Ali & Callie Artcast

Bill Weimuth has spent the last 20 years writing, producing, and publishing a diverse collection of works, including books, audiobooks, video presentations, a documentary film, and online courses that explore American history. His first novel, *Down the Rivers of Peril*, is based on the true story of the journey to transport America’s first Western steamboat, the “New Orleans,” from Pittsburgh to...

Ellen Travolta, a beloved guest of the Ali & Callie Artcast, has graced us with her incredible stories and vibrant spirit over four seasons. As the first guest to appear five times in a gesture of our appreciation, we presented her with an Ali & Callie five-timer jacket, celebrating her as a valued member of our show and community. Thank you so much, Ellen, for your continued dedication to...

Lorna Hamilton, a versatile figure as a choreographer, director, producer, and author, shares her journey with Ali and Callie, starting in Coeur d’Alene in the 70s. Lorna, a recipient of the 2024  Mayor’s Award in Excellence of the Arts, has a humble dedication to the Arts in this community. She has authored two books, The Caregiver’s Story: Trading Anguish for a Life of Gratitude, a moving accoun...

Mystic Mountain Music is a unique collaboration between two distinct singers, Hanna Rebecca and Meridith Vesser. Both bring their individual backgrounds in a cappella music and choir to the table. Their meeting on social media and subsequent friendship led to the creation of beautiful harmonies, with each taking turns to play the guitar. Their repertoire includes a mix of originals, covers, and ma...

Shakespeare, even after over 400 years, is still an appeal to so many. And now Shakespeare has made its way to Coeur d'Alene, thanks to the passion of Mary Bowers who holds a masters in Shakespeare studies and found her love for the bard in London. Shakespeare CDA's performance of Macbeth, perfect for the Halloween season, runs Oct 17-19, and Oct 24-26 at the Kroc Theater in Coeur d'Alene. Tickets...

The Kootenai Environmental Alliance's longest-running annual fundraising event, Junk 2 Funk, is scheduled for October 12, 2024 in the ballroom at the Eagles in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Junk 2 Funk is a unique runway fashion show that features outfits made from at least 80% recycled items or garbage, presenting a "trashy" fashion concept. Local artists design their outfits and model them on a runway...

Mary Lee Ryba, originally from Massachusetts, has been the Assistant Dean for Development at the University of Idaho, College of Engineering for over 17 years. She is currently serving as the chair of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission. The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission is appointed to aid the Mayor and the City in formulating and administering public art policy for the City. The vision of the Arts...

Susie Fieckert spent most of her life living in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where she worked in corporate sales. After her kids went off to college and she experienced an unexpected divorce, she decided it was time to start a new chapter in her life. With some convincing from friends, Susie joined an online dating service and eventually met her husband, Rich. As they traveled to find their new...

Max Mendez, a multi-talented individual, is involved in various artistic and musical endeavors. He is a musician, conductor, opera singer, educator, and podcaster, as well as the host of Beer Choir. Beer Choir is a national singing movement creating a fun and inclusive activity where everyone, regardless of their singing experience, is welcome to join in, sing, and enjoy some drinks together. It's...

The 4th episode in our Walla Walla series was a delightful conversation with artist Mary Crane Nutter, a painter from Walla Walla, Washington. Her studio is at her home and small farm with a traditional barn. A few years ago, Mary partnered with her sister Sarah Crane, a graphic designer and photographer, to create a neighborhood art and performance experience for the community. She discovered her...

Tricia Harding has been a board member of ArtWalla for the past eight years. ArtWalla is an organization that initially focused on public art and continues to educate the artistic community. Tricia was the chair of the City Commission for Art in Public Places. She is very proud of all that ArtWalla has accomplished in such a short time. Tricia is also a mixed-media paper artist who loves working i...

We had the opportunity to interview Tyson Kaup, the Executive Artistic Director of Walla Walla Summer Theater, a non-profit theater company in its second season. Tyson, an accomplished actor, director, and producer, grew up in the Walla Walla area and moved to New York at the age of 20. After many years of success in the city and starting a family, he decided to return to his roots. Tyson's goal i...

Mary Derby, the founder of DAMA Wines created, owned, and managed by women. Not only is she a wine-lover, but Mary Derby, the founder of DAMA Wines, is a wine enthusiast and a classically trained opera singer from Minnesota. Along with her husband, Devin, she co-created the brand of wines known as Spring Valley Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and after the untimely passing of her husband, Mary,...

