Kahlo, and our local artists as well. Hopefully it will inspire people to visit other venues and support local artists on a regular basis.

sM | What do you find most exciting about the current atmosphere in Denver's visual arts community?

CH ── The Mile High City has a vibrant creative community, with neighbourhoods being rejuvenated and galleries popping up all over Denver. I love driving past all the murals, attending openings, and meeting new artists. Our city has stepped up with monetary aid, such as the Urban Arts Fund for murals. There are a lot of creative outlets here. We have numerous arts organisations, opportunities, and venues for taking classes.

sM | What inspiration do you get from artists around you?

CH ── I love to make photographs of architecture, faces, and landscapes and work on a couple of pieces simultaneously. I come from a photography background, and looking at other photographers’ and painters’ works often generates ideas. It is great to see how different artists approach the same subject. Other artists’ work can be a wonderful way to learn, get inspired, get ideas, honour an influence you love, and create something new. All art is a mashup of ideas, and we can all influence one another, so long as we are creating and sharing from a place of honesty and transparency.