Column: Andrew Dziengel’s look back at 2025's inspiring 'Area Voices'

I consider myself a lucky man.

Two of my favorite subjects to discuss are art and history. How fortunate am I, that my job is to discuss those two very same subjects with people in my community almost every week?

To be clear, I enjoyed every conversation I had in 2025 for Area Voices and just because I didn’t include them in this story doesn’t make them any less special. They all inspired me and gave me a different way to view life. As you get older, that feeling is something you begin to cherish.

These are some highlights from 2025.

How Kent Estey turned his art into a business

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Kent Estey

Kent Estey is an artist, a member of the White Earth Nation and lives in Naytahwaush. Our conversation this year was actually my second time talking to Estey. Last year, we discussed the exhibit “Naytahwaush: Faces, Stories, and Artists Exhibition” that he played a big role in.

This time, we focused on Estey’s work, and it was a fascinating conversation of what it takes to be a successful artist in 2025. We talked about the challenges that come with making art in a digital age, and how important it is to make connections in the art world.

It’s by far the longest interview I did in 2025, but I thought it was important to include so much good advice Estey had for any aspiring artists.

Art

Area Voices: How Kent Estey turned his art into a business

Andrew Dziengel

Listen • 27:37

Artist is creating 50 murals in 50 states

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Scott Kesti

My conversation with Cheyenne Renee about her 50 murals in 50 states was a highlight for me for two reasons. One, it was a really fascinating project to discuss. Two, it was the first time I went on location for an interview.

While I was nervous taking Area Voices on the road and I constantly checked to make sure the equipment was working, my discussion with Renee kept things at ease.

Renee gave some amazing insight into what painting 50 murals in 50 different states entailed. It hasn’t been an easy journey for her with the travel, but hearing about all the wonderful people she had a chance to meet because of the project serves as a good reminder of the social side of art.

Art

Area Voices: Artist is creating 50 murals in 50 states

Andrew Dziengel

Listen • 10:02

Minnesota author Benjamin Percy’s journey into comics

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Benjamin Percy

This particular interview does have a tinge of disappointment to it. Benjamin Percy was supposed to participate in the Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference this past summer. Because of the terrible storm that hit Bemidji, however, the conference was canceled.

I did have a chance to talk with Percy before the storm via Zoom. It was a dream come true for a comic nerd like me. I mean, I got to talk to the guy who wrote Wolverine and Ghost Rider? How cool!

We discussed how he got into comics and how he maintains dual careers as a comic and novel writer. It was a super fun conversation and don’t think I’ll be able to mention the X-Men as many times in any future Area Voices.

Art

Area Voices: Minnesota author Benjamin Percy’s journey into comics

Andrew Dziengel

Listen • 13:55

That wraps things up for 2025, and I could not be more excited to see what 2026 will bring.