Sensi Magazine - Denver/Boulder (September 2019)

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DENVER / BOULDER

THE NEW NORMAL

9.2019

P I T R U YO T A H Get to know the guys behind Denver’s haute style start-up, Encounter Hat Co.

The Art + Culture Issue Elevate your life in the Mile High

In Good Taste LEARNING: EVEN {plus} HIGHER THE IVY LEAGUE GOES TO POT

Your next favorite wine is from Colorado

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ISSUE 9 //VOLUME 4 //9.2019

FEATURES 78 Close Encounters

The guys behind Denver’s hottest fashion start-up, Encounter Hat Co.

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SP EC IAL R EP OR T

Higher Ed

Colleges add cannabis courses and degree programs to the curriculum.

98 Tales from the Cenozoic Life through the creative lens.

106 The Surreal Life

Getting surreal with Kelly Tunstall.

116 Off the Road Again

Tales of an accidental RVer.

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS With Bob’s Burgers cartoonist Jay Howell

56

every issue 17 Editor’s Note 23 The Buzz 30 NewsFeed

TOURIST ATTRACTION

36 TasteBuds

WALK ON THE WINE SIDE

44 AroundTown

DECK THE WALLS

52 LifeStyle

THE SECRET MAGIC OF LIVE MUSIC

56 HighProfile

HOWELL’S MOVING PICTURES

62 LifeStyle

SPACE TO CREATE

70 TravelWell

FALLIN’ FOR COLORADO

144 HereWeGo

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

ON THE COVER

Clothing Designer: @juliarhodendesign / Hat Designer: @encounterhatco Model: @emilyjeanmodel, @wilhelminadenver / Photographer: @courtneyrossphoto Hair and Makeup: @misshoneybee_beauty

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sensi magazine

When you were younger, did you dream of being broke?

ISSUE 9 / VOLUME 4 / 9.2019

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Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

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Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

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Dawn Garcia, Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Abigail Scott, Rebecca Treon, Addison Heron-Wheeler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

If the answer is "No", Attend a free seminar on how real estate investing can give you back your dreams.

Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com

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M E D I A PA RT N E R S Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy

16 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

THE ART

OF IT ALL

editor’s

NOTE

September is a time of transition. As the last dog days of summer fade into fall, we are ready to return to a higher

level of living, a standard perhaps instilled in us as children heading back to school—ideally dressed in a fresh wardrobe that spoke volumes to the world (your classmates) about how this is a new year, a new you, wiser, better, a whole lot hipper than when they saw you last. You’re trending up, so stylish you’re timeless. Or maybe that was just my inner back-to-school monologue. It’s definitely the sentiment I am going for in this September Issue, capital I in honor of the documentary by that name that showcases what it takes for Anna Wintour to put together the biggest issue of Vogue’s calendar year—a film that in no small way inspired our leading feature this month on Encounter Hat Co., makers of the haute headwear adorning the model on our cover. The story isn’t about her; it’s about the two young guys— former college football players, bro dudes, who teamed up after separate stints playing football in Europe and launched a highend fashion brand that makes custom hats coveted by style-seeking millennials eager to spend their discretionary income on statement pieces with a story. Encounter has a great one so far, and the next chapter starts this month—set in Paris at Fashion Week Studio, where a collaboration with designer C.R.Lee sends models wearing Encounter down the runway. It’s a big moment. It’s a big month. Fashion is a wearable art form, and it’s just one of many kinds we cover in this issue. It’s an ode to the creative class, to the people who make the things that make our lives better. It’s a celebration of the art of living, and a guide to doing that well. To living a life of substance and style. And ultimately, it’s meant to be a motivating reminder that beautiful things can emerge if you give yourself space to create. In living color,

Stephanie Wilson ED I TOR I N CHI EF SENSI MAGAZINE

Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2019 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 17

ADVISORY BOARD 1906 New Highs // CHOCOLATE Agricor Laboratories // TESTING LAB Altus // PILLS AND TABLETS Aspen Cannabis Insurance // INSURANCE SERVICES Bear Mortgage // RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS Bee-Nails // VAPORIZERS Buscher Law, LLC // CANNABIS LAW Cannopoly // MOBILE COMMERCE Canyon Cultivation // MICRO DOSING CLogistics // COURIER Colorado Cannabis Company // THC COFFEE Concentrate Supply Co. // RECREATIONAL CONCENTRATES Emerald Construction // CONSTRUCTION Evolutionz Consulting // THE CLEAR™ Evolve Formulas // TRANSDERMAL General Cannabis // CONSULTING GoFire // DOSE CONTROL Greenhouse Payment Solutions // PAYMENT PROCESSING GreenLink Financial // BANKING Higher Grade // BOUTIQUE CANNABIS Hybrid Payroll // STAFFING AND HR BENEFITS Incredibles // WELLNESS JR Limitless, LLC. // ARTISTRY Jupiter Research // INHALATION HARDWARE L’Eagle Services // SUSTAINABILITY Lab Society // EXTRACTION EXPERT AND LAB SUPPLIES Llamaste // YOGA Lowspark Incorporated // DISTRIBUTION LUXX Retreat // LODGING marQaha // SUBLINGUALS AND BEVERAGES MedPharm // LIFESTYLE VAPE Monte Fiore Farms // RECREATIONAL CULTIVATION Mountain High Suckers // CBD EDIBLES Mustache Dabs // ROSIN PRESS Next Frontier Biosciences // BIOSCIENCES Northern Standard // HISTORY OF CANNABIS ONIT Sciences // CANNABIS INVESTMENTS PotGuide // TRAVEL/TOURISM Pyramid // DISTILLATES RiNo Supply Company // CANNABIS CULTURE Sharp Solutions // TRANSPORTATION Smokineer // OUTDOOR SMOKING GEAR Source Colorado // WHOLESALE CONSULTING Steve’s Goods // CBG PRODUCTS Terrapin Care Station // RECREATIONAL DISPENSARY Toast // MINDFUL CONSUMPTION Tradewinds Security Professionals // SECURITY TruSolis Technologies // COMMERCIAL LIGHTING ULEVA // HEMP PRODUCTS Wana Brands // EDIBLES WillPower // SPORTS NUTRITION Witlon Inc. // PAYROLL PROCESSING You Deserve a Massage // VIBROACOUSTIC SOUND LOUNGE 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

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22 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Crushing It

Celebrating 10 years this month, the festival respon-

sible for turning the buildings of RiNo into a curated outdoor art gallery—CRUSH Walls—is back, taking place September 2–8. CRUSH, which stands for Creative RitPHOTO COURTESY OF RINO ART DISTRICT PHARAOH ONE

uals Under Social Harmony, brings some of the world’s best artists to Denver to transform RiNo with new murals, immersive experiences, and an opportunity to champion the arts to unite people through creativity. This year, the 16 invited national and international artists are pairing up with local artists for collaboration pieces. A record-setting 105,000 people attended the free week-long fest last year—the first year all the artists were paid. That trend continues this year, as 100 or so artists create 80 new murals across 30 blocks during the week. The week closes out with the first-ever CRUSH Concert, taking place at the new Mission Ballroom. You do need tix to that, and you can get them and all the details at CRUSHWALLS.ORG .

–Stephanie Wilson

"Great art picks up where nature ends."—Marc Chagall sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 23

The arts boost tourism, spur economic growth, enhance workforce development, advance lifelong learning, expand philanthropy, provide entertainment, and build community vitality. Basically, the arts improve our quality of life.

In Metro Denver, the Arts generate: $1.8 Billion: Economic Activity $512.8 Million: Economic Impact $367 Million: Cultural Tourism 10,731: Jobs $165.2 Million: Total Payroll $176.4 Million: Philanthropic Contributions to the Arts 42,415: Total Volunteers 13.9 Million*: Attendance *That’s enough people to fill Broncos Stadium, Pepsi Center, Coors Field, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Part every single day for almost three months. Or to sell out Red Rocks every day for four years straight. –SW Stats provided by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA.ORG ).

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(TOP TO BOTTOM) PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVAN SEMON AND STEVIE CRECELIUS

Creative Economy: By the Numbers

Act Now: CU Presents Back-to-school

is

basically

the

New Year for academia. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, make it your resolution to not sleep on the Artist Series at by the University of Colorado, Boulder. For more than 80 years, the CU Artist Series has brought the

globe’s

fin-

est jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to Boulder. Some of the highlights of the 2019–2020 season have been announced and tickets went on sale in August. The Artist Series season kicks off Oct. 9 with the Chick Corea Trilogy, and culminates April 4, 2020 with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (pictured here), one of the most original forces in (TOP TO BOTTOM) PHOTOS COURTESY OF QUINN B WHARTON AND CREATIVE COMMONS

contemporary dance. Many of these performances sell out, so if you want to get your hands on some, direct your browser to CUPRESENTS.ORG .

Book It: Monet

–SW

Claude Monet, Path in the Wheat Fields at Pourville, 1882

The Denver Art Museum will be home to the most comprehensive US exhibition of Monet paintings in more than two decades when it presents Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature, in the fall of 2019. The exhibition will feature about 120 paintings spanning Monet’s entire career and will focus on the celebrated French impressionist artist’s enduring relationship with nature and his response to the varied and distinct places in which he worked. The only US stop for this extensive showcase, the exhibit opns opens on Oct. 21, 2019, and will be here through Feb. 2, 2020. Tickets went on sale in July—book ahead. If last year’s Dior exhibit is any kind of preview, you won’t be able to pick up passes if you wake one day and want to head to the museum on a whim. It’ll be worth it to make plans. DENVERARTMUSEUM.ORG –SW sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 25

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I GOT BAKED

Literary Landmark: Book Bar

Book Store + Wine Bar x Denver Arts District = BookBar in Berkley // BOOKBARDENVER.COM

This summer, BookBar—the bookstore/bar combo in the Tennyson Art ‡‡‡‡

District—showed how to handle hate with dignity, class, and community

‡‡‡‡

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building after its Drag Queen Storytime was targeted by white suprema-

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cists. There was already a lot of reasons to crush the place—its curated wine list, its menu of items all served in bite-size proportions so you can eat them with one hand with a book in your other, its author events. But then they gave away free printed copies of the Mueller Report this summer, and we fell hard and fast in literal literary love. And this month, a chance to fall in literal love is on the calendar. On National Read a Book Day—Friday, Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.—the Single Reader Mix and Mingle is a chance to get to know other bibliophiles over trivia, games, and light refreshments.

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grown-ups, every ďŹ rst and third Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. (Sept. 1 and Sept. 15.) Follow in Ernest Hemingway’s “Write drunk; edit soberâ€? footsteps, and indulge in the bottomless mimosas during the uninterrupted writing time. If you’re more of an upper junkie, there’s unlimited drip coffee to help you catch that caffeine buzz. If you’re more of a quiet reader than a bubbly writer, the hip Tennyson enclave has an hour for you to be happy. On Sunday, Sept. 8, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., head to the bar for the monthly meeting partnership with Silent Book Club, for an hour of silent reading— and enjoy half-off any drink on the menu.

26 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

–SW

PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA TODD

Other reasons to swing by this month: Drop in for the writing meet-up for

Cultural Happening: Biennial Of The Americas

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Museum pop-up shoe shop at Tail Tacks Plaza (16th Street between Wynkoop and Wewatta streets). Attend any of the nine free Clinicas, with international speakers discussing everything from artificial intelligence to sustainable fashion. Sir Richard Branson is one of the brightest highlights; his talk “Invest in the Business of Empathy” is on Thursday, Sept. 26. It all culminates on Saturday with Cósmico Americas all-day party at Civic Center Park.

–SW

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{newsfeed } by L E L A N D R U C K E R

TOURIST ATTRACTION With a new governor and legislature in charge, cannabis is becoming part of Colorado’s official tourism campaign.

For almost six years now, Colorado has seen tourists

Officials back then insisted that cannabis wasn’t part of

who made their decision to visit our state, at least in part,

the state’s attraction to tourists, but the numbers indicate

because of the attraction of legal, adult-use cannabis. And

differently. There are no real statistics available, and it’s

if those of us who live here might have become a bit jaded

not close to a majority, but let’s face it: tourists love Colo-

by now, the attraction of buying marijuana in a retail store

rado, and some of them love cannabis. Now that we have

just like anything else is undeniably romantic and attrac-

a new governor in office who’s supportive of the thriving

tive to many people who reside outside our borders, espe-

cannabis industry, we should expect expect change in Col-

cially in states where it’s not legal.

orado’s official messaging.

