Artists are invited to attend this immersive, self-guided experience. In the months that follow 2 pieces of visual arts will be displayed. Performances or partial performances will performed at the opening with a chance to display in another way for the remainder of the art show. This day is meant to spark new creative work while communing with animals, nature, and the people who come to experience them. Whether you are a painter, photographer, dancer, actor, musician, poet, sculptor, or any other type of artist, we would love for you to join us and show us what you create after a fantastic day at the zoo.

There is no cost to the artist for entry into the zoo. After lunch, artists will also enjoy a special
animal meet-and-greet. Artists are encouraged to arrive early and stay until the zoo closes—we
want this experience to be full of inspiration, curiosity, and excitement.

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Inspiration & Intent

 

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(What excites you about creating in this environment?)

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(This can be conceptual—no pressure to have it fully formed yet.)

Artwork for Summer Fest

 

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• 2D (painting, photography, etc.)
• 3D (sculpture, installation, etc.)
• Performance (dance, music, spoken word, theater)
• Interactive / Experiential
• Not sure yet

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Artists selected for this experience agree to

• Attend the full inspirational day at the Denver Zoo
• Create at least one piece inspired by the experience
• Participate in the Culture Fest art show

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• Yes
• I have questions (please explain below)

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(upon completion, please email the application to president@brightonculturalarts.org.

If you have any issues, please email president@brightonculturalarts.org)

By Matthew Galloway

Even though I’d consider myself an experienced reader, I found myself drawn to Hwang Bo-reum’s latest English language release: Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books.

This nonfiction book–composed of 53 essays about different aspects of reading–starts with how to become a reader if that’s something you want to do. This book has me inspired to recommend a few books related to Hwang’s topics. These are all late 2024 or 2025 releases.

Her first essay, titled “Read Bestsellers,” talks about how it’s hard to recommend a book to burgeoning readers because they haven’t learned what they like best yet. It can be helpful to start with bestsellers because those titles appeal to many people, so will likely catch the attention of a new reader too.

In libraries, “bestsellers” are measured by checkouts. To that end, Anythink’s top bestseller ebooks on Libby (an online library of ebooks and audiobooks, available for free with your Anythink Library card) this year are:

• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
• The Women by Kristin Hannah
• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
• Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Hwang’s next essay is “Read Beyond Bestsellers” – this is where once you’ve read a few books you can start pinpointing what makes a great read for you. Maybe you loved the emotional impact of The Women or the excitement of Onyx Storm. Maybe you think Emily Henry’s way with words speaks to you, makes you laugh, or makes you swoon. You can use these observations to start pinpointing the books likely to give you exactly what you want, whether you’re browsing shelves and reading first pages, asking library staff, or using a resource like the Novelist database, a free resource many libraries, including Anythink, offer. Novelist categorizes books by a variety of traits that allow it to give excellent recommendations for similar books. Some of the traits are extremely specific such as “books about books,” “octogenarian women,” or “academies of magic,” so it can be incredibly useful for finding the exact story you want to read.

Obviously, I can’t recommend books to your specific taste without chatting with you first, but I can give you an example of books that fit my taste perfectly this year. Included are a hard sci-fi novel exploring a world’s ending and alien intelligences, a man who wakes up from a two-year coma and returns home to his family to start life over again, a tour bus of people exploring the U.S. after they learn they’re part of a simulation, robot crimes in a future reunified Korea, and ex-teen detectives all grown up and forced to investigate a new series of murders in their home town.

• Slow Gods by Claire North
• I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong
• When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory
• Luminous by Silvia Park
• We Had a Hunch by Tom Ryan

As a side note, Anythink’s Huron Street branch offers the Busy Lives Book Club, based around books that are 200 pages or less, and the Brighton location offers its own book clubs. Morning people may enjoy the Brighton Book Lovers club, which meets at 10am on the third Wednesday of the month. They’ve chosen When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka for January. The library’s Evening Book Club meets at 6:30pm on the first Monday of the month and will discuss The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley next. 

