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

Hi Colleen, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

I have a painting studio, created from a two-car garage that has been a fantastic place to work during the warmer months of the year. I have managed nicely and have been prolific in my work no matter what space was available to me at the time. My work-life balance improved immensely when I received a scholarship to paint for 6 months at Art Gym Denver. I am now a member of Art Gym and I am able to devote a good part of my week to my creative work and experimentation. https://www.artgymdenver.com

I think there are some important things to have in order to achieve the balance. These include setting up an organized workspace, less time on the computer, keeping a journal, and surrounding oneself with creative people. It is always inspiring to see someone thrive artistically. Channeling one’s creativity into different parts of your life helps also helps with the balance. I have decorated my humble home with work I have collected from other countries and local artists.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a self-taught oil and acrylic painter, born and raised in Denver, Colorado USA. My works explore vibrant colors, sometimes using acrylic then oil to create abstract landscape pieces. I seek to explore my relationship with the environment and nature through my creations. Often drawn to natural beauty and vivid colors, my pieces are bold and uplifting, capable of conjuring a wide range of feelings and experiences. I also produces photographs which aim to capture my unique visual perspective. Through my work, I invite my audience to explore the beauty and individuality of my beloved Denver home. In addition to painting, I am always available for photo work, including weddings and portraits.

I am energized by travel, studying languages, and being outdoors. I am a graduate of New Mexico State University, an avid student of Spanish and collector of folk art. While serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America for more than two years, I began producing a series of photographs that reflected my experiences of living in the high jungle rain forest of Honduras.  I believe that all art manifests some aspect of the autobiographical. All art is history, a diary of one’s personal growth and psychic resolution.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Depending on the time of year, you could have leisurely breakfasts at several of the many authentic Mexican restaurants in my Denver west side neighborhood. Your stops during the week would include Santiago’s, El Noa Noa, Torres, and Jaimes. You might would want your friend to be able to view the diverse architecture and murals in the city, which would include a walk down Morrison Road, Santa Fe Arts District, and over to RiNo to see all of the new developments. A drive over to East 6th Avenue and Monaco Parkways would also be a treat for the eyes, especially if it were autumn.
You could walk down Ninth Street Historic Park on the Auraria Campus. If your friend liked beer or scotch, you could wander over to Pints Pub before heading to the Denver Art Museum. Our beautiful Main Library has sculptures that surround Martin Plaza.

In the evening, you could check out the Mercury Cafe’s schedule and spend an evening there. They have organic-oriented eats plus music, poetry, dance lessons & tarot readings that add to the funky vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to Mesilla, New Mexico painter, Rosemary McLoughlin (https://rosemary-mcloughlin.com). I worked under her direction at the New Mexico State University Art Gallery while I was earning a degree in Spanish. During the years of sharing my photographic images and spending five semesters in the Ceramics Department, Rosemary encouraged me to paint because I had so many stories to share. I always knew I would love the process, but didn’t begin painting until 2005.

Hal Gould of the Camera Obscura Gallery in Denver also deserves recognition. I visited and volunteered in his gallery for many years until it closed in 2011. I was a high school photography student when we first met, and I remember Hal saying, many times, “Art is in the artist, regardless of the medium.”

I would also like to dediacte my Shoutout to Art Gym Denver for providing opportunities, feedback, and work space.
https://www.artgymdenver.com/

Website: https://colleenhennessy.wixsite.com/portfolio

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cohennes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cohennes

Other: http://www.artpal.com/colleenhennessy www.flickr.com/photos/chennessy My books of paintings: www.nllibrarium.com/hennessy My bilingual children’s books: https://www.ondemandinstruction.com/books.html

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.