Grand Junction, CO September 2023

Grand Valley Style and Culture

It's that time of year when kids of all ages are picking out what will be their personal style for the new school year from clothing and shoes to the haircut that fits each one's personality.

Among the things that are part of our local style are historical figures and their stories as well as the things that our community does together to support great causes and to have fun in the process.

This month we have some fun features that bring a few of those things together. For example, the Hazel Miller concert not only supports Mesa County Partners but it is a fun way to get people together who enjoy good company, good music and an event that has community-centered purpose.

We hope you enjoy seeing a few of the things that give our community a style and culture unsurpassed anywhere!

May your end-of-Summer activities be filled with great memories! Cheers!

GJ LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL STAFF

@GRANDJUNCTIONLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Garrett Gross | garrett.gross@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Vauna Gross | vauna.gross@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Faith Rodriguez, Haley Van Camp

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lisa "Moose" Kral, C. W. Morgan

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 Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

• A Boutique All Memory Care community

• All Private Studio Apartments with individual bathrooms

• The Innovative Vigil Monitoring System

• Specialized Dementia Care: Our entire staff is trained in and dedicated to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other-related dementias.

• Moments Program: A complete-person approach to care and engagement

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us today.

AT WESTERN SLOPE MEMORY CARE, THE IDEA THAT THE PERSON COMES FIRST INFLUENCES EVERYTHING WE DO AND CREATE.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @grandjunctionlifestyle

Live in the Grapevines: Hazel Miller Concert benefitting Mesa County Partners 1: Hazel Miller performs 2: Fun for “kids” of all ages 3: Vineyard staff with the star of the show 4: The band and tech crew 5: The band takes the stage 6: Getting into the rhythm 7: Delivering the music with passion Photography by Lisa “Moose” Kral

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Red Canyon Family Medicine Welcomes Cassidy Sanders, PA

Red Canyon Family Medicine, a division of Primary Care Partners, is excited to welcome Cassidy Sanders, PA, to their team! Cassidy completed his Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Utah- School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, UT in 2015, then received his Doctorate of Medical Science at A.T Still University in Mesa, AZ in 2021. Cassidy is specifically interested in urgent care and human physiology and has been with PCP since 2022.

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Western Colorado Pediatrics Welcomes Jordan Knickerbocker, CPN

Western Colorado Pediatrics, a division of Primary Care Partners, is excited to welcome Jordan Knickerbocker, CPN, to their team! Jordan is a Colorado native and earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Colorado Mesa University in 2019, and received her post-graduate Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Education from the University of Colorado in 2023. She is excited and honored to be able to support patients and their families throughout all the milestones of development.

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We hand chop our vegetables throughout the day, roast our meats in the wood-fired oven, make our own sauces in-house and, of course, make our own dough.

We’re so fresh, we don’t even have freezers in our restaurants.

Western Colorado Pediatrics Welcomes Dr. Sarah Zhou

Western Colorado Pediatrics, a division of Primary Care Partners, is excited to welcome Dr. Sarah Zhou! Dr. Zhou attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine where she obtained her Medical Doctorate in 2018, with her residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, IL completed in 2021. She enjoys the variety of care she can provide as a pediatrician. Dr. Zhou will be seeing patients in our 3150 N 12th Street office.

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Western Colorado Pediatrics welcomes Dr. Madison Keenan

Western Colorado Pediatrics, a division of Primary Care Partners, is excited to welcome Dr. Madison Keenan! Dr. Keenan attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and graduated in 2020. She completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, CO. She has always found solace in nature, so was excited to move further west for her pediatrician position. Dr. Keenan will be seeing patients in our 3150 N 12th Street office.

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Chevron Welcomes PDC Energy

“We’re thrilled to welcome PDC Energy into Chevron. PDC’s talent, expertise, quality assets, focus on the environment, and commitment to our communities are a great match with Chevron’s business and our people. By blending our talent and assets, we will create an even stronger company focused on safely delivering affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress in Colorado.” Kim McHugh, Vice President, Chevron Rockies Business Unit

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Craig Gallery in Palisade

One of Ron Cloyd’s gorgeous pots. Craig Gallery in Palisade’s hosted their Grand Opening on Saturday, August 19. Curated by Gallery Director Kay Crane, Craig Gallery offers a spectacular array of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography and more created by 25 of the Grand Valley’s favorite artists. The gallery is located in the heart of Palisade at 128 East 3rd Street.