You can see lists of Brighton’s and other locations’ book club picks for 2026 on Anythink’s website.

Please check out the rest of Hwang’s book yourself if you’re interested in reading about the value of big books, having a book always on hand, book discussions, not finishing books, and many other reader topics. 

I do have to mention Hwang’s thoughts on “Visiting the Library,” of course! As someone who loved to buy books, Hwang didn’t visit libraries for a long time. Once she did, she became addicted to the joys of slowly browsing the shelves, letting titles and covers jump out at her. Other days, she says she felt adventurous and grabbed something she usually wouldn’t read because, after all, there’s no wasted money if you don’t finish a library book!

I invite you to visit your local Anythink Library to just browse, to look for something specific, or to ask one of our staff members to make some recommendations based on your interests. There’s always something new and interesting to help you “get closer to books”! 

2025 was an extraordinary year for Platte Valley Theatre Arts and Platte Valley Youth Theatre—one filled with vibrant storytelling, community connection, and artistic growth.

Our year began with two joyful PVYT productions, Finding Nemo Kids and Seussical Jr., featuring 60 youth performers and many more working behind the scenes. These visually stunning shows showcased the talent, hard work, and tremendous growth of our young artists, who dazzled audiences with their confidence and skill.

In the spring, we brought laughter to The Armory with Sandy Rustin’s The Cottage—a brand-new comedy and only the second production of the play in Colorado. With an exceptional set designed by award-winning Arvada Center designer Brian Mallgrave, the show was a standout highlight of our season.

Summer brought a major milestone: our first summertime musical in nearly a decade, The Bridges of Madison County. With a cast of 16 deeply committed adult performers and 8 outstanding musicians, the production was breathtaking—musically rich, emotionally resonant, and beautifully executed.

This fall, PVTA stepped boldly into a new genre with Nick Dear’s Frankenstein. Featuring a cast of 18 employing a range of dialects, movement styles, and intense character work, the production delivered a gripping audio-visual experience that thrilled audiences and expanded our creative boundaries.

We closed our mainstage season with our free Theatre for Young Audiences production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Performed by two incredible actors, this intimate retelling captivated young audiences, many of whom experienced live theatre for the very first time.

In December, we continued the journey of one of our most beloved TYA pieces, The Tomato Plant Girl. First premiered by PVTA at The Armory in 2023 and later performed in Evergreen in 2024, this charming production reached its largest audience yet in 2025 when we brought it to Parker. Presented at The Schoolhouse Theatre in collaboration with Parker Arts and supported by SCFD funding, the show was seen by hundreds of Douglas County schoolchildren—whose excitement and delight reaffirmed the power of accessible youth theatre.

Alongside our shows, we offered youth theatre classes throughout the year, continued to deepen our engagement with local families, and once again sold out our annual fundraiser, Brighton on Broadway, which was both highly entertaining and a tremendous success. We also launched our Big Read program thanks to a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Arts—an exciting new initiative that will enrich the community for years to come.

This year’s accomplishments were strengthened by key partnerships and community support. We are profoundly grateful to the City of Brighton and their Creative Community Arts Grant, which helped make our 2025 season possible. We extend heartfelt thanks as well to the skilled and generous staff at The Armory Performing Arts Center, to First Presbyterian Church of Brighton for providing essential rehearsal space, and to SCFD for their invaluable financial support. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors truly shined this year, guiding our mission with passion and dedication.

We are immensely proud of the work we accomplished in 2025—and we can’t wait to share an even more inspiring 2026 season with you.

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.

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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!

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:

Over the past ten years, this event has recognized outstanding contributors in categories such as Master in Performing Arts, Master of Visual Arts, Master of Literary Arts, Arts in Education, Visionary, Exceptional Volunteer, Beyond Brighton, and Arts in the Community.

Each year, we are reminded just how much talent and dedication thrive within our community, and this year’s honorees were no exception.

