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

Hi Jennifer, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?

I grew up in Southeastern New Mexico in a little town in the desert with one high school where everybody knew everybody else. I lived down the street from all my grandparents and I was particularly close to my dad’s mother, Estelle. She was an artist who worked in mutliple medias- mainly oils, acrylics, watercolor, and ceramics. To get away from the hot summer days, I spent hours in her adobe studio playing with paints and clay. Estelle opened my eyes and my heart to the power of artistry and creativity. I learned that art is play and feeds the soul. I have always held space for creativity in my life and desire to create places and events for others to explore their own artistry and creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

With guidance from the gentle hand of my grandmother Estelle, as a child I experimented with different art mediums and found freedom and a stronger sense of self. I redefined productivity for myself, one with a more compassionate framework. Through this kinder lens, I discovered that time spent playing in art is productive to one’s soul and adds strength to one’s entire character.

As an adult, I became a quilter and fiber artist, honing my skills with color and design.

With the founding of the Estelle Center for Creative Arts, I am continuing my grandmother’s legacy of giving artists a place where they can discover their strength, freedom, and self-compassion.

The Mission of the Estelle Center for Creative Arts is to offer a beautiful, collaborative, welcoming space where creative journeys are cherished and people experience self-discovery, self-compassion, and joy.

Estelle Center holds multiple day instructional retreats featuring  various art mediums such as quilting and fiber art, painting, photography, baking and cooking, paper art, jewlery making. Estelle Center is looking for qualified art instructors who would like to teach in a lovely southwestern style great room in the lively yet remote artist colony of La Veta, CO.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’ll take you on a tour of La Veta, CO where the Estelle Center for Creative Arts is located.

Best places to stay: Two Fox Cabins – glamping at it’s best – kitchens and all!
La Veta Inn- right next door to the Estelle Center – La Veta Inn is a historic Inn with cozy rooms and a fabulous Italian restaurant called Stiano’s. Try the chicken piccata!

The La Veta Mercantile offers live music on weekends and Legends on Main serves authentic New Mexican Cuisine at breakfast and lunch time.

After a hike on west Spanish Peak Trail and some ice cream at Charlie’s Market at the old soda fountain counter, let’s walk down Main St. and visit Artisans on Main and Crafted in Colorado. Go around the corner onto Ryus Ave and visit Shalawalla Batik Studio and SPACe Gallery. Enjoy meeting the local artists.

When you’re ready for a lovely dinner, enjoy Alys’ Restaurant in a historic old house. Alys offers a fabulous bistro steak and a great selection of wines.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, Estelle. I grew up down the street from her. She constantly encouraged my development as a creative person. She is the inspiration and namesake of my new retreat center in La Veta, CO- the Estelle Center for Creative Arts.

Website: estellecreativearts.com

Facebook: estelle center for creative arts

Image Credits
Jennifer Peterson

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