Chevron Colorado & Food Bank of the Rockies

Chevron Colorado packed food supplies and donated $10,000 to Food Bank of the Rockies on HumanKind Day.

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

THE ART CENTER OF WESTERN COLORADO

ARTICLE BY HALEY VAN CAMP PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY TAC

ARTS FOR ALL

From sculptures to murals and art festivals, Grand Junction’s art scene is a large part of what makes this city unique. The Art Center of Western Colorado (The Art Center, TAC) has been a major contributor to the art community for 70 years. TAC offers classes for all ages, abilities, and skill levels. We believe that art is for everyone -- “Arts for All.”

Our Artability Program offers art classes designed for individuals with mental, social, and physical challenges, encouraging students’ appreciation for their unique talents, abilities, and modes of self-expression.

Through TAC youth programs, children ages 5-12 learn the power of creativity through art-making and experimentation in our Summer Art Camp, After School Program, Home School Program, School’s Out Day Camp, and Holiday Break Day Camp. Programs for teens ages 13-18 are offered as summer workshops. All supplies are provided, and all children’s classes address Colorado Model Content Standards for visual arts.

Adult classes and workshops in various media throughout the year seek to inspire individuals ages 18+ to explore, develop, and celebrate their creativity.

First Friday opening receptions are held every First Friday of the month (except January and May). These free events are open to the public and are fun social events to view new artwork, mingle with artists and friends, hear lectures by exhibiting artists, and more.

The largest fundraiser of the year, Paint the Town, is a benefit event complete with themed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction, and a live fine art auction and show. The juried Fine Art Auction includes artwork by local, regional, and national artists. Paint the Town: A Night in France is our theme for May 2024. Tickets are $30 for one, $50 for two. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to support artists, the arts, and The Art Center.

The second largest fundraiser, the Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair featuring 25+ artists and artisans, is an indoor Holiday Market with plenty of hand-crafted works and tasty holiday treats. This year’s event is November 17 (TAC members only); November 18, 9am-4pm, and November 19, 10am-3pm are open to the public. This free event is a great opportunity for artists and shoppers to support the local art community and kick-off the holiday season.

Visiting hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4pm (Tuesdays are always free). With five galleries, there are at least three new exhibitions each month. One of the current exhibitions, Inspirational: An Exhibition of Ceramic Art, is a must-see. This exhibition, on display through September, brings together four nationally and internationally known titans in the realm

Summer Art Camp - Drawing in the Courtyard

of ceramics, all of whom are worthy of the title “Master Ceramacist”: KyoungHwa Oh, Heesoo Lee, Kyongmin Park, and Ashtonn Means.

TAC relies on community support through members, donations, and philanthropic gifts to survive. One of the biggest ways to be involved with TAC is to become an Art Center member. TAC members receive monthly postcards with upcoming event information, Art Matters magazine, discounts on classes, free admission during business hours, and access to members-only classes and events (such as the Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair preview night).

Another way to be involved is by volunteering. From landscaping to exhibit installation to greeting people at events, there is something for everyone. The Art Center Guild is a great group to join if you’re interested in being a part of a larger volunteer group. The guild supports and promotes TAC through many fundraising activities including the Music in the Grapevines summer concert series and the sale of baked goods and handcrafts at the Annual Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair.

To learn more about The Art Center, visit gjartcenter.org

Kephart Gallery with Jac Kephart's artwork

Summer Art Camp - Ceramics

First Friday Reception Monuments & Canyons Exhibit

Colorado Mesa University Student Business Closet

DRESSING TOMORROW’S ENTREPRENEURS

ARTICLE BY FAITH RODRIGUEZ

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has been committed to nurturing its students’ personal and professional growth, preparing them for successful careers in various industries.  A significant step toward achieving this goal is the establishment of the CMU Business Closet.  This initiative aims to provide students with access to professional attire and essential resources, empowering them to make a lasting impression in interviews, internships, and other professional settings.  The CMU Business Closet has a positive impact on students’ lives.

Dressing professionally is crucial in creating a positive first impression in the corporate world.  The saying, “dress for success,” holds true in today’s competitive job market.  Employers often make quick judgments based on an individual’s appearance during interviews or networking events.  Wearing appropriate professional attire demonstrates respect for the company and the position one is applying for, showing that the candidate takes the opportunity seriously.

Unfortunately, many students face financial constraints and may not be able to afford expensive business clothing. This disparity can hinder their chances of securing internships and jobs, despite their skills and qualifications.  Recognizing this issue, Colorado Mesa University stepped up to bridge the gap through the establishment of the CMU Business Closet.

