Member for 2 years
Why did you become a member of the Fine Arts Center?
As a student at the Colorado College, I became a member of the Fine Arts Center. During my Freshman year, I was able to enrich my experience as a student by visiting the FAC for class assignments and community events. As a Senior now at CC, I am still able to take advantage of the new opportunities at the FAC as a member and apply the knowledge to my major in Southwest Studies (with an emphasis in Indigenous Studies) and my minor in Film and Media Studies.
When did your interest in the arts begin?
I have always been interested in the arts since I was a child. I love creating art and being inspired by the fine arts, from music to performance to exhibits. My family members are artists and art/culture are a big part of my Native American heritage. With some of my classes at the Colorado College, I was able to connect academic learning with my interest in the arts. The FAC is an excellent learning environment for college students.
What has been one of your favorite plays, classes or exhibits at the Fine Arts Center?
My favorite play was the production of an adaption of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that I saw back in 2014 when I was visiting CC with my family for my mom’s 20th class reunion. I have always been a fan of vampires and Dracula films, so being able to see the play was a big treat for my parents and I!
One of my favorite projects to have been a part of was the FORCE/RESISTANCE: From Standing Rock to Colorado Springs documentary. Citizens of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation mobilized the NoDAPL movement on my birthday, April 1, 2016. Myself and many others from this area made our journey to the Standing Rock reservation to join in solidarity in the Fall of 2016. I am thankful to have been able to share part of my experience at the FAC.
What is your favorite work of art at the FAC?
One of my favorite exhibits at the FAC is the Revolution: Rise Against the Invasion exhibit by Virgil Ortiz because I learned so much from this artist and his messages. I first learned about Virgil and his artwork in one of my Southwest Studies courses from my Sophomore year. Getting to meet, learn from, and work with someone whom I idolize during my last year at CC has been so amazing and empowering. Throughout my Fall 2018 semester, I appreciated the time I got to spend with Virgil, from listening to his presentation in a few class convergences, to taking clay sculpting and costume fabrication workshops taught by him, to helping create/model some of the costumes featured in the exhibit, and more. I am so inspired by this exhibit about an Indigenous sci-fi futuristic story of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. I gained a greater appreciation for art, the artist, and the work of the FAC staff.
What else do you like to do for fun in Colorado Springs?
I am from a rural part of the Diné (Navajo) reservation, so being out in nature anywhere reminds me of my homeland. Colorado Springs is the ancestral lands of the Ute people, so I like to learn about and honor the land of the original peoples in the area, including the “Garden of the Gods” and Tava (Pikes Peak). It is nice to visit and walk in these places, but it is so important that we continue to acknowledge the land that we are on and acknowledge those that originally inhabited these places.