When we looked in on how cannabis was affecting

Gov. Jared Polis recently appointed Wanda James, a Col-

tourism in Colorado more than two years ago, state of-

orado cannabis business owner, to a seat on the state’s

ficials were apprehensive, and understandably so, about

tourism board. James, with her husband Scott Durrah—

promoting cannabis as part of the tourism experience. No

the first minority owners of a cannabis business here and

state had legalized it before, there was a distinct, negative

an outspoken advocate for the plant—attended a retreat

stigma around it, and federal laws prohibited advertising it

with other tourism board members last month.

in states where it’s illegal. Legal precedents were few and far between.

James was encouraged by her first meeting with other board members. “Being able to talk about cannabis from

For decades, the state’s tourism board has promoted Col-

the standpoint that people are coming here for cannabis

orado’s incredible beauty and healthy lifestyle. Many hotels

is definitely a 180-degree difference from what it used to

and lodging areas have been reluctant to allow use in their

be,” she says.

facilities, and there are precious few allowances for public

Cathy Ritter, director of the Colorado Tourism Office,

consumption. Police could ticket anyone caught smoking in

agrees. “The experiment has progressed, and the land-

public. Which left tourists with an interesting, unpleasant

scape has changed considerably,” she says. “We have a

conundrum: How can you legally buy a product but have vir-

governor who has made it clear he wants Colorado to be

tually nowhere to actually use it without breaking the law?

the best state for development, production, business, and

30 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 31

consumption,” she says. “But it remains federally illegal outside our borders.

R E S O U R CE M E DI C A L CE N T E R

There are questions about the wisdom of promoting an illegal substance. It’s still a gray territory.” Currently, questions to the tourism office about cannabis are directed to the Responsibility Grows Here (formerly Need to Know) website, which concentrates on education about cannabis legalities in the state. “The focus has

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changed, and so the board has changed,” James says. “One thing we might do is have a list of commonly asked questions about cannabis. I never want to break a law. But it’s our responsibility to push the law. What can we do that benefits Colorado, and what can we do to normalize what cannabis has done for this state?”

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Ritter says that her office is already working along those lines. “We have been directing travelers to the Responsibility Grows Here website. They have great info [about Colorado cannabis laws] for travelers. With all changes on the landscape and more to come, we’ll be developing our own content.” Jeremy Bamford is CEO of PotGuide.com, a company based in Denver whose website offers up-to-date information about cannabis lodging, consumption, dispensaries, and activities for 24 states. He says that while Colorado has done the best job of any state to promote it, pure cannabis tourism has probably peaked here. “The reality is that back [when recreational use was first legalized], Colorado was the only option other than Washington State. But California

DEN V ER, CO 7 2 0 -5 7 2 - 5 249 32 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

and Nevada have changed the dynamic.” This year, the legislature passed and the governor signed several cannabis bills, two of which begin to affect tourists next year. The first, and most im-

portant, is that on Jan. 1, 2020, businesses will be able to apply for one of two licenses to allow public consumption, which will let people, including out-ofstate visitors, use cannabis with others in social settings, from lounges and musical concerts to yoga studios and painting classes. One license will allow dispensaries to offer small amounts of marijuana to be purchased and consumed on site, much as taverns and bars do with liquor. The second would offer a marijuana hospitality license that would allow on-site consumption, with a special exception to the Colorado Clean Air Act. “Our laws so far have been so strict,” Bamford says. Having statewide guidelines in place for social licenses will offer entrepreneurs new ways to generate revenue, which should offer a wide range of possibilities for tourists. “It’s all going to change again with the advent of social clubs,” says Ritter. “The lesson

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is we have to be alert to different changes.”

“I never want to break the law. But it’s our responsibility to push the law,” Wanda James says. “What can we do that benefits Colorado, and what can we do to normalize what cannabis has done for this state?” The state is working on rules that will allow delivery service for medical patients on Jan. 1, with adult-use delivery scheduled to begin a year later. That will change the dynamic of going to a dispensary. “In the early days, it was all about experience,” Bamford says. “Now that’s over and people will want convenience. With delivery coming, demand for ordering ahead is only going to keep growing.” As long as cannabis is illegal in other states, the attraction of the dispensary experience will always be there, but Bamford says that businesses appealing to tourists will have to change, too. “How many times to you want to tour a cannabis grow facility?” he asks. “Ultimately, the companies will have to create unique experiences and interesting packages, maybe even remote trips.” James points out that all of this is happening because Colorado voters elected a governor and a legislature that finally wants to promote the state’s success with legalization as part of its image. “This why elections are important and leadership matters,” she says. “Everybody’s got to change.” Bamford is optimistic that the stigma that has surrounded the cannabis plant for so long is slowly ebbing. “Sentiments are changing, and people are more receptive,” he says. “As people get educated, as they learn more, we’re making headway.”

Photos courtesy of Michelle Koster Photography, LLC.

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Take an IPA break and embrace Colorado’s chill vine culture.

WALK ON THE WINE SIDE 36 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Which kind of Colorado tasting room—beer or wine— do you associate with the following: Cornhole? Live music? Food trucks? Shorts and T-shirts? If you’re being honest, beer pitches a 4–0 shutout. Maybe familiarity plays a part. Along the Front Range, there are hundreds of tasting rooms for breweries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries and even the state’s first hard seltzer-y, but only a handful of winery tasting rooms. Pinot noir has a perception problem, i.e., we perceive wine as this super-elite, snooty activity with a steep learning curve and a special dialect denoting terroir and “aromas of violet, rhubarb, and rich forest floor.” If you grew up in a family where wine was always on the table, you know how down-to-earth and entertaining wine can be. To the uninitiated, wine culture doesn’t exactly scream “FUN!” Luckily, the corkscrew is being passed to a new generation of wine drinkers. Unfortunately, some millennials don’t know what a corkscrew is. Some people see the typical wine bottle, label, and cork as a wasteful vestige, not a “tradition.” That’s just fine with a new generation of Colorado winemakers who are upturning traditional ways of serving, making, and appreciating wine. As was the case with the craft beer, cider, and cannabis, Colorado does things a little differently when it comes to craft wine culture.

SUSTAINABLE MEANS LOCAL You know where your eggs came from, you patronize a local coffee roaster, and when it comes to beer, you try not to quaff any stout or IPA brewed outside the city limits. Yet for some reason, when picking a wine, you grab a bottle shipped from California, Oregon, Italy, France, Australia, and Chile—in fact, anywhere but Colorado. You are excused if you haven’t thought much about Colorado wines. While the state had a booming wine industry before Prohibition, by 1990, there were only five wineries in the state. Now there are more than 150 Colorado wineries, including a slew along the Front Range producing some award-winning vintages. Wine Enthusiast, Vogue and other magazines have named Colorado’s Grand Valley as one of America’s up-andcoming wine-growing regions worth visiting. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 37

WHERE TO FIND COLORADO WINE Most local liquor stores carry at least a couple of Colorado wines, but a few focus on the state’s wineries and feature the widest selection. According to local wine experts, the best places include Molly’s Wine & Spirits and Argonaut Liquor in Denver and Davidson’s Liquors in Highlands Ranch.

If you need to get all nerdy and study wine and become a master sommelier, more power to you. Most of us just want to have something tasty to drink that goes with food and the independent Colorado way of life, which includes doing stuff outdoors…where you don’t want to bring along a corkscrew.

CANNED, COTTLED, BOXED, AND CASKED In 2002, there was canned beer, but not great canned American beer. Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons took the leap and started craft-canning its Dale’s Pale Ale, sparking the ongoing US canned-beer renaissance. There was canned wine in 2011, but Denver’s Infinite Monkey Theorem made it cool by canning its highly drinkable craft wine, albeit made with California grapes. Now, the award-winning Colterris Winery, based in Palisade, cans some delightful wines, including “Canterris” Rose of Cabernet made with Grand Valley-grown grapes. Cans make wine unpretentious and accessible—and slightly bubbly. Meanwhile, Denver’s Kingman Big Hat Wines offers a thoroughly drinkable upgrade on boxed wine, including a Colorado cabernet. Bigsby’s Folly is packing Colorado craft wine, including Rosé of Grenache, in a groundbreaking aluminum “cottle”—a can-bottle hybrid. The most sustainable answer is to have zero packaging to recycle. Instead of selling only by the bottle, many Colorado wineries such as Denver’s Bonacquisti Wine Co. also offer their wine in refillable glass “growlers” or special wine kegs. It introduces the wonderful concept of drinking fresh wine—like you get fresh juice and fresh bread. Bringing a wine bottle to the table may soon be a ritual reserved solely for high-end eateries now that great casked wine is commonly available. In Denver, Berkeley Untapped has two wine blends from western Colorado’s Jack Rabbit Hill Farm on tap. The cask house wine at Boulder’s award-winning Black Cat Farm Table Bistro is a meritage blend produced by the local BookCliff Vineyards.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD WITH WINE As with brewpubs, a few local destinations bring wine and food together in a big way. The 20-year-old Creekside Cellars winery and restaurant in Evergreen 38 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

features casual dining and notable wines from Colorado grapes overseen by winemaker Michelle Cleveland. Look for Creekside’s 2016 cabernet franc, an ideal match for spicy grilled chicken. As celebrated food critic John Mariani once noted: “One might as well test out a Ferrari by running it in a garage as taste wines on their own without food. You’d never know how it handles the curves.” That’s one of the things that makes Colorado Uncorked a cool encounter with the state’s best wines. Professional judges choose the top dozen wines of the year from the hundreds submitted for the Colorado Wine Governor’s Cup Competition. Attendees at Colorado Uncorked, Nov. 15 at the History Colorado Center, sample those wines accompanied by fare designed to complement it from chefs at Julep, Narrative. Sazza, Postino, Ocean Prime, and River and Woods. The state’s major wine festival, the Colorado Mountain Winefest (Sept. 19–22 in Palisade), has grown so popular that tickets to the big gathering, the Festival in the Park, are sold out. Head to the Palisade area anyway that week BIGSBY’S FOLLY Craft Winery & Restaurant in Denver

for tons of tastings, bicycle winery tours, winemaker dinners, seminars, and cocktails and yoga. Look for them at COLORADOWINEFEST.COM . If that’s not enough, trek to Alamosa for the Colorado Wine Train, which offers white linen dining with small plates and Cottonwood Cellars wines while rolling through the San Luis Valley this fall.

TASTING ROOMS WITH AN ALTITUDE Colorado’s current crop of wine tasting rooms provide a wide range of fun. Denver’s Infinite Monkey Theorem gets the credit for shifting the paradigm with Colorado’s first and hippest urban winery. With every scintilla of pretensensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 39

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sion missing, it has become an entertainment destination despite being a winery that produces some of the state’s best wines. Across town in an industrial area near I-70, Balistreri Vineyards is the state’s unlikeliest wine oasis. Pull up and it’s a modern tasting room and garden that serves tapas paired with John Balistreri’s Italian-style wines made mostly with Western Slope grapes. Balistreri also hosts the annual grape stomping party. Children ages 12 and under can stomp grapes during the annual Festival Italiano on Sept. 7 and 8 at Lakewood’s Belmar center. Months later, the juice ends up in bottles of Balistreri’s highly regarded Little Feet Merlot. Other tasting rooms have their discrete charms. Carlson Vineyards’ room in Palisade is exceptionally welcoming—there’s nothing like sipping tart cherry wine in a chocolate-rimmed glass. Azura Cellars in Paonia boasts the most majestic mountain backdrop in the state for sipping wine, and Alma’s Continental Divide Winery is touted as the world’s highest elevation winery. The Wines of Colorado near Pikes Peak in Cascade boasts stunning views, casual dining and one of the largest Colorado wine selections in the state.

