Boulder, CO October 2023

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE WOMEN’S ISSUE

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“Let your engagement ring be a bold proclamation of your extraordinary journey. Our experts are ready to guide you.“

– John Atencio

BRIDAL COLLECTION INTRIGUE

PEARL WEST – 1048 PEARL STREET

FLATIRON CROSSING MALL

Decades of our experience.

Minutes of your time.

Weeks until your project is complete.

“My vision was like what you see in France and Italy: 300-year-old houses or barns, with very modern improvements. It’s solid stone. The exterior is reclaimed timbers, at least a hundred years old. The interior is clay plastered walls. The ceiling, hundred-year-old reclaimed oak. Maurer handled all the woodwork. Which quite frankly is much more challenging to get right than painting. We had completely different applications for each. The pool room ceiling is cedar with a beeswax finish. Tami went to Denver with me to meet with the Woca Oil people for the walnut doors and trim. Walnut goes a grayish purple if you just naturally color it, but we got it to this perfect brown. It was quite a project, and I wanted all the details, the colors, the textures, to come together.

Maurer was very good, very professional. It was very much a collaboration, and the end result is beautiful.”

“I’m sure my project

Maurer, because they didn’t do any painting for me, really.”

- PETE VEGAS, NORTH BOULDER, HOMEOWNER

solid stone home, with no paint whatsoever.

Threads of a Woven Fabric

Filling the pages of this 2023 Woman’s Issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle has been transformative.

As a 25-year-old woman, I’m usually just trying to figure out what exactly is going on - in my life, in the world, just being on this planet in general! Having the opportunity to meet with just some of the most impressive, hardworking and motivated women in our communities was beyond inspiring, but also comforting - we’re all trying to better ourselves and our communities, while simultaneously navigating life and all of its excitement.

Aside from being who they are, most of the fabulous women in this feature had something else in common - at our photoshoot for our cover story, “Embedded Within”, almost every woman said something along the lines of “Why was I chosen?”, or “I’m so happy I was asked to do this, but I can’t believe it”. I found it funny - how could they not see what we see?

That is the beauty of it - women are the threads woven into our communities, the ties holding us all together. Behind the scenes and oftentimes without recognition, they don’t feel as though they’re doing anything special; they’re simply being themselves and doing what they feel is necessary, what is right, and what they hope will bring joy to others.

Now you all can see them through our lens.

I am a firm believer that “you are the company you keep” - who you surround yourself with says everything about you. While you flip through these pages, I encourage you to think about women in your life who make you want to be better, work harder and dream bigger.

As this was my first Women’s Issue, I’d like to thank my fabulous team of women for this opportunity! Kate, Chantel, and Kelsey - it’s a privilege to fill these pages with you each and every month.

Let this issue be a love letter to all mothers, sisters, daughters, mentors and friends - we see you and love you!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

Kailey Beuerlein | kailey.beuerlein@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lisa Van Horne, Willow King, Linden Butrym, Tony Firestine, Katherine Owen, Emily O'Brien, Jessica Mordacq, Grace Boyle

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Ladd Forde, Eddie Clark

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Proverbs 3:5-6

Melton is proud to be a Certified B Corporation.

As part of this global community of certified businesses we’re dedicated to using business as a force for good, and meeting verified high standards of social and environmental impact. Along with our clients, we’re designing, building, and living better.

work local. live local. play local.

family owned & operated, celebrating 60 years in commercial real estate, serving Boulder County and beyond

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Evolution Dermatology + Wellness celebrated their one year anniversary in Boulder with a festive open house. They are thankful for all of the community support, the help of the Evolution “Junior Team” and are looking forward to the years ahead!

Photography by @jenniferciplet

THE GOOD STUFF IN COLORADO AND 50+ DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE. COME HAVE FUN AND SHARE IN THE GOODS.

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An incredible and rare opportunity awaits on one of Boulder’s most sought-after streets. Perched on a hilltop, this residence can be purchased as a single family home, or purchased with the adjacent buildable lot, allowing new owners the canvas to build their dream compound, construct a guest house or hold as a lucrative investment.

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Lafayette History Museum Awarded Two Grants Totaling More than $52,000

The Lafayette History Museum just earned a pair of grants totaling more than $52,000. The money will be used to complete a comprehensive inventory of its collection and preserve a collection of coal-mining maps.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the museum $47,000, and the Colorado Historical Records Advisory Board awarded it $5,000.

The museum is housed in an 1895 miner’s cottage at 108 East Simpson Street in Old Town Lafayette.

Elyria Jewels Trunk Show at Starfish JewelryOctober 13-15

Join us for an amazing trunk show featuring new and classic pieces from Boulder's own Elyria Jewels! Elisa, the founder and creative director, will be there in person. Come sip some wine, nibble on some snacks and browse this amazing collection, put together only for this trunk show.

Elyria Jewels creates unique, contemporary jewelry for women with eclectic taste. The focus is on unique gemstones and pearls, and handmade craftsmanship.

Events at The Studio (Boulder)

Boulder’s only industrial chic event venue, perfect for a wide variety of corporate and private events. The 2,900 square feet of ADA accessible event space is laid out in such a way that it can accommodate a crowd of 20 or 200 without feeling too large or too small. parties

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We are currently booking corporate holiday events.

Alpine Bank Receives Gold-Level Recognition from Colorado Green Business Network

Alpine Bank is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Gold-level member of the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN). The CGBN is a voluntary program that encourages, supports and rewards superior environmental performers that go beyond the requirements of environmental regulations and move toward the goal of true, operational sustainability. This is the 16th consecutive year Alpine Bank has been a Gold-level member of CGBN and its predecessor CDPHE’s Environmental Leadership Program. AlpineBank.com

Bonjour Keto: The Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Cooking School with a French Touch

Nelly Genisson founded Bonjour Keto Cooking School with a simple idea: “to make the ketogenic diet easy and enjoyable for everyone and every day!"

With over ten years of personal experience, she is passionate about sharing her expertise to guide others toward success. After impacting thousands of lives in France through two bestsellers and her website, she’s committed to helping Boulder's community with low-carb and gluten-free cooking classes featuring a uniquely French twist! BonjourKeto.com

Want to be featured?

