The Art Box

In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with Summer Wilson, Mesquite author, playwright, and founder of the Virgin Valley Writers Group, to explore the power of storytelling and the courage it takes to give voice to quiet truths. Summer shares her creative journey across Screen writing, poetry and short stories, and how her passion for community has shaped a welcoming home for local writers to grow, share, and belong. We also discuss her latest collection, Forbidden Whispers, a beautifully woven book of poetry, short stories, and lyrical reflections that invites readers to listen closely, to secrets, to longing, to the quiet strength of the human spirit. Her work is available on Amazon and through other fine booksellers. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning to explore your creative voice, Summer’s insights into craft, confidence, vulnerability, and building artistic community in the desert will leave you inspired to put pen to paper and whisper your own truths into the world. Instagram: @summerlwilsom Facebook: Summer L. Wilson

Join us as The Art Box takes to East Fremont for a whirlwind of music, creativity, and community energy. In this lively episode, we catch the pulse of downtown as fiddles sing, artists share their spark, and passersby jump into the magic of spontaneous art-making. From toe-tapping tunes to heartfelt conversations, we celebrate the joy that happens when art spills into the streets, and everyone becomes part of the show.

For this special Harvest of Thought installment, we invited writers from across the country to share original flash fiction, tiny worlds built with precision, emotion, and imagination. The challenge? Each story had to come in at 500 words or fewer. Flash fiction is a unique art form, a place where pacing tightens, language sharpens, and every sentence must carry its full weight. These stories don't wander; they ignite, twist, shimmer, or break your heart in the span of a breath. In this episode, you’ll hear brief yet powerful tales that explore the unexpected corners of the human experience moments of mystery, humor, longing, memory, and surprise. Some stories whisper. Some snap. A few might leave you thinking long after the final word. Settle in and enjoy these compact literary sparks, proof that a story doesn’t have to be long to stay with you.

Our nationwide call for short-form personal essays brought voices from many walks of life, each answering the invitation to share a story or insight that could be recited in under six minutes. In this second installment of our Harvest of Thought: Essays series, we continue to explore the richness of human thought and lived experience. These writers look back with humility, forward with imagination, and inward with courage. Some stories touch memory. Some challenge us gently. Some shine light on ordinary moments that turn out to be not ordinary at all. Thank you for listening, reflecting, and welcoming these voices into your day. May these brief essays resonate long after their final lines fade, small offerings with lasting echoes.

Three months ago, we invited insightful voices from across the nation to share original essays for a special Harvest of Thought edition — short reflections filled with heart, perspective, memory, and meaning. The only request: each essay had to be able to be spoken aloud in six minutes or less — a challenge that pushed writers toward clarity, honesty, and lyrical brevity. In Part I, we present the first gathering of those thoughtful works. These essays explore personal turning points, unexpected lessons, and moments when life whispered rather than shouted. Some pieces spark reflection. Others bring gentle humor or quiet awe. All arrive with an open hand, offering wisdom in a small, crafted space. Settle in and enjoy these compact journeys of experience and insight — proof that sometimes the deepest truths arrive in under six minutes.

Three months ago, we set an invitation loose across the country: Send us your words. Send us your heart. Let us hear what you carry inside. The response was extraordinary. Artists from coast to coast shared poems filled with vulnerability, wisdom, humor, and grace. In Part II of our Harvest of Thought poetry edition, we continue celebrating those voices. Some poems arrive soft as dawn. Others shout with joy or ache with truth. Together, they create a tapestry of lived experience, proof that creativity travels, gathers, and grows when community calls it forth. Thank you for listening, for supporting the voices that stepped forward, and for making space for language that stretches the heart. We hope these closing poems linger long after the episode ends.

Three months ago, we reached out across the nation, inviting talented friends, poets, writers, and creative souls to lend their voices to a special project. What followed was a generous outpouring of words, emotion, and imagination. Today, in Part I of our Harvest of Thought poetry edition, we share some of those remarkable submissions. These poems explore love, grief, wonder, identity, humor, memory, and the quiet places our hearts go when we sit still long enough to listen. Please note, this episode includes a few adult words — not for shock, but because some truths arrive raw and unfiltered. Each piece arrives like a seed, carried from a distant field, planted in shared soil, and blooming through voice and rhythm. Join us as we begin this lyrical journey. May the words offered here nourish curiosity, stir emotion, and remind us that we are connected through story and sound.

