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Studio
During a Write Brain Workshop at Pikes Peak
Writers in March 2009, they announced a need for volunteers for the building
where we meet. Cottonwood Artists’ School needed help with relocating to and remodeling
of their newly-purchased building in time for their Grand Opening in April.
My husband and I showed up almost every day for six weeks, priming and painting
walls, cleaning the building, patching and shampooing carpet, laying laminate flooring,
and helping out wherever needed. We got to know the owners and artists, and I quickly
fell in love with the spirit and atmosphere of the school.
Eventually, I was offered the job of cleaning the 36,000 sq. ft. building. As I
vacuumed floors and scrubbed restrooms, I felt like Cinderella waiting for her Prince
Charming to sweep her off her feet and live happily ever after. I dreamed of being
a full time artist like the rest of them, renting studio space, creating masterpieces,
and being a leader in the Colorado Springs’ art community. I needed to be around
likeminded individuals, be held accountable to get projects done, and experience
the energy on a daily basis.
After much thought, discussion, and prayer, I finally took a leap of faith. The
money I earned cleaning the building would cover rent, so on May 1, 2009, I signed
a new lease. My new brass key symbolized my horse-drawn pumpkin carriage: as I inserted
it into my shining castle’s … er … Studio 212’s … door and entered my home away
from home, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment as I started
this new leg of my artistic journey.
Cottonwood artists are allowed to decorate their studios according to their tastes,
and I wanted mine to reflect the journey I had been on for the last two-plus years
after resigning from the rat race to write and do my art full time (thanks to the
support of my new hubby!). My studio is divided into two spaces, so I decided to
showcase my mural work in the front meeting space, and use the back for my work
area.
While browsing at a bookstore, I came across
“The North Star,” by Peter H. Reynolds: the perfect inspiration for my journey!
I bought a copy and went straight to work, designing the four walls with my favorite
scenes, changing the blonde-haired boy to a brunette girl, and completing it just
in time for May’s
Last Friday Artwalk, amazing all who entered. One person said it was the
“coolest studio in the whole building!” But don’t take her word for it, come see
for yourself!
Having a studio at
Cottonwood Center for the Arts exposes my artwork to the public and lends
me the professional credibility I never had before. I get to rub elbows with some
of the most talented and helpful artists in the city, and I love having a tranquil
place to get away from the pressures of life to go create. Visitors enjoy my “Smorgasbord”
theme and are impressed with my diversity of talents. So, please come visit Stephanie’s
Smorgasbord at Studio 212,
427 E. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, just east of Wahsatch
Street. I’d love to show you my “castle!”
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