We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Schuster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what makes you happy? Why?
What truly makes me happy is spending quality time with my 11 year old daughter. We like to spend as much free time as possible outdoors, exploring, and traveling. She’s always up for any adventure I throw her way, and enters it with curiosity, positivity, and a unique view. I’m all smiles when I see the joy on her face when she experiences a new view or learns a new life skill.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make Coloradocentric, hand painted geometric nature paintings on wood. I’m most proud of having a creative outlet that not only I enjoy, but others do as well. It’s an amazing feeling to know something that was an idea in my head, was transferred to a canvas, and is now helping to accentuate someone’s unique space. I started creating this specific art and selling ~5 years ago when I lived in the Centennial area. I was a newly single parent and needed something constructive to fill my free time. I found myself extremely enjoying not only the painting portion, but the unique learning opportunities of starting a small business. The most rewarding part for me has been teaching my daughter about the logistics along the way. She has even started her own 3D print business at school to put her learnings to good use!
Since moving to Fort Collins a few years back, I have consciously kept the events I sell at and the places I display my art more local to Northern Colorado.
There luckily and thankfully haven’t been too many notable challenges. Honestly, my biggest challenge is keeping up with inventory! I work extremely hard all winter creating new and exciting paintings to keep first time and returning customers engaged.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado in itself is so vibrant with things to do and take in! I’d start the adventure out in Fort Collins where I live. The best places to experience would be Horsetooth Reservoir for paddle boarding (and views), Larimer County Farmers Market for all the best local food/wares, a delicious cup of coffee at Lima Coffee Roasters, a stroll around Old Towne, and get some absolutely great food at Union Bar & Soda Fountain. Other required places would include camping at Red Feather Lakes, a hike at Rocky Mountain National Park, rafting down the Poudre River, or heading up to Winter Park to snowboard in the winter.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Fort Collins and greater Colorado community is really who I have to thank. Thank you, thank you all! Without your support and encouragement, (especially when I was starting out), I wouldn’t have the gumption to keep creating and evolving my art. I’ve found the community here is so welcoming, supportive, energizing, and warm to one another. I am so appreciative and humbled at every event by the outpouring of support. From the customers, to the other vendors, to the coordinators, and just all those who get out and support local makers.
And, of course, my daughter who is my biggest cheerleader and gives me boundless inspiration.

Instagram: @annabop_art

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