What Northern Colorado Artists Say They Need Most
Lessons From NOCO Creative Network’s First Artist Listening Session
There are over 400 arts...
Take a peek at our participants;
We'll be adding more here throughout the month.
Meet Henry, the artist behind Partum Iter, who transforms discarded textiles into functional art using reclaimed clothing, outdoor gear, and other "trash" materials. Whether he's sewing custom backpacks or repairing gear at trailheads and festivals, Henry's work is rooted in the belief that well-made things deserve a long life.Community is central to Henry's practice, making his involvement in The Tapestry Project especially meaningful. Just days before learning about the collaboration with Alliance for Suicide Prevention, he had begun envisioning a piece to help process the loss of a loved one to suicide. In support of ASP's work, Henry has created a one-of-a-kind handmade tapestry and is donating 100% of the proceeds from its sale to Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
Devon Martinez of Callandry Art creates gouache paintings, pen and ink illustrations, handmade books, zines, and other handcrafted works inspired by myth, magic, and the stories we tell one another. For Devon, art does not end when a piece leaves her studio. "Most of my pieces live two lives. The first one they have is with me as they are being built, and the second is with the community it is shared with." That relationship between artist and community is one of the reasons she chose to participate in Tapestry. Through her work and her support of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, Devon hopes to help create opportunities for connection at a time when many people are rebuilding a sense of community and belonging.
Alex Reynolds is the designer behind Charming Quail™ Jewelry Design, creating jewelry inspired by the things people love to geek out about while remaining wearable in everyday life. For Alex, community is not an abstract idea. It's built through shared experiences and showing up for one another: "It's being together during the good times and the bad, sharing laughs, cries, and sweat equity." We're excited to have Alex participating in Tapestry, helping create shared experiences in our community, and celebrating the artists, organizations, and community members who make Northern Colorado what it is.
Michael J. Ryan of Nocturne Arts is an expressionist painter whose work uses the landscape as a vehicle for emotional expression. Through each painting, he invites viewers to slow down, connect with the land, and discover something personal within the moment.After moving to Fort Collins in 2009, Michael and his wife, Nicole, found a place that felt like home. "We have fallen deeply in love with the landscape and the community of Fort Collins. I'd personally love to strengthen my bond with the community and the environment." That desire for connection is one of the reasons Michael chose to participate in Tapestry. We're grateful to have him join us for an evening celebrating art, community, and collective wellbeing.
PBnC Duet is a Fort Collins songwriting duo featuring original music, thoughtful storytelling, and harmonies that celebrate the connections we make throughout our lives. "When we wrote the song 'Tapestry,' we had no idea it would tie in so nicely to the event." Their song explores the relationships that shape us, whether they're lifelong or fleeting, and the importance of building support networks within our communities. That message made Tapestry a natural fit. Join PBnC Duet on August 7 as they share music that reflects the heart of this event: connection, belonging, and caring for one another.
Freebird Funnday is a Colorado-based artist whose fingerpainted work blends surreal imagery, street art influences, vivid color, and heavy texture. Rather than using traditional brushes, she paints with her hands, creating expressive dreamlike landscapes. Community has played an important role in her artistic journey. "The support and encouragement I have felt from my community as an artist is incredible. I am so grateful to be able to share my artwork amongst so many other wonderful artists and to feel like our contributions are appreciated." That sense of encouragement is part of what drew her to Tapestry, where artists, community organizations, and neighbors come together in support of connection and wellbeing.
For Sheri Lauren, art is about connection. A Fort Collins-based expressionist and surrealist artist, Sheri explores the human experience through color, humor, vulnerability, and storytelling. Her work spans painting, illustration, murals, music, and community arts programming. The same values that shape her creative practice also shape her involvement in Tapestry. "A healthy arts community builds up its participants, encourages them to achieve greater things, and helps them to thrive; all while serving the larger community."
Kyah Probst is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and community builder whose work explores creativity as a tool for connection. Through photography, mixed media, writing, and community engagement, she's interested in the spaces where art helps people better understand themselves and one another. As co-founder and Executive Director of Growth & Operations for NOCO Creative Network, Kyah now spends much of her creative energy designing opportunities for artists to connect, collaborate, and build stronger creative communities together. "I have a vested interest in building bridges, not ladders. I’m excited to bring Tapestry to life because it really feels like a true extension of that.”
For nearly two decades, Rosemary Graff and her husband Greg have been building more than a farm. Through Friends of Laughing Buck Farm, they've created a place where people can connect with horses, nature, and one another through educational and therapeutic experiences. At the heart of that work is a simple hope. "I feel it here on the farm and hope that others can get that sense of belonging here as well. We all need it." That belief in connection and community is what brings Friends of Laughing Buck Farm to Tapestry. Stop by to meet their therapy animals and learn more about the work they're doing to foster healing, belonging, and connection throughout Northern Colorado.
Until They're Home is a Fort Collins-based animal rescue dedicated to supporting Colorado families and their four-legged companions. Through advocacy, rehoming assistance, and fostering support, their work helps keep pets safe, cared for, and connected to the people who love them. At the heart of that work is a community of animal lovers who show up for one another when it's needed most. "We have the best community of animal lovers and advocates [...] We loved our our Painting With Dogs event last summer and we would love to do it again this year!" Until They're Home is coming to Tapestry for another evening of creativity, connection, and community. Be sure to stop by, meet some furry friends, and join in the fun.
Craftivism brings people together through creativity, authentic community, and meaningful action. Their gatherings combine hands-on artmaking with opportunities to build relationships, honor one another's lived experiences, and contribute to projects that create positive change both locally and globally. Whether through weaving, painting, collage, fiber arts, or other creative mediums, Craftivism believes creativity can strengthen community and empower people to make a difference. Be sure to stop by their booth to learn more about their work and how you can get involved.
Regina Baukol of Elevated Fiber Arts creates modern macramé plant hangers and home décor designed to bring more greenery and warmth into everyday spaces. A former hairstylist, she discovered fiber art as a creative outlet, which has since grown into a small business and a passion for teaching others through classes and workshops. As a newer member of Fort Collins' creative community, Regina has found something she didn't expect. "Everyone seems to want to help each other whether it be through collaborations, introductions, or sending each other opportunities. It's been amazing so far." That spirit of collaboration is one of the reasons Regina was drawn to Tapestry.
Meet Craig Wentka, an artist whose work blends illustration, sculpture, installation, and storytelling to build immersive worlds. From intricate sketches and large-scale creatures to interactive installations, Craig creates pieces that invite viewers to step into the narrative and become part of it. Inspired by fellow artists and the people who engage with his work, Craig is passionate about continually finding his own voice while encouraging others to discover theirs. He's participating in The Tapestry Project because he believes art is one of the many ways we can contribute to a stronger, more connected community.
Sherilyn Zagorski is an intuitive and emotional healer, artist, and suicide survivor whose Love Lumps and Bloom collections create tactile reminders of unconditional love, inclusion, and hope. "Community means creating spaces where it's safe to talk about suicide and mental health, to honor those we've lost, and to celebrate the resilience of those still here." Sherilyn joined Tapestry because its focus on community art, music, and collective wellbeing reflects the heart of her work. Through her art, she hopes to create moments of connection and remind people that they are not alone.
We couldn't do it without them.
There are over 400 arts...
Fort Collins Comic Con is back August 14–16 at the Fort Collins Senior Center. The weekend...
First Friday Art Walkhas always blurred the line between art and everyday life in Fort Collins.
...