As the days get shorter and colder, and as 2025 gently winds down, we take a moment to shine a spotlight on what fills our local artists’ hearts with gratitude and inspiration. In this compilation, we hear from a talented group of creators who share their sincere thanks for the community’s support and the many inspirational forces that bring life to their work, whether it’s music, fine art, literature, or theater.
Karen Borthick, Karen Borthick Fine Art
The who that inspired me, is a friend of mine! She started me on this journey of fun and fulfillment! The big part of painting for me, is being free to be as creative as I can possibly be.
Having arthritis in my hands that I thought was a disability, opened the door for me to consider and pursue fluid art. I cannot hold a brush for long, but I can mix paint, and hold a canvas while I manipulate the paint. Perfect for me in every way.
I hope to continue painting for the rest of my days! I love creating art for people that wish a certain painting for their home or office or to give as a gift. The color, style and size are their choice.
Deanna Marcy, Choir Director, BrightonMusic Choir and Orchestra
In a community like Brighton that still feels like a small town despite our size, creativity has a way of finding you whether you’re looking for it or not. Sometimes it arrives quietly—like the hush of snowfall on a rehearsal night—or boldly, in the bright laughter that fills the room as our choir warms up or the blast of a trumpet fanfare. I’m grateful for both kinds of moments, and for the people who make them meaningful.
I’m deeply grateful for the singers who each week set aside the crazy busyness of life for a couple of hours to make music together. Our choir is made up of twenty people, each unique and essential, who come together not just to sing, but to listen, to laugh, to grow together, and to support one another. Some have been singing their whole lives; others are courageously trying something new. When we gather to rehearse in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, something remarkable happens: Individual voices weave together into something none of us could create alone. Witnessing these unique voices blend into a perfect chord, feeling the air vibrate with shared sound, is a small, everyday miracle that never ceases to inspire me.
Music is, at its heart, a shared endeavor. Every week, our choir and orchestra members gather not because we must, but because we want to build something beautiful together. Our musicians and our team of directors bring not only their notes, but their compassion, humor, patience, and courage. Through music, we find differences bridged and people drawn toward each other. Whether we are rehearsing for a holiday concert, gathering for a quick chat after practice, or sharing laughter over missed notes and unexpected harmonies, I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to have each other.
I’m equally thankful for the wider community that supports us—our neighbors who show up to concerts, the First Presbyterian Church and the Armory Performing Arts Center that allow us spaces to rehearse and perform, and the Brighton Cultural Arts Connection whose steady support makes our work possible. Whether someone attends a concert, donates an extra dollar or two, shares a kind word, helps set up chairs, or simply believes that a small choir matters in the life of a town, that support turns what we do into something bigger than ourselves. In a world that often moves too quickly, your encouragement tells us that what we do is valuable. The support from our community is a beautiful reminder that creativity is valued here, and that our voices—both literal and figurative—matter.
What fuels my creativity? It’s the moments when a particularly beautiful chord resolves perfectly. It’s a leadership team of board members and directors who support and encourage each other and work together to make beautiful music. It’s knowing that in our increasingly disconnected world, we’re creating something that requires presence, attention, and genuine human connection. It’s the privilege of helping people find their voices, individually and collectively.
In a world that can feel increasingly complex, our choir and orchestra form a simple, beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we blend our individual voices into one shared purpose. Thank you for this opportunity to share our gratitude. We look forward to many more years of contributing to Brighton’s vibrant cultural life.
Kary Mayes, Designer and Artist, Main Street Gallery
Artistic Inspiration and Transformative Experiences in Paris
When I am looking back at my career and life, I know exactly what inspires me artistically. I think back to 1988 while working in the children’s apparel industry, when I had the remarkable opportunity to travel to Paris, France, for the Childrenswear “Les Enfants” Show. During my time in Paris, I visited the Musée d’Orsay, known for its vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Mary Cassatt. On that particular day, the museum featured a special exhibit of Monet’s works, with an entire room filled with sun-drenched lavenders, pinks, and blue lily ponds. The vivid imagery of those paintings has remained clear in my memory ever since.
