Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk^TM

Madeline Bechtel
Her daytime work is for the City of Fort Collins as their Senior Graphic Designer while all other work is created through MCCB Design - a whimsical personal business focused on creating powerful art and brands. Through these outlets, she’s able to stay deeply connected with her community; a symbiotic relationship between creative people and place. Art by MCCB relies heavily on balance - between real vs. abstract, light vs. dark, simplicity vs. complexity and traditional vs. experimental. Madeline’s specialty is color and the psychological effects it can have on people. Her process often combines manual and digital techniques - allowing her to work in diverse settings. Ultimately, art by MCCB aims to speak to the wild curiosity living in us by focusing on themes of nature, science and human existence.

Sterling Holbrook
Nature illustrations with pencil, ink and pen

Jaimie Pursley (they/them)
I'm a multi-media artist from Windsor, Colorado. I work full time as a preschool aide in a local elementary school, and I am currently working towards becoming a children's art teacher. Teaching and art are my two biggest passions. In my free time, when I'm not working on a new project, you can find me reading, watching a scary movie, practicing yoga, taking a hike, or spending time with friends, family, and pets. My apartment zoo consists of a dog, a bird, a turtle, a snake, and two fish. Jaime Pursley Website

Nancy Klingforth
Nature and animal paintings using acrylic on canvas.

Jake Virant
Being in nature brings a sense of peace and an understanding of just how connected to the earth and the universe we are like nothing else can. I paint daily now and aspire to become a full time artist with a studio in my home where I can spend as much time with my family as possible.

Chelsea Glanz
Chelsea Glanz incorporates the whimsy and magic of nature’s landscapes into her illustrations and paintings. She earned her BFA in Fine Art from Western State University, and her mission includes building community, while helping others heal and reconnect with the beauty of the Earth and the abundance of the land through creativity. You can learn more about Chelsea at www.chelseaglanzart.com 

Talia Bogaard
Though I've worked in many mediums over the course of many years as an artist, for me, there's nothing more fundamental then the drawing process.  Taking a 2D surface and creating life, whether animal, plant or human, using graphite, charcoal and colored pencil as my tools, is truly satisfying. Its even more so when others find beauty, peace and joy in my work.

Bookstore On The Square is hosting a Poetry Night for the April Art Walk with word-related artwork along with poets Dylah Ray, Kathleen Willard, and others! Dylah Ray is featuring her new book of poetry "Perennials" released last month. Poets and artists will have some interactive elements for visitors to experience the cross section of art and poetry.

Our April Artist at CopperMuse is Kelli Flitton.

Lisa Nevot is a seasoned member of the creative arts industry. With a career spanning just shy of 4 decades Lisa has run a business fashioned to suit her lifestyle, craving for adventure, freedom in expression, and passion for art. Lisa’s work varies in style and medium making her accessible to multiple clientele tastes and needs. From watercolor, to acrylic. Pen and ink. Graphite. Canvas. Wood. Even painting on glass and brick, her style is recognizable yet vastly different based on current inspiration and influences. Her artwork has won her awards, been published, licensed, auctioned, in galleries, in stores, and sold online. All through her own marketing and distribution channels. Her love for the arts has brought her to speak on panels, speak to large audiences, paint live on stage with best selling authors. It has taken her work to Italy to tour for a year, to hand along side the likes of Diego Rivera and even Michaelangelo. She has been published in multiple magazines and it has led her to teach art history through the artists of the past. 

Lisa is still creating and teaching to this day, continuing to live her way and loving the life she leads.  “Success is in the ability to live the lifestyle you choose, not just the power of acquisition.” She creates from the soul for the soul. You can find her work at LisaNevot.com

Lisa will be painting live with a sampling of her works available for purchase. Come by and say hi!

Lindsay Walker is your Fort Collins Clay Baby! Rolling, molding, slicing, and baking, her work with polymer clay is called caning. Well known for its application in candy making and glass blowing, this process involves combining cylinders of clay to create a design that runs through the length of the cylinder (called the cane). You ever see those old-fashioned candy companies that reduce huge tubes of colored sugar to bite-sized pieces with a tiny design in the middle? Think that---but with clay. Still confused? Come by Dandelions and Rust this first Friday and see it for yourself, IRL. 

They say eyes are the windows to our soul. This month's First Friday Art Walk at Edge Optics will be featuring one of our new services, “Outer Eye”. Outer Eye is the only high quality iris photography of it’s kind in Northern Colorado! These stunning images, taken by our friend Richard Mauro Ricchiuti of Zebrajellyfish Photography, truly capture the beauty and uniqueness of our eyes. Enjoy beautiful iris images, the opportunity to have your iris photographed, live music, food + drinks, as well as shopping and raffle opportunities! All guests will receive 1/2 off Outer Eye services purchased.

