2024 Creatives and Partners
Art Vendors
In no particular order. Photos and content of each creative below were taken from our 2024 social media spotlight series on @craft_colorado. Click on a creative’s photo to access their social media account.
Mayra @cempaxochiltarts identifies as Chicana and Indigenous and is a watercolor artist in Denver, CO. Mayra paints a window into her culture and roots, as well as what brings her joy. She paints as a way to connect with her ancestors and as her self-care practice. Her goal is to continue to create art that brings her joy and into the spaces of those who invest in her art pieces.
My name is Menelik @____finessed aka FINE$$E. FINE$$E represents how I express myself through Visual Storytelling, Abstract Art, & Music. My work is inspired by a range of subjects. Earth, Space, & life experiences inspire me. Skateboarding, Dance, and Graffiti also heavily influence my work, movement, colors, style, & freedom.
Aliyah Wallace, @awexclusives She/Her is a multimedia creator, She repurpose secondhand materials into unique clothing and jewelry pieces using various techniques like crochet, sewing, digital design, and more. Each AWEXCLUSIVES piece offers custom, one-of-a-kind fashion while championing sustainability by giving discarded materials a second life. Join her in celebrating creativity and environmental consciousness through fashion that tells a story of renewal and innovation.
Jini Veenker (Jini Kimchi) is a printmaker inspired by her Korean heritage and dark, ethereal nature.
Brooke Young (she/they) is a California-raised visual artist and music producer currently based in Denver, Colorado, operating under the artist handle Pandanimus. A lifelong lover of all things creative, these days she primarily works in digital mediums to create both audio and visual art pieces. Their works center the human experience and incorporate themes of nature and spiritual symbolism.
Mexican-born, Denver-based Artist Brayan Montes-Terrazas is better known by his alias YAMZ. Under YAMZ, Brayan’s unwavering identity-driven art stresses the importance of putting marginalized voices at the forefront of our conversations and the stories we tell. He is driven by the essential need to tell the stories of his identity as an undocumented, queer person of color. Using art and design as the vessels to show others that they are not alone in the fight toward equity justice and sound mental health. While he continues to develop the YAMZ: World of Color as both an art-based brand and community-driven organization, he maintains the principle that when we uplift marginalized identities through art we can heal, provide business solutions and bring each other up. Through Brayana's art we show the world that representation matters and we must strive to build equity in the art and design fields. Brayan continues to work with queer-owned, Women-Owned, and POC-owned businesses across the USA. He has also worked with large organizations such as Nestle, New Belgium Brewing, and DoorDash When he's not doing that he turns his personal illustration work into a range of art products in order to connect with his queer identity, and his Mexican heritage and to share important messages with the world
Latasha @jitterbug_art is a visual artist based in Denver whose work is heavily inspired by nature. She spends a lot of time drawing inspiration and creating art outside and loves to share that passion with others through murals, product design and illustration.
Far West Laser @farwest_laser is a laser engraving service based out of Fort Collins, CO. We specialize in art, custom gifts, signage, staff presents, trophies, jewelry and beyond!
Pepperjack Art @pepperjack.art is a queer-Latino owned business based in Denver. Jack (he/him) creates adorable food themed stickers with the perfect blend of nostalgia and fun. He uses his flamboyant expression and his love for drawing to uplift gender non-conformity; he believes art is a form of joy and a powerful tool for connection. Now, Jack unites everyone with a friend they can take home in the form of stickers, jewelry, and prints.
@barebeljewelry I started B.A.rebel LLC in 2020 in homage to the matriarchs of my family. Using jewelry as a form of self expression, I watched as my grandmother, aunts and "play aunties" adorned themselves with statement earrings bracelets and rings no matter the occasion. I come from the ones with rebellious souls They Trusted their paths Defined their own roles That freedom and brilliance In gemstones and metals Jewelry for your journey Inspired by rebels
T-Pinz (@Tpinzco) A black owned Pin designer and Manufacture in the Rocky Mountains.
@artist.alexa - "I am a multi-media artist who explores concepts of lucidity through realistic and surrealistic portraits and landscapes. My artwork stems from my own personal experiences being biracial, in hopes of spreading self-love and acceptance for one’s self. I love to experiment and learn techniques with oils, acrylics, watercolors, and charcoals. Expressive color and precise details help me navigate and understand the world from my perspective. Art is my passion, therapy and my way to share my creative mind!"
Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake (@akemictart) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Denver, Colorado. She is most well-known for her fude brush 筆 ink illustrations in which she uses a single traditional Japanese brush. Her imagery blends themes of Japanese folklore with Western mysticism, inspired by the intersectionality of cultural tradition, ancestral wisdom and modern identity.
Humsini (@hummus_panini) grew up in Boulder, CO. She is self-taught in watercolor and digital painting, and enjoys dabbling in new mediums. Her art fuses humor, a love for the outdoors, her exploration of her South Asian-American identity, and a propensity for bad puns. An engineer by trade, she has recently begun integrating electronics, 3D printing, and laser cutting into her work.
Bia (@biaocean_) is an artist/marine ecologist based in Lyons Colorado. She is originally from a small town in the Brazilian Amazon. From a young age, her curiosity about the ocean and its fascinating inhabitants lead her to a life as a marine scientist. Her love for science shaped her art, which showcases endangered species and other charismatic fauna. Bia loves writing postcards and sending letters to friends and family. A few years ago she started making her own postcards, which launched a renewed passion in making art in several mediums.
Shanel Hughes is a Denver creative. She is a visual artist and crafter who has worked with the MCA of Denver and the Athena Project. Her art is inspired by nature, loved ones and pain, with hint of surrealism. She loves glitter, bling, and all things shiny, and cute. Shanel has instructed several Laugh Your Craft Off Events at the Museum of Contemporary Art and she currently has art pieces for sell in several storefronts in Denver. You can follow her artwork on @nelliescustoms .
Kaitlyn Mariye (@mariyemakes) is a full time graduate student, part time marker based in and around Boulder, CO. When not working on her research, she can often be found working with clay, stained glass, various fibre arts, or whatever else she can get her hands on. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, much of Kaitlyn's work is a nod to the people and places she has called home.
Zaida Sever (@zaidasart) is a Creative based out of Denver, CO who is currently growing her skills as a muralist, painter, and curator. Her work serves as a vessel for storytelling; borrowing composition elements from Baroque and candid photography and pairing them with an illustrative, pop style. Coming from a mixed household but passing for white, she prioritizes Black Joy in daily life throughout her work. Refusing to coddle brutal or erotic stereotypes in the predominantly white spaces she's often in, while also discovering what her black identity means to her as a woman, artist, and member of a greater, diverse community.
Jade Gutiérrez (she/her) @thistleclaypottery is a potter, jeweler, and curandera in-the-making. She specializes in wood-fired pottery, hand-stitched beaded jewelry, and salves and candles using foraged and harvested ingredients. Jade received her BA in studio art and art history from CU Boulder and her MA in art history also from CU. She currently is a full-time instructor of art history for University of North Texas and University of New Mexico. Jade also assists in collections management in the local galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Divya @_floatingthruspace was born and raised in India, immigrated to the US nearly a decade ago and her longing to connect with nature led her to Colorado, which she now calls home! As a child, Divya thoroughly enjoyed painting but as life happened she lost touch with her creative side. Art is now a way for her to experiment with different styles as well as reconnect with her roots and the inner child in her! Through her work, Divya aims to explore a vibrant fusion of traditional motifs, contemporary designs and natural landscapes, reflecting her joy, unique perspective and lived experiences.
Breann @_well_mend_ is a Colorado based artist whose work is influenced by botanical illustration and mixed media experimentation. While stickers and portable gouache art is their focus, they have always returned to nature illustration to translate their experiences into art.
My name is Nady Rene @earthangeltemple, I am an afro-indigenous Intuitive Multimedia Artist, Singer/Songwriter, and anointed Healer. My intention is to raise the vibrations and bring healing energy through all my creations.
Teresa Castro @todotessco is the owner and creative mind behind Todo Tess Co., a Greeley-based business specializing in resin art and other accessories and trinkets! Inspired by her identity as a proud lesbian Afro-Latinx woman of color, Teresa creates unique pieces that reflect her experiences and those of her clients. From resin art and flower preservation to custom stickers and heat-pressed designs, Teresa offers a diverse range of artistic services.
