The Art Box

Step inside the vibrant creative world of Julie Notaro, Las Vegas mixed-media artist and founder of fraiche arts, a working art studio and gallery located inside the iconic Arts Factory in the Las Vegas Arts District (18B). Here, Julie paints, teaches, exhibits her evolving collection of fine art, and transforms her original artwork into elegant silk scarves, inviting visitors to experience creativity up close. In this thoughtful conversation, Julie shares her remarkable artistic journey, from growing up inspired by the museums of Los Angeles and a career in advertising to discovering collage, encaustic wax, and the freedom of mixed-media expression. She recalls the life-changing moment she encountered the work of Robert Rauschenberg at the Guggenheim Museum, an experience that forever expanded her understanding of what art could become. Together, we explore the delicate balance between chaos and stillness, the meditative nature of creating, and why the textures, silence, and vast landscapes of the Mojave Desert continue to inspire her work. Julie also discusses building a creative community through her gallery, encouraging others to embrace experimentation, authenticity, and the courage to trust their own artistic voice. Whether you're an artist, collector, or simply curious about the creative process, Julie's story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes a single museum visit, one unexpected discovery, or one courageous experiment can quietly change the direction of an entire life. Join us for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, memory, creativity, and discovering how curiosity transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Find Julie at: https://www.fraichearts.com/

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.

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/ Follow A Ranch Musical: https://www.ranchmusical.com/

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/ Art: https://www.facebook.com/kathychoartspace/

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

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, Sue Beauchamp, Teresa Wasiak, and Marla Aufmuth 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.