THOUGHTS FROM CO ARTISTS

FOSTER YOUR ART PRACTICE + Spark Creativity

Thoughts From Colorado Artists

When I was 5 years old, I want- that we are all born makers. Mahoney adds, she explains. Additionally, she jots down ed to be an artist. Yet, I was “Making art is discovering our inner and notes and sketches before bed and sets consistently told, “No, you outer universes! It is helping share a drop of aside at least one day a week for art. will not be able to support the intangible with the world. It is interacting Russo similarly advocates for building yourself.” 18 years later, after exploring with matter and finding purpose.” Russo a customized plan, emphasizing that “the supposedly more lucrative and practical goes as far as asserting art is essential to most important thing is to figure out when possibilities, my childhood aspirations have life. It is how we communicate. It feels good your best energy is.” Russo is the most not dissipated. Many, possibly most, people on a biological level. focused and clear-headed in the morning today do not identify as creators or artists With an idea of why people make art and after some Pilates or yoga, so she reserves due to similar discouragement, but creating why it is important, I wanted to know how this time for the studio and her “junky eneris human nature. It is essential in how we to do it: how to make time for it, how to get gy” later in the day for sitting at a computer interact with each other ideas and what to do with them. to take care of business matters. and the world. To rediscover how to by Becca Saulsberry Although the specific structure of his practice varies If ever stuck or unsure of where to begin, these artists recommend committing foster an art practice and depending on his teaching time, staying curious and observant, trying spark creativity, I spoke schedule and when he has his new things and setting constraints. Russo with three Coloradan artists. Kevin Hoth is daughter, Hoth dedicates time every day. reiterates that making art is a practice not a Boulder-based fine art photographer and He admits sometimes that simply means magic, meaning you get better at it by doing educator in photography, graphic design meditating, updating a gratitude journal or it. According to Hoth, giving yourself time to and multimedia art; Alie Mahoney hand- staring out a window, but it is all part of the “do nothing” and play opens you up to ideas, carves woodblocks with which she creates process. Having trained as a photographer, so “let the universe throw things at you!” prints in Breckenridge; and, from her studio he is also always taking photos and notic- Making art comes from noticing and investiin Jamestown, Martha Russo works on ing light, shadows, colors and clouds. He gating, too. “Go outside! Listen to music. Take ceramics and installations informed by her encourages catering a practice that fits with photos of interesting patterns and textures background in biology. your life and personality and assures that it and colors,” Mahoney urges. Another way to

As a creative with a design education, I is “worth making no matter what it is.” get new neural pathways firing is to try things occasionally grapple with the unclear pur- Mahoney adapts with the seasons. “Long, we’re not good at, says Hoth, or to have new pose of art. If it does not serve a function, cold winters in the mountains are the best experiences like an art residency says Russo. is it wasteful? Hoth, Mahoney and Russo times to make art. I like to hibernate at Lastly, sometimes limiting ourselves to certain helped paint the vitality of art by breaking home when possible and carve detailed, materials, timeframes or other parameters can down the benefits into those of the viewer time-consuming woodblocks. Then the sum- motivate us to work in a fresh way. and those of the maker. mers are more external, a gathering time of Russo summarizes: “Stay aware, be open

“We’re wired to interpret the world ideas from the garden, woods and bugs,” and create parameters.” + visually. Who knows why a ballet makes us tear up? There is clearly something deeply human about it,” expresses Hoth. From Mahoney’s perspective, “Art can also offer [the viewer] hope in times of despair BECCA SAULSBERRY coins herself as an art, design and words nerd and outdoor enthusiast due to her multifaceted creativity and spunky, and reveal truths in times of lies.” For the adventure-seeking spirit. After growing up in Tennessee and Austin, creator, Hoth believes making art is a “way Texas, Becca gained a B.S. degree in Technology, arts and media from the to process living and pain.” He points out University of Colorado at Boulder. She now works as a freelance designer, children and the prevalence of singing and illustrator and writer. Catch her in the mountains on afternoon runs or weekend backpacking trips! dancing across cultures to support the idea

Kevin Hoth is a Boulder-based fine art photographer and educator in photography, graphic design and multimedia art.

Alie Mahoney hand-carves woodblocks with which she creates prints in Breckenridge.