Preschool

Cultivating curiosity and wonder

Elementary

Fostering engagement, perseverance, and joyful learning

IB Middle School

Developing inquiry, innovation, and critical thinking

OWN THE LIFE

A Modern

HOW COTTONWOOD CUSTOM BUILDERS CREATED A UNIQUELY SPECTACULAR BOULDER OASIS

When homeowners Jeff and Lisa purchased a property in North Boulder that played host to a long-abandoned duplex, they knew that they were taking a risk. From the challenging triangular shape and drastic slope of the lot to the state of the existing structure, building their contemporary dream home on the site would be a challenge. But the allure of the lot’s ideal location, its exceptional surrounding neighborhood and its spectacular mountain views won out, and the pair engaged with Cottonwood Custom Builders to create their new abode.

Perch

“Finding a lot within walking distance of Downtown Boulder is very difficult,” says Jeff Hindman, founder and CEO of Cottonwood. “This project was very unique in part because the lot was both so challenging and so incredible.”

After the initial deconstruction and recycling—as possible—of the existing structure, the Cottonwood team set out to make the home’s distinct design a reality.

“The teamwork between Cottonwood and our architect was essential and very effective,” say the homeowners. “Their mutual creativity and cost engineering really helped us stay on track.”

The homeowners were seeking to create a well-built contemporary oasis permeated with high-quality touches and finishes. The project was made complex by a number of factors, including tricky engineering requirements to accomplish the design, tightness to neighboring structures due to the lot’s shape, the site’s steep slope, Boulder building codes, bulk plane requirements and more. But through creative design and precision construction, the Cottonwood team turned these obstacles into opportunities to create a stunning one-of-a-kind home.

“This is truly one of the coolest houses we’ve ever built,” says Jeff. “It is the perfect design for the lot. The whole house was created to take advantage of the near-panoramic views.”

The final product is an eye-catching home from which gorgeous mountain views spill in at every turn—even from the basement. The home’s inverted structure places the primary living room—a dramatically cantilevered area—and kitchen on the top while the primary bedroom and walk-out basement are on the lower two floors.

Expansive windows invite in views of the Flatirons to the south and the foothills and Mount Sanitas to the west and north, providing an immersive indoor/outdoor feel. Purposeful layout choices further enhance this openness and connection to the outdoors, such as the two decks off the second floor. Distinct design elements likewise contribute to this luminous motif, such as the sloped custom skylight over the staircase, which provides a tranquil snow

globe experience in the winter. Yet even with close structural proximity to its neighboring buildings, the home remains cozy and private given the care and detail put into designing it within both the landscape and building codes.

The home’s bright natural light illuminates a clean, modern interior characterized by impeccable finishes and distinct personal touches, such as the homeowners’ unique Italian tile, a clean wood burning stove and a meticulously crafted custom wine cellar. Livable space is maximized throughout the home, including the spacious hidden utility room and hidden grill room off the front deck.

The quality of this exquisite design is matched by the care and expertise that the Cottonwood team poured into the home’s build. This is especially evi-

dent in the home’s stellar energy-efficient status.

“As with all Cottonwood projects, we created a very high-performing building envelope and highly efficient mechanical systems,” says Jeff. “This is what makes up the long-term sustainability potential of a home. From the highly insulated windows to the large solar energy system, this is a very energy-efficient structure.”

In all, the home is a master class in creative problem-solving, impeccable design and transparent communication between all the involved teams.

“Working with Cottonwood on this project was wonderful,” say the homeowners. “The quality of work carried out was outstanding, as was their teams’ interest and ability to build such a high-quality, energy-efficient home given all the nuances and challenges of building in Boulder and on a lot such as ours.”

“THEIR MUTUAL CREATIVITY AND COST ENGINEERING REALLY HELPED US STAY ON TRACK.”

Breast Care 101

TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR PREVENTION THIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to give you all some tips for staying as healthy as possible; making sure you are getting the screening you need and also ensuring these services are available to as many women in Boulder County, regardless of their insurance or pay brackets.

The overriding mantra of most healthcare professionals is that the best prevention method is early detection, which means knowing your family history and making a plan with your doctor that addresses your needs. The USPSTF recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. In Boulder County, we have several options for free or reduced-cost screenings.

Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center offers free breast and cervical screening through the Women's Wellness Connection and WISEWOMAN programs. More information is available at the Boulder Valley Health website.

In addition to regular screening, other prevention method suggestions echo what we already know about general longevity: eating a healthy diet with lots of good fats, plant-based options and limiting alcohol intake, all of which are great boosts for staving off all kinds of disease. Cruciferous and leafy green veggies have been specifically shown to have the greatest effect. Cruciferous friends

topping the list are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

As well as dietary choices, getting regular exercise lowers risk and adds endorphins; win-win! Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, which aids greatly in the prevention of breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, plus strength training at least twice a week.

In Boulder there are endless choices for getting this kind of exercise - get outside! Walk, bike, run, jump rope in the park. For local strength training, we love Kondition Fitness and Mecha.

There are many ways to get involved in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the National Breast Cancer Foundation is the cornerstone and often the best place to start if you want to donate or volunteer. As their website states, this month is about more than pink ribbons. It's about getting women access to the education, screening and support they need when they need it. This October, help women by choosing where your donation goes: education, screening, support or have NBCF direct your funds to the area of greatest need.

If you're feeling so inclined, the National Breast Cancer Organization website can help direct you to your donation location of choice.

And if you want to combine getting some good exercise as well as fundraising, you can sign up for the Not so Flatt Breast Cancer Awareness Run/Walk in Westminster on Saturday, October 28th with both 5k and 10k options available.

HO W DI VINE

Boulder’s Newest Luxury Boutique

Invokes a Sense of Discovery

BEATRICE THE DIVINE

Growing up in Colorado, April Johanna acquired an eye for style by observing her mother, a model, and grandmother, “a true sartorialist,” she says. April recalls poring over her grandmother’s Neiman Marcus catalogs and then stealing some of those very pieces from her closet. “I was just obsessed,” she says. “That has always been in me, this interest in fashion.” Although she received her degree in the healthcare field, April never lost sight of her first love, and frequent travels across the globe only enriched the joy she felt in discovering fabulous, one-of-a-kind pieces. Sensing a void in Boulder’s luxury fashion scene, she felt drawn to open her own shop.