In this episode of The Art Box, host MJ Stiles sits down with friend, mystery and thriller author Lana M. Fox, whose gripping stories unfold in the dramatic landscape of Hood River, Oregon. Lana is the author of The Truth Will Set You Free, a Colorado Gold Fiction finalist, and the creator of the Hood River Mystery Series featuring Detective Liz Ellisen, with titles My Sister’s Keeper, Through Frozen Eyes, and Her Last Breath. Her work has appeared in Woman’s World Magazine, Murderous Intent Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and more. Lana reflects on inspiration, travel, and the deep satisfaction of crafting stories that keep readers turning the page long into the night. Whether you're a mystery fan, aspiring writer, or lover of atmospheric small-town thrillers, this episode dives into the art and craft behind keeping readers guessing. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and step inside the suspenseful world of Lana M . Fox. Find out more about Lana and purchase her books at: https://lanamfox.com/

If you listen to one podcast all year, this is the one. In this powerful episode of The Art Box, host MJ speaks with Dr. Lena Cavusoglu, professor at Pacific University, about her remarkable art-based research project, Faces Seen, Voices Heard. Blending academic inquiry with visual storytelling, Dr. Cavusoglu’s work explores how society responds to people with visible facial differences—those living with birthmarks, scars, burns, or other variations that often provoke bias and misunderstanding. Through empathy and scholarship, she challenges deeply rooted perceptions of beauty and normalcy that shape how individuals are treated in classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Dr. Cavusoglu discusses the creation of her four-piece art series, which pairs delicate hand-drawn portraits with the handwritten reflections of real participants. These works invite viewers to literally lift layers of transparent text to reveal each face beneath—transforming the act of seeing into one of understanding. The conversation encourages listeners to examine their own assumptions, discover the humanity beyond appearance, and embrace a more inclusive vision of beauty where every face, and every story, matters.

In this special three-part series of The Art Box, host MJ takes us home to Oregon for an intimate look at the stories, friendships, and creative spark that drive Petty Fever, the award-winning Tom Petty tribute band beloved across the Northwest and beyond. Through personal connections with the band and their families, MJ explores the music that shaped their lives, the heart behind their performances, and the shared passion that keeps classic rock alive for a new generation. Life Behind the Music goes deeper than the stage—into the people, places, and moments that make the music matter. In the final episode of Life Behind the Music, host MJ sits down with Oregon native Todd McPherson, whose path has woven together the worlds of rock and business with equal passion. A co-owner of Whitlock’s Sewing Center in Salem, Todd has built a nationally recognized brand known for innovation and education in the sewing and quilting community. But long before becoming a successful entrepreneur, he was a working musician, touring the country with the legendary Kingsmen, the “Godfathers of Garage Rock,” and sharing stages with icons like Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Beach Boys. Joining the conversation is Christian Ostbo, musician, chef, and wellness entrepreneur, adding fresh insight into the enduring bond between art, performance, and creative balance. Together, Todd and Christian reflect on the discipline, joy, and sheer energy that come from a lifetime devoted to craft—whether tuning a bass, a business, or the rhythm of a well-lived life. Petty Fever: http://www.pettyfever.com Learn more about Whitlock’s Sewing Center: https://whitlocks.com/

In this special three-part series of The Art Box, host MJ takes us home to Oregon for an intimate look at the stories, friendships, and creative spark that drive Petty Fever, the award-winning Tom Petty tribute band beloved across the Northwest and beyond. Through personal connections with the band and their families, MJ explores the music that shaped their lives, the heart behind their performances, and the shared passion that keeps classic rock alive for a new generation. Life Behind the Music goes deeper than the stage—into the people, places, and moments that make the music matter. In this second installment of Life Behind The Music, host MJ sits down with Frank Murray, the heart and driving force behind Petty Fever. Frank has spent decades lighting up stages across the country and abroad, sharing his extraordinary voice and musicianship with fans around the world. His uncanny resemblance to Tom Petty—both in tone and presence—has earned him a reputation as one of the finest tribute performers working today. Frank opens up about the formation of Petty Fever back in 2009, his lifelong connection to Petty’s music, and the passion that fuels each performance. Through MJ’s conversation, listeners get an intimate portrait of a frontman whose mission goes beyond imitation—it’s about honoring a legacy, building community through music, and keeping the timeless spirit of Tom Petty alive one song, one audience, and one heartfelt night at a time. Petty Fever: http://www.pettyfever.com