Join us at Equinox Center of Herbal Studies on the Downtown First Friday Art Walk.  This month we are excited to have vibrant and gentle works by Madeline Bechtel. We celebrate our artist with snacks, drinks, and even crafts! See you Friday from 6-9pm!

Madeline is a local Fort Collins artist and graphic designer working most frequently in illustration, brand design, graphic design, and painting.

Her work relies heavily on balance – between real vs. abstract, light vs. dark, simple vs. complex and traditional vs. experimental.

It's April in Paris and we bring Paris to you this First Friday in "Avril". Exit the avenue & follow your nose down the marble steps into our 142bis gallerie space where a trunk show Parfumerie awaits you. Celebrate Perfume as Art in true French style. 

Dominique Montano is a wildlife artist from Fort Collins, Colorado. She focuses on highlighting animals and nature in an attempt to illuminate the dangers threatening the world around us. A master’s graduate at Colorado State University focusing on zoology and comparative physiology, Dominique has always been fascinated with the incredible diversity of animals and how they operate in the world around them. Many of her subjects feature dripping or fading areas, alluding to the pressures of human-wildlife conflict that deteriorate the ability of nature to thrive in their environments, as the subjects mix into the background. An interest in animals and comic books at a young age led to a convergence in interests. Illustrating the wildlife she is enthralled by is an opportunity to bring a small amount of that same fascination to the viewer. Focusing on animal movement and the duality of nature allows her passions to coalesce, utilizing an academic career in zoology to strengthen her visual prowess in art. With an eye towards conservation of these animals, Dominique focuses on highlighting the plight of her subjects, and subsequently donates portions of proceeds to animal conservation organizations. 

Inspiring Women of Northern Colorado opens Friday, March 1, with free admission from 5-8 pm as part of First Friday Art Walk. The Hall Gallery exhibit is curated by members of Living Her Legacy, a Fort Collins organization dedicated to recognizing the contributions of local women. The exhibit showcases 48 women who have made a difference in our community by demonstrating commitment, courage, and resilience. As visionaries for change, the 48 honorees serve as role models for both women and girls, and nearly half of the women have ties to Colorado State University. The exhibit runs through May 25

Welcome, Wild Soul Creations!

Specializing in handmade in custom hand burned hats & wallets! Each creation is crafted with love and care, bringing happiness and joy to every owner. Bethany embraces the magic of the art to create amazing pieces that can be purchased at this Fridays Art Walk! Wild Soul Creations can be found on Etsy, Facebook and Instagram or you can pickup a custom order in Erie, CO.

Mallory Cash is known for her vibrant landscape oil paintings that reference the impressionistic style most popularly created by Vincent Van Gogh. She is able to create scenes that reveal more than a photo can convey by using vibrant colors as her palette, and reflecting on the experience she has had while referencing photos taken from her adventures. When Mallory is not painting she is out hiking, climbing or traveling in her converted van with her husband and two aussies

Jacob Wayne Bryner's art blends modern portraiture and fantastical images with a style he refers to as 'Social Pop Surrealism': at times a critique of contemporary life, other times a love letter to the beauty of existence, all filtered through a surrealistic dreamlike lens.

Mugs First Friday will be hosting Anthony Arras and Chelsea Beth. Anthony Arras is a Fort Collins based songwriter and performer, capturing audiences with his inviting sound, deep lyrics and engaging stories. Chelsea Beth is also a Fort Collins based singer songwriter. Her music is emotional, autobiographical and would best be described as indie folk rock. Come to Mugs First Friday for crafty cocktails, inviting energy and new emerging art!

Terry McNerney has been a mural artist and illustrator in Fort Collins for 30 years. His major public murals include Jazz Alley, located at the Mitchell Building in Old Town Fort Collins, a 90 foot mural on the side of The Buffalo Seed Building in Greeley, Luciles in Fort Collins, and the Love Building in Loveland. He has done over 100 private murals and illustrated several children's books. Terry's website is mcmurals.com

Carla Wilson, owner/Artist of CJ Sudden Art is a self-taught abstract artist located in Colorado who specializes in one of a kind abstract art. From her canvas work to the galvanized metal letters that she became known for throughout the local art community, Carla not only paints individual letters but has painted letters for storefronts across the country. The original one-of-a-kind art grew into repurposed home goods, jewelry, and hair clips. All one of a kind works of art. Carla offers commissioned work along with custom letters allowing the customer to have input on the colors and design of their choice be it for a gift, business name or for themselves.

April First Friday — A Petrichor Collective Project

Welcome to Petrichor Collective Studios, a community curated space for Artistic expression. Housing seven resident Artists, this community hub is a testament to the power of Collective creativity. Our gallery features esteemed guest Artists, who unveil works of expertise and fresh perspectives. Petrichor Collective Studios transcends the conventional, offering an inspiring environment for everyone in the community.

