Imagine You Are Safe Here, Jessica Kranz, Monoprint, Acrylic Paint
Artist Statement
As a collage artist, I revel in the process of gathering fragments of the world—whether it’s snippets of magazines, colorful pigments, or found objects—and weaving them together to create new narratives and visual landscapes. This versatile approach allows me to explore the endless possibilities of storytelling and expression across various media, from traditional paper collage to mosaic to print and beyond.
Imagine: You Are Safe Here is a singular piece within a larger project titled You Are Safe Here. This collection of prints and objects turns a questioning lens towards the concept of Safety. Through layers of imagery, texture, and symbolism I ask You, the viewer – what does Safety mean? Who it is for? What does it feel like in your body?
My creative practice reflects my belief in the power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite the imagination. I believe that art helps us to better know ourselves and each other. It is a journey of exploration, experimentation, and discovery, guided by a deep reverence for the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit.
Empathy Hierarchy, Riley Bratzler, Handprinted Linocut on Paper
Artist Statement
“Empathy Hierarchy” is the physical manifestation of the first year into Riley’s grief journey. On July 31, 2022 her brother was killed, forever changing the course of her life. Drawing inspiration from historical alchemy manuscripts, this body of work plays with the idea of anthropomorphic deities as messengers of the lessons she has learned in coping with her loss. Though her work is full of symbolism specific to her late brother, she hopes that the viewer may connect to their meaning within their own lives and the paths of healing we must all walk on.
Alexandra, Allison Daniell, Photograph on Deep Matte
Oriental Flavor, Margaret Kasahara, Metallic Pink on Manga, Mixed Media
Artist Statement
My work is an expression of personal and social identity. I am responding to daily life and am inspired by everything from familiar routine to remarkable moments. I use a variety of media and often incorporate ordinary objects and commonly found materials to reflect everyday life experiences, interactions, and observations. I love the process of discovery and revealing connections. I am searching for the essence of things.
In the series entitled, “Oriental Flavor”, I am examining cultural tropes and clichés, and questioning cross-cultural assumptions and expectations. The name of the series – derived from the name of the product flavor on a package of instant ramen – poses the question, what is “oriental flavor” and what might a broad interpretation of the phrase reveal? Using a mostly lighthearted approach, I invite the viewer to consider how they navigate and define their own identities.
Illustrious, Jeresneyka Rose, Acrylic on Canvas
Artist Statement
When you don’t know where you came from, you hold on to what you feels like home.
Where your roots have grown, what your family has known…
From the isthmus of Panama to the mountains of Pikes Peak, clarity is what I seek, artistic expression is how I speak.
All I’ve known to be true is this first generation dream to have something new, something different than we all knew.
This story isn’t just about me.
It actually starts with you.
Through your written words and spoken voice, through the brush strokes or instrument of your choice… create.
Tell your story, because one day… that’s all we’ll have… is the story.
The things we leave behind, as it was left to us.
What has inspired us to start & to keep going.
Using the medium you adapted to aide through the growing pains.
The very thing that may have brought distain through the process.
The skill that produces works that hold your secrets and deepest feelings.
The process that brought you love.
Creating helped you step into your power.
You must continue to construct.
From afar, your breath is taken by the beauty, as you inch closer, you see the scars…
The rough that made us, but did not break us.
We are the movers and shakers, the dreamers and makers.
We are the women of the Pikes Peak Region.
It’s about me and you, but more about you…
How you interpret & make…
How you give and take… What’s at stake? Humanity…
History…
Her story…
Your story.
Neon Garden, Jess Moran, Acrylic on Canvas
Artist Statement
Jess Moran creates vivid and saturated abstract paintings by pouring, staining, and brushing multiple layers of acrylic paint onto raw canvas. She then cuts and stitches the canvas into different compositions. Her work explores themes such as identity, space and environments. She attended Metro State University of Denver for fine art and the Art Institute of Portland, Oregon for Apparel Design. Her work has been show along the Front Range of Colorado.
A Walk Above Treeline, Sarah Wright, Acrylic and Gouache on Board
Artist Statement
Sarah Wright is a Colorado Springs, CO abstract artist focusing on crisp lines and bold colors to express her works. “My work is heavily influenced by my environment: nature, music, people, and places. I translate those influences and inspirations into abstract works full of color and shapes which become segmented much like a stained glass window. I grew up in Oklahoma and my first inclination that I was going to be an artist was being inspired by the “big sky” and its colors and dramatic scenes. I viewed that big sky scenery as a an expansive ever-changing painting. I now reside in colorful Colorado and the breathtaking landscape, beautiful terrain, and gorgeous sky continues to inspire me in addition to the autobiographical elements interlaced throughout my works.” – Sarah Wright
Calla Lily Once, Purple II, Nichole Montanez, Oil on Metal
Artist Statement
Mankind has never existed without art. Our nature insists on it. Art is, after all, a form of communication. From earliest cave paintings through postmodernism human beings wish to be understood and accepted. Through art, we express this desire — this need. I would argue, one of our most basic needs. Artists have long been our record keepers and historians. When we study art, we study culture, time and ourselves. I paint to tell the same story, over and over. Life is precious. Life is beautiful. Life is fleeting and fragile, but oh so powerful. To exist is our greatest gift.
It’s a Show, Jasmine Dillavou, Mixed Media
Slump, Jess Preble, Yarn and Maple Wood
Artist Statement
Weaving has an ancient history as both a necessary craft and an artistic medium, as do many techniques deemed “women’s work”. Exploring this type of craft in contemporary art makes me feel connected with the humanity of self expression; there is an innate draw to create and uncover beauty in everything we do. Recognizing and honoring the relationship between creation and the things that make us human reminds me to remain present in this brief existence we each have.