Master of Visual Arts: Zachary Reece

Zachary is an amazing pointillism artist. His pieces draw you in with their intricate detail, and as you step back to view them in full, you are met with a sense of peace, thoughtfulness, and wonder. Through his art, Zachary reminds us of the beauty that emerges when patience, passion, and vision come together.

Master of Performing Arts: Kristina Bobrowski

Kristina really stood out in all she has accomplished. She serves on the board of directors for PVTA and brings her talent and heart to the stage as both a stage manager and assistant director. Her commitment goes far beyond titles. She pours her time, love, and energy into every production, ensuring that each performance shines.

Master of Literary Arts: Kerrie Joy

Kerrie was the first Poet Laureate of Adams County. She partnered with Anythink Library during her two-year residency to create and lead poetry programs for all seven branches, bringing creativity, reflection, and joy to countless community members. She has been an amazing contributor to the Brighton community with her acceptance, creativity, and passion.

Outstanding Volunteer: Diane DeVries

If you attended the Excellence in Arts event, you would have seen why she won this amazing award. Even to the committee members, as Diane accepted her award, we were blown away with the number of activities she has been a part of. Though many of us had not seen all that she has done, her contributions have strengthened and enriched the Brighton art scene in countless ways. Diane’s selflessness, reliability, and heart for the arts make her truly remarkable.

Beyond Brighton: Jeffrey Parker

We honored an amazing actor who has delighted so many with his award-winning performances for PVTA. Beyond his on-stage brilliance, Jeff generously gives his time and talent behind the

scenes, supporting PVTA because he believes deeply in the mission of the company and the vibrancy of our community. Jeff is a tenured professor in the Theatre Department at Metropolitan State University and serves as the Director of Text and Speech for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. He is also a frequent dialect coach for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Arvada Center.

Master of Cultural Arts in Education: Elizabeth Castor and Nathan Shaver

These two amazing teachers helped create the 27J Student Art Show. Their efforts go beyond logistics; they have built a wonderful rapport with both students and parents, creating an environment where young artists feel supported, inspired, and proud of their accomplishments. Through their guidance, the art show has become not just an event, but a true celebration of creativity and community.

Visionary: Tim and Claudia at Berry Patch Farms

Tim and Claudia are two visionaries whose work reminds us that farming is not only a science–it is an art. Since 1991, Tim and Claudia have poured their hearts into Berry Patch Farms, creating a space where cultivation and creativity thrive side by side. Since 1994, families and friends of all ages have experienced the joy of picking their own strawberries, raspberries, currants, pie cherries, plums, pickling cucumbers, and flowers–turning every visit into a culinary adventure and a memory in the making. Through their dedication to organic farming and their commitment to community, Tim and Claudia have transformed the simple act of growing food into a lasting art form that nourishes both body and spirit.

As we reflect on ten years of celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community spirit, BCAC extends heartfelt congratulations to all the 2025 honorees. Their vision and passion continue to shape Brighton into a thriving home for the arts.

This fall, Platte Valley Theatre Arts invites audiences of all ages to rediscover the magic of Narnia with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe — a playful, two-person version of C.S. Lewis’s timeless tale, dramatized by Le Clanché du Rand.

In this inventive production, actors Rachel Graham and Carter Edward Smith transform the stage at the Armory into a world of snow, wonder, and adventure. With only two performers, the story unfolds through imaginative movement, clever staging, and pure theatrical creativity. It’s a show that celebrates the power of play and reminds us how storytelling itself can open doors to new worlds.

Perfect for families, students, and anyone who believes in the magic of imagination, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is part of Platte Valley Theatre Arts’ Theatre for Young Audiences series — offering free admission performances that make live theatre accessible to everyone. Since 2022, PVTA has presented four of these joyful productions, sharing stories that inspire curiosity and creativity in young minds.