Hosted by Petrichor Collective
Visit http://www.petrichorcollective.art/events to learn more about the event and don’t miss out on a unique Art experience brought to you by Northern Colorado’s best Artists!

From the Artists, for the Collective.

The Art of Repair: Stitching Together for a Better Earth 

Tellus will host Adrienne and Kevin Banker from Upcycled Outdoor, an organization focused on reviving outdoor gear through creative upcycling. Bring in worn gear that needs repair and Upcycle Outdoor will take a creative approach to reviving outdoor gear that may not be repairable for its intended use, and upcycle it into a reusable and lasting product, that can live on, and stay out of the landfill. 

Bring your broken or damaged tents, ripstop tarps to our store for donation to be upcycled. In exchange, you'll receive a refurbished or upcycled bag. During the event, we offer repair services for clothing and gear onsite. Simple fixes like rips and tears can be addressed immediately, while more complex issues such as zippers will be repaired off-site. Rest assured, we'll notify you as soon as your items are ready for pickup at the Tellus store. Join us in giving new life to your gear while supporting sustainability! 

Upcycled Outdoor rates for simple repairs begin at $25 per repair. Additionally, they provide a size chart detailing pricing based on the repair's size. 

This month, The Welsh Rabbit is hosting Jill Farrington as our artist of the month. She began painting about a year and a half ago and fell in love with it. Her work is done in acrylic with some occasional mixed media inspired by historic architecture and natural beauty. The Welsh Rabbit is happy to join her family and friends in the support of her talent in art, which was actually drawn out by her daughter. Not only is she a talented artist, but a loyal Rabbit as well. Her and her husband became engaged and even had their wedding dinner at the Welsh Rabbit!

For March we have a beautiful collection of ceramics on display. 'Flora & Form' is a collection of Alex Walter's latest functional ceramic work adorned with lively hues and floral patterns. Each piece blends practicality with whimsy, showcasing a unique mix of form and decoration. Alex is a Northern Colorado-based potter, she earned her BA in Studio Ceramic Design from the University of Northern Colorado. Her work celebrates the joy of connection through the use of handmade everyday objects. Currently, Alex serves as a resident artist and educator at Smokestack Pottery in Fort Collins, where she continues to explore the intersection of functionality and beauty in her pottery.

Stop by Visit Fort Collins to celebrate the First Friday Art Walk and Local Music Appreciation Month!  We have paired up with the Fort Collins Musicians Association to host a night of live music from Badda Boom Brass Band, original artwork from local musician Brian Johanson, the lead singer for Suggar Britches, and some cool FoCoMX festival merch. Badda Boom Brass Band will be wandering throughout Old Town Square on their way to Visit Fort Collins as they infuse the soul of New Orleans street music into an eclectic mix of hip hop, funk, party anthems and world music.

David Gatt is a multimedia artist working predominantly in oil, but also known for exploring a variety of other mediums. His latest endeavor is to tackle pop art with familiar and iconic imagery on items that take us back to our younger lives. Some social commentary, whimsy, and respect for street style and alternative music influence most of his current work. Like all pop art, it gives a nod to the familiar in a form that isn't typical. David is this month's featured artist and will have an ongoing presence at Wayward.

Jessica MacMaster is among other things a Fort Collins fiber artist. Her love for fiber art goes back to friendship bracelets she made in grade school. She could knot ;) let such a skill set go to waste and she now ties ropes into images and patterns with the hope they feel soft, comforting and familiar. Figures, landscapes and abstracts is what she is making most often at the moment. She says, "I love creating from another person's ideas." She is open to your ideas and often works on custom pieces. When not making tangible art, you can find her performing with the Comedy Brewers - Fort Collins Improv Troupe, teaching improv, acting with OpenStage Theater & Company or making boudoir photo art at Fe Photography. "I really enjoy connecting with fellow creatives so please reach out and share your creations with me!"

Join us at the Publick House for a very special First Friday for all new works and a reading by artist + writer, Jason Hardung, with music by Sketches.
Jason says: The main goal of my work is to paint something I like to look at. A lot of times I paint famous people or things that are recognizable, that create nostalgia. I’ll add another subject, object, word or whatever that seemingly has no connection to the first subject. Something that clouds the initial nostalgia. I think a lot of our favorite memories are distorted like that. For example, you’re asleep and dreaming and in the dream you are interacting with your girlfriend, but it doesn’t look like her at all, doesn’t even sound like her. You know it’s her though. You can feel it in your heart that it’s her, her soul shines through the masquerade. It makes you wonder if you have been seeing things wrong the whole time. It makes you question yourself. This is what I like doing in my art. Hopefully, one day, my painting skills will catch up to the ideas in my head. There’s still so much to learn. I just want the next painting to be better than this one.