The CMU Business Closet is a resourceful initiative that provides students with access to a collection of high-quality professional attire, including suits, blouses, shirts, ties, dress

shoes, and accessories.  The closet is open to all students, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to present themselves confidently in the professional arena.

The CMU Business Closet is made possible through the generous donations of alumni, faculty, staff, and local businesses.  These contributions range from gently-used clothing to financial donations that enable the university to purchase new attire for the closet.  The support from the CMU community underscores the shared commitment to help students succeed beyond graduation.

The benefits of the CMU Business Closet extend far beyond merely providing free clothing.  When students dress professionally, they feel more confident, which can positively impact their performance during interviews and professional events.  Moreover, the accessibility to appropriate business attire eliminates financial barriers and levels the playing field, giving every student a fair chance to shine.

The CMU Business Closet complements the university’s broader approach to professional development.  It works in tandem with workshops, seminars, and career counseling services to equip students with essential job-seeking skills, such as resume building, interview preparation, and networking strategies.  By integrating these resources, CMU ensures students are well-prepared to make a strong impression in the competitive job market.

One unique aspect of the Business Closet is the active involvement of alumni.  Many graduates return to campus to participate in workshops,

mentorship programs, and networking events. This close-knit community fosters a culture of support, where alumni not only contribute financially but also offer valuable insights and guidance to current students.

The Colorado Mesa University Business Closet is a remarkable initiative that epitomizes the university’s dedication to student success and overall development.  If you are interested in donating to the Business Closet, in any capacity, go to their website at coloradomesa.edu/career/ business-closet.

The CMU Business Closet is a resourceful initiative that provides students with access to a collection of high-quality professional attire, including suits, blouses, shirts, ties, dress shoes, and accessories.

History of Our Valley

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF

If you have ever taken a walk on Main Street in Grand Junction, you have probably noticed all the statues and art that adorn the street. There are a few, nine to be exact, that have a particularly interesting history behind them. Locals Miffie Blozvich and Jacquie Chappell-Reid were kind enough to give us the insight behind these Legends statues and how Grand Junction became what it is today.

Operation Foresight

There are 4 pillars on the corner of 3rd and Main with photos and sculpted portraits. These pillars portray the community-wide effort that saved Main Street from the surge of shopping malls in the 1960’s. During that time many main streets and downtown areas became rundown because of the new trend of malls.

The portrait pillars feature the three key people who played a big role in Operation Foresight. City Manager, Joe Lacy, brought leadership to the project. Dale Hollingsworth, Chamber Manager, was key in pulling businesses together. And Leland Schmidt was appointed chairman of a citizen’s committee of seven who brought the rest of the local citizens together.

The fourth pillar is adorned in photos of the Main Street evolution from the early 1800’s to today. This evolution generated national publicity and won Grand Junction the title of All-American City in 1962.

“Building Community on Main Street” was sculpted by Ron Chapel. Being raised in Grand Junction he was a perfect choice for showcasing the efforts of those who made Grand Junction an All-American City. Chapel now resides and works in California.

Dalton Trumbo

Funny enough, this all started because of a book entitled “Eclipse” written by Dalton Trumbo. It was first published in 1935. The novel is about a town, “Shale City”, and its people thought to be modeled after Grand Junction. Trumbo lived in Junction from 1908 until he left for the University of Colorado in 1924. (Coming soon - Eclipse is also a locally produced musical.)

In 1935, the book was easily obtainable. For $3.00 you could get a copy at A. W. Hammer Drug Company, and a lot of people did. However, many Grand Junction citizens were upset at the book’s popularity. Trumbo used fictionalized names, but these characters were so close to real people in our town that most people knew who the character was in real life. Because of this, some dirty laundry (or supposed laundry) was exposed to everyone who read it. Some were so upset that, rumor has it, a group tossed copies in the Colorado River or burned them.

The book caused deep wounds in our community, and because of that, the Library had a few copies under lock and key for a long time. However, in 2005, a small group of 13 got together to consider reprinting the book. At the end of the meeting, all were interested in seeing a valuable part of our town’s history come back to light. They also wanted to help the library, which they believed should be an active community organization, and not just a building with books in it. Up until that time, the library had tried to get an expansion bond passed, but the attempt had failed twice. Hopefully, this would help the library.

