Meet Cora Bracho-Troconis | Co-Founder & Lead Instructor, Ph.D.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cora Bracho-Troconis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cora, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It all started in October 2020 when, after a long career in the scientific field, I decided to share my passion for art with kids in our community. Friends from Boulder soon asked me to take over their children’s art classes, which were organized in PODS to help them continue their education during the pandemic. As demand grew, I began offering private in-home classes alongside PODS, and by early June, I had a realization: “I’m going to turn the garage into an art studio for kids.”

That’s when the journey truly began. After years dedicated to Chemistry and Biomaterials (my background) and Geology (Steve’s background), it was time for a change. Art had always been a part of my life—starting in Caracas, continuing in Paris, and later in Superior, Colorado. It felt natural to share my love for art and the great masters with the next generation. I wanted to create a space where every child could explore their creativity, develop confidence, and discover the artist within.

Our garage transformed into the Art Garage, filled with tables, chairs, and an endless supply of materials. On June 4, 2021, we held our first class. What started with just a couple of kids quickly grew—soon, 2 became 4, then 6, and so on. Each young artist created unique masterpieces, drawing inspiration from world-renowned artists. We watched their confidence soar, and the joy in their parents’ eyes as they proudly displayed their children’s artwork was unforgettable.

From there, we expanded—teaching in community centers, private homes, and schools. We introduced classes for toddlers, adults, and seniors, embracing the idea that creativity knows no age. And then, the biggest milestone arrived: in November 2024, we officially opened our very own brick-and-mortar studio in Superior!

CBArt Studios is now a thriving creative hub, where art brings people together, ignites imaginations, and fosters self-expression. What began as a simple idea in a garage has flourished into a community-driven space dedicated to artistic exploration for all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At CBArt Studios, our work is all about inspiring creativity, nurturing artistic confidence, and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts in people of all ages. What sets us apart is the way we blend technique, experimentation, and personal expression, drawing inspiration from the Great Masters to create a space where students not only learn art but also discover their own artistic voice.

We are incredibly proud of how CBArt Studios has grown from a small garage studio into a thriving creative hub in our community. Watching students—whether kids, teens, or adults—gain confidence in their abilities and express themselves through art is truly fulfilling. We are also excited about the future as we continue to expand our programs, collaborate with local artists, and create even more opportunities for people to connect through art.

CBArt Studios was founded out of a lifelong passion for art and education. Cora Bracho, our co-founder, began her artistic journey over 40 years ago in Caracas, Venezuela, exploring sculpting and painting. After 18 years in Paris refining her artistic practice while also building a career in science—Chemistry and Material Sciences, she eventually settled in Colorado, where the idea for CBArt was born. The transition from the scientific world to the arts was a challenge, but she embraced it wholeheartedly, fueled by the belief that art has the power to transform lives.

Starting this business, especially during a pandemic, came with its own set of challenges—building a client base, finding the right space, and balancing creativity with business logistics. But through persistence, passion, and the incredible support of our families, friends, and community, CBArt Studios has flourished. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about dedication, adaptability, and staying true to our purpose.

What we want the world to know about CBArt Studios is that we are more than just an art studio (school)—we are a creative community. Whether you’re a child picking up a brush for the first time or an adult rediscovering your artistic side, CBArt is a place where you can explore, create, and grow. Our mission is to make art accessible and meaningful for everyone, helping each student unlock their full creative potential. In addition to our classes, we are proud to offer a dedicated Gallery Wall to showcase the work of local artists, giving them a platform to share their talent with the community and celebrate artistic expression in all its forms.

We truly believe that art is a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and connection, and we are honored to share this journey with so many incredible students and artists.