Continued Appreciation for Impressionism
Years later, in January 2020, I visited the Denver Art Museum for another special Monet exhibit. Once again, I was captivated by the vibrant colors and expressive brushwork of his masterpieces, which reinforced my enduring admiration for Impressionist art. The influence of these experiences has been a lasting source of inspiration throughout my Life.
Gratitude and Community at Main Street Gallery
Upon my retirement, I felt incredibly thankful to be invited to join Main Street Gallery in Brighton, CO, as a studio artist. Having studio space alongside Sheri Farabaugh, the most talented painter I have known personally, is a true privilege. Sheri has developed her own distinct impressionistic style, and every time I enter the gallery, I am reinspired by her extraordinary works of art. I am deeply grateful to call Sheri my fellow artist and to be part of such a vibrant creative community.
Kelly Van Oosbree, Artistic Director, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
My family is at the heart of everything I do—especially my incredibly supportive husband, who has never once questioned my choice to be a full-time theatre artist. He gives up his own time to help bring my work to life, building sets and props for Platte Valley Theatre Arts and even taking time off work to assist with load-ins and strikes. I am also grateful for my beautiful five-year-old son, Anthony, whose joy, imagination, and curiosity inspire me every day.
I am thankful as well for my parents, who exposed me to theatre at such a young age—especially through my hometown company, Emmetsburg Main Street Community Theatre in Iowa. Without that early encouragement and the magic of community theatre in my childhood, I would not be doing what I do today.
My in-laws, Frank and Ginny Ross, have also supported me in countless ways—caring for Anthony, attending our productions, and even helping with scenery. Their generosity allows me to pursue my work fully and fearlessly.
I am thankful for the remarkable Board of Directors at Platte Valley Theatre Arts. Kristina Bobrowski, Katherine Paynter, Dolly Garcia, Brandi Jae Neslen, Tiffany Gruman, Leslie Zirker, and George Zamarripa are some of the most generous and hardworking people I know. Many of them have been onstage with us, but their behind-the-scenes dedication—especially to our Platte Valley Youth Theatre program—makes our work accessible and meaningful to the entire Brighton community.
I am grateful for the broader Denver theatre community—an extraordinary network of artists, designers, and actors who share their time and talents with Platte Valley Theatre Arts. Their artistry elevates everything we do, and I feel deeply thankful to collaborate with such inspiring professionals.
I am also profoundly grateful for the City of Brighton and the Armory Performing Arts Center. I work all over the Denver metro area (and beyond), but the Armory is truly my favorite place to make theatre. It is a special space made even more special by its extraordinary staff: Gary Montoya, Yvette Martinez, Marcus Garcia, and especially Ryan Michener. Their professionalism, kindness, and unwavering support create an environment where artists can thrive and where truly meaningful theatre can happen.
Frank Pryor, Artist/Caricaturist, Exaggerated Faces
What great questions! So many things inspire me, too many to mention, really, so I’ll share what I am most thankful for.
It’s a long list as well, but I’ll shorten it by starting with the obvious. I am increasingly thankful for my wife, Yvonne and our family who have always been a major part of my inspiration.
Next it would have to be my partners with Exaggerated Faces, Carol Obenchain and Bob Kagohara, whom I met when they were my students a few short years ago. Then, of course, it would be Judee Dickinson and the many great artists at Main Street Creatives.
And, finally I am thankful that at 75 I have the health and energy to continue to grow and share what I have learned and hopefully inspire others, no matter what their age.
I look forward to hearing what inspires others and what they are thankful for!
Cindy Gunderson, Author, www.CindyGunderson.com
I’m inspired every day by people I see and interact with around town.
Voices online make the world seem like a terrible place, but that’s not what I see around me.
I see people laughing, holding doors and saying thank you, apologizing, returning carts for strangers, and volunteering for charitable organizations.
The people I meet and observe inspire the characters I write, and I’m so grateful for the diverse and interesting community we have here in Colorado!
Sarah Bennett, TheUnexpectedArtist.com
I would say I’m inspired by nature, in particular animals, and the personality that can be captured in a piece.
Scratchboard is my medium of choice as I love the detail that it allows me to accomplish.
I’m thankful that I discovered this hidden talent, better late than never I always say.
I’m also thankful to the many people I’ve met through the artist community.
Click below to view excerpts and a short video montage of the contributors’ work: