Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep. 53: CDA Arts Association

Learn a little of the art history in the Coeur d'Alene area from the organization that really launched the art scene into what it is today, laying the foundation for Art on the Green and more. We talk to Terry Ann Swanson Blakemore, the current president, Yvonne Benzinger, former president and self-made historian of the group, and Brooke Baggette Milbourne, one of the newest members of this organization with over 75 members.

And join them this weekend out at the Kootenai Fairgrounds for their annual art show, starting today at 10 am until 8 pm tonight, with a wine reception fro 5-8 pm tonight. Then again tomorrow from 10 am to 5 pm.

For more information about the CDA Arts Association and how to get involved, visit coeurdaleneartassoc.org

Ep. 52: North Idaho Pride Alliance team

A great conversation with the North Idaho Pride Alliance team of Jessica Mahuron, NIPA staff; Sam Koestner, NIPA Board President; and Kimber London, Board Member focusing on education. June is Pride Month, and they are busy with a lot of great events planned for the month, including Pride in the Park tomorrow at 10 am in CDA City Park.

North Idaho Pride is a support organization for the LGBTQIA+ community createing strong connections and alliances through collaboration between community organizations, community education, and programming, and is a great resource for everyone from those seeking understanding about themselves and others.

For more information or to get involved, visit nipridealliance.com.

Ep. 51: Darla Dreyer, Director of the Jacklin Arts & Culture Center

Post Falls has an excellent arts center, and Darla Dreyer is putting it on the map! With her guidance, the JACC has many performances, art shows, cooking classes, workshops and more! 

For more information about the JACC and the events they offer visit thejacklincenter.org

Ep. 50: Mary Kane, Artist and Ali’s Mom

In our first bi-coastal interview, we have Ali's mom in the studio to talk about her art, influences, inspirations, and how she transmitted that to Ali and her other kids. Mary grew up in Virginia, went to Ohio State University where she received her BFA. She taught art, English and history in her younger years, and then poured herself into painting after marrying her second husband. She now has a studio at The Workhouse in Lorton Virginia, an old prison converted into artist studios, galleries, and more. 

For more about Mary and her art visit marykane.com

Ep. 49: Raydeane Owens, local author

Talk about an uplifting spirit, Raydeane Owens lights up the room when she enters. In spite of several personal struggles, Raydeane uses her experiences and her words to try to make the world a little richer, to inspire kindness and positivity, and hopefully help others transition through their struggles. She talks about, and reads from, her two books, "Heaven-Earth" released in March of 2020, and "Brave One," which will be released soon. Both of of her books inspire, uplift and challenge us to be better in these rather tough times.

To find out more about Raydeane visit her website at raydeane.com. You can find her books on Amazon, at Mix It Up in Coeur d'Alene and at the Corner Book Store in Sandpoint.

Ep. 48: Joe Jacoby, NIC Theater Instructor

Joe Jacoby, NIC beloved Professor of Theatre and new division chair for health professions at North Idaho College, talks to us about theatre, acting, teaching his students who really love him, and about the shows he has done and looks forward to doing. Join in for this great conversation between us and this kind, gentle and inspiring man.

For more information about the college theatre events visit nic.edu/events.

Ep. 47: Kayla Tackett, Director of Exhibitions and Collection at the MAC

We really enjoyed talking to Kayla and finding out about her experience and what led her to the MAC, The Museum of Arts and Culture in the historic Brown's Addition in Spokane. What does it take to plan and manage exhibits and lead the team of curators. Kayla has an MA in Arts Administration from Indiana University, and a BA in Arts History and English Writing from DePauw University. We are so lucky to have her here in the northwest!

For more information about what's happening at the MAC, visit northwestmuseum.org.

Ep. 46: Dawn Wolski, Inland NW Opera General and Artistic Director

Dawn Wolski has served as the General and Artistic Director of Inland Northwest Opera (INO) since 2017, leading the organization during its rebranding from Opera Coeur d’Alene to Inland Northwest Opera, broadening its reach of professional opera across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Dawn joined INO on the heels of a successful international singing career, performing two dozen opera roles, multiple concert works and appeared on television programs in Europe, China, and the U.S. Dawn served two enlistments in U.S. Army where she performed with the London Symphony, Boston Symphony, National Symphony, and the Cincinnati Symphony. She has shared the stage with a variety of performers such as Julie Andrews, Wayne Brady, Wynonna Judd, Pam Tillis, Chris Isaak, as well as several U.S. presidents.

For more information about what is next for Inland NW Opera, visit inlandnwopera.com

For more information about Dawn visit dawnwolski.com

Ep. 45: Trigger Weddle, Artistic Director

Trigger Weddle is involved in everything theatre. Not only is she the Artistic Director for Aspire Community Theatre, she is also Theater and Events Manager at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center Coeur d'Alene, and Jazz Instructor at Northern Dance Academy. In fact, she is Performer, Artistic Staff, Teacher, Actor, Dancer, Singer, Director, Producer, Choreographer, Marketing/Business, Stage Manager, and Professor.

Post COVID, theater is making a come back, and Trigger is making it happen.

For information about upcoming shows, visit aspirecda.com and Kroc Events.

Ep 44: Hara Allison, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Podcaster and Artist

It is always such a pleasure to talk to someone so creative as Hara. She loves to explore her creative side, and right now her focus is on photography and showing people, woman in particular, how beautiful they are. This is also reflected in a thoughtful and beautifully designed podcast "See Beneath Your Beautiful," where guests "share stories of adversity and perseverance which inspire, encourage and challenge us. She embraces these tough conversations, intimately exploring our loves, fears and hopes with a delicious combination of depth and lightness."

You can find her at Hara.Photography, or on her See Beneath Your Beautiful podcast at your favorite podcast streamer, and her graphic design studio at StudioH-creative