A CHANGE OF GRAPES AND FRUITS Sure, there is plenty of cabernet sauvignon growing in the Grand Valley, but the state’s winemakers are also turning to formerly obscure grape varieties like chambourcin and traminette. They suit the state’s changing climate, according to the Colorado Wine Development Board. Local wine fans seem open to sipping something new over the big, popular varieties just as they choose unusual heirloom tomato varieties over standard Beefsteaks. When the wine is as tasty as the 2016 Teroldego from Palisade’s Red Fox Cellars, it’s easy to skip the pinot and merlot. Some Colorado winemakers skip the grapes entirely. Carlson Vineyards bottles an outstanding Colorado plum wine, St. Kathryn Cellars has a refreshing strawberry rhubarb wine, and Vino Colorado Winery in Old Colorado City makes a dessert-worthy palisade peach wine. Our big (wine) tent even includes Colorado Sake Co. (made from rice) and a bunch of meaderies creating honey wine, not all of them are sweet. Wine may need to draw the line at Skier Pee from Evergood Elixirs in Palmer. The lemon wine (best served over ice) is brewed from organic lemons, water, yeast, and sugar. They say it has a Gewurztraminer-like aroma, but it’s not made with Colorado produce. Is it possible that Colorado is tired of beer? Not likely, but after all these years of craft beer, lots of folks are weary of the increasing bitterness, especially the ubiquitous IPAs. It’s OK to admit to hops fatigue. Even the breweries are coming over to the wine side. Odell’s Fort Collins brewery is planning to open the Odell Wine Project next year next door with a wine cellar, tasting room and facility for serving wine on tap and in cans. JOHN LEHNDORFF is the former dining critic of the Rocky Mountain News. He hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU, streaming at KGNU.ORG .

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{aroundtown } by A B I G A I L S C O T T

DECK THE WALLS Where to buy affordable artwork in the region.

Within our very nature lies the innate desire to leave our

seeking to decorate spacious, new condos and apartments

mark on this planet so that others will know that we too

with art that reflects their personal style and complements

were here. Over millennia, we’ve left these legacies by dec-

the space. Standard issue print posters will no longer do.

orating our surroundings with inspirational images, life-like

Eric Dallimore, founder and artistic director or Leon Gallery

depictions, and abstract shapes that each capture feelings

in Uptown, explains that, above all else, art should make the

and evoke emotions from the creator and observer.

buyer happy. It’s not about the artist’s signature, gallery’s

What started as rudimentary cave etchings used to record

prestige, or number on the price tag. The art we hang in our

history or provide directions quickly progressed to intricate-

homes is just as much of a personal expression of style as

ly carved figurines representing the human form. Next, we

the clothes we wear and the songs we sing. So get out, ex-

sought to worship a higher power using art as a means of

plore, and find something that is oh-so-very you.

sions with depictions of religious icons. Just a few thousand years later and it seems that artwork is everywhere.

ARTIST COLLECTIVES Shared studio spaces give artists of all styles the free-

We appreciate art and the freedom it provides so much

dom to create in relaxed, no-frills environments surround-

that we adorn the sides of buildings with colorful murals,

ed by other like-minded, supportive creatives. The eclectic

craft larger-than-life sculptures, and even seek to heal

neighborhoods of RiNo, Baker, and Curtis Park are home

mental and physical wounds through artistic expression.

to artist-owned-and-operated, shared studio spaces that

Original art can be likened to snowflakes—no two works

offer affordable art options for the city’s residents.

are the same. Just as Mother Nature encourages individualism and beauty, so too does original art.

Kanon Collective. Nestled in the renowned Santa Fe Art District, this gallery is focused on offering affordable art to

Fortunately for us, Denver is home to an array of artists

the public while also ensuring the creators are paid fairly

creating beautiful pieces through a plethora of media. For

for their work. The studio and gallery spaces are artist-op-

new homeowners or renters hoping to fill their walls with

erated, so patrons can browse collections and meet the

unique commissions and original pieces, they needn’t look

artists behind them. Seasoned enthusiasts will appreci-

further than Denver’s vibrant art scene to find affordable,

ate the cohesive, communal atmosphere of this collective

distinctive artwork that will give shape, feeling, and emo-

while browing a varied collection of pieces.

tion to any apartment, condo, or home.

The Temple. Billed as a “contemporary artist haven,”

Art doesn’t have to be expensive to make an impact or

The Temple boasts an array of colorful, striking paintings,

bring joy. With the housing boom, many millennials are

sculptures, and interactive exhibits that capture attention

44 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE WILSON

exaltation and honor, adorning churches, parks, and man-

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 45

46 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Pablo’s Coffee. With three locations around the city— East Colfax, Wash Park, and Cap Hill—this treasured establishment has been pouring single-origin cups and showcasing up-and-coming talent on its walls for years. Pablos’s makes it a point to display work from emerging and established artists, giving patrons a chance to take home art across multiple styles and media. Crema Coffee House. On Larimer Street in RiNo, Crema’s eclectic atmosphere mirrors its whimsical artwork adorning the walls. For affordable and interesting pieces made by Denver artists, stop by Crema for a cup of coffee and a perusal of its unique offerings. La Cour. This French bistro and jazz club has been a pillar of Denver’s artistic scene for decades. Located on South Broadway, La Cour boasts a stunning collection of artwork. Prices can be steep, but pieces from the curated collection of original paintings can breath new life into a home.

GALLERIES Galleries are notorious for housing high-end, original pieces from already well-known and celebrated artists whose work garners price tags beyond what many apartment-dwelling millennials can barely imagine one day affording. (Times are tough, rents are high, cost inflation PHOTO BY TOA HEFTIBA VIA UNSPLASH

outpaces pay raises—we feel you.) But since Denver’s art and inspire imagination. The art collective not only offers inexpensive, beautiful pieces for Denver art lovers, but also revitalized an important piece of the Mile High’s architectural history: Temple Emanuel in Curtis Park. Globeville Riverfront Art Center (GRACe). Home to over 80 artists, GRACe provides a space for local creatives to showcase their visual works in one of Denver’s hippest hoods—RiNo. From representational paintings to living sculptures, this gallery has it all. The collective is open to the public during First Fridays or by appointment.

COFFEE SHOPS & BARS Denverites love expertly roasted coffee just as much as we love local craft beers. Many coffee shops and breweries throughout downtown display rotating art exhibits from local painters, illustrators, and photographers who are just beginning their journey into the often unforgiving industry. Check out these popular haunts that supply our city with more than a tasty beverage.

scene is relatively young, artists aren’t competing with the more tenured professionals in coastal cities, and we can reap the affordable benefits. Eric Dallimore, founder and artistic director of Leon Gallery in Uptown, explains: “We’re not LA or New York. We don’t have to follow a set of guidelines or rules. As smaller institutions, we get to do whatever the heck we want.” This open-minded mentality has opened up many gallery doors for emerging and mid-career artists across Denver. These are some of the best galleries around the city where art enthusiasts can source inexpensive, beautiful works. CHAC Cultural Gallery + Cultural Center. Denver is home to a mix of people and cultures, including a dynamic Chicano/Latin community that is reflective of our city’s foundation and progressive future. Rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new at CHAC. FooLPRoof Gallery. This downtown gallery puts ample effort behind developing new artists career trajectories by exhibiting their work in FooLPRoof’s welcoming space. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 47

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PHOTO OF CHERRY ART FESTIVAL BY BROOKE AUSTIN

Art festivals give budding artists space to showcase their works for little overhead, so you can find attainable pieces at budget-friendly prices.

With a specific focus towards Denver’s newest art scene,

Fetch. Formerly known as Denver Flea, Fetch is gearing

this Upper Larimer gallery is a great place to score inex-

up for a fall showcase on Sept. 28 and 29 at EXDO Event

pensive art while supporting up-and-coming artists.

Center in RiNo. Browse collections of digital illustrations,

Leon Gallery. Since 2011, this Uptown gallery has made

hand-crafted home furnishings, and colorful vintage prints

a notable impact on Denver’s art scene and the careers

that would enliven the walls of any apartment. More impor-

of its local artists. Throughout its tenure on 17th Street,

tantly, Fetch gives art patrons the chance to connect and

Leon Gallery has exhibited works of newcomers includ-

build relationships with local artists. As your art collection

ing Jonathan Saiz and Diego Rodriguez-Warner, who later

expands, you may eventually be interested in hiring your fa-

went on to have their work shown at the Denver Art Mu-

vorite Denver painter to commission an original piece.

seum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, respectively.

ART FESTIVALS

Cherry Art Fest. On Sept. 7–8, Stanley Marketplace hosts the Cherry Arts Festival, where nearly 100 juried artists showcasing and selling their original works. There’s also live

As our city expands, attracting people from around the

entertainment, interactive art installations, a curated mar-

world, its art festivals continue to gain notoriety. There are

ketplace, and much more. Which means it’s a great time, and

a number of them throughout the year, although summer

a great time to get something new to adorn your walls.

is obviously peak season for outdoor browsing. That said,

Denver Fall Street Fair. On Sept. 27, the 16th Street Mall

there’s still a lot to look forward to as we move into fall.

is where to be if you want to browse an array of fine art

Art festivals provide the perfect place for budding artists

and handcrafted goods. The seasonal fest brings together

to showcase their work with little to no overhead, making

vendors proffering original, unique pieces in a wide array of

pieces generally more attainable and budget-friendly.

media showcased by emerging artists and designers. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 49

50 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 51

{lifestyle } by A D D I S O N H E R R O N -W H E E L E R

THE SECRET MAGIC OF LIVE MUSIC Sofar Sounds reimagines the live concert experience, curating intimate shows in spaces around Denver.

Denver has embraced the idea of live music concerts

a classic rock or hip-hop act at Red Rocks or the Pepsi

and venues both big and small. While some cities have

Center one day, then head to see a local, indie band at Lost

a clear divide between the mainstream and the under-

Lake Lounge or Hi-Dive the next.

ground, it’s not uncommon in the Mile High scene to catch

Because of this, Sofar Sounds Denver fits right in. The London-based group’s mission is to create a space where music matters. They transform spaces of all kinds, homes, stores, restaurants, warehouses, into places for artists to throw intimate concerts. The goal is to increase the connection between musicians and fans and to do something new, that the small audience hasn’t experienced before, even in the atmosphere of small clubs. All the events are inclusive and accessible, and the focus is “People are becoming increasingly frustrated with a world where we’re attached to our phones and not connecting with what’s in front of us,” says Brandy Sachen, city director of Sofar Sounds Denver. “We want to put on a live event alternative that is free of distractions, respect-

52 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

PHOTOS BY NIKKI A RAE

on the connection.

ful to performers, and where guests feel they are truly in-

up was not revealed, and it really created a lot of buzz

cluded and not just in attendence.”

around the festival. We had a line snaking down Broad-

So far, the group has worked to create an experience

way, and the guests were excited to learn who the art-

that is not only intimate, but also decidedly Denver.

ists were. We piled in La Lovely Vintage to hear Kainalu,

They’ve worked with the gorgeous, outdoors spaces

Povi, and Micigander perform. It was packed, sweaty, and

surrounding the city to create events that play off of the

nothing short of amazing.”

wonder of nature. Their recent Open Sky Session part-

To learn more about what Sofar Sounds has brewing

nership with REI featuring Neyla Pekarek, formerly of the

next, head to

Lumineers, paired a fresh and candid set with a gorgeous,

on Facebook. The local team makes it a point to utilize

natural backdrop.

all corners of the city to explore music and throw spe-

SOFARSOUNDS.COM/DENVER

and/or follow

“I’ve seen a lot of magic happen,” Sachen continued.

cial events highlighting the best sounds for that space. If

”We hosted a top-secret pop-up concert in collaboration

you’re interested in more than merely attending a show,

with Underground Music Showcase in July. It was the

they are always looking for performers, volunteers, and

third year we’ve partnered with UMS and by far my favor-

new venues to explore. Sofar Sounds is creating an op-

ite collab to date. We distributed 200 Willy Wonka-style

portunity for Denver locals to hear music they are pas-

golden tickets throughout South Broadway, and the first

sionate about in ways that step outside of the traditional

60 attendees were granted access. Per usual, the line-

show experience.

“WE WANT TO PUT ON A LIVE EVENT WHERE GUESTS FEEL THEY ARE TRULY INCLUDED AND NOT JUST IN ATTENDENCE.” —Brandy Sachen, Sofar Sounds Denver

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 53

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sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 55

{highprofile } by DAW N G A R C I A

CARTOONING: THE HOWELL WAY You already know cartoonist Jay Howell’s work—but do you know how it all began?