Caden Butera, a talented filmmaker hailing from Coeur d’Alene, wears multiple hats as a writer, director, and editor. He has a passion for creating captivating short films that have garnered attention at the prestigious “50 Hour Slam” in Spokane as well as through online platforms. Embarking on his creative journey at the age of ten, Caden, alongside his supportive family, leads "Paradox Studios,"...

We were honored to talk with “The Boyle Fuel Twins”, Deanna, and Deanda Sylte, growing up on a ranch in Rathdrum, Idaho that was originally owned by Frederick Post. At nine years old, the Sylte Sisters first appeared on “Starlit Stairway” on KXLY in 1953, Spokane’s answer to “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Performing for six years on the show, they pursued their Hollywood dreams with their older sister Jo...

Tarin Leach, an artist who studied Social Sculpture at the University of Idaho and former instructor at Gizmo, is associated with CDA Galleries, Emerge, and the Art on the Edge Program. She will be hosting the first AltWalk: Estate Pop-up Show in Coeur d’Alene on August 9 from 4-9 pm at her home. Tarin looks forward to welcoming visitors to her estate gallery, offering an open house and garden tou...

Carrie Scozzaro, a dedicated art teacher, accomplished freelance writer, and talented artist, has carefully curated an exquisite exhibition titled "In the Mean Time." This captivating showcase opens on August 2, coinciding with First Friday in Spokane, and is gracefully hosted by Terrain, captivating audiences through the entire month of August. During a compelling discussion, Carrie provided deep...

Not only does Michael Koep write books, play drums in one or more bands, and pour himself in creating a shire-like home complete with studio in the back that accommodates his creative projects; but now he has taken over the Sunday in the Park concert series in Coeur d'Alene called Koep Concerts. This concert series was formerly run by the late Chris Guggemos, known locally as "The Music Man."  Aft...

After four years being dark, Lake City Playhouse, a valuable community theater, is back and coming in with a bang with the production of Oliver which runs this weekend with four shows: Friday, July 12 at 7:30, Saturday, July 13 at 2 pm and at 7:30, and the final run on Sunday, July 14 at 2 pm. And thanks to the amazing community support this treasured theater is finally able to celebrate its 60th...

A gem of summer nights in Coeur d'Alene is the Riverstone Summer Concert Series put on by the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance. The season this year begins on July 11, and goes every Thursday night through the end of August. And the line up ahead is promising to be phenomenal! Board members, Ruth Pratt and Max Mendez, talk about the  season line up, the sponsors, and what you can expect f...

It takes a lot of creativity to make a photography business successful. Kim Hildebrand does just that with her specialty family photo sessions and online education tools to help others become better photographers. Join us for a great conversation with Kim on her business, her inspirations, her great ideas, and more. For more on Kim, visit her website at kimhildebrand.com or check out her instagram...

Today, we had a delightful conversation with Devin Weeks, a respected reporter for the Coeur d'Alene Press and a passionate supporter of the arts in our community. The art of writing, especially in journalism, requires great creativity, as professionals in this field offer essential information, breaking news, and captivating entertainment. Journalism, demands immense creativity as individuals in...

Dan Brown is not just an artist, but also a teacher, author, and sculptor. He loves creating art from found objects and works in various media. For an impressive 29 years, he was the only art teacher at Okanogan Middle and High School. His art is mostly inspired by nature since he grew up on US Fish and Wildlife refuges and has a deep appreciation for exploring the outdoors. Dan holds a BS in Wild...

We loved getting to know Janet Fagan, an exceptionally skilled painter and printmaker who combines her distinct artistic styles to create captivating and evocative artwork. Drawing inspiration from the stunning natural landscapes of the Methow Valley, her creations vividly reflect her boundless imagination. They intertwine memories, optimism, a deep love for the natural world, and a profound compa...

Twisp has a funky little radio station that is run by a really cool man, Don Ashford, who doubles as a potter, former horse trainer and gold miner. What makes someone suddenly decide to own and operate a radio station? He answers that and more about the art community he lives in, his love of the area, and his passion for clay. Check out their radio station that is now streaming at radioroot.com KT...