Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep 183: The Glittering World of Holly Dolly, Burlesque Dancer/Producer

Meet Holly Dolly—an internationally published pinup model with a sparkle in her step and a love for all things burlesque! She first leapt onto the stage in 2015 with a contemporary dance troupe in the Tri-Cities, and by 2019, she was dazzling audiences as an independent burlesque artist. These days, you’ll find her lighting up stages and producing glittering shows all across the Northwest.

So, what is burlesque? Think comedy, think theater, think fabulous costumes and storytelling with a wink. Modern burlesque is less about striptease alone and more about empowerment, artistry, and celebrating self-expression in its boldest, most glitter-filled form.

Holly shares with us her journey from dancer to producer, how burlesque has become a powerful tool for female empowerment, the joy (and mischief!) of teaching others the art, and what’s next on her jam-packed performance calendar.

Want more sparkle in your life? Catch up with Holly at hollydollyburlesque.com or follow her adventures on social media @hollydollyburlesque.

Ep 182: The CDA Library "Right to Read" Calendar

Library Foundation board members have revived a beloved idea from 20 years ago—a literary-themed calendar—but with a timely new twist: celebrating the Right to Read. Mary Sanderson, Bette Ammon, and Ruth Pratt discuss the role of the Foundation and why this fundraiser is so important to the preservation of the library, as well as process of producing the calendar.

The 16-month calendar highlights the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation’s dedication to protecting and defending intellectual freedom. Each month showcases a book that has been challenged over the years, paired with playful parodies featuring local community members, leaders, and celebrities. Thanks to the work of libraries and librarians, these titles remain available for “all kinds of books for all kinds of people.” The calendar begins September 2025.

Fun, creative, and meaningful, the Right to Read Calendar is available for $35 at The Well-Read Moose, the Second Story Bookstore inside the library, or online at cdalibrary.org/about/library-foundation.

Ep 181: Emerge: Where Art Comes Alive

Meet Jeni Riplinger, the visionary force behind Emerge Gallery in Downtown Coeur d’Alene—a vibrant hub where creativity comes alive. Emerge isn’t just a gallery, it’s a collective art experience that sparks imagination, connects community, and gives emerging artists the chance to shine. From hands-on classes to unforgettable community art events, Emerge is where inspiration takes root and grows.

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00–7:00 PM, Emerge takes over 2nd Street for its most electrifying event of the year: the INK! Print Rally. Imagine giant wooden blocks—carved with breathtaking detail over weeks or even months—transformed into massive works of art using nothing less than an asphalt roller! Watch as local printmaking pros and passionate artists team up to bring bold, large-scale designs to life before your very eyes. This year’s thrilling theme: “Portals.”

NEW this year, the INK! Rally joins forces with the 33 Artists Market, where 20 incredible local makers will showcase their work in a lively vendor market. Together, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community you won’t want to miss.

Emerge Gallery is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and every second Friday you can dive into ARTWALK from 5:00–8:00 PM. Plus, with inspiring classes offered year-round, there’s always a new way to engage with the arts.

For the full lineup of opportunities, visit emergecda.com—and get ready to be inspired!

Ep 180: The Importance of Creativity and the Power of Making

The team came together for an impromptu episode exploring the power of art, creativity, and the act of making. Inspired by Amie McNee’s TED Talk, “The Case for Making Art When the World Is on Fire,” they take on the idea that art is frivolous in hard times. McNee argues the opposite—creativity isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Art soothes, connects, and gives meaning. It heals bodies, minds, and communities. It’s also resistance, hope, and a legacy that endures long after us.

In this spirit, the team also reflects on nearly five years of conversations with remarkable creative people.

To listen to Amie's TED talk visit the TED talk page at YouTube

Ep 179: Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC)

The Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) has been bringing the arts to life in Bonner County since 1978. For nearly five decades, this local nonprofit has inspired creativity, enriched education, and connected the community through unforgettable arts experiences.

Claire Christy, Arts Coordinator for the Pend Oreille Arts Council, invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of the arts with their highly anticipated 3-day Artist Studio Tour—Labor Day Weekend August 29–31, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Step inside the creative worlds of 20 talented artists as they open the doors to 16 unique studios across Sandpoint, Sagle, and the surrounding areas. From paintbrush to pottery wheel, canvas to carving tools, you’ll see art in action, hear the stories behind the work, and even have the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind treasure.

The Artist Studio Tour is more than an event—it’s a celebration of North Idaho’s thriving arts community and an invitation to support the incredible talent in our own backyard.

Discover more about POAC’s wide variety of programs, classes, and events at ArtinSandpoint.org, and explore the full lineup of participating artists at artinsandpoint.org/artist-studio-tour.

Ep 178: Captain David Kilmer, Sailor and Storyteller

Meet Captain David Kilmer, a man whose life has been transformed by the sea. An accomplished sailor and storyteller, David Kilmer's journey began when his father launched a little wooden boat for him, named Skipper-N-Dad. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for the sea, leading to his first bluewater passage at the age of 25, a transformative 2,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean.

By his early 30s, David Kilmer had already embarked on a life less ordinary. He ran off to the Caribbean, driven by a desire to become a boat captain, and spent five seasons working in the Grenadines. His book A Peril To Myself and Others is a vivid portrayal of those colorful and tumultuous times, a testament to the adventurous spirit that has always defined him.

