The Roots and Reach of 4-H in Pueblo County: A Legacy of Learning by Doing, Then and Now Join host Gregory Howell for a special episode of the Voices of Pueblo podcast as we celebrate the power of youth and community at the 2025 Pueblo County Fair! In this lively and heartfelt conversation, six remarkable 4-H students share their stories, passions, and what 4-H means to them—from livestock and leadership to science and service.

Meet our future changemakers:

• Jessica Hall – Pueblo County High School

• Lacie Laca – Rye High School

• Kelly Sloan – Pueblo County High School

• Lillian Tate – Vineland Middle School

• Shania McKissick – Liberty Point International

• Dyland Bowens – Homeschool

Discover how Pueblo 4-H, through CSU Extension, continues to inspire confidence, compassion, and resilience—one hands-on project at a time. Whether you're a proud parent, former 4-h student, longtime volunteer, or just 4-H curious, this episode is for you.

Tune in now and catch the spirit of 4-H, right from the heart of Pueblo County. Streaming everywhere just in time for the 2025 Fair! For more information on the Fair visit: https://www.pueblocountyfair.com/

Special thanks to the entire team at CSU Extension Pueblo County and our sponsor Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) for making this episode possible.

In this inspiring episode of 45 Degrees, internationally acclaimed muralist Tim Nijenhuis joins us fresh from his latest creation on the Pueblo levee. Born in the Netherlands and now based in Hamilton, Ontario, Tim brings a rich legacy of creativity that spans generations—from fine art to music, filmmaking, set design, and more.

We trace his journey from Europe to North America and explore how his diverse experiences as a music teacher, filmmaker, and set designer inform his large-scale murals. Many of his works are shaped by deep community research and cultural listening. Tim also shares insights into the power of 3D illusions and how public art can spark thought and connection across neighborhoods.

His newest mural, located near the G.H. Nuckolls suspension bridge, features a striking 3D image of a boy fishing—a visual moment best experienced from the center of the bridge itself.

Tune in for a conversation that celebrates imagination, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of art—especially when painted at a 45-degree angle.

To learn more about Tim and where you can find him painting murals and making music, visit his website at www.ninehouseproductions.com.

In this episode of State of Art, host Bree Pappan sits down with artist and gallerist Jeff Madeen of Blo Back Gallery and event producer Steve Poikonen to explore the creative engine behind the Truth Show and the 3rd Annual Third Eye Carnival, happening July 4–6, 2025, at the Blo Back Gallery in Pueblo’s historic Grove neighborhood.

From the radical TRUTH art show opening on First Friday to three days of live music, panels, and carnival antics, this weekend-long event promises unfiltered expression and community celebration. Bree digs deep into the origins of the Carnival, the intention behind the TRUTH exhibit, and where this underground cultural force is heading next.

Art. Music. Truth. Rebellion. This isn’t just an event—it’s a movement.

Learn more: blobackgallery.com | thirdeyecarnival.com Location: Blo Back Gallery, Pueblo, CO

State of Art Podcast | Pueblo Heritage Museum: A New Chapter Begins Hosted by Bree Pappan | Presented by the Pueblo Star Journal

In this deeply insightful episode of State of Art, host Bree Pappan sits down with the new leadership team at the Pueblo Heritage Museum — an institution at the heart of Pueblo’s historical storytelling. As conversations swirl around the possible sale of the building that houses the museum and the Pueblo County Historical Society, this episode offers a timely and essential look into the future of one of Southern Colorado’s most important cultural assets.

Bree speaks with Dr. John Wendt, the museum’s new Executive Director, whose impressive background as an archivist and unwavering passion for history and preservation bring renewed energy to the institution. Also joining the conversation is Alexis “Lexi” Topping, Outreach Coordinator and Collections Assistant, whose journey from CSU Pueblo student to staff member illustrates the vital role young professionals are playing in shaping Pueblo’s cultural future.

Together, John and Lexi share their vision for the museum, current programming, and their commitment to community engagement through education, exhibitions, and the preservation of Pueblo’s stories — told through objects, photographs, and personal histories.

This episode is more than an introduction — it’s a call to action. At a moment when the museum's future is uncertain, this conversation invites listeners to engage, get involved, and consider how we as a community can protect and support the institutions that safeguard our shared heritage.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. Then join the conversation. Share your voice, support the museum, and help shape the future of history in Pueblo.

Contact the Pueblo Heritage Museum:

Dr. John Wendt, Executive Director (630) 247-1769 | director@pueblohistory.org

Alexis “Lexi” Topping, Outreach & Collections (719) 251-2047 | alexistopping22@gmail.com

#StateOfArtPodcast #PuebloHeritageMuseum #SaveLocalHistory #PuebloStarJournal #PuebloHistoryMatters #PreservePueblo

Podcast Host Intro: State of Art – Pueblo Film Fest Edition

Welcome to State of Art, the official podcast of the Pueblo Star Journal, where we celebrate the people and projects shaping the creative spirit of Southern Colorado. I’m your host, Bree Pappan, writer of the monthly State of Art feature in the PSJ.