In the end, the book reprinting did help the library with $65,000 raised from book sales, and the project started to grow into something more permanent. Rather than just re-print the book, the Legends team started talking about commissioning a bronze sculpture of Dalton Trumbo. This was the start of the Legends of the Grand Valley Sculpture Project.

After searching for a sculptor, they chose J. Michael Wilson of Springville, Utah. Wilson admitted that he didn’t know who Dalton Trumbo was when he considered doing a sculpture of him. But it wasn’t hard to find the academy awards, screenplays, jail time, and other interesting stories of Trumbo. The sculpture is based on a photo taken of Trumbo, who often edited screenplays in his bathtub to relieve back pain.

The sculpture is based on a photo taken of Trumbo, who often edited screenplays in his bathtub to relieve back pain.

Prinster Brothers

Joe Prinster told his sons: “If you boys stick together and go over to Grand Junction and get into business, you can make a real thing out of it.” The brothers took their father’s advice and they really did make a thing out of it, with supermarkets in four states!

The brothers distinguished their City Markets from other stores by investing in the latest innovations, extending excellent customer service, and insisting on cash-and-carry, as well as keeping a focus on smaller, growing communities. With that focus, each brother brought his own expertise to the business. Paul, the oldest, was personable and negotiated well with ranchers to get the best deals on lambs, hogs, and cattle. Frank Sr. was always looking for new business and was the first one in the store each day. Leo had a leg amputated but he wasn’t going to let that slow him down. He was extremely driven and was known to conduct business out of his Cadillac. Clarence was the youngest and an artist. He headed up customer relations and was a founding member of the Western Colorado Center of the Arts.

“A Cut Above” was sculpted by James Haire and placed in front of where the City Market headquarters used to reside. Haire was born in Indiana, but grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. In 1982, he moved to Colorado and pursued sculpting full time. He has made more than 30 life-sized sculptures throughout the country.

“A Cut Above” was sculpted by James Haire and placed in front of where the City Market headquarters used to reside.

Sister Mary Balbina Farrell

Sister Mary Balbina Farrell and Sister Mary Louisa Madden were dispatched by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas. Father William Carr (the pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grand Junction) and Dr. Heman Bull requested help and the two Sisters came with a willing heart.

They would go door-to-door collecting funds to build a 10-bed hospital at 11th Street and Colorado Ave. Sister Mary Balbina Farrell also scouted for sites and drew up plans. They did this all in-between helping and caring for the many sick and injured children, farmers, railroaders, housewives, mothers, and everyone else whom the town’s few doctors could handle. On May 22, 1896, the Hospital had their opening day. The Daily Sentinel stated: “Here, without distinction as to race, creed or color, the afflicted at all times may find a refuge.”

“With Eyes of Faith” was sculpted by Greg Todd. Todd was Born and raised in Goodland, Kansas. Now sculpting in Greeley, Todd has received national recognition for his work. Todd has another local piece, “Legacy” installed in front of the Grand Junction Police Department.

Walter & Preston Walker

Walter Walker was a Kentucky transplant to our valley when he started with the Daily Sentinel as a reporter in 1903. For 50 years he recorded "Junction’s" progress over his career as a reporter, publisher, editor, and eventually manager of the Daily Sentinel until his death in 1956. At that time, Walker's son, Preston, became the publisher until his death in 1970.

The Daily Sentinel, being the main source of news for our community, was a key building block for our growing city, covering everything from social, political, and economic issues. During Walter’s career, not only was he a key part in covering and leading these topics, he was elected as a United States Senator for the Democratic party. He was delegated to every Democratic National Convention between 1924 and 1952. In 1932, he helped write the New Deal platform (the same year he served as a Senator).

Walker become interested in flying as a young reporter, and was instrumental in flight in the valley. He brought in leading daredevils (by train, because the planes couldn't fly over the Rockies), promoted aviation races, and pushed for funding to back an airport here in Mesa County, which was originally named Walker Field.

The rotating sculpture was created by Colorado native Michael McCullough. He lived and worked in the oldest and most historic building in Ridgeway, the old firehouse. He created 10 larger-than-life-size bronze sculptures. The Walkers was his last one. McCullough passed away on March 3, 2016.

Chet & Vernie Enstrom

Chet’s World Famous Almond Toffee has brought much acclaim to Grand Junction. In 1929, Chet and Vernie loaded up their Model A Ford and left Colorado Springs to found Velvet Ice Cream Company in Grand Junction.

