Meet Gillian Butler | Program Coordinator

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

Hi Gillian, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My passion for art has been a driving force throughout my life, leading me to earn a degree in graphic design. When I moved back to my hometown, I was presented with the incredible opportunity to become the program coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Folk School. This role has been nothing short of fulfilling, allowing me to blend my love for art with the joy of community engagement. The chance to meet diverse art instructors and witness their unique passions has been a privilege, deepening my appreciation for various art forms and techniques.

What I find most rewarding is observing the transformation in our students. Initially, there is a palpable tension as they step into the unknown, unsure of what to expect. However, as they immerse themselves in the creative process, a sense of calm and peace gradually takes over. This shift is not only fascinating to witness but deeply resonates with my own journey into the arts. The tranquility that comes with creative expression is something I experienced when I began my career, and seeing it mirrored in our students is truly special.

Ultimately, pursuing a creative career has allowed me to connect with others through the universal language of art. It has provided a platform to foster creativity, promote mindfulness, and cultivate a supportive community. The joy and satisfaction I derive from facilitating these experiences affirm my choice to pursue this path, making every moment as the program coordinator immensely rewarding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I am most proud of and excited about is the incredible growth the Rocky Mountain Folk School has experienced in just one year. When I first took on the role of program coordinator, the school offered very few classes, and many were being canceled due to lack of interest. Within two months, I managed to introduce five new classes, and now we offer over 20 different types of classes year-round with a much lower cancellation rate. Achieving this required not only coordinating programs but also stepping into the role of a marketer, a challenge for which I had no prior experience. This transformation involved extensive outreach, engaging with local artists, and carefully curating a diverse and appealing range of classes.

One significant challenge was building our instructor and student lists from scratch. Initially, people in the town had heard about the school but weren’t familiar with our offerings. I spent a considerable amount of time networking, visiting art shops, and talking with locals to identify potential instructors and collaborate on developing classes that would attract and engage the community. This ongoing effort to tailor our classes to public interest and affordability has been a continuous learning process, but seeing the school flourish has been incredibly rewarding.

I want the world to know that the Rocky Mountain Folk School is a vibrant and growing community. If you can’t find a class that interests you right now, stay connected by signing up for our newsletter, as new classes are continually being added. The Grand Lake area, with its inspiring natural beauty, is the perfect place to engage in traditional arts and crafts. Our story is one of resilience, community, and creativity, and we are excited to keep expanding and enriching the lives of those who join us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Grand Lake for a week, I would plan a diverse and exciting itinerary to showcase the best the area has to offer. Our first stop would be Sagebrush BBQ & Grill for a hearty meal with its wide variety of dishes, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. We’d also dine at the Grand Lake Lodge, renowned for its excellent old fashioned cocktails and stunning views of Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake, offering a perfect dining experience with a picturesque backdrop.

Our days would be filled with a mix of cultural and outdoor activities. We’d visit the Kauffman House Museum to delve into the rich history of Grand Lake, followed by a stroll through Cottage Court to explore the charming historical cottages. On Wednesday, we’d enjoy free live music in the park, courtesy of the Grand Arts Council, providing a lovely evening of entertainment and community vibes. Nature walks would be a must, exploring the scenic trails around the area and immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

A visit to the Rocky Mountain Folk School would be an essential part of our itinerary, signing up for engaging art classes like wood turning or an intro to weaving, offering a hands-on creative experience. For some water adventures, we’d take our kayaks out on Grand Lake for a peaceful paddle, and perhaps rent a boat to explore the three lakes more extensively. This combination of delicious food, cultural enrichment, artistic endeavors, and outdoor exploration would ensure an unforgettable week in Grand Lake.

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 my mom, who has been an unwavering supporter throughout my journey. She was the one who reached out to the board and suggested I would be a great fit for the role of program coordinator at the Rocky Mountain Folk School. Her confidence in me was evident before I even realized it myself. At a time when I was uncertain about my career direction due to the ever-changing landscape of design and technology, she saw the potential for me to thrive in this new role. Her intuition proved spot-on, as this position has turned out to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

Additionally, I want to recognize Alan Walker, the board president of the Rocky Mountain Folk School. Without his dedication and leadership, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish as much as we have in the past year. Since the school’s establishment, Alan has been the driving force that keeps everything moving smoothly. His commitment to our mission and his unwavering support have been instrumental in our success. Together, these two individuals have played pivotal roles in my story, providing guidance, encouragement, and the opportunity to thrive in a career that brings me immense joy and satisfaction.

Website: https://rockymountainfolkschool.org/classes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockymountainfolkschool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088115801255

Image Credits
Heather Lee