56 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Life can be a catapult of chaos. Sometimes it takes the geniuses of animation and illustration to take us far from real-

ard and I, in San Francisco,” Howell says. “It’s really his show, I just drew it off of his brilliant vision.”

ity and show us life from a different perspective. Cartoonist

The odd and endearing Belcher family consists of Bob, his

Jay Howell is among those who see the world in wild ren-

wife Linda, and their children Gene, Tina, and Louise. Struggling

derings with the relatable yet slightly awkward characters in

to make the American Dream their reality, they run a burger

his imagination. Howell is the man behind the animation of

joint as a family, even when they annoy each other—which is

the hysterical and sardonic Belcher Family in Bob’s Burgers

often. The series’ stellar cast includes H. Jon Benjamin (also the

and the strangely twisted children’s show, Sanjay and Craig.

voice of Sterling Archer on Archer), Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman

Howell found cartoons to be a medium that made sense to him as a young child. “I started drawing very early in

(also the voice of Cecil in Season Eight of Archer), John Roberts, and Kristen Schaal (costar of Last Man on Earth).

life,” he says. “My mom bought me all these cool books

“[Bouchard] taught me everything I needed to know

called How to Draw 100 Freaks and How to Draw Cartoons.

about TV,” Howell says. “The characters came out of

She bought me a ton of Garfield and Far Side books. That

weeks and months of crazy hard work. I’m still amazed it

stuff really spoke to me.”

happened. It’s one of my best moments.”

His career has evolved steadily, but it’s his unrelent-

Howell’s unique style combines humor and joy with a tinge

ing happiness that exudes from the characters he draws,

of twisted. He recalls the first live comedy routine he ever

whether for the screen, a brand partnership, or restaurant

heard. “Easy. Neil Hamburger. He’s always been crazier than

murals. Howell’s style is easily recognizable by the lanky features and twisted yet oddly optimistic expressions of his characters. His style developed from self-awareness. “Looking in the mirror is the best art supply on earth,” Howell says. “I’m always making the same expression as the character I’m trying to draw. I’m an extremely happy person, like a cool sociopath. I put as much as possible into my work, and I’m happy it shows.” His character studies began long before he knew what he’d be doing as a career, starting with Saturday morning cartoons. When he was growing up in the ‘80s, Howell looked

“I’m an extremely happy person, like a cool sociopath.” —Jay Howell

forward to waking up early to watch The Smurfs, Snorks, Transformers, G.I. Joe, X Men, Jem, Batman, Plastic Man, Wacky

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANIMATOR/ARTIST JAY HOWELL

Races, and more. “All Saturday cartoons really,” he says. (Editor’s Note: If you haven’t watched Plastic Man, do so immediately. He was legit and one of the first cartoon superheroes of the DC Universe to use humor as part of his character.) Howell was inspired by old-school cartoons and legendary cartoonists; the first animation that made him feel understood and curious was Pink Panther. “The colors and the animation still really get me,” he says. “I’ll watch them a few times a year, still.” Those vibrant colors can be seen in Howell’s animated series Bob’s Burgers. What began as a silly idea in creator Loren Bouchard’s mind came to life when he and Howell decided to work together on the show. “We started it, just Loren Bouchsensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 57

everyone, and he continues to influence and inspire me.” Hamburger is a fictional comedic character known as America’s funny man—created by Gregg Turkington —whose anti-comedy style has been winning over audiences since 1992. Howell’s element of comedy also came to life with children’s show Sanjay and Craig. Created and developed by Jim Dirschberger, Andreas Trolf, and Howell, the show was meant to be fan zine but soon became a beloved Nickelodeon show that aired from 2013 to 2016. “It was a zine I made when I lived in Sacramento years and years ago,” Howell says. “It was originally about a snake charmer and his buddy getting up to no good in their off hours. I rewrote it, and it became a kids’ show. Wild stuff.” That kind of wild opportunity is the stuff his career has been made of. Influenced by so many before him, he recalls the wildly bizarre MAD magazine. “I just love Sergio Aragones more than anything.” Aragones is a Hispanic cartoonist best known for his work in MAD, a magazine for people who gravitate toward the strange and unusual. In addition to animated TV series and incredibly cool illustrations, Howell also does murals. At Birba, the restaurant in the Alcazar Palm Springs hotel, a mural

“I’m always making the same expression as the character I’m trying to draw.” —Jay Howell

58 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Q & Jay Q: You clarify that you are not an artist, but rather a cartoonist. Of all the great cartoonists over time, who would you call your top five? What would you want to talk to them about, if you could? JAY: Matt Groening, Gary Larson, Jim Davis, Jack Kirby, and Tove Jansson. As famous as I could ever get, I would never care about me. I am an observer and a nobody. Maximum effort, ultimate humility. Fly on the wall, listening and then forgetting it all.

Q: What new projects are you working on? JAY: A lot of stuff with Vans Shoes, Adult Swim, and making a ton of cool mistakes.

Q: If you could give an aspiring cartoonist some words of wisdom and insider nuggets, what would you say? JAY: I used to be afraid I was not a good artist. Cartoonists don’t have to be.

distinguished with the characteristics Howell is known for adorns the main wall near the bar and kitchen. The mural features a crowd with the visual nuances, gestures and bright colors that immediately cue his original work. When asked what inspired the mural, Howell candidly says it is Alcazar’s hotel and restaurant owner, Tara Lazar. “She has always been a huge supporter who has believed in me from the beginning,” he says. “When you make a creative friendship connection like that, then the other stuff is easy. It’s her fault it works so well.” And it does work. Howell’s creations resonate with a universal crowd. The characters he imagines have this normalcy and exceptionalism that make his work so recognizable. He has a way of drawing characters we understand and can see bits of ourselves in, including the joy so evident in all of his creations— even the dark ones. JAYHOWELLART.BLOGSPOT.COM // @PUNKSGITCUT

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 59

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{lifestyle } by S T E P H A N I E W I L S O N

62 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

SPACE TO CREATE Disconnect to reconnect: why and how going off the grid to pursue artistic hobbies for even just a few minutes every day can boost your health, your productivity, and your happiness.

One of the most critical decisions we make every day

ing magazines (including the one you’re reading) and leading

is not between going to the gym or skipping it, pouring

a growing team of editors in cities across the country. The

another glass of wine or switching to water, CBD, THC, or

typical 9–5 hours don’t apply; during the day, I’m answering

both. It’s this: how accessible are we?

emails, texts, calls, and queries, and sending out my own. At

Modern technology makes it easy to always be on—to

night, when things quiet down and the notification pop-ups

answer calls, return texts, and reply to emails around the

stop vying for my attention, I get to put my head down and

clock and without boundaries. But is it worth it? When you’re

concentrate on the big tasks—the editing, the writing, the

settling in on the couch wearing pants without zippers, antic-

big-picture thinking, the intensive reading, often keeping it

ipating the blissed out high you’ll get binging Euphoria, a sin-

up in blissed out state of hyper-focus until the sun breaks

gle Pavlovian ping will plunge you right back into your virtual

the trance and I try to get some sleep, right around the same

work space and dampen your me-time buzz—if you let it.

time people on the East Coast are ready to start grinding.

Confession: I was letting it. All the time, around the clock,

Even if you, too, count yourself among the accomplished

no boundaries. At first, I blamed the workaholic perfectionis-

multitaskers, there’s a mounting body of evidence which

tic tendencies that got me here—working from home, edit-

shows that staying in an overtly vigilant (inbox-checking) state does you no favors, now or later. “We’ve trained our bodies and minds to respond quickly to the constant barage of email and other forms of communication,” says Stephanie McCellan, MD, co-author of So Stressed: The Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women. “And now we need to train ourselves to do the opposite. Just because you’ve adapted to the stress doesn’t mean it’s good for you.” Not only do you risk interrupting your coveted moments of #selfcare peace, McCellan says, but you continue to add to what’s called your allostatic load, or state of imbalance. When you remain in overdrive, you waste the precious resources you were trying to restore with whatever downtime activity you had planned. This state of chronic stress, she says, not only can lead to burnout—a condition so common, the World Health Organization added it to its International Classification of Diseases earlier this year as a diagnosable workplace phenomena—and can pose a numsensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 63

64 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

ber of threats to your health, from compromised immunity

job, according to a study by San Francisco State University

to stress-induced heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.

published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational

I don’t want that. So when I came across an article about

Psychology, which found a positive effect on factors such

the positive impact creative hobbies can have on one’s health

as creative problem solving and helping others on the job.

while brainstorming for this issue, my interest piqued. A 2016

It takes three semi-related items to make for a trend

Drexel University study found that making art for as few as

piece, and it didn’t take much googling for me to find my

45 minutes can significantly reduce stress-related hormones

third in the form of a different study from Drexel Univer-

in your body—no matter your skill level. As someone whose

sity researchers, published in The Arts in Psychotherapy:

artistic skills are below basic, that’s good news for me.

making art activates brain’s reward pathway—coloring,

More good news found during the background brain-

doodling, and drawing all showed significant blood flow in

storm reading: Employees who pursue creative activities

the section of the brain related to feeling rewarded. That

outside of work may boost on-the-job performance on the

was the third charm I needed to get Amazon to Prime me

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE WILSON

GOOD ARTISTS COPY. Great artists steal. I’m following Picasso’s lead, trying to mimic the colors, styles, and strokes of artists like Maren Divine, Katarina HM, and Dina Wakig, whose work I’ve saved on Pinterest in an album named “Sketchy.” Sketchy indeed.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 65

66 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

ORIGINAL UNSPLASH PHOTO BY ALICE ACHTERHOF

some art supplies. By the time I woke up the next morning after an overnight session at my desk, the building blocks for my new creative pursuit had arrived: intense watercolor pencils and a multimedia sketch pad. With no prior knowledge in even the basics of sketching, coloring, or painting, I was free from the self-judging doubt that often stymies full creative expression in the media in

THE ART OF

Centering Yourself

which I am more trained. In fact, it just took me multiple attempts just to write that sentence; in my brain, I was thinking “the doubt that stymies expression in the media I am more familiar with,” but my editor brain prevented me from ending the sentence in a preposition, interrupting any creative flow to avoid “mistakes.” Not knowing anything whatsoever about visual art meant I didn’t fear doing it wrong. I just got started. I’m totally hooked. I’m not very good but the same hyper-focus flow I can get into when I’m writing can kick in while I’m painting. I’m pretty pleased with some of my creations, and I’m even more jazzed when I flip through

When you find an activity that makes you want to disconnect for a bit, circumvent the urge to swipe open your phone with these prudent mantras.

the sketchpad and see the progression, not just in skills but in saturation. I made the jump from muted watercolors into vibrant acrylics really quickly, and my latest pages are bright, happy examples that showcase just how bright and happy this new hobby has made my brain. Not to mention that the mental health benefits from this activity keep compounding. First, I am unlocking a part of my brain that’s typically trapped behind words, which aren’t as expressive when you’re using them all the time. While scouring Pinterest for inspiration about what to draw, I’m inadvertently uploading a bounty of beauty into my brain, which activates pleasure centers. And I’m relaxing while not indulging in activities that could be considered bad for me—getting couch locked and rewatching every season of Grey’s Anatomy (again); gulping down wine; swiping right and left while judging people based on no merit. In a culture obsessed with getting things done, we do what

“They can handle it.” Whatever it is, allow yourself to trust the other people in your life to make the best decisions if they can’t get an immediate response from you. “I’m grateful for this moment.” Focus on what’s working, on what’s good right now. Gratitude not only lifts your spirits but allows you to stay connected to the present—and to the task at hand: creating. “Breathe.” Say it and then do it. Take five long, deep breaths through the nose, letting your belly expand and contract. Visualize the stress dissipating with each exhale. “The world can wait.” All those emails, demands, and tasks will (unfortunately) be there waiting for you when you’re ready to reconnect. The good news is you’ll be more energized, open-minded, and ready to tackle them that when you took the time to focus on your artistic pursuits—as long as you give yourself some space to create.

we must: multitask, lifehack, scan instead of read. Time, after all, is our greatest asset—and unlike money or property, we all get the same amount of it every day. Yet, the way we

for a balance to be struck between connected and com-

experience it is entirely subjective. One day, time is your ally.

pletely unplugged. The sweet spot. And as someone who

The next, it’s hot on your heels and bent on your destruction.

spends her days and nights trying to fill blank white pages

Because your experience of time hinges on the here and

with a prescribed set of figures put in certain orders based

now, whether or not you make the most of yours depends

on rules learned decades ago, you can bet on my new

on how tuned in you are. Setting aside an hour a day to

sweet spot bursting with vibrant color. In fact, it’s Prime

make something is helping me stay connected, allowing

time to order some neon hues. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 67

VALID

68 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

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sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 69

{travelwell } by L E L A N D R U C K E R

FALLIN’ FOR COLORADO Places to visit to keep you sane as winter approaches. Two principles have always guided my travels. The first is to always go somewhere to learn something. The second is to avoid doing it in summer; it’s much easier to travel in the spring and especially in the fall. Keeping the second in mind increases the chances for the first to happen. There are more opportunities for reflection—something that didn’t really occur to me until we got stuck in a traffic jam on a sweltering July day in Yellowstone National Park—and at least some solitude can be an important component of learned traveling. Besides the chance to really enjoy something without the distraction of selfie-taking tourists, you can appreciate autumn’s deeper and more intense colors, and the general feel is more cool and calm than hot and sultry. And a nice way to ease yourself into the colder months. With that in mind, we’ve devised a few trips, some along the Front Range, a couple farther away, that allow you to appreciate the wonder and learn something new about your state—or perhaps just make your day more memorable.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PARK William “Buffalo Bill” Cody certainly lived a fascinating life. A frontiersman whose Wild West shows made him one of the world’s first “superstars,” he was the first performer to go viral. His iconic image, sitting on a horse in buckskins, first immortalized in dime novels, books, and newspapers, is still as recognizable today as it was around the turn of the 20th century. We all know Buffalo Bill. 70 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

THE MAROON BELLS The most photographed spot in Colorado is extra striking when the aspens go golden later this month

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72 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

THE CAROUSEL OF HAPPINESS. Hop on Ned's most whimsical attraction.