Beatrice the Divine, nestled on Walnut Street around the corner from Pearl Street Mall, is an homage to April’s trips to Italy and her personal aesthetic, which marries elevated classics (think high-quality, tailored garments you can keep in your wardrobe for years) with fun statement pieces. The store name refers to Beatrice, the beautiful and mysterious muse of Italian writer and philosopher Dante Alighieri in his “Divine Comedy” poem. Additional European influences are found in the store’s mid-century design, with Salvador Dalí lithographs lining the walls, a pink Ultrafragola mirror by Italian architect and furniture designer Ettore Sottsass, Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofas, and a credenza custom made in Portugal.

April curated her designer collective based on personal relationships. “It’s really important to me to go in person when I buy, to feel the fabric, to see how something drapes, to look for unique details,” she says. Parisian labels Ines de la Fressange and Manoush, and Italian brands Alysi and Pomand è re were among the first she launched with late last year; now, April stocks an array of clothing brands ranging from Japanese designer Tanaka to Denver-based KetiVani to Mozhdeh Matin, an artisanal Peruvian label. You’ll also find jewelry, shoes (Intentionally Blank, Reike Nen, Rejina Pyo), bags (including Maria La Rosa pieces handmade in Italy), candles and colorful, hand-blown glass wares from Australia and Italy.

“I went to Milan to meet with them in their showroom,” April says of Murano glassware designer Stories of Italy, which she sells exclusively in Colorado. “It’s a personal thing — what we have in our closets and our home is personal. I want that energy to translate all the way from the designer to my customer.”

A large part of April’s vision for the store was to create a shopping destination for mothers and daughters, somewhere everyone can discover something special. Cohesion with her offering is also important; however, she admits she can be

room for new inventory. In early September, it was held in collaboration with The New Local, a Pearl Street gallery that champions female artists and fosters community.

Beatrice the Divine exists at the intersection of art and fashion, where locals and visitors alike can find distinctive, thoughtfully designed pieces. Exploring the store calls to mind fashion editor Diana Vreeland’s famous phrase “the eye has to travel” — everywhere you look, there’s a glimpse of something beautiful. “I love looking at fashion through an artist’s lens,” April says. “It’s a form of expression. The joy comes when women find something they feel and look amazing in before going out into the world and creating memories in these pieces.”

To see the latest arrivals and happenings, follow along on Instagram @ BeatriceTheDivine. Online shopping coming soon to BeatriceTheDivine.com

piece-oriented when she buys. “I’m driven by, ‘Wow, this is a beautiful design. I really want this piece in the store, and I know I can style it this many ways.’”

Understanding her customers is also a priority. April strives to create a personal shopping experience based on what they need, whether it’s sizing assistance, styling advice or to be left alone while they browse. Her team of five, which includes her daughter, is currently working to expand their social media presence and launch e-commerce, which has been in high demand since Beatrice the Divine opened. April travels regularly to New York, Paris, Milan and London for market, on a constant quest to discover new brands she might like to carry. When one season transitions to the next, the store holds warehouse sales that benefit local nonprofits to make

“I LOVE LOOKING AT FASHION THROUGH AN ARTIST’S LENS.”

“I get asked a lot what my measure of success is,” Salto Coffee owner Karina Luscher shares. “And to me, it’s what I feel while I’m here seeing people relaxing and enjoying themselves.” A quick glance around the expansive open space and you immediately feel what Luscher knows––Salto is the social hub of Nederland. “We’re not struggling to reach our bottom line, we’ve made it, so now our success is the feeling we give people when they come here.”

Nestled in the heart of downtown Nederland, Salto is hard to miss. The mocha-colored coffee shop shares a patio with its sister business, Tin Shed Sports, which Luscher opened with her husband Marcus in 2012. The coffee shop's name, meaning "leap or jump," perfectly captures the audacity it took to create something so exceptional in this small mountain community. Despite numerous challenges––from floods in 2013 to fires and canyon closures in the following years––Salto’s importance in Nederland grew along with Luscher’s resolve.

So when the pandemic hit, Luscher saw Salto's spacious layout as a way to keep her staff safely employed while continuing to serve the community. "We had live music on the patio, we served coffee and food out the windows––we would even bring food to your car!” Luscher beams. Salto’s adaptability made it the heart of the social-distance scene, creating a sense of belonging for the politically weary and socially deprived. “The community that I live in and support gathered here, and that felt really good,” Luscher shares.

Beyond the comforting ambiance, the quality of Salto’s on-site roasted coffee is what sets it apart. "I'll never forget the day when I perfected our Salto blend. After eight months of dialing in the flavor profile, I finally found the right balance: hints of fruit, molasses, and a bit of that savory cinnamon element that

“The women business owners in Nederland are extremely supportive and connected.”

The same can be said for Luscher’s employees, whom she credits for being the secret to her success.

“I’m really fortunate, my staff is absolutely stellar. The guys at Tin Shed are some of the best bike mechanics and salespeople in Boulder County––if not Colorado. And Jen, our manager, has been with Salto for seven years. Every employee has left a thumbprint on this place, making it better, inspiring me and teaching me the best life lessons I could ask for.”

The staff brings a calm atmosphere to an otherwise over-caffeinated environment. People come to Salto because they want more than food and drink––they want to be in that relaxing environment. Luscher recognized this and now hosts events like private weddings, corporate team-building experiences (facilitated with Tin Shed) and five-course dinners with wine pairings. “My husband and I got married in a barn, and I just loved it––I thought, this is such a great place to have people gather. What if our shop could encompass that?" And that is what Luscher has done––she’s created a place where people can gather and grow.

comes from Sumatra in the blend––I wanted to create coffee that was a really happy experience from start to finish––and oh my god we did it!”

Salto’s coffee roasting program, now led by roaster Rob Hoos, is expanding to include online coffee orders. “We’re even making the morning routine smoother for skiers heading to Eldora,” Luscher says. “Soon, you’ll be able to pre-order breakfast online and pick it up on your way to the slopes––and we include a drink gift card in each order so after you’re done skiing, you can come in and relax.”

This type of forward-thinking entrepreneurship is what has made Luscher a nurturing leader for other female business owners in the community. In the decade since Salto opened its doors, the food scene in Nederland has been elevated to include staples like Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse (which started as a mobile pizza oven on Salto’s patio), Kaleidoscope Kitchen and Decent Bagel. “The women business owners in Nederland are extremely supportive and connected,” Luscher shares.