His latest book, The Way of the Sailor, is a captivating set of seagoing essays, meditations, and small adventures that explores what it truly means to be a sailor, the challenges and joys of life at sea, and ultimately, how to better navigate life itself. His books often delve into themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of the open ocean.

From 2009 to 2019, David and his co-captain, Rebecca, cruised their 36-foot sailing sloop from Bellingham, Washington, to the Bahamas with stops in 12 countries, including Cuba and a transit of the Panama Canal along the route. Their journey was not just a personal adventure, but a testament to David's expertise and passion for sailing. David is the captain of the private sailing yacht Sizzler.

You can purchase David’s book on Amazon or Goodreads, or locally at the Well Read Moose or Mix it Up Home. Follow David on Instagam@captainkilmer or wayofthesailor.com

Ep 177: The Heart of the Stage: Amy D’Orazi

Amy D’Orazi brings joy into every room she enters. If you’ve seen her perform, you know she carries a rare blend of heart and innocence that’s hard to put into words. A singer, actress, painter, and writer, Amy grew up in the Inland Northwest, where her boundless creativity was nurtured from a young age and she was encouraged to take the stage.

After a long hiatus from theatre, Amy returned with remarkable energy and passion—landing one leading role after another. She’s lit up the stage as Inga in Young Frankenstein, Laurie in Oklahoma!, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, and most recently as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.

In 2023, Amy received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence in the Arts—a testament to her talent and impact on the community. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she shared, “It's never too late to dream, never too late to take risks or try something new, and never too late to grow... To seek and take risks—that is what it means to be truly alive.”

She has performed with Aspire Community Theatre, and tonight she returns to the stage as Ilona in She Loves Me, presented by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. This charming musical marks the final production of their summer season.

For tickets, visit cstidaho.com.

Ep 176: Color, Connection, and Coeur d’Alene: The World of Jaime Rome

Jaime Rome Crain is a passionate fine artist based in the beautiful Inland Northwest. Working primarily in oil, Jaime dives deep into the complexities of the human experience—exploring themes like memory, emotion, and social issues—through vivid color, expressive figures, and dreamlike, abstract spaces. Her work doesn’t just hang on a wall—it connects, often stopping people in their tracks. And that spark of recognition, that shared moment between artist and viewer? That’s her favorite part.

And just recently, the J. Rome Gallery opened, Coeur d’Alene’s newest art spot, founded and curated by none other than Jaime herself. A hometown girl from a family of artists, Jaime is thrilled to bring something fresh to the local arts scene—an inviting space full of contemporary flair, creative conversations, and the kind of art that just might stay with you long after you’ve walked out the door.

Jaime’s mission? To help people feel seen, understood, and a little less alone—one bold, beautiful brushstroke at a time.

Find more about Jaime and her work and the gallery at jaimerome.com and on Instagram @jaimeromeart.

Ep 175: Bringing Levity to Life with Noah Johnson of Levity Theatre

Meet Noah Johnson, founder of Levity Theatre and a passionate force in the world of improv since 2018. With experience as a performer, teacher, and creator of the Northwest Improv Fest, Noah brings energy, warmth, and joy to everything he does. He especially loves helping people step outside their comfort zones, embrace their authentic selves, and discover the magic of being a little silly.

Levity Theatre takes its name from the word “levity”—lightness of mind, spirit, and humor—and that philosophy shines through in every performance and class. Based in Coeur d’Alene, Levity Theatre offers high-quality improv that’s clever, original, family-friendly, and laugh-out-loud funny.

Beyond regular improv shows, Levity offers ongoing 4-week improv class sessions each month, plus workshops open to all experience levels. Whether you're a performer, student, audience member, wizard, or someone with an excellent collection of weird hats—there’s a place for you at Levity.

Get involved or learn more at levitytheatre.com

Ep 174: Meaghan Sheets, Mrs. Idaho American

More Than Makeup: Meaghan’s Mission of Confidence and Kindness

With a heart for encouraging others, Meaghan is on a mission to help women build confidence from the inside out. She is the proud owner of a salon that doubles as a drop-off location for beauty and hygiene products benefiting Project Beauty Share. Through her platform, #MoreThanMakeup, she empowers women by coordinating donation drives, leading confidence-building workshops, and providing makeovers to help women feel seen, valued, and loved. She uses her brushes as the tools for change and connection and is passionate about helping others step into their worth, with one lipstick and one act of kindness at  a time.

 Meaghan resides in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with her loving family. As a mom of two and the wife of a Marine veteran, she brings a deep understanding of faith, family and service to everything she does. 

​She is also the author of 52 Words of Encouragement, a devotional-style book that inspires women to embrace their God-given identity one word at a time. Whether she’s mentoring moms, tending to her garden, or serving as a board member for Brighter Life Foundation, she leads with compassion and joy. Meaghan is most looking forward to traveling all throughout Idaho spreading love and encouragement everywhere she goes! 

For more about Meaghan visit https://www.idahoamericapageant.com/mrsidahoamerican. And be sure to watch the Mrs. American pageant live-streamed from Las Vegas on August 27.