman whose creative talents seem to know no bounds. Kathy is a professional golfer, sought-after golf instructor, accomplished artist, internationally recognized clothing designer, and musician whose curiosity and passion continue to inspire those around her. Kathy shares her journey in the world of golf and her dedication to teaching players of all ages, helping beginners and seasoned golfers alike find confidence and joy in the game. Beyond the fairways, she discusses her work as a celebrated fashion designer and artist, exploring how creativity fuels every aspect of her life. As if that weren't enough, Kathy is also a musician who enjoys playing both the ukulele and accordion, adding yet another layer to her rich creative life. Throughout the conversation, MJ and Kathy explore the connections between art, music, design, and sport, discovering how each discipline teaches patience, expression, and lifelong growth. Join us for a delightful conversation with a true Renaissance woman whose life demonstrates that creativity has no limits and that it's never too late to keep learning, creating, and sharing your gifts with the world. Golf: http://www.kathychogolf.com/ [http://www.kathychogolf.com/] Art: https://www.facebook.com/kathychoartspace/ [https://www.facebook.com/kathychoartspace/]