Minot Arts Podcast: a MAP to the Arts in Small Town America Minot Area Council of the Arts

Justin and Chandell sit down for the season 2 finale with local florist and designer Lexi Clark, owner of Lexi Lou Floral. They discuss Lexi's journey through art, design, flowers, and events, the importance of telling your color story, and her passion for landscaping and community.

Justin and Chandell sit down with local artist Nancy Walter to discuss her experience as both an artist and a museum director in Minot. They talk about the importance of making mistakes, the benefit of collaborating with others, the challenge of reaching new audiences in a small community, and how we can break down barriers to encourage increased arts participation.

Kellie Harvey, of Kellie Photography, joins Justin and Chandell to discuss how her passion for photography developed accidentally as she learned the ropes of social media marketing. Kellie looks back on her experience coordinating the AARP murals in downtown Minot, how she's watched the murals give new life to underutilized spaces, and how they've become important landmarks for her and other local photographers. Kellie discusses her passion for empowering women through her work and about the joy she experiences watching the community come together at different downtown events, like those hosted by her and the crew at Atypical Brewery.

Dr. Erik Anderson, professor of strings and co-director of the MSU String Ensemble, joins Justin and Chandell to talk about the valuable role that creatives play within society, his passion for sharing knowledge and experience through music, and why he prefers playing in community orchestras where connection takes precedence over perfection. He shares his excitement about the upcoming Community Rocks concert and about his involvement with the Minot Strings Academy.

Elizabeth Sund of Sundbakes joins Justin and Chandell to talk about how strategic problem-solving led to her ability to make a living as a food artist. We talk about her creative process, how she decides what's "cake-able," her love of public speaking, and the power of prioritizing peace.

Local artist and graphic designer Roxi Mathis joins Justin and Chandell to discuss her rural upbringing in Amadon, ND and the impact that ranch life and familial influences have had on her artistic journey and her works. Roxi reflects on Minot’s welcoming arts environment, on the value of living in a community with accessible arts experiences, and shares her excitement about her newest projects.