Suendus (she/her) @suendusbeautilities a henna artist born and raised in Colorado. With Pakistani roots, Suendus deeply values the cultural connection that henna provides her, weaving her heritage into each design. She takes pride in how her work bridges cultures by blending elements from African, Arab, and South Asian traditions. She is inspired by traditions of Pakistani and Muslim celebrations like Eid, Ramadan, and weddings, where henna plays a significant role. She wants to make henna more accessible and show that it can be a beautiful, meaningful addition to any occasion, big or small.
Jackie @jackietrejoart is a plant enthusiast, climber, and mama. She is also obsessed with the female figure in her art, while also combining the living and the dead. Oftentimes death brings new life; this is an underlying theme she portrays in her work. Now her art emulates her adventures in the outdoors, but she also takes inspiration from individuals around her. While her watercolor paintings and portrait works are tight and realistic, she brings the people and plants on the page to life.
My name is Carlos Deltoro @deltizzleart (he/him). I’m an artist from Aurora,IL living in Fort Collins, Colorado. I’ve always loved to create since I was a kid. I’ve participated in numerous local art shows and practice my craft almost daily. Nowadays, I work as a freelancer, painter, and illustrator. I would describe my art as very intricate, surreal, and dark. I want the viewer to come up with their own interpretation from my creations and get lost in the details. I’m looking forward to participating in more events and connecting with other artists. I also deeply appreciate being a part of this community!
My name is Satya Akquia. I’m a artist of multiple mediums local to Denver, Colorado. I create mostly what I enjoy and what I think is beautiful in my surrounding world. Nature, animals and the female form are usually top of list for what I enjoy painting. I work in wildlife conservation for my full time job, enjoy being a foodie (so much so that I’m starting to design food themed stickers), and am an outdoor enthusiasts. I’m so excited to be in the CRAFt art festival this year and will try to come with some unique items. I might even be in a place to take commissions. - @akquia.creative.works
Julio @king.jups aka King Jups is from Boulder, CO, he is a Breakin Coach by trade, but also a digital artist. Julio is the head breaking coach @_michantli_. His goal is to help young kids achieve their dreams and help get some of them to the Olympic stage one day. Julio has been drawing silly creatures since he can remember. He takes a lot of inspiration from Mexican artists and heritage. He hopes that his creatures will bring smiles and bring inspiration to people.
My love for loud colors and curse words. Creating spaces for myself while sharing with others. I hope to always be able to produce art that speaks volumes. - @brushbox.arts
Jacinda @blueorbittarot is a queer tarot reader and lover of Astrology. She has practiced tarot for over six years and believes in using tarot to help heal emotional wounds and expand the ways in which we think. Jacinda first used tarot to grow and become closer to herself, then found that using tarot to help others do the same brought her immense joy. Jacinda uses intuitive reading, counseling, and active listening during each reading. She knows the tarot is an energy exchange and when opening up to the tarot and the reader it can bring a clearer understanding to the matters at hand.
Chanja @cassicha.art, owner of both Plant Culture Ltd., and sister art company, Cassicha.Art, is a devout believer of Biophilia. Chanja utilizes and references many natural aspects throughout her business and craft. The ornate designs that she paints are evoked by a childhood by the beach, and elements like movement and transition. Her goal is to inspire the same visual experience in others through well crafted, beautiful and intentional pots.
Marisabel Lavastida m.lavastida is a Venezuelan artist who grew up in Miami, FL and is now living in Denver, CO. With a background in community organizing and fine art, Marisabel has developed a unique style of mixed media collage art. The use of mixed media and collage has allowed her to channel the visual rebellion of the Dadaist movement into her dark, often humorous work. An emphasis on accessibility has helped her develop a variety of ways to display her work ranging from: hand sewn art zines, stickers, and street art.
@meraki___made: “I am a jewelry artist who creates one of a kind copper electroformed pieces. Something special about my craft, is the fact that I actually hand-mine my Quartz crystals, digging them out of the Earth, and accentuating the natural details of each raw crystal within the design process. Creating is what I strive for in life and my sense of self expression in this world. I chose my business name, Meraki Made, as a reflection of this. “Meraki” means to put a piece of yourself into what you create; soul, creativity, and love.”
