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May 20, 2021
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
VOLUME 94 | ISSUE 26
Discovering the magic of the natural world New fiction book explores the notion of people versus nature BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Because of the proximity of Colorado’s majestic mountains to the city, Platt Park resident Joe Beine believes that Denver residents live right next door to paradise. A similar paradise is the setting for Beine’s latest book, “Made Out of Trees.” “In the book, nature is going out of balance because of the encroachment of people,” Beine said. “I felt Laurel’s story needed to be out there.” Laurel is the main character of Beine’s book. She is a nature sprite connected to the elements whose natural world provides her with everything she needs. Laurel is weary of the nearby village, but eventually learns more about it through a friendship with a teenage girl that came about unexpectedly. However, as Laurel starts to explore the world beyond hers, she learns first-hand how humans don’t always live in harmony with nature. Beine hopes that “Made Out of Trees” will inspire audiences to “learn to be friends with the natural world and be a part of it,” he said. “Made Out of Trees” came out in late January. It is Beine’s third novella, and he also has a collection of short stories published. Beine, 63, has always had a love of storytelling and geared “Made Out of Trees” toward SEE BOOK, P6
First Friday returns to Art District on Santa Fe June 4 will mark resumption of tradition after pandemic year BY ANA CAMPBELL DENVERITE
Made Out of Trees
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 9
COURTESY IMAGE
On the heels of Underground Music Showcase announcing its in-person return this year, another Denver summer main staple says it’s back. The Art District on Santa Fe will resume First Friday Art Walks, where swarms of pedestrians descend upon the galleries, restaurants and shops on Santa Fe Drive every first Friday of the month. The first First Friday runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on June 4. While attendees are invited to do their normal First Friday thing, the art district said businesses will monitor their capacity and may make people wait outside if it’s too packed inside. Face masks will be required, as will as much social distancing as possible. Back in April, shop owners on Santa Fe told Denverite they were cautiously optimistic about a return to some normalcy this year, considering infection rates were trending in the right direction and more people were being vaccinated. This story is from Denverite, a nonprofit Denver news source affiliated with CPR News. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite.com.
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