Performances will be held at The Armory Performing Arts Center in Brighton:

• Saturday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Monday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The show runs approximately 40 minutes, making it a perfect introduction to live theatre for young audiences. Admission is free, but seating is limited — reserve your tickets on our website and step through the wardrobe into a world where imagination reigns.

Born in 1941 in German-occupied northeastern France, Annita’s early years were filled with the sounds of air raid sirens, bombs, and fighter planes. She endured poverty, neglect, and abuse at the hands of an unloving mother. As the French daughter of an absent German father she barely knew, she was often bullied by classmates who taunted her for being the child of a Nazi. Later, alongside her brother and stepsister, she survived unimaginable cruelty, at times barely surviving.

We sat down with Annita to discuss her remarkable journey. Please watch the brief interview here:

At 22, Annita married an American soldier and left France for the United States in 1963. Four years later, she became a U.S. citizen. In 1972, her father visited her in America and handed her his wartime memoirs. “I am saving these writings of my life for my eldest daughter Annita,” he wrote, “in the hope she will someday understand, not judge me too harshly, and forgive where I went wrong.”

For decades, those pages remained tucked away—unread. Forty-four years later, long after her father’s passing, Annita rediscovered the manuscript. As she read, she began to see him in a new light—not as the monstrous figure her mother’s family had despised, but as a flawed man burdened by remorse, who loved his children and had tried to protect them.

Determined to translate the memoirs from German into English so her second husband, Robert, could read them, Annita began to write her own story as well—a personal record to pass down through the generations.

“It was never meant to be published,” she insists. “I always thought, when I’m gone, the kids will find it, read it…and there was never an idea of any publishing.”

But fate had other plans. An acquaintance connected her with local publishers Michael Jenet and Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Journey Institute Press, who immediately recognized the power of her story and urged her to share it with the world. Though hesitant, Annita was persuaded by her husband Robert, her daughter Nathalie, and other loved ones—and Shadows of the Past was published in July of this year.

Annita hopes readers will find inspiration in her resilience. “I feel stronger for all the misery I went through,” she says.Shadows of the Past is available directly through Annita or online here: IngramSpark Bookshop link.

Platte Valley Theatre Arts (PVTA) has received a grant from Arts Midwest, funded through the National Endowment for the Arts, to launch a wide-ranging community initiative exploring the history and legacy of Japanese Americans. The project feels especially relevant in Brighton, where many Japanese American families resettled after WWII and helped shape the city’s agricultural, educational, and civic life. 

Working with Anythink Brighton library, PVTA will host a series of public readings and conversations centered on Julie Otsuka’s acclaimed novel When The Emperor Was Divine. The novel follows one Japanese American family through the upheaval of incarceration during WWII, offering a deeply personal view of an often-overlooked chapter of American history. Brighton residents can join these free events on November 10, December 8, and January 12 at Anythink Brighton. Copies of the book are available by emailing info@plattevalleytheatrearts.org by September 30, with additional free copies available afterward while supplies last. 

The novel’s themes will also inspire a set of free creative writing workshops, where participants can reflect on their own histories, cultural experiences, and family stories. Dates and times for the workshops will be announced soon. 

The project builds toward a major theatrical event: the regional premiere of Jeanne Sakata’s Hold These Truths. Directed by Kelly Van Oosbree and starring Rob Payo, the one-man play recounts the true story of Gordon Hirabayashi, who courageously defied the U.S. government’s internment orders during WWII. Performances will take place at the Armory Performing Arts Center in Brighton on January 30–31 and February 6–7, 2026. 

These stories are not just historical—they’re incredibly relevant today.  In a time when civil liberties, immigration, and racial justice remain at the forefront of national dialogue, these narratives offer vital perspectives on resilience, identity, and the power of individual conscience. 

With the support of Arts Midwest and the NEA, PVTA hopes the initiative will spark meaningful conversations and honor the enduring impact of Japanese American families on Brighton’s community identity. 

BCAC – How long have you been photographing?

