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

Hi Shannon, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always done something artistic even as a child, it was just a personal thing I would do for myself. I would only sell a painting here or there, but nothing official. So, when I had my first show and I sold around 15 pieces, I was in shock! This created a little flicker of hope that this is something I could actually keep doing, not just as a hobby or just for my friends.  Other people, complete strangers, were drawn to my work and that feeling is indescribable. Art is now something that is more braided into my life and I believe that makes me stronger in other areas of my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work full time as a victims advocate and have been doing this work for close to 20 years. It is important and righteous work, but it is also very dark. Art has helped me come up for air. Art to me is like a life jacket, it allows me to keep swimming (working) and keeps me from sinking into the sadness of my work. In my work, it is so incredibly important to have healthy boundaries and have healthy outlets. Unfortunately, a lot of folks in this field put themselves and their health last, and they suffer for it. Art has helped me demand more of a balance for myself and to be a better example to my kids about having a healthy work life balance. It’s important to me they understand you don’t have to be just one thing.  You can be a scientist and a singer, you can be lawyer and a sculptor. You can me more than one thing. My work does not define me…but being an artist is a heck of a lot closer.

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?
Music: Catching a Sofar Sounds concert for sure. This is a very intimate and unique way to experience music. Happy hour: Drinks and people watching at Milk Market. Nature: a hike at Chautauqua and of course a trip to Red Rocks (a show or even just a beautiful sunrise/sunset). Food: Lucy’s Burger Bar for a juicy lucy, Ototo (miso cod is divine), Brunch at the Irish rover.  Fun: Some thrift shopping down Broadway. Brewery hopping down Tennyson while catching first Friday 😊

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?
Without hesitation my husband and children. They are so supportive in ways I had never experienced before. My boys are so proud of me, and I cannot tell you how much that means to me. My husband is such an amazing advocate for me… and my art. I could not do it without him. The bravery he has when making a suggestion on a painting, I seriously do appreciate it. I also have some of the best, most supportive friends. The older I get, the more beautiful and wonderful my friends are. They keep my head up when I am questioning myself, however the insecure artist feeling never goes away.

Website: www.fatesthoughts.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fate.mcfate.1

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.