Mad Hare Press LLC @madharepress , founded by Liz Ortiz, is a Latina-owned small business in Fort Collins dedicated to the art of printmaking. Combining traditional and modern techniques, Liz creates unique and captivating fine art prints while also offering educational workshops in accessible printmaking and multi-media art. Based in Fort Collins, Liz holds a BFA in Photo Image Making and Printmaking from Colorado State University and brings extensive expertise to her work, particularly in intaglio, lithography, and woodcut techniques.
Lina Osmundson
Amanda Bushere
Interested in joining CRAFt?
We would love to hear from you! Share with us who you are and a bit about your craft. We look forward to meeting you!
Performers
In no particular order. Photos and content of each creative below were taken from our 2024 social media spotlight series on @craft_colorado. Click on a creative’s photo to access their social media account.
Chantal Collier @chantal.collier is an upcoming artist in the Denver Metro Area. She uses her unique sound and performance style to navigate taboo topics such as grief and loss, pain and anger, sin and struggle, and love. Her performance style is an homage to classic jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaugh, Mitty Collier, and many more. The powerful voice, the striking dress, the atmosphere. Chantal has one single released on all music platforms that can be found under the name “Don’t Make Me”
Padayon @padayoncultural is a cultural collective within the Filipino-American Community of Colorado. We are dedicated to uniting Filipino-Americans in Colorado through the arts. Our expanding arts programs include: dance, percussion, rondalla, and choir! Our mission is to cultivate awareness and appreciation of our culture throughout the community. We primarily perform across the state of Colorado, but we’ve performed in Florida and did our first international folkdance tour in Bulgaria in 2023.
Rich, soaring vocals whose lyrics speak directly to one’s spirit!” - is how this Lyric Soprano trained opera singer is described. Dzirae Gold @dziraegold combines her technical vocal skills, and Chicagoland jazz and soul roots to create a sound as “smooth as liquid gold.” Dzirae’s inspiring efforts and community presence, representing the beautiful, multifaceted culture and history of Black music is why she is recognized as ""Denver's Golden Girl.”
Topaz Hooper @topaztravelstheworld is a world-traveling, poet, writer, and artist based out of Boulder, CO. She’s spent the better part of her life writing poetry about world injustice, living in a queer-friendly household, being a person of color in predominately white spaces, love & relationships. Her poetry book, My Mind’s Eye: Poetry and Visual Art on Social Justice, Philosophy and Identity is a compilation of 17 years of poetry and original paintings highlighting her lived experience. Today, Topaz enjoys traveling & writing about her experiences on her travel blog: topazhooper.com.
Shreya @dancingshreya is an Indian classical dancer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in a South Indian art form called Bharatanatyam. She is a student of Nita Mallya with the Sampradaya School of Dance and performed her professional debut in May 2017. As part of Cornell University’s premier Indian classical dance team, she performed competitively across the US. She has been performing in and around the Boulder area for the past 2 years.
Ballet Folklórico Patria Mexicana @bf.patria.mexicana is a Mexican folklórico group that aims to share the passion, beauty, & art that is Mexican folk dancing. Our goal is to spread knowledge and appreciation through our interactive performances & our community outreach classes. We hope to spread our joy and love with our community!
Soy Celesté @soyceleste_music is a Latin Feminist Punk music project from unceded Ute, Cheyenne & Arapaho lands also referred to as Denver, CO. Celesté Martinez (she/her/ella) is the creator, lead vocalist, and guitarist of Soy Celesté. She is proudly supported by her bandmates stevie gunter (any/all) on bass and Saladin Thomas (he/him) on drums. Their emotionally charged sound melds Latin Folk and Riot Grrrl punk rock through creative imagery to ignite social change. Their first full length album “Feminista Manifestó” will be coming out Aug 2, 2024. It captures more layers to Celesté’s story, her identity as a Queer Chicana, and amplifies her intersectional feminist politics. “Machista” which features Joshua Trinidad on trumpet is out now everywhere you listen to music.
Hello friends! My name is Enrique @juliantheperuvian and I am psyched to perform on the CRAFt stage for a second year. I am a vocalist using a loopstation designed by and for beatboxers. With this device, I can record live beats and samples with my voice to create a fully functional track. I am inspired by many artists including Anderson Paak, BreZ, & Little Dragon. Despite their influence, I like to think that I bring a unique sound and energy that is sure to get your booty grooving! It has been a hobby to pass the time at home and keep my love for music thriving. I hope to invest my future time and energy into producing tracks, creating music content, & performing on more stages.