Not everybody knows that Cody died in east Denver,

If you have children and haven’t hit it yet, this should

and he’s buried on Lookout Mountain Park in the hills

be high on your bucket list. Local artist Scott Harrison

above Golden. He passed away in the winter, the road to

hauled an original carousel made by Charles Looff to

his gravesite was inaccessible and the state of Wyoming

town and then carved more than 50 imaginative figures

battled Colorado for rights to his burial spot for months,

for children—and adults, too. Music is provided by a

so Cody’s body was kept in storage at the Olinger Mortu-

1913 Wurlitzer organ, and there’s a puppet theater and

ary in what’s now known as LoHi in north Denver.

a story booth for those inspired by the experience. And

The Buffalo Bill Museum on Lookout Mountain is a lot of

don’t be afraid. Let your inner child loose with a spin on

fun, with exhibits that illustrate all aspects of Cody’s life.

the merry-go-round with your favorite carved animal.

The grave overlooks the Great Plains, and Cody’s person-

You can’t go wrong.

al items—his saddle and clothing—offer a rare, personal glimpse into an iconic historic figure.

Pair it with a hike in the Caribou Ranch Open Space north of town. Several loop trails of varying intensity lead to the

The old Olinger mortuary is now the Linger Eatuary, and

Blue Bird Mine complex and the old DeLonde Homestead.

the restaurant embraces its deathly past, so pair a visit to

There’s also a barn that, in the 1970s and early ’80s,

the gravesite with lunch or dinner at the very spot where

housed a “destination” studio that attracted world-class

Cody’s body was embalmed and kept on ice. If you have

recording artists, John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, U2, Billy

time, drive past the house where his sister lived when he

Joel, Chicago, Elton John, and Rod Stewart among them,

died. It’s at 2932 Lafayette St., and it’s a private residence,

before it was closed after a disastrous fire in 1985.

so no trespassing.

CAROUSEL OF HAPPINESS/CARIBOU RANCH TRAIL

MAROON BELLS/WOODY CREEK TAVERN Moving farther away, the Maroon Bells are among Colorado’s most iconic and photographed locations. They’re

No doubt about it. Nederland is its own place. Nothing

located at the end of a 12-mile drive (or bike ride) near As-

like it anywhere else. Just slightly out of time with the rest

pen, and fall is a great time to visit. In autumn, the golden

of the world.

aspens contrast sharply with the green pines and grass.

And the Carousel of Happiness might be the village at its

Besides the grandeur of the Bells themselves, there are

most whimsical. Sitting in the town’s shopping center park-

trails to take you into the forest, over rushing streams and

ing lot, the carousel reflects another time, another place.

into the pure, dank smell of wet pine. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 73

74 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Then have lunch or dinner at the nearby Woody Creek Tav-

context after a section of it was stabilized with a huge piece

ern. Once the watering hole where gonzo writer Hunter S.

of steel. Still, as you circle the entire edifice and walk amid

Thompson, who lived nearby, once held court, it’s known to-

the rooms, it’s easy to imagine a home for several dozen

day for its outrageously good Mexican food. Located next to

families. The nearby kiva is particularly well-preserved.

a trailer park just south of the place where Woody Creek joins

And if you really want to experience the wildness of Col-

up with the Roaring Fork River, the tavern practically straddles

orado’s red rock badlands, make plans for the six-mile hike

the bike path that connects Aspen with Glenwood Springs, so

from the south boundary of the park in McElmo Canyon

it now caters to the cyclist crowd. Given its iconoclastic history,

to the pueblo, where you will pass a series of ruins, Cas-

I find that very funny. You can get a hotel room in Aspen, but it’s

tle Rock Pueblo and Saddlehorn Pueblo among them, that

no problem (and probably cheaper) to find a room in Glenwood

can only be accessed by foot.

Springs for the night, where the hot springs always await.

CANYON OF THE ANCIENTS/HOVENWEEP

But nothing gets you ready for the silence and wonder of a few hours in Hovenweep National Monument. A 45-mile drive from Cortez and just outside of Colorado in eastern

If you really want to get away it all, Canyon of the An-

Utah, the monument shows what is left of a society that we

cients, near the town of Cortez in southwest Colorado, is

know little about except that the people lived along the rim

the place. It includes the largest concentration of Anasazi

of this small canyon. A two-mile walk, which includes a drop

archeological sites in the US. Even better, it sees about

into and out of the canyon itself, passes several well-pre-

30,000 visitors each year, far fewer than nearby Mesa

served ruins, all that’s left of a once-thriving community of

Verde, which makes it all the more appealing for our pur-

2,500 that stretched for miles. Bring plenty of water.

poses. No tour buses or crowds. It’s quiet there.

Ravens fly over and storm the twin towers that anchor

Start with a visit to the Anasazi Heritage Center near the

the valley. Inside you’ll find one of the best-preserved ru-

town of Dolores north of Cortez. There’s a wealth of histori-

ins you’ll ever see, showing exactly how the inhabitants

cal material, a museum, and interactive exhibits that explain

built their homes along the top and the edge of the table.

what we know and don’t know about the earlier residents.

All roads are paved, but park officials warn that Hoven-

Then visit some of the sites themselves. Lowry Pueblo,

weep is so isolated that you can’t count on GPS to guide

for instance, is an imposing structure that has lost a bit of its

you. What could be more wonderful? sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 75

76 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Meet the guys behind Denver’s hottest fashion start-up, Encounter Hat Co., before they take off to Paris Fashion Week this month. by R E B E C C A T R E O N

In the shadow of Mile High Stadium, ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THAT ICONIC ROUND BUILDING TOPPED WITH THE NEON “TURNTABLE STUDIOS” SIGN, TWO FORMER COLLEGE

ATHLETES ARE HARD AT WORK, ELEVATING DENVER’S SARTORIAL GAME ONE CUSTOM FITTING

If that sounds grand, wait until you see their hats. Seri-

sories coveted by fashion-forward set in Colorado and

ous hats, made by artisans and designers, rendered in a

far beyond. By the people who DGAF what you think but

rich or off-kilter color, with a solid wide brim. Custom-fit,

want to be noticed, the types who elevate street style to

then customized with subtle accents or bold flair. Hats

haute topic. Men and women alike. The Style-setters, rule

made with integrity, that put out a message that the peo-

breakers, the effortlessly cool crowd. If you can’t picture

ple wearing them invest in quality, care about style. A

the type, spend a minute scrolling through the @encoun-

dichotomy of classic and cutting-edge, these aren’t cow-

terhatco Insta and you’ll get it. The people you want to

boy hats, and they are certainly not beanies.

know, people you want to be. Aspirational, unpretentious,

They are statement-making and sophisticated acces78 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

effortless, classic: all that and more.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ENCOUNTER HAT CO.

APPOINTMENT AT A TIME.

E Those are the types of hats these two young guys are

tional league in Novi Sad, Serbia. Then, there’s Orms, a

making in the Mile High. Designers, artisans, college-ath-

Colorado native two years younger than his business

letes-turned-millners-and-courtiers, Kyle Theret and Park-

partner—he’s 28, if you’re bad at math. He went to high

er Orms run Encounter Hat Co., a brand brimming with

school in Wheat Ridge, college in Boulder, where he took

promise and on the rise. Get to know them now so once

the field as a defensive back for the University of Colo-

they make it big you can say you knew them back when.

rado. After his Buffs career ended, Orms, like Theret, fol-

First, there’s Theret, a 30-year-old former defensive

lowed his passion for the game overseas, landing in Italy

back for the University of Minnesota. After graduating,

to play for the Rhinos in Milan—one of the world’s most

he moved into arena football and played for an interna-

celebrated capitals of high fashion. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 79

80 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

“Being in Europe and traveling to places that are known for their fashion scenes was a huge influence on what we wanted to do,” says Theret. Back in the US, he met Orms through a mutual friend who owns a streetwear store, and the two bonded over their stylistic interest. Both wanted to start a fashion-forward clothing brand, and Encounter was born. Orms is a third-generation hat creaser; both his father and grandfather worked in western wear, custom-fitting a hat’s shape and size to its wearer’s head. The process involves starting with an unmolded hat body; after steaming it, the clothier molds it into the style the customer wants. The final looks can vary in how the brim is rounded or cut and how the crown is creased, with peaks and curves sculpted by hand, using steam to make the felt malleable.

““We want to introduce the high quality seen in western-style hats to the urban market.” —Kyle Theret, Encounter Hat Co.

Orms and Theret got training from senior family milliners in a variety of skills. “It’s kind of like arts and crafts,” says Theret. “A project looks a lot easier than it is until you try it. When you first start you make a lot of mistakes. A couple of years later, you’re still learning new techniques.” The duo started their training by reshaping old cowboy-style toppers. “A hat is like a blank canvas,” says Theret. “Everyone has their own style of how they work that evolves over time. Everyone has a different hand.” In the world of western wear, a high standard of quality is expected of the garment. For a cowboy or rancher, their headgear is more than just a style or status statement piece; it’s work wear, expected to protect the head and face during the day’s activities, look good (there’s a reason the Marlboro Man was an icon), and last for decades. A beloved piece may be passed down through gensensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 81

82 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

erations, if not for practical use then for sentimental value Which explains the hefty prices garnered by high-end western-wear brands, which can run into the thousands of dollars. Take, for example, Stetson’s Diamente Premier Cowboy style, which lists for $5,005. In some circles, hats are serious business. There are even hat-wearing etiquette guides peppered across the internet, talking not only about the personal nature of having an investment piece that such hats are, but the rules of usage. Advice includes everything from the obvious (remove the hat during the national anthem) to the superstitious (when placing a hat upside-down, do so on the crown, not the brim, or luck will pour out of it). While some of these points don’t necessarily translate to the #ootd-worthy pieces Encounter Hat Co. is producing, the quality factor does. “For a lot of our customers, our hats are their most prized piece of clothing,” says Theret. “We want to bring a certain class and style back.” Having learned from experts in the field, there’s no doubt that their hats have the quality and classic look to last and be passed down through families. Their hats follow some standard western wear shapes, which involve molding either the crown of the hat, the brim, or both. Several of their hats make use of an unmolded crown, letting the felt color, brim width, hat band and flair speak to the style. Other shapes they can use that cross over from western wear are the Teardrop, Cattleman, Brick and Hole. Encounter’s hat forms are just a jumping off point, though. “It really depends on what the customer wants,” says Theret. “If someone wants a fedora style, we can go

“For a lot of our customers, our hats are their most prized piece of clothing. We want to bring a certain style back.” —Kyle Theret, Encounter Hat Co.

that direction. The hats are 100 percent unique to the client.” What they do well is draw on a long tradition of quality hat making, when every town had a quality hat maker, cobbler, tailor, and jeweler as important cornerstones of everyday life. The brand uses high-quality felts: wool, rabbit, beaver, or a rabbit-beaver blend. And unlike its western wear counterparts, which tend to rely on a traditional spectrum of neutral and brown colors, Encounter’s got a hat in every hue—including the burnt-orange color of the now, obviously—and a range of accouterment, addons, and feathery flair that allow for personalization and overt expression of style. For a price, of course. The most basic style starts at about $170, but most of the pieces in the current collection runs for about $400 and up. Most of the materials they use are American made, sourced through the designers’ network of hat blockers, leather workers, and satin producers from across the sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 83

