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
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.
Artist is creating 50 murals in 50 states
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.
Minnesota author Benjamin Percy’s journey into comics
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.
That wraps things up for 2025, and I could not be more excited to see what 2026 will bring.
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Andrew Dziengel/KAXE“Area Voices” hit the road to visit the annual five-day Ely Film Festival. Andrew Dziengel talked with the festival’s director and program director. -
Contributed/Brainerd Public SchoolsBrainerd Public Schools Legendary Women Hall of Fame will induct five new members on March 30, 2026. -
Contributed/Jenny SommernessBemidji State University Talley Gallery's featured exhibit is “Cyrus Swann: Artist.” Mitch Blessing joined “Area Voices” to discuss Swann’s work and artistic legacy. -
Contributed/Shannon Lucas WestrumShannon Lucas and Jesse Westrum's “Wanderlust and Willow” at the Bagley Public Library features willow weaving baskets and photography from a recent trip to Ireland. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEThe Bagley Area Arts Collaborative presents the first “Afternoon Filled with Art” with three locations featuring local art. Participating artists join “Area Voices” to discuss the event. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEThe Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids was named as one of the recipients of the spring 2025 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. -
Contributed/Sanders Art StudiosKathy and Les Sanders run Sanders Art Studios and teach family enrichment classes in Bemidji. Both joined “Area Voices” to discuss their teaching projects. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXELead for Inclusion in Bemidji will host a book club event for "When Stars Are Scattered" at 4:30 p.m. March 4, 2026, at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. -
Contributed/Jakob LittlewolfWhite Earth Nation artist Jakob Littlewolf works in the acrylic pouring style of painting. He joins “Area Voices” to share the joys of being an artist. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXE“Area Voices” hits the road to visit The Crossing Arts Alliance's 8x8 Art Auction and Fundraiser in Brainerd. Andrew Dziengel talked with the Executive Director Jennifer Jacquot-DeVries and participating artists. -
Contributed/Michael MeuersBemidji Community Theater presents its production of “Clue.” Director Derrick Houle joined “Area Voices” to talk about the show. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEWatermark Art Center’s latest exhibit is “Minwaajimowinan – Good Stories” curated by artist Kent Estey. Estey joined “Area Voices” to discuss the origins of the project.