While cooking toffee to flavor butter-brickle ice cream, Chet played with the recipe and created a season-expanding addition to ice cream. After this discovery, Chet and Vernie launched Enstrom Candies with their new Almond Toffee recipe.

Chet was not only an incredible candy maker but a visionary community leader who gave his time and expertise willingly. He served as a City Councilman and Mayor of Grand Junction. He sponsored many important bills as a State Senator (of over eight years). Including one that led to Mesa Junior College becoming a baccalaureate institution.

“Mixing a Legacy” was sculpted by Karen Jobe Templeton. Templeton was born in Pennsylvania and worked as a nurse for a lot of her life. She has been interested in art ever since she could hold a pencil.

William Moyer

William J. Moyer was born in Pennsylvania on August 21, 1859. When Moyer came to our valley he brought zeal and a philanthropist’s heart. In 1890, he founded The Fair Store at 501 Main St. Moyer also helped launch the Grand Valley National Bank and helped to establish the YMCA.

Moyer didn’t have any children himself, but was a big part of a lot of local children’s lives. He funded college expenses for 18 locals, one believed to be Dalton Trumbo. But one of the biggest gifts given to our community was a local pool. He donated $25,000 to build the pool which opened June 8, 1922. There was a stipulation for the funds though: that children always swim for free on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This was prompted because the tragic drowning of a local boy in the river. The Moyers felt there needed to be a safe place for children to enjoy swimming.

J. Michael Wilson, the creator of the Dalton Trumbo sculpture, was selected to be the Sculptor for the Moyer piece as well. Wilson named the sculpture “Never to be Forgotten”. Wilson used the cornerstone of the old YMCA as part of the base for the sculpture.

William Moyer with Elizabeth Trumbo

John Otto

The “Hermit of Monument Canyon” is what they called John Otto. In 1906, he made his way from Missouri to our valley to work as a “powder monkey” (someone who works with explosives) on the Fruita water pipeline crew. When he arrived, he found the area that is now known to us as the Monument to be a beautiful place that tourists from all round the United States would come to see. One of his biggest engineering feats was the Serpents Trail which snaked two-and-a-half miles up the monument with 54 switchbacks.

Otto loved conservation and working the land. He lived and worked with his dog, Jim, and horse, Rowdy, as companions. Despite animals as his companions he wasn’t known for being lonely. He was married to Beatrice Farnham at the base of the Independence Monument. But after two months she left, stating “I tried hard to live his way, but I could not live with a man to whom even a cabin was an encumbrance.”

He launched an exhaustive letter-writing campaign to local newspapers lobbying for the canyons to become a National Park. Being the driving force behind all of this, it made him a fantastic tour guide for the trails. All that effort finally paid off and on May 24, 1911, President William H. Taft declared the area Otto loved as the Colorado National Monument. Otto was named the monument’s first custodian at $1.00 per month. He held the job until bureaucratic realities became too much.

"Man With a Monumental Vision" was sculpted by J. Michael Wilson, his third work to grace Main St.

Rex Howell

Broadcaster and community leader, Rex Howell loved broadcasting stories of the Grand Valley. He was fascinated with radio from childhood all the way through his career. Howell was from the Denver-area and visited our valley on vacation. He became intrigued by the area’s possibilities here. In 1931, Howell relocated to our area and started KFXJ at a high point in the Hillcrest Manor to the north of Grand Junction. In 1954, Howell was able to see the power of television and started Channel 5 by retrofitting a small basement TV studio in the existing radio headquarters.

Howell also served as a Colorado State representative. He was also the first president of the Colorado Broadcasters Association.

Sculptor Tim Schwander was selected for Rex Howell’s statue.

When speaking with Miffie and Jacquie, they pointed out that the sculptures aren’t about memorializing local people, “Even Sister Mary Balbina Farrell’s sculpture was criticized,” they said, “It’s about remembering local history, not really about honoring specific people”.

We would like to thank Miffie and Jacquie for all the information they provided for this article.

Business Art Mentorship BAM!

Investing in our Future Art Community

ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY C. W. MORGAN

The Business Art Mentorship, known as BAM!, is a nonprofit organization for youth to learn artistic skills, and the entrepreneurial skills to turn their art into a business. BAM! is a place to create healthy peer groups, meet local artists, create with quality art supplies, connect to community resources, gain life and business skills through community engagement, gain experience selling artwork at community events, and cultivate their art skills as well as learning new art and business skills.