Spreading his gospel of groove to a diverse and devoted following, Disco Jesus @el.disco.jesus has crafted a unique identity, blending the infectious grooves of afro house with the timeless allure of disco. His sets are a seamless fusion of pulsating beats and unforgettable rhythms, designed to elevate the spirit and move the body. Join him on his mission to spread joy through music, and let the dance floor become your temple.
Tyreis Hunte @tyreishunte is a Creole Amazônido interdisciplinary artist and creative director. Their work is embedded in global travel as well understanding & the connections of global indigenous cultures and their embodied philosophies. Tyreis is also keen on the historic as well as contemporary contributions of street culture in our societies and the integrity of consuming, producing the contemporary.
2MX2 @2mx2 is a revolutionary bilingual band, masterfully blending traditional Latin, alternative, pop, and urban rhythms while seamlessly weaving English and Spanish (Spanglish) into their music. Comprised of talented individuals including Owen Trujillo (also known as O1) from Zacatecas, Denver natives Juice E. Hugo, Lolita, DMD, & Kenny O., along with Eastlin & the Chilean/Cuban artist Adrian Garay, the band carries a powerful message through their thought-provoking lyrics. Their songs fearlessly address significant social issues like immigration, mental health, and education reform, echoing their commitment to change and activism.
Saridae @saridae is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and musician. She proves to be an innovative artist who is able to balance storytelling through melodic, sultry vocals, and rich live instrumentation. She is currently working on finalizing the last pieces of her next solo project, “Panda”! In addition, she plans to continue to connect with her fans and supporters via social media and upcoming live shows!
3Two @emcee3two is a performing hip-hop artist hailing from Denver, CO. Honing his skills over the years, 3Two has found his niche by rapping outside the box and in between the lines. He has crafted a brand of hip-hop that’s as eclectic as he is, combining elements of trap, conscious boom-bap, nerdcore, and everything in between. 3Two prides himself on his energetic performance style while also crafting beats and lyrics that are universally relatable, which are sure to hook you in and captivate you from the first downbeat to the very last bar.
P Nasty @pennisu (they/them) rooted from Seattle, is a first-generation queer, trans Hmong American multidisciplinary, visionary, and movement artist. An expressionist out here to disrupt social norms! Inspired by dance’s power for authenticity and self-expression, they devote themselves to uphold the foundations of their artistry by empowering others through movement, fostering confidence, encouraging self exploration, and cultivating inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive. Experience their diverse movements and dynamic energy, highlighted by their vibrant expressions every time they hit the floor.
Welcome to the electrifying world of Kowan & da Homies @kowanplaysdw where Jazz Fusion meets Funk and Rock & Roll with hints of Hip Hop and Improv. As a national and international recording and touring artist, Kowan Turner along with his cast of musical characters has made an incredible mark on the music scene, captivating audiences worldwide with his unparalleled talent and infectious energy. This year he will be teamed up with Brittany Beckett of Watermelon Funk to deliver a high energy show you won’t want to miss.
Mag Esai @magdielesai has been on a journey to bring a new sound by blending traditional Mexican indigenous instruments with modern technology. Mag was raised on both sides of the border during the height of the drug war in Juarez and was determined to make music that represented his community and culture better than the music that glorified the violence of that time. He wants to change the perception of Mexican music from heavily European-influenced genres to sounds that are indigenous to Mexico.
C.L. Fondal @cl_fondal resides in Denver, CO and continues to release new music and performs at many different venues. C.L.’s groundbreaking and genre bending music ranges from Soul/R&B, Hip-Hop, all the way to Rock and Blues. C.L. Has developed a passionate and dedicated fanbase throughout the United States and beyond. C.L. has headlined for multiple music festivals and concert performances, enhancing the experience for all. The music that is created inspires fans and young musicians alike. C.L. Has a love of community, especially throughout the LGBTQ+ and African American communities which are dear to their heart. C.L.’s vocal precision and the incredible talent of electronic drummer Retro Mitch come together and have become synonymous with a distinct musical style that resonates strongly with different audiences.
Eeland Stribling
Food Vendors
In no particular order. Photos and content of each creative below were taken from our 2024 social media spotlight series on @craft_colorado. Click on a creative’s photo to access their social media account.