Some of the most amazing individuals call Boulder home. This month, we strive to recognize women who have built a name for themselves through hard work and initiative—and woven the threads of their passions through the fabric of our neighborhood. We’ve gathered together noteworthy female entrepreneurs, food & wine experts, creatives and advocates to celebrate their success. While this list is in no particular order and by no means exhaustive, we hope that as you read on, you’ll feel inspired, connected and empowered.

LOCAL WOMEN WHO ARE MAKING AN IMPACT

Location: Lolo Rug Boulder

ADVOCAT ES

Peoples Executive Director of Women’s Wilderness

Kriste serves as the executive director of Women’s Wilderness, located in Boulder. As a leader and frequent speaker in Colorado’s outdoor community,

she offers experiential workshops that explore the underrepresentation and irrepressible spirit of people of color in nature. Kriste is also an avid trail runner and meditation enthusiast who enjoys taking on new projects but draws the line at YouTubeinspired home renovation.

What she’d tell her younger self: “To be clear, my younger self includes the woman I was last week, an hour or moment ago too. I remind her and all of my past selves that we’re doing just fine, that we have nothing to prove, that we are beautiful, divine, seen, supported, worthy and always moving in our purpose.”

Elaina Shively Attorney, Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow

Elaina’s success in and out of the courtroom is characterized by her empathic and kind, yet strong and effective advocacy. She has always been driven to solve problems and to stand up for others. In May 2023, she joined the new law firm of Garnett Powell Maximon & Barlow and is dedicated to trauma-informed, compassionate, and zealous advocacy for her clients. Elaina is well-respected in the legal field and community and in June 2023, was awarded the Champion of Democracy Award by the Boulder County Democratic Party.

Whether she is representing a crime victim, helping someone who has made a mistake and is charged with a crime, or ushering a business through complex litigation, Elaina understands the impact that underlying incidents and pending cases have on clients and their families. The legal field has a lot of work to do to improve how people are treated, and Elaina has a special interest in serving victims of sexual assault and serious traffic crashes as well as elevating professionalism and trauma-informed practices across the legal field.

What keeps her motivated: “I love to work hard and play hard. I hope to model to my kids how I use my voice and skills to empower and stand up for myself and for others. I want to leave things better than I found them, whether camping with my family or fighting injustice in our community. It’s my honor to stand with people in their toughest times and I am motivated to create change in the legal field by providing effective and trauma-informed legal representation.”

Leah Colby Alexis Community Advocate & Development Director, Boulder Ballet

Boulder has been Leah’s home since she was seven when her family moved from Massachusetts. She is a wife, mother, passionate supporter of non-profits and an entrepreneur in the community. Leah started her professional career in the non-profit sector over twenty years ago at BeadForLife, an organization based out of Uganda devoted to ending global poverty by empowering women entrepreneurs. In 2012, she founded La Dolce Events—a company committed to

uplifting both for-profit and non-profit enterprises and individuals through a tapestry of community events, including fundraisers, weddings and private gatherings. Leah initially collaborated with Boulder Ballet in planning their annual fundraiser. This connection led her to serve on the Boulder Ballet Board of Directors for nearly five years before embracing an official role within the organization last year. She was honored and delighted to step into the role of Development Director in the fall of 2022 supporting the growth and mission of the organizations.

Personal motto: “I read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz over 20 years ago. I find myself continuously coming back to the teachings and agreements: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best.” CONTINUED

Paula DuPré Pesman

CEO & Founder, There

With Care

Paula launched her film career as an associate producer on the producing teams of such narrative features as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Rent, Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Alone 2, and Stepmom . In 2004, she founded the non-profit There With Care to provide essential daily support to families and children facing a life-threatening illness. Now in its 18th year since inception, There With Care has served more than 10,000 families in three states, bringing them community and care in a medical crisis. Since 2004, she produced the renowned documentary features  The Cove (Academy Award 2010), Chasing Ice

(Cinematography Award Sundance, Emmy Award, Audience Award SXSW 2012), Keep On Keepin’ On (Audience Award Tribeca Film Festival, IDFA, Palm Springs Film Festival 2014), Quincy (Toronto Film Festival and Grammy Award Winner 2019), and My Sister Liv (BIFF Audience Award). Paula has other several feature documentaries in production including The Kelly Slater Documentary and The Untitled Artist Project. She was named Producer of the Year, 2010, by the Producers Guild of America. For her philanthropic work, she was named a Local Hero by Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine for her work as founder and CEO of the non-profit There With Care, providing essential support for families and children facing critical illness.

What keeps her motivated: “The families we serve go through so much and they don’t have a choice, but to push ahead to get through their crisis. Knowing what we are doing to support them is truly helpful, and that others in the community care about them, that fills my heart.”

Executive Director, Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence

Anne has served as executive director at Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence since 1997. Prior to holding this position, she was the SPAN Shelter Program Director for six years and has an accomplished history of working in the nonviolence movement as an advocate, organizer, trainer, leader and administrator for the past 35+ years. Anne sits on numerous local and statewide boards and task forces addressing domestic violence and social justice issues. She has served on the National

Coalition Against Domestic Violence board and Child Advocacy Task Force, coordinated the development of cross-training curricula for domestic violence programs and Child Protective Services, and previously served as the representative for domestic violence victims and victim organizations on the Colorado Domestic Violence Offender Management Board, and the Govenor-appointed Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. Anne has a BA in psychology and theology and received a Master’s in Theological Studies from Harvard University in 1986. She has received numerous awards for her work and community contributions, including the prestigious “Women Who Light the Community” award from the Business Women’s Leadership Group of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Worry less and play more. Once you’ve done your absolute best, it’s okay to let go of the outcome. Mistakes and missteps seed the soil for growth and learning.”