84 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

When it got its start about four years ago, Encounter had its hat-making lab at Bellwether, a coffee and whiskey bar that is home to a barbershop, social club, and retail space located on East Colfax. “I’m only 30 and Parker is only 28, so people are always surprised when they hear our age and learn that we already have been successful and have a pretty established brand,” says Theret. “They think it’s great that we’re two former athletes turned fashionistas.” For concrete evidence of that success, look to 38th Avenue and York Street, where they’re building out a 2,000-square-foot retail shop, set to open this fall. Along with Encounter’s current lines, Theret and Orms plan to bring in other brands that will complement the Encounter vibe and help customers complete a full look.The plans for the space include a designated hat-making studio, where they’ll hold events like a date night with wine and custom fitting. Neighboring businesses in the center include a range of local fashion brands, cafés, and art studios. Encounter Hat Co. counts celebs, pro athletes, and people on almost every continent as part of its fan base, having done pop-ups around the globe that ricochet around

Because the hats are personalized, it’s a more engaging experience that’s producing a legion of fans. The brand is drawing customers across the board. country, though they have imported from Italy. The custom-fitting process is done in person, taking around an hour from start to finish. Because the hats are personalized, it’s a more engaging experience than something purchased off the rack—with a more enriching end result that’s producing a legion of fans and followers. The brand is drawing customers across the board—whether at pop-ups, private parties, the National Western Stock Show (any western event, really), cannabis conferences, or any other time they get the styles in front of Denver’s fashion-forward millennials. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 85

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social media. Their fans don’t fit a certain mold, rather,

in her solo show. They’ll be fitting models with black and

“They’re between 25 and 65, men and women—it’s a

white hats to complement the runway designs. Catch

range,” says Theret. “It’s a situation where they’re looking

them in the Mile High during Denver Fashion Week in

to add a sophisticated piece to their wardrobe. Typically,

early November. “Denver has become that perfect blend

the thing our customers have in common is that they’re

between western wear, where people wear hats often,

savvy world travelers with a sense of adventure.”

and high-fashion influences coming in,” says Theret.

In September, Encounter Hat Co. heads to Paris Fashion Week to collaborate with fashion designer C.R. Lee

“We want to introduce the high quality seen in western-style hats to the urban market.”

“A hat is like a blank canvas. Everyone has their own style that evolves over time. Everyone has a different hand.” —Kyle Theret, Encounter Hat Co.

Clothing Designer: @juliarhodendesign Hat Designer: @encounterhatco Model: @emilyjeanmodel, @wilhelminadenver Hair and Makeup: @misshoneybee_beauty Photographer: @courtneyrossphoto

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 87

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SPEC IAL REPORT

Higher Education A college degree in cannabis is a real thing. And it’s a big sign the industry is legitimate. by S T E P H A N I E W I L S O N

90 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

Full disclosure: WHEN I WAS GETTING MY DEGREE IN JOURNALISM FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST, I NEVER ONCE IMAGINED THAT I’D PUT IT TO USE ONE DAY IN THE LEGAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY. ALTHOUGH, TECHNICALLY, I’M NOT IN THAT INDUSTRY TODAY. As the editor in chief of this magazine, I oversee a team

job market for the cannabis industry. The research found

of editors making a series of city lifestyle magazines

that between December 2017 and December 2018, the

covering markets across the country. Those magazines,

number of job listings increased by 76 percent, covering

like the one you’re reading now, appeal to advertisers in

highly diverse roles, from marketing to retail to research

the cannabis industry—companies eager to reach you,

to agriculture to technology, logistics, and law. It con-

dear reader, and introduce you to their newly legal and

cludes that “workers with higher education and skills in

therefore probably newly launched brand.

fields as varied as marketing, horticulture, and logistics

But technically, I don’t work in cannabis. My job is

will only be more desirable as the industry grows.”

indirectly related, my company ancillary. But it’s still

Even now, those skills are in high demand. Cannabis

part of a growing stat, a field that just a few years ago

industry employers struggle to find qualified applicants

didn’t exist but now is the fastest growing industry in

to fill specific roles that require specialized knowledge—

the US. There are more than 211,000 Americans working

broad-based understanding and highly specific skills.

There are now more legal cannabis industry workers than dental hygienists in the United States. full-time in the booming industry, directly employed in

Reacting to that employer demand, schools in the US

cannabis. When ancillary jobs such as mine are taken

are stepping up, introducing cannabis curriculum to

into account, that becomes 296,000.

help prepare students to enter the $14-billion-and-rising

That means in the US there are now more legal can-

global industry as trained professionals. From certifi-

nabis industry workers than dental hygienists. Than

cate programs to master’s degrees, with everything in

brewery workers (69,000) and coal miners (52,000) and

between, higher learning is here.

textile manufacturers (112,000). These figures come from

The first four-year undergraduate degree dedicated to

a March 2019 special report by cannabis website Leafly

teaching students about the cannabis industry was intro-

with consultancy Whitney Economics, which looked at

duced fall 2017 at Northern Michigan University, under

the stats the US Bureau of Labor Statistics won’t touch,

the innocuously titled Medicinal Plant Chemistry. Derek

given that cannabis is still illegal on a federal level. But

Hall, a spokesperson for NMU, says Professor Brandon

that isn’t stopping it from booming growth, decreased

Canfield suggested the idea for a medicinal plant chem-

stigma, and skyrocketing interest from all sides.

istry degree program after attending a conference. “He

As of September 2019, 11 states and Washington, DC have

came back thinking it was a place for us to step in. On

legalized cannabis for adult-use, and 34 more have legalized

the one side, you have the growers, and on the other side

medical use in some capacity. Legal cannabis sales in 2018

you have the users. In between, you have a chemistry lab

topped $10.8 billion. The job market is heating up, and the

measuring compounds—how much and what is being

demand for educated employees grows higher every day.

used. Those are the people we are interested in.”

It’s a wide-ranging industry, and there are a lot of career

The degree program offers two different tracks: bio-an-

paths one could take within it. Beyond the obvious—dis-

alytical and entrepreneurial. The program description

pensary manager, budtender, grower, trimmer—there are

mentions that the additional focus means graduates will

a ton of opportunities in the field. Career website Glass-

not only be qualified to perform the instrumental analy-

door released a report earlier this year on the state of the

sis in a laboratory, but “will also be empowered to build sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 91

92 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

their own testing laboratory, dispensary, and growing

up for the program in the fall of 2017, when it opened

operation from the ground up.”

to grads and undergrads. A year later, there were 225.

When the school announced the program, it wasn’t ex-

“We’re pulling in students from all over the country.”

pecting much interest, but it proved to be quite a viral

Minot State in North Dakota introduced a similar pro-

topic. Hall says a lot of people were looking for a cre-

gram this year, making it only the second college to offer

dential to help them get into the cannabis industry. “We

a four-year degree program specializing in cannabis. In

fielded a ton of calls from people who were serious about

the Rocky Mountain region, Colorado State University,

it. One interesting thing is we had a lot of students who

Pueblo, offers a minor in Cannabis Studies, with courses

said, ‘My parents suggested it.’ A lot of others said they

focused on cannabis and its social, legal, historical, po-

knew people who had benefited from the medicine.”

litical, and health-related impact on society. The degree

It’s a very demanding program. “The heavy chemistry

brochure mentions that “as part of a Hispanic Serving

requirements are mind-boggling. Kids who are there are

Institution, there is an emphasis on understanding and

very, very serious,” Hall says. About 20 people signed

appreciating the impact cannabis has had on the Chicano/Chicana community and other regional populations of the Southwestern United States.” In New York, SUNY Morrisville is introducing a Cannabis Industry minor this fall semester that combines courses in agricultural science, horticulture, and business programs. It also includes hands-on instruction in cultivating cannabis plants with less than 0.3 percent THC, thanks to the school’s license to grow hemp. In June 2019, University of Maryland announced the

“On the one side, you have the growers, and on the other side you have the users. In between, you have a chemistry lab measuring compounds… Those are the people we are interested in.”

country’s first postgraduate program in the field, a mas-

—Derek Hall, Northern Michigan University

ational and/or medical purposes.” The university, along

ter’s of science in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics. Associate degrees in the field are offered at Stockton University in New Jersey and at Philadelphia’s University of Sciences, where students can earn an associate degree in Cannabis Health Therapy. Even the Ivy League is getting into the field. Cornell launches “Cannabis: Biology, Society, Industry” course this fall, with plans to introduce a master’s in cannabis next year. That program is said to have an emphasis on oral and written communication skills with media and industry stakeholders, according to reports from Quartz. At Harvard, law students in a Cannabis Law class last spring considered “criminal law enforcement, land use, civil rights, banking, and other issues arising from the cultivation, distribution and use of marijuana for recrewith MIT, received a $9 million alumni donation this summer earmarked for independent research on the influence of cannabis on brain health and behavior. The University of Vermont’s pharmacology course in Medical Cannabis is considered the first of its kind at a US academic institution, and the medical school is also the first to offer a professional certificate in cannabis and medicine. And it’s fully online, led by faculty from the college, geared toward teaching doctors, pharmacists, nurses, PAs—medical professionals—what wasn’t on the course lists whenever and wherever they earned their degrees. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 93

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Cannabis courses are popping up in undergrad and grad-

To create the curriculum, Seaborn had to start from

uate programs at schools coast to coast, from UConn (Hor-

scratch. “When you teach a course, you use standard

ticulture of Cannabis: From Seed to Harvest) to UC, Davis

materials. In this area, there is no road map. You have to

(Cannabis sativa: The Plant and its Impact on People). Even

figure it out on your own.” Seaborn drew on people work-

more institutions have launched certificate programs cov-

ing in the new Colorado industry as guest speakers, and

ering a range of topics. Clark University in Worcester, MA,

found many eager to help. Business Insider reports that

introduced the country’s first certificate program in can-

the semester culminates with a field trip to Sweet Grass

nabis control regulation. University of Las Vegas runs the

Kitchen, where students tour the facility and hear from

Cannabis Academy through its continuing education divi-

management, including marketing director Jesse Burns.

sion, with classes in cannabis and the opioids epidemic, cannabis professionals, and pets and cannabis.

Burns has an MBA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. “It’s been the foundation that I’ve built my career

Professor Paul Seaborn has taught a class titled the

on,” Burns says. “The skills I acquired helped me do the

Business of Marijuana at University of Denver’s Daniels

best and become successful and achieve goals. Having

College of Business for a few years now. Seaborn says af-

that formal education helped me see the bigger picture

ter legalization in Colorado in 2012, it seemed like a good

and helped give me the confidence to make the best deci-

idea to approach the topic from an entrepreneurial point

sions.” And as the manager, he does a lot of the hiring. He

of view. He offered the first class in 2017, and it was the

is so very excited to see more qualified applicants enter

only accredited business school offering a class in can-

the field—ones with an education specific to the industry.

nabis at the time, open to undergrads and grads. “I’ve never had as many different people—alumni, staff members, parents, students—who showed interest.” The cannabis industry needs people who have general

“A lot of students are ready,” says Seaborn. “It’s a question of universities catching up to them.” Leland Rucker contributed reporting to this article.

business skills to help those who don’t. “A student might have a marketing or finance or accounting major, but we’re adding on to that with history and regulation, so we can get the best candidates who can hit the ground running,” says Seaborn. “It’s a steep learning curve, and the competition has gotten more fierce. It’s not guaranteed success. The bar keeps rising, and the more you can be prepared, the better.”

