A big part of making decisions is determining what our actions and choices have been inspired by. So we asked decision makers from the community to tell us about what they are inspired by.

Allehseya Hawk | Artist + Community Arts Advocate

I’m inspired by the creative synergy that emerges whenever people get together and collaborate, cooperate or share a unified vision for a project, program or initiative. Read more>>

Rebecca Bennett | Visual Artist

I am forever intrigued by our natural world. My layered abstract paintings explore the dynamics of color, line, and texture reflected in the five elements: fire, water, earth, air, and ether. The viewer is encouraged by their abstraction to interpret their experience of the work rather than the work itself. My work plays with the abstracted modern landscape. I use light and dark, space and scale, encouraging the viewer to step into the work to react and reflect. My process is one in which the artist and paint are partners negotiating the surface of the canvas as if the paint had animated qualities. Read more>>

Annie McKenzie | Metalsmith & Lapidary

Before things got started, I was working full time in Houston and didn’t allow much time for metalsmithing. I knew one day, after many road trips to Colorado and New Mexico that I would want to move out here. I left a job of security and jumped into the unknown. This move has been hands down the best life decision I’ve made and not a day goes by that I don’t wake up with a heart full of gratitude. Although I still continue to work full time job in the veterinary field, I am prioritizing happiness and building Sol and Sparrow. I find myself inspired mostly by being out in nature. Living among the mountains and relieving myself from the city life has been quite rewarding and replenishing for the soul and the drive that is behind my business. When I am out in the wilderness, there is a stillness that overcomes me. Read more>>