Aspen Love

Although it's nearly spring, I'm still savoring the rainbow of colors that autumn gifted us this year. What a fall! During a hike above Lemon Dam, the contrast of a golden aspen stand and its shadows was breathtaking. I loved capturing its essence on canvas.

"Aspen Love"

24" x 48"

acrylic on canvas

available

Music in the Mountains 2024 Season

I am proud to be the Music in the Mountains graphic designer for a second year. The transformative power of Music is immense, and it's a joy to be an integral part of marketing this renowned annual festival.

Music in the Mountains chooses a different artist to paint each season's artwork each year. The 2024 choice was local artist Patrice DeLorenzo. Her Summertime Sonata painting was drawn from classical music's emotional impact on us all. Patrice explains, "In both music and painting, there is a layering of sound and instrumental parts, each coming together to create a symphony of emotions. When the music and the painting strike the chord they are meant to, they resonate deeply within us, touching us in ways that are truly remarkable, harmonious, and profound."

I'm proud to know Patrice and have personally witnessed her artwork's aesthetic and emotional impact. Creating this year's marketing material with her beautiful artwork will be a joy.

Music in the Mountains...

It's the Music.

It's the Musicians.

It's the Experience.

July 11 – August 4, 2024

Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

This sauce is so versatile it could be considered the little black dress of toppings! This colorful sauce and dip can be served warmed or cold, on veggies, salads, or meats... it compliments nearly everything deliciously.

The ArtRoom Collective First Friday

Come participate in our Earth Day-related “Planet vs. Plastic'' Community Art Mosaic at The ArtRoom Collective on Friday, April 5 from 4-7pm!

Emily Lloyd of Violet Mae Upholstery will lead the community in creating an art mosaic table of a Durango scene from recycled plastic pieces for First Friday. At 5:30, join us in making a community art piece out of plastic. Please bring 2-3 pieces of clean, used plastic to be used in the art piece. This project will be started by the Durango community on First Friday, April 5, and will be finalized for the Earth Day event at Buckley Park, across from Durango Sustainable Goods on April 20, 2024. Learn more about our local Earth Day celebration at: https://www.earthdaydurango.com

Come to The ArtRoom Collective to talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or a special someone at the Smiley Building at 1309 East Third Avenue in Durango, Colorado.

The Walls Project
City of Durango Mural

I'm thrilled be collaborating with nine local professional artists chosen to colorfully transform the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility Administration building walls at Santa Rita Park! Our 120' mural is inspired by our local seasons, nature, and watershed and will be unveiled during Animas River Days on June 1 and 2. Drop by Santa Rita during the months of April and May to see this team in action. I'm grateful for Thomas Donley of The Walls Project, and the City of Durango for this creative opportunity! Click to read the Durango Herald article.

Intuitive Art Sales Podcast

Although initially intimidated by being recorded for a podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed my first podcast interview experience with the wise and disarming Intuitive Art Sales’ Jessica Craddock, The Artist Marketer @artistmarketco. Jessica mentors intuitive visual artists to sell more work, more consistently, with better work/life balance. I learned excellent ways to focus my marketing efforts while staying true to my authentic and natural communication and marketing styles. Click to listen to the podcast interview.

Stephen Ministry

Speaking of rainbows in the clouds, I regularly meet with a LOT of rainbows at Summit Church as part of its Stephen Ministry program. I've served as a Stephen Minister for five years and am grateful for this ministry, the remarkable group of people I serve with, and the people it helps.

Stephen Ministers are the "After People." We are trained to walk alongside people to provide comfort and support after a life difficulty—death, divorce, tragedy or disappointment—meeting once a week for an hour for as long as needed. The program is about confidential, compassionate listening... for everyone, regardless of their religious background.

If you'd like to learn more about Stephen Ministry, click here or contact me or Julia Griffith, Director of Caring Ministries, at julia@summitdurango.org or (970) 247-4213.

I think Dr. Maya Angelou would have been an excellent Stephen Minister. ❤️