“It’s a steep learning curve, and the competition has gotten more fierce. The bar keeps rising, and the more you can be prepared, the better.” —Paul Seaborn, University of Denver sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 95

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NOTES FROM THE CENOZOIC Life through the creative lens. by A L L I E G O O D R I C H

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THE LAST TIME I SAW MY GRANDMOTHER, SHE DIDN’T KNOW MY NAME. SHE WAS SITTING IN A WHEELCHAIR AT THE FOOT OF HER BED WITH A SOFT PINK BLANKET WRAPPED AROUND HER LEGS. I MUST HAVE BEEN 15; SHE WAS 85.

in the doorframe, she looked up and smiled, as if she could sense me there, just on the other side of a veil. Sometimes I think that somewhere, on a level deeper than she could communicate, she still knew me, even if this hint of recognition stemmed from a place too far away to break the surface. She could feel it; she just couldn’t speak to it. When I take a photograph, it is always informed by this sense of absence or loss. Like a memory, a photograph is defined as much by what appears inside the frame as

I hung back in the doorway as my aunt and uncles gath-

what exists out of sight. It is selective—a snapshot invit-

ered around her. A family photo album was spread across

ing more questions than answers. When I look at photo-

her lap, and although my aunt turned the yellowing pages

graphs of my grandparents now, I am reminded of all the

for my grandmother, there was no indication, other than a

gaps that exist between them. Everything I know about

vague, benign smile, that she knew who we were.

their lives is based on what others have told me, and

My grandfather once said, “When time passes into mem-

from what I’ve discovered through their collections of

ory, its rhythm goes to pieces. Memory is good at playing

letters and photos. The story I string together from what

tricks and reshuffling itself, like a deck of cards.” Watch-

they left behind will always feel incomplete.

ing as my grandmother looked through the photographs, I

Time, absence, and memory are all themes that influ-

imagined her memory as an island in a bank of fog, contin-

ence my approach to photography and film. I see them as

ually shifting in and out of sight. She was no longer certain

media through which I can work to establish a sense of

if the land was solid or if she was seeing shadows.

the rhythm my grandfather described as so easily broken. When I look through the lens of a camera, I am often

a painting on the wall without really seeing it. At some

trying to capture an idea or feeling. Sometimes, the si-

point, my father came out to bring me back; he said my

lence of communicating through aperture, shutter speed,

grandmother had noticed I was missing. When I appeared

focus, and composition can be a relief from words.

ALL PHOTOS BY ALLIE GOODRICH, ALLIEGOODRICH.COM

Eventually, I escaped into the hallway and stared at

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 99

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I tend to focus on small things: details in nature or

parently, he had been fascinated by water and used to try

everyday life that strike me in some way, even if I can’t

to find the hidden patterns in deep water surfaces. He felt

explain it at the time. Between January and April of this

there had to be some kind of rhythm or pattern, and he

year, I walked to a stream along the side of a field in my

conducted little studies of his own in search of either.

hometown with the intention of photographing the mo-

For me, photography and film are studies in rhythm.

tion of the thawing water. Then something changed. I no-

One stops time; the other puts it on a loop. When I’m

ticed the patches of sunlight on the surface left strange

watching a film, the director’s sense of pacing is the un-

markings on the images, as if someone had scratched or

dercurrent that drives my emotional response. Some-

etched them there. My focus shifted. I kept returning to

times there is no dialogue in the scene. What makes it

the stream and observed that, depending on the time of

powerful is how the images have been welded into se-

day, temperature, and the nature of the current, the color

quence, and how, even when there are no words, there is

and patterns of movement and light would change.

still something—a thought, idea, or feeling—being com-

The camera was capturing something I otherwise

municated.

wouldn’t have known. The images that appeared in the

Like geology, photography and film are studies of

photographs seemed to echo many things all at once—

change across a span of time. They are tools we can use

weather systems, the cosmos, sparks, figures, and a spine.

to take a closer look at our world: the materials and struc-

In real time, what I saw was sunlight flickering on the

tures that compose it, the forces acting upon it, the people

surface of the stream. I felt like a biologist with a micro-

who inhabit it, the influence of the past on the future. A

scope. When encountered through the camera, the water

photograph can be a doorway into memory, but it’s never

and light transformed in unison. The world became more

certain how far back the passage will lead. Sometimes,

layered and fluid, even rhythmic, and I felt closer to it.

it is just a window, and I wonder if, when I look back at

When I sent these photos to one of my uncles, he wrote back wishing my grandfather could have seen them. Ap-

them, I’ll remember them as they were and what will be lost in my version of remembering. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 101

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Kelley Tunstall creates a world of surrealism.

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PHOTO BY ALISON MURRAY

The Surreal Life.

PHOTOS BY SHAUN ROBERTS, FORM & FICTION AND LANEE BIRD / ARTWORK BY KELLY TUNSTALL

The saying “art is subjective” comes from a long list of creatives who realized the moment their work made its

nature oozes onto whatever medium she’s painting on— usually canvas or wood—enchanting those who view it.

way out of their imagination and into something tangible,

Her imagination was fueled at the age of three by

it was subject to a translation outside of their own. Leo

reading books and watching films. Her childhood book

Tolstoy said, “Art is the uniting of the subjective with the

repertoire included Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian

objective, of nature with reason, of the unconscious with

Anderson, the Pippi Longstocking series, and Greek

the conscious, and therefore, art is the highest means of

mythology. “I liked folk stories from all over the world,”

knowledge.” That can be exhibited in a variety of medi-

Tunstall says. “I watched a lot of Disney, and loved Go-

ums, but it resonates when we talk about surrealism.

rey’s opening sequence for Mystery! I also loved Muppet

Surrealist Kelly Tunstall is an internationally known artist who often collaborates and shows with her husband,

Show as a kid, and then a lot of music videos and Monty Python in my teens.”

fellow artist Ferris Plock. Together they share unique ar-

While she can’t pinpoint the moment she first picked

tistic perspectives. Tunstall’s utopian joy and inquisitive

up a paintbrush, she does remember drawing at a sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 107

108 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

PHOTOS BY SHAUN ROBERTS AND, FORM & FICTION

young age. “I do remember having sketchbooks as long as I can remember. Some had a lot of folding pages.” Museums fed a love of art, but it is life in its natural form that has also been a plentiful source of inspiration for Tunstall. “I grew up going to the great flea markets of Europe and antiquing with my parents. It’s the museum of the world, and you learn so much about any society by seeing what it discards or holds sacred. It’s a study in anthropology, and I still find this one my most inspirational ways to think when I get stuck,” she says. “I also encountered a lot of visual information and graphic design, industrial design, vernacular design, the folk arts, fashion, and textiles this way. It’s a way of reading.” For this old soul with a clear vision, art quickly became her chosen form of expression by age 11. “I dressed in white and walked through a little bamboo forest in the yard as a transition,” she says. “I think it was something about realizing that I could really make the things that existed in my head and that I didn’t need to draw from sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 109

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Final Words Q + A nature or things around me. That was the big power play.” Her art pieces thrust their entrancing visual stories into view, creating a world where magic, emotion, and the fantastical come together to frolic. “I start big with layers and color and refine smaller and more detailed until it’s done,” says Tunstall. “Process and story are two different things for me. The concept is the framework. I catch a lot of the story as it comes to me, as the piece develops or unfolds.” If the finished piece isn’t to her liking, she reworks or covers things with gold leaf until it feels right. Having grown up in Portland, Oregon; Tacoma, Washington; and Kaiserslautern, Germany, she was exposed to culture, nature, and colorful landscapes that influence her inner world. “I’m very open-minded, but I’m always

Q: What artist would you most want to create alongside? Where in the world would you want to meet them? A: Joseph Beuys. In Switzerland.

Q: Is there a color you are currently drawn to? A: I’m using purple, probably for the first time. It’s a color that never spoke to me, but has just started to.

Q: What makes you happiest when not making art? A: A great bath.

Q: What shows do you watch to escape? A: Well-shot historical dramas with a lot of costumes. I also love Fellini films. I have the new Criterion Collection app, so I can watch all the cool old stuff.

watching, always seeing, always looking. That never turns off, which is a blessing and a curse,” she says, “I’m good at finding beauty or it finding me, but that doesn’t happen unless I’m open to it. Art feels like some sacred translation of the world transformed into these smaller things that reflect a facet of truth. It’s always been around and always will be.” Tunstall submits herself to this experience throughout her process, including when deciding which galleries and spaces will exhibit her work. “I always look for the story. I let spaces speak to me,” she says. “I look for a big picture when working on a show, take the temperature of the area, of its history, and try to work within that context. Our shows are very temporal and usually have some social commentary in them, if you’re looking, but it’s not always on the surface.” Tunstall is also mother and a wife, and though she has to search for pockets of time to create between family time, she values the opportunity to do it all. “The greatest luxury has been spending so much time with our kids while they are young, even when getting the time PHOTO OF KELLY TUNSTALL BY ALISON MURRAY

I need feels like a fight,” she says. A superwoman in her own right, she is the kind of artist and woman you want to sit down with to talk about kids and life and art while enjoying a glass of wine. While recent and upcoming exhibitions span the globe, from Portland to New York to Tokyo and beyond, it’s been over a decade since her last Denver showcase, at Limited Addiction Gallery in 2008. But she’ll be back soon enough. With clients and fans who include fashionistas, rock stars, foodies, and technologists, it’s clear that the artistic breadth of her work is absent of confinement. KELLYTUNSTALL.COM // @KELLYTUNSTALL.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 111

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Last year, after two years

SPENT WHITTLING MY POSSESSIONS DOWN TO WHAT COULD FIT IN AN AIRSTREAM, I CLEARED OUT OF BOULDER, CO, MY HOME FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS. I’D DONE MY TIME, I TOLD EVERYBODY. I WAS TRADING PINE TREES FOR PALM TREES, AND I WASN’T LOOKING BACK. I HIT

a digital nomad, living the dream.

THE ROAD AND HEADED WEST,

My plan was to start out easy with an extended stay at the Chula Vista marina just south of San Diego, watching the sun spill orange into San Diego Bay from my dinner table every evening and waking up to swaying palm trees outside my bedroom window every morning. I’d spent the previous winter there, and I was counting on many more—but that wasn’t meant to be. Rock stars write songs about it. Even long-haul truckers can’t endure it forever. The road. It’s hard. And crowded. And lonely.

Tales of an accidental RVer. by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E

“WHEN IT GETS TOO FAMILIAR, I’LL BE GONE.” —Fastball, “Airstream”

On February 1, the Chula Vista RV Resort was closed to make way for a billion-dollar mega-development. After a bittersweet month of reunions and goodbyes as longtimers who had been wintering there for decades swung by one last time, I rode with the Chula Vista diaspora off into the sunset. I made plans with my then-sweetheart (and driver) to spend a couple months exploring Baja, but I changed my mind at the last minute, and we parted ways. It probably wouldn’t have been the greatest trip, anyway. I had a lot of anxiety about hauling my one-and-only home through Mexico, where I’m sure it’s completely safe but some of my friends and most of my family members kept telling me it wasn’t. That left me in southern California with a 27-foot-long Airstream I’d towed only once (on an empty state highway) and no parking reservations. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 117

118 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

“DON’T LET THE SOUND OF YOUR OWN WHEELS DRIVE YOU CRAZY.”

state and national parks) need to be made half a year in

—The Eagles, “Take It Easy”

advance, and it’s damn near impossible to find a spot

(three months at most private resorts and two weeks at

without reservations if you stay on the road past cocktail With the help of friends I met in Chula Vista, I learned

hour—which pretty much kills the whole freedom-of-the-

how to haul my own rig. I can’t say it’s something I love,

road, drive-til-you’re-done vibe that was key to this dream

and I still can’t back in, but towing is now something I

for me. I spent too many nights in Motel 6 rooms (which

do—an accomplishment I’m proud of because I stepped

are actually cheaper than the nicer RV parks).

through extreme fear. Hauling a 9,000-pound trailer

Securing parking became a full-time job—which was

down the kind of steep grades that have runaway truck

problematic, because I have a full-time job, and promised

ramps and signs warning truckers they’re not down yet

my colleagues and clients everything would flow seam-

PHOTO BY AIRSTREAM INC. VIA UNSPLASH

is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.

lessly while I was chasing the dream in my Airstream.

What I did not see coming was the parking situation for

They loved to hear about my adventures, but they didn’t

RVs in southern California, which is akin to, and proba-

love to hear that unhooking sewer and electric lines, pack-

bly worse than, the parking situation for cars in its major

ing up and securing an Airstream (and everything in it),

cities. As the economy has soared over the past decade,

hitching it to a truck, hauling it to a new spot, unhitching,

anyone and everyone who ever wanted an RV (myself

plugging in and setting up a sewer line, then unpacking

included) bought one. RV parks are packed to capacity

and unsecuring everything again took the better part of a

with shiny new Tiffins and Jaycos, a decent number of

day, leaving little time for their projects.