ENTR E PRENEURS

Lennon Dean Herman-Barnica Owner/Executive Producer, Wild Manor Production Company

Wife, mother, business owner and wannabe camper renovator, Lennon was born and raised in Boulder, which she says makes her a unicorn in the city. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business marketing and management with a certificate of entrepreneurship and began her career at a well-known advertising agency called Crispin Porter + Bogusky. After spending 10 years there, she branched off on her own and started her production company, Wild Manor, which has been open for three years and is 100% women-owned and operated.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Trust your gut and be yourself. If I listened to myself I would be who I am sooner and maybe

understand myself better than I do at 37. I grew up wanting to wear boy’s clothes, do boy things, and essentially be a boy. But I tried to do the opposite because I was born female. I tried to wear girls’ clothes, make-up and do girl things. That was the box society wanted to put me in in the 90’s. If you ask one of my best friends from childhood she said it never looked natural on me. So I guess you could say my true colors shined through more than I thought, and I wasn’t that great at hiding who I really was. I see kids and parents today giving kids the opportunity to fully be themselves and it warms my heart. They are allowing their children to know and understand themselves earlier which in turn I believe will allow them to know themselves sooner and be more true to themselves.”

Heather Dwight Owner, Calluna Events & Business Coach, Love Well Planned

After working in non-profit and corporate events for 10 years, Heather started Calluna Events in 2004, which offers wedding planning services for Colorado and beyond. She is the visionary behind the company being recognized as one of the Best Wedding Planners in America by BRIDES (2018-2022), The Knot’s Best of Weddings (2007-2022), The Knot Best of Weddings Hall

of Fame and the winner of Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award. BizBash named her among the 500 Influential Event Professionals in the US (2020 and 2021).

Heather also provides business coaching and mentoring and in 2019 launched a new business, Love Well Planned, which focuses on workshops for wedding planners and wedding creatives. She loves mindful design, style and immaculate detail. After 18 seasons, what Heather adores the most are the relationships she is fortunate to build with clients and helping couples achieve a beautiful wedding that is authentically theirs.

What keeps her motivated: “I am continually motivated and in awe of and humbled by our team. They are the heart and soul of Calluna, my right hands, who work tirelessly and who have such positive enthusiasm for our couples.”

Jennifer Fisher + Kate Agius Vasu Skin Solutions

JENNIFER FISHER

Jennifer not only lives in Boulder, but she has been involved with the Boulder community since 1997. She has a Nuclear Power and Environmental Compliance background and loves science and lasers! Her specialty is anti-aging procedures. Jennifer attended laser training in Scottsdale, AZ, at the National Laser Institute and is a Boulder graduate of the Concentric Healing Institute. She also holds the following degrees and certifications: B.S. Biological Sciences, M.S. Environmental Science, Licensed Esthetician, Certified in Medical Aesthetic Laser/IPL, and Laser Safety Officer. An avid mountain biker, snowboarder, runner, scuba diver, mountaineer, and international traveler, she’s the mother of two children, three dogs, one cat, and lots of fish.

Personal motto: “Work hard and travel harder while being kind and having fun along the way.”

KATE AGIUS

Kate is the manager of Vasu Skin Solutions Boulder. A graduate of the College of International Esthetics in Denver, she is a licensed aesthetician and certified laser technician. In addition, she has advanced training in micro-needling, dermaplaning, chemical resurfacing and microdermabrasion. Originally from Buffalo, NY, where she worked in skincare for six years and discovered her passion for the industry, Kate has been with Vasu for 8 years and works closely with Jennifer. Kate is happily married with a sweet one-and-a-half-year-old son, Myles. She enjoys exploring Colorado, traveling both domestically and internationally, and hosting parties for friends in her spare time.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Travel more! Everything will fall into place, enjoy being young and exploring the world.”

Jen Egbert Realtor, Mile Hi Modern

Jen seeks to support clients through the experience of selling and investing in real estate. As a top broker in the state and expert in her field, she’s developed a

staff of support personnel who similarly strive to be exceptional in their roles. Since launching her real estate career in 2002, Jennifer has exclusively served her adopted hometown of Boulder. Specializing in modernist luxury homes and properties of architectural significance, she focuses on curating a discrete upscale client experience.

Personal motto: “Trust yourself. You know yourself better than anyone.”

Melinda is a brand strategist, founder and principal of Brandtender Consulting LLC, where she oversees the creative and strategic direction of the company. She has expertise taking organizations into new growth areas, identifying and entering untapped markets and creating success in them. She has extensive experience with

organic, high-growth, sustainable organizations, including Ag, and Lawn + Garden, specializing in products that align with the beliefs of LOHAS consumers, with a passion for authentic consumer engagement and commercial-minded retail solutions that stay true to brand. Melinda has been recognized for leading domestic and international cross-functional teams in pioneering greenfield projects across the USA, UK, and Europe.

What she’d tell her younger self: “To believe in herself and to be mindful to not give others powers over her; and to keep the fun and joy in everything that she does.”

CR EATI VES

Emmy Swenson & Sasha Baskin The Found Collective

EMMY SWENSON

Having been a hairstylist in Boulder for nearly two decades, Emmy had the pleasure of meeting many people. After the pandemic, she wanted to bring the community together with marketplace events in a way that she felt was not only lacking but that people were very much craving. With the Rolodex of people she’d met over the years and relationships she built in her chair, she established The Found Collective, an elevated market experience. In addition to being a place where you can feel, taste, touch and experience different artisan’s work, The Found Collective also raises awareness for local nonprofits.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Trust your vision and go for it. If you feel it in your heart and your bones, dive in completely. A certain amount of scary is necessary to fuel the fire. It will always work out and establish growth

within your vision even if it might not look as planned, it’s all a part of a beautifully orchestrated plan that will lead you to be exactly where you need to be when you need to be there, even if it’s a stepping stone.”

SASHA BASKIN

Sasha met Emmy at the first Found Collective event. The two meshed and began collaborating to make the company take off. Sasha has a passion for creating a platform for creatives to showcase their work while simultaneously connecting and bringing the community together. She loves the tangible experience and uplifting those around her, which she feels are pivotal elements of The Found Collective. She’s excited to be a part of creating a space for community, culture and collaboration.

Personal motto: “Lead with kindness.”

Jane Burke Curator, BMoCA

Jane is currently the curator at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art in Boulder, Colorado. Just prior, she was the curatorial fellow for the Textile Art & Fashion department at the Denver Art Museum where she co-organized exhibitions including Dior: From Paris to the World and Carla Fernández Casa de Moda: A Mexican Fashion Revolution. Previously, she held curatorial and collections management positions at the Honolulu Museum of Art, The Contemporary Museum, and The East West Center Gallery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jane received a

bachelor’s in studio art from the University of Colorado at Boulder and obtained an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Asian art history and Mandarin from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

What keeps her motivated: “When I was in grad school, my art history professor called me an associative thinker--which she did not mean as a compliment. But my compulsion to connect seemingly disparate dots in order to create meaning within those less obvious, in-between spaces is what motivates me as a curator.”

Dani Loujo Painter

Dani is a Dutch-born fine artist living and working in Boulder. Despite having a great love for art since childhood, she never received any formal art education and spent years pursuing more traditional career tracks, including sciences and mental health tracks. It wasn’t until she met with a period of personal hardship that she reoriented her life towards what had always been the most life-giving and authentic part of her: making art.

These days Dani works primarily in oils and mixed media to create evocative, highly atmospheric landscape paintings that remind one of the old masters, as well as surrealist-style work that equally moves the heart. Regardless of the subject or intricacies of the style and technique used in any given piece, Dani’s work explores the boundaries between the seen and unseen, the hidden but felt. Her paintings emanate emotion and

seem to evoke the deep tenderness of being human. Her work has been seen in several galleries, including Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery, Western Stars Gallery, Aspen and Evergreen Gallery and the New Local.

Personal motto: “My motto isn’t so much a specific statement as it is an orientation to life and all the situations and circumstances I find myself in. My view is that life isn’t in my hands but my response to it is, to a certain extent. Specifically, no matter the situation, I always aim to come back to the imperative to be present and to surrender to the way things are. Rather than pathologizing or judging, I make a sincere effort to surrender. This usually means making time to be quiet, to slow down and pay attention to what I’m picking up on with my senses. In this way I manage to stay centered and to find some basic enjoyment in my human experience, regardless of what’s happening and whether I would have chosen it for myself. My motto is ultimately the practice of opening and welcoming everything, and unclenching my heart and mind.”

FOOD & WINE

Crystal Sagan Founder, Cocktail Caravan

At the young age of six, Crystal started her first business, making greeting cards and selling them to the neighbors. Later, she went to art school and earned a BFA in ceramics. Having

grown up in the Chicago area, she ultimately ended up in Boulder in search of some sunshine. While she had bartended for a while at a restaurant, she eventually took a full-time position in publishing, feeling like she needed a “grown-up” job. She kept bartending on the side for weddings and parties and it snowballed from there. As her side hustle continued to flourish, she knew she needed to come up with a new plan and Cocktail Caravan was born. She lives in Boulder with her husband, Jon Jay, and their two-year-old, Solden. Together, they love to ski, travel and be outside.

Personal motto: “Happiness is a choice, and something I make a conscious effort in working towards every day.”

Carlin Karr Wine and Beverage Director

Carlin is the wine and beverage director of Frasca Hospitality Group and has been a member of the Frasca wine team since 2012. She oversees the award-winning wine programs at Frasca, Pizzeria Alberico, Tavernetta and Sunday Vinyl in Boulder and Denver. After graduating from the University of Colorado in 2008, Carlin moved to San Francisco, where she opened the restaurant Sons & Daughters as General Manager and Wine Director. Under her leadership, Sons & Daughters received a Michelin Star. Carlin is recognized as an “Advanced Sommelier” by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Carlin has been recognized in Food & Wine’s Sommeliers of the Year 2018, Wine Enthusiast “40 Under 40” in 2019, Forbes “30 under 30” in 2011, Wine & Spirits Magazine “Best New Sommeliers” and Eater “Young Guns”. Carlin is a hospitality mentor for women in wine through Batonnage and a member of Les Dames des Escoffiers. Carlin leads the Frasca Hospitality Group team of 10 full-time sommeliers and is responsible for wine education, purchasing and growth for the company.

Personal motto: “You never know until you ask. Ask for what you want, ask for advice, ask questions for more knowledge, ask people how they got where they are, ask ask ask and you shall learn and grow. The worst possible answer is ‘no’ and it rarely is the answer.”

Erin Pommer Brand Director

Erin Pommer brings 15 years of hospitality experience to Frasca Hospitality Group. A native of Los Angeles, she graduated from Pepperdine University and spent time in event sales and coordination for Wolfgang Puck Catering and Mastro’s Steakhouse before moving to Boulder, where she began as director of events for Frasca Food and Wine and Pizzeria Locale. In 2020, she became director of brand for Frasca Hospitality Group. In her role, Erin oversees event programming, brand partnerships and strategic communications. She’s constantly intrigued by the way people interact with their restaurants, and loves thinking about the ways she can continue to push guests’ experiences with hospitality.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Never underestimate the power of a thank you note."

Natascha Hess Owner, Ginger Pig

Chef Natascha was born and raised in Connecticut. She played hockey her entire life, going on to play at the University of Wisconsin, where she double majored in Chinese and International Relations. For three summers during college, Natascha went to China to live with a host family, where she fell in love with Chinese cooking and Asian street food. She moved to Denver with her husband, Steve, to help launch Fox Sports Rocky Mountain television station, then returned to school at the University

of Denver, this time to study law. She practiced law for several years, even starting her own firm, before deciding to follow her passion for cooking and Asian food. She opened The Ginger Pig Food Truck in Boulder County in the summer of 2016, which led to the opening of an inaugural stall in Rosetta Hall–Boulder’s first food hall–in 2019. Taking that success and knowledge, she went on to open a brick-andmortar restaurant in the Berkeley Neighborhood of Denver in 2020. Since then, Ginger Pig has offered authentic family-style pan-Asian cuisine to the people of Denver and Boulder.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Self-care is the most important and beneficial thing to do with your time and energy.”

MASERATI’S NEWEST GRANTURISMO AT SILL-TERHAR MOTORS

OF SILL-TERHAR

The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo is a creation of balance, full of thrill and relaxation, the future and tradition, with features for the racetrack and the road.

Muscled but aerodynamic, the 2024 GranTurismo is the first car made from Maserati’s new manufacturing process. A blend of aluminum, magnesium and steel, this model is more lightweight than ever, allowing for faster speeds. Though the body is low to the ground, this GranTurismo has air springs that allow for three adjustable ride heights.

As with all Maseratis, three small air vents grace the side of the car, though these light up. The 2024 model also includes new LED tail lights, shaped like a boomerang to keep with the Maserati tradition. The brand’s trident logo sits on the front grill.