Keeley – I’ve always been the person with a camera in hand—whether it was a disposable, an old floppy-disk digital, or a point-and-shoot. About four years ago during COVID, I bought my first “real” camera, a Nikon D5100, from someone who needed rent money. (I really hoped it wasn’t stolen—I did my best to check!) That’s when the fun began. Since then, photography has been a way for me to capture moments, especially in nature and wildlife, and connect more deeply with the world around me. I am an amateur at best. Currently, I use a Panasonic Lumix, my first mirrorless camera! I am learning something new every day with it and look forward to always learning more! If anyone wants to take me under their wing and teach me I can pay you in amazing desserts etc!

BCAC – Please list an art organization you have belonged to and any leadership positions you have held with them.

Keeley – I haven’t yet been part of formal art organizations, but I’ve participated in local photography communities and online groups where I’ve shared my work, learned from others, and encouraged new photographers. I have often donated canvas prints to auction to help raise money toward charities I am involved in and or support.  

BCAC – Please list any honors or awards you’ve received.

Keeley – No official awards yet, but my favorite “honors” are when someone tells me that my photo made them feel something—peace, nostalgia, curiosity etc. To me, that’s more meaningful than any ribbon or certificate. I take photos for me, it makes me happy. I wish more people did things that made them happy… more happiness in the world sounds great to me!

BCAC – What do you enjoy most about working as a photographer?

Keeley – The joy of noticing things that others might pass by—the way light falls on a tree or how no sunset is ever the same. Photography has trained me to slow down and actually see the world around me.

BCAC – How did you become interested in photography?

Keeley – It started with being “that person” who always had a disposable camera at gatherings, capturing photos of my family and friends. When I got my Nikon, I finally had the tools to experiment beyond snapshots. Once I started chasing wildlife and landscapes, I was hooked—there’s something magical about freezing a memorable moment and being able to revisit it forever. I have had some “you should have been there to believe it moments” and luckily I have the photo to back it up!

BCAC – What is your favorite aspect of creating art?

Keeley – I love that art can communicate without words. A photo can hold peace, chaos, humor, danger or sadness—and the viewer gets to make it their own. That exchange between myself and the viewer feels like a quiet conversation.

BCAC – Name some artists you admire or who have influenced you

Keeley – I admire photographers like Ansel Adams for his endless patience with landscapes—I’m still working on that level of zen myself. I’m also inspired by wildlife photographers who somehow manage to capture wild animals in these beautifully intimate ways. Art Wolfe, for example, has such an incredible eye for color and composition—his work feels both artistic and alive.

Outside of photography, music is a huge influence on me. I listen to just about everything—my playlists look like they were made by three completely different people. One of my favorite things to do is take my dog on hikes, camera in hand, music in one earbud (gotta stay safe from mountain lions and rogue squirrels), and just see what the day brings.

BCAC – What other influences affect your artistic work?

Keeley – Nature is my biggest influence—it doesn’t rush, it doesn’t apologize, it just is. How nice it would be to live life like this at all times…

BCAC – What are some creative challenges you face? And how do you overcome them?

Keeley – One challenge is not comparing my work to others (I’m still pretty new to this). It’s easy to feel like everyone else has better gear, better skills/technique, better access, or better timing. I overcome it by reminding myself that my unique perspective is my strength and photography makes me happy!

BCAC – What is your biggest success as an artist?

Keeley – Honestly, my biggest success is sticking with it. Four years ago, I didn’t know anything about aperture or shutter speed. Now, photography feels like an extension of myself. Each photo I take that resonates with someone else feels like a little success stacked on top of the last one.

BCAC – What do you see as your biggest failure?

Keeley – Probably the times I didn’t bring my camera because I thought, “Eh, there won’t be anything worth shooting.” I’ve missed some incredible skies and wildlife moments that way. Lesson learned: always bring the camera. Honestly, other than that I do not focus on failures!!! Even blurry or unfocused photos capture something!