In this special three-part series of The Art Box, host MJ takes us home to Oregon for an intimate look at the stories, friendships, and creative spark that drive Petty Fever, the award-winning Tom Petty tribute band beloved across the Northwest and beyond. Through personal connections with the band and their families, MJ explores the music that shaped their lives, the heart behind their performances, and the shared passion that keeps classic rock alive for a new generation. Life Behind the Music goes deeper than the stage—into the people, places, and moments that make the music matter. In the opening episode of Life Behind The Music, host MJ reconnects with longtime friend and PNW native Craig Ostbo, a man whose rhythm bridges two worlds: boardrooms and backbeats. As CEO of Oh! Strategic Branding in Portland, Craig has spent more than three decades shaping the identities of some of the most trusted names in natural and sustainable foods while teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation of brand thinkers. But behind the strategy lies the drummer’s soul. Craig shares how his early passion for music never left him, leading to more than fifty performances a year with Petty Fever, the award-winning Tom Petty tribute band loved nationwide. In this heartfelt conversation, MJ and Craig explore the harmony between creativity and commerce, how rhythm informs leadership, and why the pulse of music still drives him—both on stage and in life. Learn more about Oh! Strategic Branding: https://www.ceohglobal.com/ Petty Fever: http://www.pettyfever.com

In this special episode, co-founder Steve Dudrow takes a thoughtful pause to share what’s been happening behind the scenes at The Art Box Podcast. After a brief lull between episodes, Steve catches listeners up on the many creative directions the team has been pursuing, from public art projects and poetry collections to new podcast adventures and community outreach. Hear updates on Mesquite Works STEAM Center’s “STEAM into 2026” campaign, the Mesquite First Friday Family Art Walk, and a sneak peek at our newest sister series, Alternate Realms. Steve also shares what co-hosts Suzie White, MJ Stiles, and Sandi Randelle have been up to, plus news from favorite past guests, public art milestones, and a few heartfelt reflections from The Art Box’s ever-curious research assistant, Addison. To close, enjoy two preview poems from our upcoming Harvest of Thought special project, featuring beautiful original works by Heather Lang-Cassara and Annie MacKenzie, a taste of the inspiring voices soon to come. It’s a moment to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the creative pulse that keeps The Art Box beating strong.

The Art Box travels to Las Vegas to explore one of the valley’s most dynamic creative spaces — the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center. Our guest is Irma Varela, the visionary Cultural Program Supervisor who has spent decades shaping a place where artists, performers, and neighbors gather to imagine and create. Irma shares the story behind the Center’s mission to nurture community through the arts, from neighborhood murals and cross-cultural festivals to intimate performances and workshops that give every voice a place. We talk about her own journey in arts leadership, how ideas become action, and why accessible cultural spaces matter more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how creativity builds connection and resilience, this episode will inspire you to dream a little bigger for your own community. Join The Art Box on November 2nd at the 2025 - 24th Annual Life in Death Festival Find out more by visiting their web site: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/parks___recreation/cultural_division/winchester_dondero_cultural_center/  

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Cory Clemetson, founder along with his brother Chad of the Kids for Sports Foundation, a nonprofit committed to helping children in Mesquite and the Virgin Valley experience the joy and life lessons of organized athletics. Cory shares the story behind starting the foundation, the moment he realized cost was keeping too many kids on the sidelines, and how his team works to remove barriers so every child who wants to play can join in. Beyond sports, Cory talks about the deeper mission: building character, confidence, and community connection. We explore how access to athletics shapes friendships, resilience, and healthy habits, and how Wolf Creek’s local partnerships and fundraising efforts keep that mission alive. It’s a look at how one idea, born out of noticing a gap, has grown into a movement giving young people a chance to dream, compete, and belong. It is our mission to ensure kids are given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of playing organized sports. We do this by helping remove financial and other barriers that prevent kids from participating in sports. How to help: https://www.kidsforsportsfoundation.org/apply-for-grant This episode is brought to you by Art Box by Liezl at 707 East Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

In Episode 359 of The Art Box, MJ and Steve welcome Kirsten Pope to the STEAM Center recording studio for a lively conversation about IKA Greens, the innovative business she runs with her husband, Alex. We dig into what “IKA” really stands for, how their operation is changing the way our community thinks about fresh, locally grown produce, and why sustainable food systems matter now more than ever. Kirsten shares the story behind their business, their vision for the future of farming in the desert, and what it’s like to run a family business with purpose. This episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and maybe even a little encouragement to get your hands dirty, or at least to eat more greens! You can find IKA Greens open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM at Baja Imports (410 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, NV 89027). Stop by for fresh, locally grown veggies, and don’t miss their delicious soups and creative salad options. Enjoy them on the spot or take them home, and stay a while to catch up with neighbors. It’s fresh food and good community all in one stop! Did we mention they have fresh doggie treats. Find out more at: https://www.ikagreens.com/

In this calming, reflective and short episode of The Art Box, Steve invites listeners to slow down and discover the practice of forest bathing, the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, or “bathing” in the forest atmosphere. Steve explores what forest bathing is, the science behind its benefits, from lowered stress and blood pressure to boosted immunity, and why it has become such a powerful wellness movement around the world. He shares his own experiences, from dozing under ponderosa pines at Mount Charleston to finding peace among Joshua trees and ravens during his residency at Avi Kwa Ame National Monument. Finally, Steve offers practical tips for creating your own version of forest (or desert!) bathing right here in the Mojave, including how to stay safe, find shade, and connect with the sounds and scents of the desert. Whether you’re a nature lover, an artist, or just in need of a mental reset, this episode will leave you breathing a little deeper and seeing the world with fresh eyes.

In this inspiring episode of The Art Box, MJ sits down with her friend Oregon golfer Chris Oviatt, the 2024 NAGA Women’s Overall National Champion and Western Region representative for the 2025 USGA Adaptive Open Championship. Chris shares her 32-year journey as a competitive golfer, living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and how braces, a cane, and a positive outlook help her keep playing the sport she loves. She talks about her many victories, including 20 club championships and a win at the Arrowhead Ladies Invitational with 108 competitors, and her philosophy of “play well and have fun.” Join us for an uplifting conversation about perseverance, passion, and what it means to stay dedicated and motivated on and off the course.

In this inspiring episode of The Art Box, we sit down with Mesquite actor Bill Wright Jr. to explore how a soldier became a storyteller. Bill shares how his time in the U.S. Army taught him to speak confidently in front of crowds and cameras, and how reciting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech became a defining moment in his life. That experience opened the door to his first performances in church plays and, eventually, to the Mesquite Community Theatre, where he now shines as one of its key actors, taking on a wide range of roles with passion and purpose. Join us as we talk about courage, creativity, and the unexpected roads that lead us to the stage. Mesquite Community Theatre tickets can be purchased here: https://mctnv.com/  

The Art Box – Episode 355: Echoes of Belonging In this deeply personal conversation, three friends, Mary Jane Stiles, Eydie Ann Lieberman, and William R. Marye, open up about lives shaped by an absence: the missing threads of an unknown or absent parent. Together, they reflect on the emotional weight of not knowing where you come from, how long-kept secrets shaped their sense of self, and what it means to reconnect, or not, with family decades later. This is an episode about identity, loss, resilience, and the winding, unexpected paths we walk in search of belonging. We also want to give a special nod to MJ, who has been with The Art Box team for several months now. Her thoughtful approach and curiosity have broadened our subject matter, opening space for conversations that dive deep into humanity, love, and discovery. A quick note: our apologies for the occasional roughness in Bill’s audio. Seems the signal lines around the Chesapeake Bay weren’t entirely on our side that day.