Today, we’re focusing on one of the region’s most exciting cultural events — the Pueblo Film Fest, returning April 24–27, 2025. I’m joined by two dynamic voices from the festival’s Board of Directors: Kennedy Pugh and Chili Cilch. Together, we explore how this annual festival is building a cinematic bridge between Pueblo and the global film community.

We talk about the origins of the festival, what’s new this year, and how film can bring people together through shared stories and bold artistic expression. Whether you're a filmmaker, a film lover, or simply someone who believes in the power of community through art — this one’s for you.

And don’t forget! Tomorrow, April 19, is the Join or Die documentary screening and the official launch of ClubCon.org — a new initiative to bring together clubs and organizations across Pueblo. This free community event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. Come be part of the conversation and discover how you can get involved!

Pueblo Star Journal Presents: Gimme Shelter – The Podcast Hosted by Gregory Howell | Featuring Chantal Woodyard and Molly Cotner

In this powerful episode, PSJ host Gregory Howell sits down with disability rights advocate Chantal Woodyard and journalist Molly Cotner to discuss Gimme Shelter: A Survivor’s Fight for Justice, the March cover story of the Pueblo Star Journal. With unflinching honesty, Chantal shares her journey of surviving childhood abuse, confronting institutional power, and dedicating her life to fighting for those the system has historically left behind.

Molly walks us through the reporting process behind the feature, while Chantal reflects on the emotional return to the Wyoming State Hospital and how the past still echoes into her advocacy today.

We are also thrilled to announce that Gimme Shelter, the television pilot based on Chantal’s story, has been selected as one of only five finalists out of 10,000 submissions for this year’s SeriesFest. The pilot will screen as part of the Pitch-A-Thon on Thursday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Sie FilmCenter’s H2 Maglione Theater in Denver.

This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a testament to survival, truth-telling, and the power of story to spark change.

🎧 Listen now and join us on the road to SeriesFest.

Photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about storytelling, creativity, and seeing the world through a different lens. In this episode of State of Art on the Voices of Pueblo Podcast, we sit down with members of the Southern Colorado Photography Society: Joel Ohlsen, David Russell Jr., and James Van Hoy. They share their passion for photography, the evolution of the SCPS community, and the incredible opportunities for photographers—both seasoned and new—to connect, learn, and showcase their work. From monthly competitions to dynamic photo outings, SCPS is keeping the art of photography alive in Southern Colorado.

As we celebrate Colorado’s Month of Photography, we explore the importance of artistic collaboration and the impact of photography as a storytelling tool. Our guests discuss the power of mentorship, the joy of sharing creative experiences, and how SCPS continues to foster a vibrant photography community in Pueblo and beyond. Whether you're behind the camera or simply an admirer of stunning imagery, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of visual storytelling.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Join or Die, a must-see documentary screening happening on April 19 at the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center. This event, hosted by the Pueblo Star Journal, will also launch ClubCon.org, a new platform designed to connect you with clubs and organizations in Pueblo. It’s free, it’s community-driven, and it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger. Register now at ClubCon.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, the SCPS will have a booth at ClubCon and you will be able to talk to members at the event.

A huge thank you to Joel Ohlsen, David Russell Jr., and James Van Hoy for joining us on this episode and sharing their deep love for photography and community. Your insights and stories have shed light on the incredible work being done through the Southern Colorado Photography Society, inspiring both photographers and art enthusiasts alike. We appreciate your time, expertise, and commitment to keeping the art of photography thriving in Pueblo.

In this episode of Voices of Pueblo, host Gregory Howell welcomes the dynamic duo behind Morningstar Creations, Bryan Rivera and Dawn Armijo, to the PSJ Podcast Studio in Downtown Pueblo. Their nonprofit is transforming Pueblo’s parks and river trail systems with skateable art installations, offering youth new opportunities for movement, creativity, and community engagement.

Joining the conversation is Magnolia May, a dedicated advocate and creative consultant for Morningstar Creations, who has been instrumental in shaping their early development. Together, they discuss the inspiration behind the organization, the impact of skateboarding as both an art form and a life lesson, and the exciting Great Push Project at Vinewood Park, which is set to bring new skateable features to Pueblo’s South Side.

Through storytelling and passion, Bryan, Dawn, and Magnolia share their vision for creating inclusive, engaging public spaces where young people can thrive. Tune in to hear about their journey, the challenges they've faced, and their hopes for the future of skateboarding in Pueblo.

🎧 Listen now on Voices of Pueblo!