BCAC – What type or style of art do you specialize in?

Keeley – I lean toward wildlife and nature photography, but I also enjoy candid moments—capturing the in-between expressions of people that feel real and unposed.

BCAC – If you could offer a younger you a piece of advice, what would it be?

Keeley – Don’t wait until you have the “perfect” gear. Just start shooting. Creativity doesn’t care what kind of camera you use—it cares that you show up.

BCAC – What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers take away from your work?

Keeley – I hope they feel a sense of connection and presence. That they pause, even for a second, and notice the beauty in small details or fleeting moments they might otherwise overlook.

BCAC – How has your artistic style evolved over time?

Keeley – In the beginning, I just clicked away at anything and everything. Now, I’m more intentional—I think about light, composition, and mood. But I still try to keep a sense of playfulness, because that’s what got me started.

BCAC – What role does imperfection play in your creative process?

Keeley – A big one. Nature doesn’t stand still, animals don’t pose, and lighting isn’t always perfect. Some of my favorite shots are the “imperfect” ones where something unexpected happened—that’s where the magic is.

BCAC – How do you handle creative blocks?

Keeley – I step away. Sometimes I’ll just take a walk without my camera and remind myself why I love observing the world. Inspiration usually sneaks back in when I’m not forcing it. Also, my spouse of almost 19 years is a great support and is very creative herself. When I am stuck, I love bouncing ideas off her or getting her input! She is always so helpful and empowering! She is my number one biggest fan (and I couldn’t be more thankful!)

BCAC – Other than art, what brings you joy?

Keeley – Spending time outdoors (hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, biking, rollerblading), my pets, music, sports (Soccer and Rugby are my favorites) and entertaining and cooking for friends and family. We love a good game night! 

This is such an exciting piece of theatre, and I’m especially proud to be bringing it to Brighton,
the Armory, and Adams County just in time for spooky season. What better way to celebrate the eerie, emotional, and haunting themes of fall than with Mary Shelley’s timeless story,
reimagined in this powerful adaptation?

I’ve been inspired by the original 2011 production by London’s National Theatre, which was
filmed for broadcast and starred Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller in alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. That groundbreaking staging left a lasting impression on me — not just because of its technical brilliance, but because it centered the Creature’s story in such a moving, human way.

Our production will lean into those same themes: the desperate need for love and acceptance,
the danger of unchecked ambition, and what it truly means to be “monstrous.” We have an
incredible cast and creative team assembled. This production will NOT disappoint and tickets
are already available for purchase at www.plattevalleytheatrearts.org.

CAST:
Jeffrey Parker as The Creature
Bill Diggle as Victor Frankenstein
Jordann Zbylski as Elizabeth Lavenza
Rachel Graham as Female Creature
Vern Moody as De Lacey
Keller O. as William Frankenstein
Wade Livingston as Monsieur Frankenstein
Katherine Paynter as Agatha
Adam Luhrs as Felix
Abby McInerney as Gretel/Clarice
Jacob McCrory as Ewan
Daniel Schwartz as Rab
Liam Broadhurst as Gustav/Constable
Sage Cotton as Servant/Ensemble
Nathan Dettlebach as Klaus/Servant
Bethany Luhrs as Ensemble

CREATIVE TEAM:
Director: Kelly Van Oosbree
Assistant Director & Stage Manager: Kristina Bobrowski
Costume Designer: Nicole Harrison
LighƟng Designer: Brett Maughan
Scenic Designer: Jeff Rusnak
Sound Designer: Erin Kubat
Movement Coach: Alyse Neubert
Dialect Coaches: Jeffrey Parker & Emily Coleman

Whether you’re a longtime theatre lover or just looking for a unique night out this fall, I hope you’ll join us for this bold, emotional, and visually striking production. Let Frankenstein challenge, haunt, and move you — just as it’s moved all of us bringing it to life.

See you at the theatre,
Kelly Van Oosbree
Platte Valley Theatre Arts