From her studio in Jamestown, Martha Russo works on ceramics and installations informed by her background in biology.

X Denver

Shared Community + Wellness Space

by lexi reich

Wellness is considered a lifestyle journey. X Denver, the city’s newest wellness community, is fully equipped to provide an all-inclusive experience from physical and social health to spiritual and emotional wellness.

Located within blocks of Coors Field, X Denver offers private residences and co-living suites, as well as a members-only club. Whether you’re in need of connection, workspace, a gym or simply drinks on the rooftop, this downtown building has Denverites covered.

“We are thrilled to be bringing X to the mile-high city,” says CEO Noah Gottlieb. “Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important to create a sense of ‘belonging’ since safe, social interaction is something we have all been lacking this past year.”

The 813-bed apartment sector launched in late winter 2021. Most notable is their fully furnished options which include all the necessities, from sheets to kitchenware to waste bins. All units are complete with inunit laundry, spacious closets, downtown or mountain views and even WiFi.

X Denver residents all receive a complimentary membership to the club, which hosted its grand opening in May 2021. All-access memberships are available to non-residents for $275 a month.

X Denver Club features a rooftop lounge with a full-service bar and restaurant, reservable conference rooms, group fitness classes, daily wellness offerings, a fully equipped gym, private meeting pods and a rooftop pool “house” complete with a 30-person jacuzzi, cocktail bar, firepits, amphitheater seating and mountain views.

“It is an absolute privilege to bring X’s spin on wellness and fitness programs to the city of Denver,” says wellness director Delise Johnson. “I’m excited to see what kind of energy our future members bring to the gym and studio spaces.”

Fitness and wellness offerings include meditation, restorative, hatha and vinyasa yoga, in addition to various strength conditioning formats like bootcamp and barre. X Denver’s membership club is looking to collaborate with local wellness-related partners for monthly wellness events. Some examples are stress management workshops, book clubs, journaling events, gardening classes, financial literacy workshops, vision boarding events and game nights. + This unconventional members-only club, apartments and fully furnished co-living suites are an exciting addition to Denver’s strong health and wellness scene. X Denver is located at 3100 Inca Street and is currently accepting resident and club applications at xdenver.co.

Coworking Spaces

Transform the Work-From-Anywhere Experience

While work-from-home has become the new normal for many, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the community and amenities an office space provides. These four coworking spaces have been providing Colorado professionals and business with unique flex-office options for years. From wellness rooms to open coffee bars and networking events, coworking communities are a great way to get out of the house and work in a productive environment surrounded by like-minded individuals.

by lexi reich

RISE Collaborative Workspace

Denver

Located in Denver, RISE is home to female entrepreneurs and professionals who not only want a beautiful space to work, but a community filled with support and connection. Members can enjoy private offices, dedicated and open desks, conference rooms, mother rooms, a coffee and snack bar and more. The nonprofit sector, RISE Society, connects high school girls with working professionals at RISE Collaborative as a part of a mentorship program. While most member-led social events are virtual for the time being, the RISE community is growing each day.

riseworkspace.com/denver Kiln

Boulder

Kiln is Boulder’s newest flex-office and coworking community. Located on Pearl Street, the 22,000-squarefoot space houses an on-site theater, refresh rooms, showers, cycling and treadmill desks, a parenting room, café, podcast studio and more. Health and wellness are at the forefront of this boutique community. Immersed in the clean and open design, members are supported in cultivating a strong work/life balance. Private office space and open desk options are available.

kiln.co/locations/boulder JXN Station

Grand Junction

Grand Junction is growing in business each year, and JXN Station is a notable networking community that provides a 16-office coworking space to likeminded individuals and companies. With a communal kitchen, community events and plenty of desks to choose from, JXN Station is a great choice for local solopreneurs and small companies alike. The space prides itself on offering in-house networking through its strong and connected community.

jxnstation.com Evolve

Crested Butte

Like many mountain towns, summer means high traffic, and Evolve is expecting their coworking space to feel no different. While social distancing measures are in place, Evolve is excited to welcome freelancers and other work-from-home professionals in its shared workspace. Located on Elk Avenue in the midst of restaurants and coffee shops, Evolve is a quiet, self-managed environment with open and dedicated desk membership options.

evolvework.co