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?
A Week of Art, Adventure & Local Gems in Superior, Boulder, Louisville & Lafayette

If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the creativity, culture, nature, and amazing food that make this area so special. Here’s a perfect week-long itinerary packed with art, adventure, and must-visit spots.

day 1: superior & cbart studios
morning: Start with breakfast at PJs Diner in Superior, a locally owned spot with bottomless coffee, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.
mid-morning: Visit CBArt Studios to explore our creative space, check out our Gallery Wall, and maybe join an art class.
afternoon: Walk or bike Coalton Trail, enjoying scenic foothill views, murals, and public art. Stop by Sweet Cow in Louisville for a delicious ice cream treat.
evening: Dinner at Asian Cuisine and Vietnamese Noodle House, famous for its sizzling Udon Noodles. End the night with old-fashioned ice cream at Lewis Sweet Shop next door.

day 2: art & outdoor adventure in boulder
morning: Breakfast at Snooze, then explore Pearl Street Mall with its local shops, street performers, and galleries.
afternoon: Hike Chautauqua Park, choosing between a quick trek to the Flatirons or a scenic stroll along Mesa Trail.
evening: Dinner at Corrida, a fantastic spot for tapas, craft cocktails, and breathtaking Flatiron views from their patio.

day 3: louisville’s creative charm
morning: Grab coffee and a pastry from Moxie Bread Co., a local favorite.
mid-morning: Wander through Historic Downtown Louisville, stopping by the Louisville Art Association Gallery and charming boutiques.
afternoon: Lunch at Waterloo, a spot with great rooftop views and burgers, followed by a visit to Art Underground, a vibrant creative space with rotating exhibits.
evening: Live music at Louisville’s Street Faire in the summer or a cozy dinner at Por Wine House.

day 4: lafayette’s arts & culture
morning: Start with coffee from The Read Queen, a fantastic local bookstore, and a cinnamon roll from Cherries Cheesecakes and Delights.
mid-morning: Explore Lafayette’s public art scene, including stunning murals along Public Road and exhibits at The Collective Community Arts Center.
afternoon: Lunch at The Post for fired chicken, craft beers, and local atmosphere, then relax at Waneka Lake Park with a paddleboat ride or a peaceful walk.
evening: Head back to Superior for a homestyle Mexican dinner at Casa Agave.

day 5: relax & rejuvenate in boulder
morning: Brunch at Dushanbe Teahouse, a stunning hand-carved teahouse from Tajikistan, offering specialty teas and a calming atmosphere.
afternoon: Spa day at St Julien Hotel & Spa or a relaxing picnic along Boulder Creek Path.
evening: Fine dining at Frasca Food & Wine, a must for Northern Italian cuisine lovers.

day 6: outdoor adventure & artistic inspiration
morning: Take an early trip to Red Rocks Amphitheater to admire its breathtaking rock formations and Denver skyline views.
afternoon: Lunch at The Fort in Morrison for a unique Western dining experience, then return to CBArt Studios for an afternoon of painting, sculpting, or a special workshop. Visit Arts Off Center, our cooperative gallery showcasing 13 talented local artists in the emerging Superior Art District.
evening: Head to Erie for a relaxing sunset and creative ciders at Acreage by Stem Ciders, with dinner from local food trucks.

day 7: a perfect send-off
morning: Enjoy a laid-back breakfast at Home Cooking Cafe in Louisville, complete with Bloody Marys if needed.
afternoon: A final visit to the Flatirons before a patio lunch at The Chautauqua Dining Hall. Capture one last photo of the breathtaking views before heading to the airport.

This itinerary celebrates the best of Superior, Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette, offering a perfect mix of art, culture, nature, and incredible food.

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’d love to give a huge shoutout to Steve Leeds—my incredible partner in life and in this journey. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in CBArt Studios have been instrumental in bringing this dream to life. From transforming our garage into the first version of our art studio to helping me navigate the challenges of growing a business, Steve has been there every step of the way. His passion for small businesses, community, creativity, and learning is deeply woven into everything we do at CBArt.

And of course, a heartfelt thank you to our beautiful community—the amazing families, students, and art lovers who have embraced CBArt Studios and made it what it is today. From the kids who fill our space with creativity to the parents who trust us with their children’s artistic journeys, to the local organizations that have welcomed and supported us—we couldn’t have done this without you.

A special shoutout to the talented artists who share their creativity with us, enriching our studio with inspiration, collaboration, and artistic excellence. Your passion and dedication to the arts help make CBArt a thriving space where imagination knows no bounds.

CBArt Studios is more than just a place to create—it’s a vibrant, inspiring community where we lift each other up through art. I’m beyond grateful for this journey and for every person who has been a part of it!

Website: https://www.cbartstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cb6H3hHAMRS/?utm_medium=copy_link

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