August always feels like this funny, bittersweet bridge of a month. The high-altitude summer sun is still hanging around, but there’s that unmistakable crispness in the air that hints at the seasonal shift just around the corner. We squeezed every last drop out of the final weeks of summer (and still are), balancing a busy market schedule with some much-needed downtime at home.
Markets and Mini Adventures
My market tent became a second home this month! I was at the Dillon Farmers Market every single week, soaking up the familiar faces and mountain views, and made it out to Silverthorne First Friday and the Grand Lake Arts and Crafts Fair as well. I also ventured out to try the Evergreen Farmers Market for the very first time, which was such a fun new spot to explore.
After a busy summer of loading up the car with products and camp gear every weekend, I hit a stretch of three whole weekends in a row with zero market obligations. It felt like an absolute luxury. We used the breathing room to chip away at some ongoing basement renovations at home and just genuinely lean into the art of chilling out. We’ve been completely hooked on Silo over on Apple TV, and naturally, we're right along for the ride with the new season of Ted Lasso.
To wrap up the month, my aunt Jen came out for a visit, and we packed so much fun into just a few days. She came to cheer on my sand volleyball team, jumped right in to help me out at the market, and we headed over to the Union Peak Festival where we got to see the The Revivalists. We also took the raft out for a gorgeous, lazy float day on the Upper Colorado River, and even squeezed in some crafty time together since she’s been wanting to dive into making art herself!
Dusting off the Nature Journal
On the creative front, I’ve been quietly returning to my roots and picking up my watercolors again. This October, I’m teaching a nature journaling class in collaboration with the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) and High Country Artisans Gallery (register here!), so I’ve been trying to get some intentional practice in.
It’s been quite a while since I actively kept a nature journal, and it's actually been six years since I last taught in an outdoor setting like I used to back during my days with the Keystone Science School. I am having a small case of imposter syndrome around this class, especially when it comes to teaching others how to create art, since most of the time I still feel like I'm just figuring it out as I go. But, stepping back into that meditative watercolor practice has been so calming, and I’m genuinely looking forward to sharing that space with everyone in October.
Editoral Debut
I was asked by Edible Denver earlier this year to create an illustration for their magazine! This issue was just released and I am so excited to show it off! It features a story written about Crepe Therapy Cafe, an establishment in Boulder CO. It was my first time doing an illustration based off a story and it definitely pushed me to think outside the box. I can't wait for another opportunity!
SPOILER ALERT! September Little Art Club artwork reveal on the next slide!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Evergreen Farmer's Market: September 1 and 22
Dillon Farmer's Market: All Friday's in September!
Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting local art. I hope to see you at an event this month!
Warmly,
Megan