A love for Foothills Art Center

I’ve always had a fondness for how both art and food can have a positive effect on our well-being.

I attended college at Michigan State University and earned a degree in dietetics, and became a registered dietitian. I had a number of progressive positions, but most recently, I worked for Nestlé Health Science as a national account sales representative. I chose to leave that position to spend more time with my family and pursue art full time.

After my husband Chris and I married in 2006, we chose Golden to be our home. My daughter Jaidyn just turned 10 and we have a 4-year-old Bernese mountain dog named Lucia.

I love Foothills Art Center — they take such good care of their artists. They have been my lifeline for the past year and a half. Being a member of the Open Studio has provided me with an amazing amount of opportunities in my art career. Open Studio is a higher-level membership for artists. It’s a group of likeminded people who are supportive and encouraging.

Blackmailed into becoming an artist

When I was growing up, I always wanted to be an artist. I’ve been painting all my life, but started painting professionally in January 2018. My good friend Julie Leidel, who is also an artist and used to live in Golden, blackmailed me into doing my first art show just over four years ago. She signed me up without me knowing it, which is something I wouldn’t have done myself.

I set a goal to be in one gallery by the end of 2018, and in December, I got into Georgetown’s Colorado Mountain Art Gallery.

Now I’m in two galleries.

I eventually met the owners of Portfolio in Breckenridge, and I spent five months creating 60 paintings to build up their inventory for their soft opening on July 1. They had their grand opening on Aug. 3.

Portfolio’s concept is art that fits in your suitcase. The idea is that tourists can bring home a piece of Colorado-inspired artwork from their trip or vacation.

Painting from the heart and soul

I call myself an intuitive painter, which means I paint from my heart and soul after contemplation and meditation. It’s my way of working out my problems and healing. Some people exercise and some people shop. I paint. It allows me to follow a passion that makes me feel good.

I am so grateful to be in the position to pursue art and share it with the world. I want everyone to be able to have art in their world so they, too, can experience the light and joy that it can bring.

If you have suggestions for My Name Is..., contact Christy Steadman at csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com.