This artist almost gave up on ever being able to create ‘her way.’ Instead of painting images that moved her, she was employed as an illustrator where the images she created were dictated by her employer. This was not the ‘artist’ she had envisioned being. Renée Peterson was one of seven children. As a child
A sense of exhilaration followed me as I left Dene Harlow’s art studio. The previous 2 hours had been spent with a man whom I define as a “true artist.” By his own definition a true artist creates for the pure joy of the process rather than for the hope that someone will buy his
This fall, the Wheat Ridge High School theatre program, with a production team of over 40 students, dazzled audiences with a spectacular production of a new play, Andie Fowler’s Big-Time Bucket List. The cast and crew of the play came together to present a performance that showcased their dedication, talent, and hard work. The show
Carolyn is a local artist who works in oil and cold wax — a demanding and tactile medium. She describes her process as a meditation. She began her life in Montana. Her father was Blackfeet Indian, and her mother was white. She and her four siblings lived near the reservation and in low income housing,
Have you ever been in a conversation when someone remarks, “I’ve never had a toothache — knock on wood,” or “I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket — knock on wood”? We understand these phrases immediately, even though they aren’t literal. They’re idioms — expressions whose meanings come from tradition rather than logic. But where did
I think trying to be perfect often stops people from learning what they could do,” says Wheat Ridge pencil artist Sandra Davis. “I think everybody can learn to draw, but if people don’t think they can draw, they won’t put in the effort to learn how. When you start drawing, it’s important to love the
“Creating a piece of artwork is a matter of starting with disorder and organizing it as you go,” says Wheat Ridge artist Doug Dawson of a concept presented to him years ago by an art history professor. “I’ve held on to that idea ever since.” “The disorder may be a blank canvas or piece of
Like so many who didn’t have the good fortune to have been born in Colorado, pastel artist Sandy Guinn is a firmly transplanted Coloradan. “I’m from Iowa, but I’ve been out here for 40 years, so I feel like a semi-native,” says Guinn. Guinn is on the faculty of the Community College of Denver, where
Ten years ago, Rise Dance Center opened its doors to the Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County community with a vision: to make dance accessible to everyone. Today, they’ve become not just a studio, but a sanctuary of joy, healing, and community. Karen, the owner and a fellow cancer survivor, has created a space where movement
“I feel a little bit like an imposter, like an outsider,” says Tom Kilpatrick, current vice president of the Wheat Ridge Art League, “because I’m not an artist in a traditional sense.” As a board member of the Art League, Kilpatrick hopes to contribute new ideas from a fresh perspective. “I’m a musician and a
The 28th Annual Edgewater Music Festival will take place at Citizens Park in Edgewater on June 21st 2025. The festival is fun for the whole family. Two stages feature some of the best bands in the front range. The main stage lineup is: 2:00pm Hand Turkey 3:20pm Roots & Rhythm Band 4:40pm Wild Love Tigress
Our mantra has always been Prayer, Patience and Perseverance,” says Diane Robb, managing partner of Kevin Robb Studios. From the time of Kevin Robb’s massive stroke 21 years ago, the faith in, and practice of, those three principles have guided the family through unchartered waters. ‘Unchartered,’ because Kevin Robb’s communications to his family and staff
Ninth-grader Chelsea Craver began drawing when she was six. An extended hospital stay in 2017 gave rise to her filling dozens of sketchbooks, and she’s been drawing and painting ever since. Although Chelsea’s work these days centers on graffiti-style art, her varied artistic expressions are reflected on a skateboard she painted for the recent Board
What is Clear Creek Makerspace? Located at 9110 W. 44th Ave, near the entrance to Anderson Park, CCM is a community workshop where like-minded folks can transform their creative ideas into tangible works of art. “Our goal is to provide the tools, equipment, and community resources to take away the barriers keeping you from exploring
The new year is the perfect time for fresh starts and new goals. If you’re looking for a creative, fulfilling, and rewarding resolution, why not dive into the art of photography? Picking up a camera isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about learning to see the world with a new perspective, finding beauty in everyday
The International Western Music Association (IWMA) is pleased to announce the 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients. IWMA Member Patty Clayton of Edgewater, CO was named the 2024 Female Performer of the Year at the IWMA Annual Convention in Albuquerque, NM on November 16, 2024. The IWMA Awards of Excellence are an opportunity for the Association
Barbed wire: “If you cross it, it will cut you; if you respect it, it will protect you.” This statement by welding artist Kathleen Martell sums up what she calls the power of feminine fire. It is this power with which she imbues her metal sculptures. It wasn’t until Martell was 53 that she discovered
The life path of Mike Nile—musician, producer, songwriter turned director and filmmaker—has over the past 60 years been filled with inspiration, tragedy, and joy. He says he’s been blessed to have worked with many great musicians and bands, including Spirit, Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, Firefall, Little Feat, Dolly Parton—and even Orson Welles. He’s experienced great
Mike’s Camera offers both camera cleaning and repair services, but why should you repair your old camera and what challenges can be faced? In -House we can make repairs to many basic parts of an older camera from the screen, buttons, doors and other external elements as long as parts are still available. For many
The technical aspects of art aren’t what most of us are considering when we attend an art show. Fundamental aspects aren’t as glamorous as the aesthetically effective renderings that may be created by using them. We’re just there for the art. But without the underlying science of pigment, there would be no “magic.” Art on
When artist Chad Harr joined the Wheat Ridge Art League in March and registered for the Carnation Festival Art Show, he had no thought of winning an award. But that’s just what happened. Much to his surprise, his oil painting “Grandpa’s Train” won Best of Show. “I whipped it out so quickly, I really wasn’t
Wait what? You can just imagine my reaction when the Wheat Ridge Theatre company asked me to run an ad for their next play titled “Bad Jews”. I mean our city is already home to one of the largest Nazi music distributors in the country, and I’m thinking “now what???” Turns out it’s an award-winning
Jeffco and Denver-area art lovers will have a unique opportunity to discover the two bold painting styles of Joe Cauchi, on First Friday, September 6, 2024, at Artcentric, 7172 W.38th Ave, in Wheat Ridge from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Joe Cauchi’s early work is a visual tour of the 1930’s, depicting field workers, city
This year, the Wheat Ridge Art League (WRAL) celebrates its 50th anniversary. According to the league’s former librarian Shirley Nakamoto, a member since the late 1970’s, the art show was created decades ago as an attraction for the Carnation Festival. The City of Wheat Ridge has sponsored the art show since that time. The league