BAM! is a no cost, and no commitment group for youth ages 12 to 21. The program is open to all youth in the Grand Valley regardless of their artistic ability. They strive to be a welcoming safe place where youth can make connections, face fears, and learn new skills. They provide snacks and even transportation when needed. Because of this, they are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers might help with teaching art or business classes, but they are also needed to help with book-keeping and finances for the program, public

speaking about the program, grant writing, serving on the board, transportation for kids that need it, and helping in the kitchen teaching food prep and skills. They do background checks on all of their adult volunteers as well as provide training for working with youth.

As a 501c3 non-profit operating under Trail Lamp Youth Services, BAM! is able to take monetary donations or in-kind donations of art materials. In the future, they hope to be able to have their own space, create an art supply trade shop open to the community,  as well as have a gallery for emerging artists.

Originally founded in inner city Dallas, by Tauma Lee, who was a working artist who had big dreams of sharing her skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives and mental health of youth, the program moved to Grand Junction in 2022 when Tauma and her family moved here to care for her husband’s aging mother. The program started in Clifton, and later moved to Grand Junction. Tauma has been very concerned with the high suicide rates in Mesa County and wants to help build resources and safe places for youth. The program is currently housed in the First Congregational United Church of Christ (across from Grand Junction High School) until they are able to obtain their own space.

Welcoming all youth, BAM! hosts 1-2 classes per club, which equates to 6-8 hours a week. They are looking for more

volunteers to increase these numbers. The classes have included photography, sculpture, and temporary tattoos, in addition to drawing and painting classes. On the entrepreneurial side, teaching includes projects to design, contract work, and implement and complete that work. They recently did a mural for a local paddleboard store and the youth were able to learn and implement each step of the process. As a youth, it can be hard to put yourself, and your artwork, out there. BAM! works to foster the skills needed to complete their art and then get it out into the community. The BAM! Crew trains youth to set up displays at events, take payment, and break down the display at the end of the event.

BAM! was created with the purpose of creating a welcoming place for youth to develop healthy peer groups, gain life, social, and business skills, and of course learn art skills and create their own works. Local artists teach not only art classes and skills, but also marketing and business skills. Within the program, there are internships that youth can apply for. The group shows their works of art at local exhibits, receptions, markets and festivals. They recently hosted their own art show with a Futuristic theme. The show included a showcase of all types of artwork, a skit, and a fashion show. The majority of the profits from the art sales go to the youth artists, with a small percentage reinvested to help keep BAM! no cost to youth.

“Youth leave with skills, but so do we, and so do I. Learning every day.”

- Director and Founder, Tauma Lee

When asked what they wished the adults in their lives knew, the youth answered that it is really hard to be a teen, and that it is so important to take their mental health concerns seriously. When asked what they enjoyed about the program they said that they enjoy learning new things, that it gives them something to look forward to, and they are glad to make new friends. Director and Founder, Tauma Lee says “Youth Leave with skills, but so do we, and so do I. Learning every day.”

You can learn more, join BAM! or donate by visiting their website, bambizart.org

When asked what they wished the adults in their lives knew, the youth answered that it is really hard to be a teen, and that it is so important to take their mental health concerns seriously.

FARM - Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace

Bringing People Together

Have you discovered FARM in Fruita? They opened in February of this year, and they are so excited to share their collaborations with the community. The Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace was born out of the desire to join the creative and recreational communities in Fruita. It all started 17 years ago when the Studio for Arts & Works was opened in Carbondale, CO. Later, when the owners were enjoying a Westwater river trip, they learned about a vacant building in Fruita, and knew it could be just the place to bring and expand their vision with Fruita.

FARM is a community of creative professionals and entrepreneurs cultivating their craft through mixed-use, retail and private working studio spaces. They have 19 artist studios and 5 retail storefronts including Rocky Mountain Public Media, Element Outdoors, the Zen Den, Happy Trails Colorado, and one open space waiting to be filled.

FARM is home to creative professionals and they use the term “creative” in a loose fashion. They host visual, healing, and culinary arts, as well as yoga, printmaking, woodwork, apparel, and even custom bicycle builds.

FARM would like the community to know that everyone is welcome. There is always something new, and therefore it is a great place to stop by often. They have a master schedule of events on their website, as each retailer has their own schedule and events. FARM is the host of Fruita Fourth Fridays on the fourth Friday of each month. They will also be hosting a Holiday Event and then a Winter Event in February. There are yoga and ceramics classes. The Muse, one of the newest tenants, even hosts open media nights.

What a great way to support the community and enjoy something unique to Fruita.

ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF |

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.