The inside is full of Italian materials and design. You can choose from a variety of leather, open-pore wood, and new carbon or regenerated Econyl nylon fabric

Driver's Notebook

elements. At the front of the car, 33 inches of display screens give you total control at the tip of your finger. The main digital dashboard provides four different layouts and a handful of helpful widgets. The audio system is by Sound Faber, an Italian brand that designed an immersive experience just for GranTurismo.

The GranTurismo Modena, which starts at $174,000, has a V6 3.0 liter, twin-turbo engine and 483 horsepower, while the Trofeo version has 542 horsepower with a maximum speed of 199 miles per hour. The GranTurismo’s first full-electric vehicle reveals itself in the Folgore. Starting at $205,000, the Folgore has three 300-kilowatt magnet motors.

Test drive the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo today at Sill-TerHar Motors, 150 Alter Street in Broomfield.

The riveting words of survivors of a West Virginia mine explosion interweave with the music and songs of Steve Earle in this critically acclaimed new work.

October 26 – November 19, 2023

(Opening Night – Fri., Oct. 27)

Dairy Arts Center | Boulder

Coal Country is political theater of the most lucid, urgent and necessary kind, given soaring emotional heft by Steve Earle’s songs and his superbly evocative string-picking.

THE BULLDOG SPIRIT

Raise your hand if you have fond memories of your elementary and middle school experiences—if you recall being immersed in a true community of learning and collaboration. This is one of the primary goals of Boulder Country Day School, to establish an inclusive sense of community that nurtures the development of all its students and families.

“I’ve been at Boulder Country Day School for 20 years, and there’s a special sense here that you just don’t get in other places,” says Gabrielle Hernan, chief operating officer at Boulder Country Day School. “It’s a hard feeling to put into words. The ties between our families, faculty and staff are so strong. There is just something magical about this place and these people.”

Boulder Country Day School is a private preschool, elementary and middle school that is distinguished by its small class sizes, outstanding faculty, engaging academics and focus on the community. Founded as an independent day school for children in 1988, the school relocated from its original Kalmia Avenue location in 1999 and moved to its current five-and-a-half-acre campus northeast of Downtown Boulder in Gunbarrel. From its 2009 middle school expansion to its multiple accreditations—including from the Association of Colorado Independent Schools, the State of Colorado and the National Association of Independent Schools and authorization as a Middle Years Programme by the International Baccalaureate Organization—the school has undergone much growth since its inception. Yet these purpose-driven evolutions have consistently kept the diverse needs of its student population at heart.

HOW BOULDER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL FOSTERS A COMMUNITY OF JOYFUL LEARNING

“One of the most unique things about our school is that it is a community focal point for our families,” says John Suitor, head of the school. “While neighborhood schools are great focal points for their specific neighborhoods, our radius extends for 20 miles. This community is core to who we are and what our school is all about.”

This familial nature is evident in the model of the school itself, which serves students from preschool through eighth grade. This is a unique, purposeful model that both John and Gabrielle note has myriad benefits for students.

“I love this model because it’s so important for all of our students, but especially our middle schoolers,” says John. “They are the leaders of our school, and they serve as role models and mentors for the younger students. This responsibility is impactful for them as they’re navigating who they are and what they’re passionate about.”

“We also have a concept named after our mascot called bulldog families,” says Gabrielle. “One student from each grade makes up a family that meets regularly and stays with them throughout school. It’s a very special program.”

This emphasis on establishing relationships across grade levels is further embodied in the school’s new Commons Building. An exciting new development, this 11,000-square-foot structure will house a series of

classrooms grouped together by core subject, vs having the various classrooms split up between separate buildings according to grade level.

“The idea is that, for instance, when we have all of the science labs together, it allows for a lot more exploration on different levels of learning and teamwork across divisions,” says Gabrielle.

The new Commons Building will also include a design and innovation center as well as a fine arts center on its top floor—another strategic placement of related subject areas to foster creativity and collaboration.

For John and Gabrielle, this new Commons Building initiative encompasses much of the entrepreneurial spirit that is likewise a mainstay of the school’s philosophy.

“One of the unique things about Boulder is that so many people come here to explore a different sort of lifestyle,” says John. “This includes Boulder’s creative, entrepreneurial nature, which really permeates what we do.”

At the end of the day, Boulder Country Day School is a place where students’ needs to thrive are prioritized—a place where joyful learning and community combine to drive exceptional local education.

SOPHER SPARN ARCHITECTS FCI CONSTRUCTORS, INC

“The ties between our families, faculty and staff are so strong. There is just something magical about this place and these people.”

Architectural Masterpiece in Pine Brook Hills

Taking profound inspiration from Charles Haertling’s renowned Aspenleaf house, 855 Timber stands as an architectural marvel. It features soaring rooflines, captivating rounded walls, and expansive windows that elegantly frame breathtaking mountain and city vistas visible from every corner of this estate. With its generous and picturesque entertainment areas, numerous private

bedroom sanctuaries, and opulent amenities including a movie theater, bonus rooms, and a sprawling grassy yard, this home is a dream come true for both entertainers and those seeking tranquility. Located just minutes from Broadway, this oasis is the quintessential Boulder retreat you’ve been longing for.

WRAPPING UP THE SUMMER AT ONE OF BOULDER'S LIVELIEST EVENTS

Boulder Taco Fest

With a diverse blend of flavors, cultural influences and a spirited crowd, this past August marked the 6th Annual Boulder Taco Fest. Over the years, this celebration has become one of Boulder’s biggest events, establishing itself as a must-attend experience to wrap up the summer. Originally created with local Boulder businesses McDevitt Taco Supply and Sanitas Brewing, the event has grown exponentially and partnered with several other current local sponsors including Suerte Tequila and Laura Levy of Coldwell Banker Realty, both of whom made the VIP area possible this year. Those who chose to spring for VIP all-access could mellow out and soak up the sun in hammocks and experience an exclusive tequila tasting. The Boulder Taco Fest has also found a new home right along Boulder Creek so all festivalgoers can cool off and get their feet wet in the late summer heat.