Airstreams, and a good smattering of Prevosts—the rock

I learned why digital nomads steer clear of KOA Camp-

star buses that can be had for well over a million. Most

grounds, which cater to families, sometimes with groups

of the towering motorhomes are owned by baby boomers,

so large you can’t imagine how or where everyone sleeps

some of whom traded in their homes (like I did) to live

inside that Prowler. It’s great to see kids riding their bikes

the dream on the road. A lot of the Winnebagos and Lanc-

in the streets while their parents drink beers and listen to

es are driven by millennials, some of whom are living the

’80s metal, until you have a conference call or a deadline.

dream because they can’t afford to buy houses.

I stopped making friends because I got tired of having

All those folks living the dream need a place to park. And

to say goodbye a couple days later—and I don’t have the

in southern California, at least, infrastructure isn’t keep-

capacity to follow even one more living-the-dream jour-

ing up with demand. Reservations for long-term parking

ney on YouTube and Instagram. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 119

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“WHAT A LONG, STRANGE TRIP IT’S BEEN.”

for that month, and when it came time to think about

—The Grateful Dead, “Truckin’”

traversing mountain passes and metro areas on the way

I was happy and grounded in my one-and-only home

to the next place—wherever that might be—I felt very There were, of course, experiences that made the dream worth living. Walking on sand made from fish skeletons

PHOTO BY AIRSTREAM INC. VIA UNSPLASH

along the banks of the churning Salton Sea as low char-

tired. I dreaded the road. I wanted, maybe even needed, a soft spot to land in for a while. And so it ended. I dragged my Airstream over the Rock-

coal-colored clouds moved over the Chocolate Mountains

ies and back to Boulder, feeling my heart sink at the smell

in February is one I’ll never forget. I finally got to see Slab

of pine trees, then soar with every welcoming hug from my

City, an anarchist squatter RV community on a former

kids and friends. I went to practice with my favorite yoga

military base that’s known as “the last free place on earth.”

teacher and signed a lease with my bestie. I came home.

(The residents there aren’t actually all that thrilled with

I lasted less than nine months on the road. I could eas-

looky-loos hanging around, but it’s worth a drive through.)

ily consider my truncated journey a failure. But I don’t. I

I went on epic bike rides around Mission Bay and Corona-

did something I didn’t think I could do and learned some

do, and I never stopped appreciating palm trees.

big lessons—about the road, about myself, and about life.

I met new friends who let me park for a month behind their paddleboard shop in Page, Arizona, on the banks of Lake Powell, one of the most spectacular places on earth. It rained a lot, but it didn’t matter. Settling into one place— especially one so beautiful—felt like the ultimate luxury.

I know, without a doubt, that people matter more than palm trees. ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE, author of the bestselling Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and the recently released Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Cannabis, is thrilled to be growing her own cannabis again.

I dragged my Airstream back home, feeling my heart sink with the smell of pine trees, then soar with every welcoming hug from my kids and friends.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 121

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As the cannabis industry grows, so does the number of professionals within it, acting as incredible sources of insider info on the trends and issues driving the marketplace forward. The Sensi Advisory Board is comprised of select industry leaders in a variety of fields, from compliance and education to concentrates and cultivation. They are invited to share specialized insight in this dedicated section. This month, we hear from a member in the Biosciences category.

Steve Trzeciak and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli. During its

FOR A FULL LIST OF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS, SEE THE MASTHEAD ON PAGE 18.

system of burnout. Providers are trained to “not get too

research, the authors set out to understand what qualities make for an ideal doctor. What they found was unexpected, yet from the patient’s perspective makes perfect sense: patients are looking for a doctor who is compassionate, regardless of specialty. It doesn’t matter how many “best of” accolades a doctor has for a given disease. If they aren’t recognized as being compassionate, they did not score well overall. There is a current crisis in the allopathic medical involved.” Drs. Trzeciak and Mazzarelli point out that this lack of compassion and empathy is leading to this burnout. When health care providers engage with their patients, there is greater satisfaction for practitioners as

THE SECRET SAUCE FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS SUCCESS by D R . D O T C O L AG I OVA N N I , V P, P R O D U C T D E V E LO P M E N T F O R NEXT FRONTIER BIOSCIENCES

well as patients. Not only do the patients fare better, but the provider’s job satisfaction improves. As a scientist, I didn’t think the level of compassion a patient experienced really mattered to outcomes, but, the data show otherwise. The authors’ evidence-based research demonstrated numerous cases of compassionate care improving outcomes as disparate as HIV viral loads to cancer patient survival. This was startling to the researchers and made them rethink the benefits compassion offers to patients. Perhaps the answer to my original question as to why patients seek alternative therapies is obvious: people want more compassionate practitioners to help them heal. Whether that practitioner is a naturopathic doctor or a medical cannabis prescriber, patients are seeking out healers that provide them with the care they need on the road to being well.

The American medical establishment has been touted

In the evolving medical cannabis specialty, the concept

as the “best in the world” for over a century. We have fan-

of compassionate care is a cornerstone of the industry.

tastic facilities, advanced technology, and well-trained

These caregivers know instinctively that compassion is

physicians. Yet many individuals feel unsatisfied with

necessary to heal their patients. Many patients come to

the level of care they receive with what Western med-

cannabis as a “last resort” having failed Western medi-

icine (allopathic medicine) has to offer. The interest

cal treatments. Patients are often desperate for help: be

in more traditional/shamanic medical practices is at

it an epileptic child, an elderly parent with cancer, or to

an all-time high. Naturopathy, homeopathy, acupunc-

heal themselves. Plant-based medicine is offering an al-

ture, and Ayurvedic medicines are routinely practiced

ternative modality for sufferers of chronic pain, anxiety,

in many US cities. So why is the interest in alternative

stress or sleep deprivation. The empathy and respect

therapies so great if allopathic medicine is more ad-

shown by medical cannabis providers to their patients

vanced and successful?

may be a part of the synergistic benefits experienced in

One of the glaring reasons patients seek alternative

recovering from chronic illnesses and complicated med-

practitioners is the degree of compassion shown com-

ical diagnoses. When I consider the women and men dil-

pared to the Western medical doctors. Patients look for

igently working in this industry to truly help patients, I

a care provider who is understanding of their condition

am awed and inspired. They recognize that compassion

and empathetic to their needs. This concept has recent-

is not only a “nice to have” but, truly aids in the healing

ly been confirmed in the book Compassionomics by Dr.

power of cannabis.

126 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

In the evolving medical cannabis specialty, the concept of compassionate care is a cornerstone of the industry. These caregivers know instinctively that compassion is necessary to heal their patients. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 127

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132 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

MOUNTAIN HIGH SUCKERS

One Sweet Edible A SUCKER WITH THC AND CBD.

Chad Tribble moved to the Denver area right out of

He submitted the oil to a Colorado lab, and the lab

college in Michigan in 1996 to do some rock climbing,

tech was surprised that it had a high percentage of

when he met fellow enthusiast John Garrison.

CBD. “I said, ‘This is so cool. What is CBD?’” (He learned:

That meeting/friendship would culminate in a cannabis-infused edibles business, Mountain High Suckers, that evolved from a grow operation into one of the most unique edibles in the industry. Tribble’s aha moment came when he was in a dis-

it’s one of the chemicals, like THC, produced by the cannabis plant, often associated with medicinal benefits.) He and Garrison then decided to focus their grow primarily on genetics. “We were the first THC/CBD edible company in America with a tried-and-true recipe.”

pensary in 2009. A guy walked in with a tray of cello-

Today, with eight employees, Mountain High Suckers

phane-wrapped products. “It was hilarious,” he says.

makes 34 flavor formulations for medical suckers, and

“This guy says they were s’mores. And I thought that

around 14 flavors for the adult-use side. The company

was a good idea. Then I started seeing cookies being

is looking to train partners in Oklahoma, Missouri, and

sold. So I thought, ‘It’s not just weed; something is going

Michigan beginning in January 2020.

to come out of this.’” He found a book about how to make candies and got interested in making suckers—especially the challenge of infusing cannabis while keeping the sucker

For more information, visit:

MOUNTAINHIGHSUCKERS.COM

form. “I thought that would be a really interesting edible,” he says. He learned about extraction processes online, and researched the famous Rick Simpson oil and studied its development. He took Simpson’s recipe and changed it over the years to make his own ethanol-extracted oil. In 2010, Tribble was still making suckers out of his house when he got his marijuana infused products (MIPS) license from the state. “One day, I was delivering to one of the dispensaries, and a woman was walking out with a big grin. She asked me if I was the one that made the suckers. I said yes, and she told me about how it was helping her live better,” he says. “That was such a turning point to me about how my product was affecting people’s lives.” sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 133

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138 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

MYPRESS

DIY Concentrates WITH MYPRESS, MAKING CONCENTRATES AT HOME IS AS EASY AS BREWING COFFEE.

custom-engineered product that didn’t exist; one that could be used easily by those who have a medical necessity for solvent-free concentrates that would provide consistent and repeatable results, which is unique in the industry,” he says. Miller works with Dan Korrub, the founder and CEO, who has a background in medical device manufacturing, and a close-knit group of dedicated staff. When designing the product, he says, everyone on the team sat down together as engineers with a white board and listed variables that could pose a problem, and attempted to check them off methodically, engineering each out of the process. The cost for the unit is $450, but MyPress points out that the device is designed to be used for years with People who use cannabis concentrates for medical

proper care and use, and is a cost-effective solution for

purposes are always on the hunt for good-quality prod-

a user who no longer wants to go out week-after-week

uct that they hope will have no trace of what was used

to buy concentrates from a dispensary.

in the extraction process itself, such as residual butane or propane elements. That has proven difficult to find. The reality is that there is at least a residual trace. Now one cannabis gear-maker has developed a reli-

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able, consistent device so people can make their own concentrates at home without any solvents whatsoever. The people behind MyPress Solventless, makers of the portable MyPress Gen 2 rosin press, have created a machine that allows anyone to do flower or hash extractions at home. Just put any cannabis material between parchment paper and the two heating plates, which then compress it for a period of time (depending on the material) and leaves you with extracted, concentrate-free oil. This personal rosin press is much like a home coffeemaker in size and design, according to Jeremiah Miller, vice president of sales for the company, designed for anyone to use unobtrusively in their kitchen. The press has been on the market for a little over two years now, he says. “One of our major focuses was to provide a sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 139

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Where else would you want to get your flower from? Pot Zero 2019 Harvest coming in October.

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{HereWeGo } by L E L A N D R U C K E R

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Local swimming pools offer pooches one last fling before autumn.

144 SEPTEMBER 2019 Denver // Boulder

We’re getting to the point of no return for summertime in Colorado. Certainly, the warm days aren’t all gone yet, but you can notice the change in the air from a month ago at this time. So don’t forget that you have a last chance to let your dog in on the end-of-summer fun as swimming pools in the area welcome them for one last big splash for the summer before they close for the season. For dog lovers, there is nothing like seeing your pooch plunging into a pool with complete abandon. In general, canines and water go together pretty well. Retrievers, water spaniels, Irish and English setters, and Newfoundlands are all natural swimmers. Smaller breeds, like bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, and boxers, not so much. My Labrador can’t wait to get her paws into any available water source, but not all dogs are as excited by the prospect of bobbing around in a pool. If you’re not sure, please don’t just toss your friend into

DOG PADDLING DETAILS

the water and hope for the best. Dogs need assuranc-

Dog Daze F-15 Pool, Stapleton: Sept. 7

sure to stay with your animal at all times, and show them

STAPLETONCOMMUNITY.COM

Barker Days H2O’Brien Pool, Parker: Sept. 7 PARKERREC.COM

Dog Daze at the Bay Broomfield Bay Aquatic Park, Broomfield: Sept. 7 BROOMFIELD.ORG

es just like humans, so ease them into the situation, be where to get out of the pool if they need to. If you’re really worried, there are doggie life vests, but always remember that even if your pooch doesn’t go in the water doesn’t mean they aren’t having a good time. Experts caution not to feed your animal for at least an hour before your trip. Bring a towel, non-slip shoes, and wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet, along with some of your doggie’s favorite treats. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, but some can be taught. And never forget that you are responsible for your dog’s behavior. So bring a leash and poop bags. A note on stamina: The average dog can swim about five or 10 minutes at a time. Allow for rest periods to allow your dog time to recover and catch her breath. Also, while many pools use chlorine, and most stop putting it in the water for Doggie Daze because it can be an irritant to their nose, ears, and eyes. The American Kennel Association suggests bringing fresh water so your pal doesn’t drink the pool water, and to wash off your dog after being in the pool to rid them of excess chlorine. Take your dog(s) for a dip. They will thank you forever. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2019 145

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