This latest installment of Boulder Taco Fest brought the best turnout yet, with a score of local restaurants and food trucks serving about 15,000 tacos to a hungry group of aficionados. It only goes to show how many ways you can serve something on a tortilla and make it delightful, not to mention portable. This way you can take in the incredible ambiance and all the lively inner workings that Boulder Taco Fest has to offer while you enjoy the plentiful taco bounty. Events within the festival this year included raucous Lucha Libre Wrestling matches interspersed with live and boisterous local music acts. Kids also took their turns

swinging at giant piñatas and pounced on candy and prizes when the cardboard and crepe paper creations finally gave way.

The endless number of mouthwatering choices of both tacos and libations almost makes your head spin. It’s tough to choose what to sample next, and basically impossible to try them all, but a few creations go down in history every year and are awarded as favorites. This year’s Chef’s Choice Award, a prize voted on exclusively by the chef participants, went to popular food truck Lola’s Kitchen. Their creation of a fish taco, beer-battered and deep fried with chimichurri chipotle salsa and habanero-mango pico de gallo, kept the queue outside their food truck consistent with return guests. You can currently find Lola’s Kitchen’s two food trucks anywhere from Longmont to Arvada, but they are looking for a brick-and-mortar space in the Boulder/Lafayette area so stay tuned. This year’s People’s Choice Award, which festivalgoers were able to vote for from their phones, was a decisive victory and it went to La Mariposa for their carnitas, quesa birrias and grilled cotija cheese tacos. La Mariposa has locations in Longmont, Boulder, Lyons, and Greeley. A personal favorite was Bellota’s “Costra” taco, with steak, chorizo, chihuahua cheese, onion, cilantro and salsa verde, enveloped and griddled in a flour tortilla.

An array of adult beverages is available to pair with your favorite taco every year with popular local breweries like Avery Brewing and Bootstrap Brewing. It wouldn’t be a proper taco fest without a tequila vendor and Suerte Tequila kept the agave-based spirits flowing. Other options included pre-mixed canned cocktails from Juneshine Spirits, Curation Bev Co. and Tia Linda’s Margarita.

“Our goal is to make this the best day of the summer,” says Jeff Kravetz, President of Adventure Fit Events, the company that runs Boulder Taco Fest. “We will always continue to innovate the festival to add more fun, tacos and surprises each year.” Adventure Fit Events also produces other active entertainment events including the Old Man Winter Bike Rally & Run and the Triple Bypass Ride. Adventure Fit Events gives back to the community by raising money from Boulder Taco Fest to benefit Boulder Open Space Conservancy, so the money raised from the event goes towards repairing and building more trails for Boulder residents to enjoy.

Whether you’re a local resident or a curious tourist the Boulder Taco Fest promises a memorable experience for both kids and adults. Taco lovers make sure you mark your calendars to see what’s in store for next year.

“You know that old saying, “It’s the people who make the difference?” Well, in this case, it’s absolutely true. The nicest, warmest, most knowledgeable folks you’ll ever meet. They know their business, are totally customer service focused, and have great products. You can’t go wrong with Peterson Canvas & Awning. Truly all you could ask for and them some.”

Boulder’s Architect and Realtor in One

As an Architect, she has won awards for her designs which are a modern, organic, mid-century modern style.

As a Buyer’s Agent, she provides insight for updating or remodels.

As a Seller’s Agent, she can identify and market your home’s best attributes and potential.

A Lasting Impression

Perched on the edge of the Pearl Street pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder, SmithKlein Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers in town–from amateur admirers to aficionados. A staple of the Boulder arts community, the 2,800-square-foot space has showcased a meticulously curated mix of art from all over the world for more than 30 years.

Owners Nathan and Ann Klein purchased the gallery more than 10 years ago from the founder and Nathan’s mother, Deborah Smith-Klein, and have since worked to make the space a center where the arts are emphasized and celebrated, enriching not just the creative community but the city as a whole.

“The questions I constantly ask myself are: What makes Boulder unique now? And what makes local downtowns unique in general?” Ann says. “Further, how do the arts strengthen community as a whole?... In order to heal from the trauma and economic devastation over the last few years, [our] community needs to come together and be strengthened by our drive to be something more.”

It’s questions like these that have led the duo to grow the gallery to represent artists of various walks and mediums from all over the world. Inside its four walls, the gallery offers visitors the chance to admire world-renowned paintings, glasswork, jewelry and sculpture, all carefully curated with the experience of the visitor in mind.

Repeat visitors may recognize the work of several long-time staples at the gallery. One such artist, Lyudmila Agrich, has been showing her oil paintings at the gallery for more than ten years. It’s long-time relationships like these that empower the artist, fortify the community and enhance the patron experience.

“For me, personally, it's very important to have this connection with the gallery over time, you see, because I would say that’s 50 percent of success: you need to have a great relationship,” she explains.

Lyudmila is known for her impressionistic paintings of dancers, city scenes and water scenes, all crafted with richly hued oil paints and a palette knife.

“It’s this weird thing. It’s like human nature likes to control everything. And mostly, a brush gives you this control. But with a palette knife, it’s just … more unpredictable, and I like it,” Lyudmila explains. “I like it, but it’s not a comfortable feeling. This is, I believe: when you are out of your comfort zone, you can create something good. Not even

necessarily new, but good. When there is that lack of control.”

Additionally, many of her paintings are made “alla prima” style, or all at once. Lyudmila reports for small paintings, she’ll sit down to work and will paint for two to three hours straight, not stopping until the painting is done.

“I find that not only her subject matter, but the freedom of perfection in Lyudmila’s work that many people feel without knowing it,” Ann says. “It’s this freedom to be in the moment, here and now, and be able to express yourself in the most raw and powerful way.”

Experience Lyudmila’s work for yourself, as well as the work of dozens of other artists by visiting the SmithKlein Gallery at 1116 Pearl Street, Monday - Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at SmithKlein.com .

“And mostly, a brush gives you this control. But with a palette knife, it’s just … more unpredictable, and I like it.”

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Steeped in architectural detail, this historic Mapleton Hill residence is a showcase of refined luxury. Large leaded glass windows draw in an abundance of natural light creating a sun-filled ambiance. A front living room is warmed by a classic fireplace while a formal dining room affords space for hosting at-home soirees. Adjoined for seamless entertaining, a spacious living area extends into a kitchen boasting all-white cabinetry and high-end appliances. Revel in outdoor bliss on an expansive rooftop deck or in a stunning backyard oasis with a large patio and lush landscaping. scan for the full tour kim hullett PORCHLIGHT