We regularly highlight interesting folks crafting Colorado experiences and art. If you know someone who belongs on our Characters of the Craft pages, let us know.
Kristi Arzola
Owner, Fine Art by Kristi Arzola LLC and Art Circle, LLC
Age: 41
What do you love about your job? I love the ability to create beautiful paintings that start with nothing but an idea. The challenge of painting something realistically, whether it’s a moment, person, or pet for a customer, is something I thrive on. I’m also passionate about inspiring others to try watercolor painting, whether they’re children or adults, through teaching. Additionally, I’m incredibly proud of the impact I’ve made in the community by organizing outdoor art festivals.
What is the hardest part of your job? The hardest part is definitely wearing multiple hats. Owning a creative business means I’m not just the artist—I’m also the marketing department, graphic designer, web developer, social media manager, accountant, and customer service representative. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? My family. I have a 10-year-old son, and I made the decision to leave the corporate world to be there for him. To make that possible, I needed a job with flexible hours that allowed me to work from home. I have a bachelor’s in fine art, and I want my son to see that hard work and dedication to any craft can lead to living your dream.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? In between my years as an artist, I unexpectedly found myself working in the aerospace industry for several years as a training developer and instructor. My creativity allowed me to excel in developing engaging training materials and courses. I was able to combine my artistic skills with a clear, methodical approach to communication.
What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why?My family is passionate about the outdoors and loves spending time by the water. We’ve been avid RV campers for years, and one of our favorite spots is Horsetooth Lake. If we could live by the lake, have a boat, go fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking with the water as our backdrop, we’d be in paradise.
What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Echo Brewing and Pizzeria is a local favorite of ours. Their brick oven pizza is unmatched, and I particularly love their craft beer, the Paddleboard Barrel Aged Peach Pale Ale. Another favorite is Blake’s Taphouse in Broomfield.
Lee LaNoue
Owner/Winemaker at LaNoue DuBois Winery
Age: 36
What do you love about your job? That it’s a perfect blend between art and science! Winemaking to me is a series of educated guesses. Chemistry can give me hard numbers to evaluate a wine with, and bench trials can give me an idea of what effect an action can have, but wine is not a recipe that can be followed. It must be tended to, and gently nudged in the right direction at the right times.
What is the hardest part of your job? Pushing through the long hours of wine festival season, harvest and fermentations.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Striving to make some of the best Colorado/Cold-Hardy varietal wine, and knowing that I’m building a legacy that I hope my kids want to continue on this 5th generation farm.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I’m a sucker for a good espresso martini.
What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Trappers Lake above Meeker. It’s secluded and close to where I grew up. It’s also at the base of the Flat Tops with tons of backpacking and natural lakes to fish.
What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Chez Maggy in Denver. It’s my go-to spot if I’m in Denver and craving French cuisine.
Levi Pollard
Food and Beverage Manager, Meow Wolf
Age: 36
What do you love about your job? I love the everlasting creativity that we get to embody while working in such a unique environment. I love that we have such creative freedom when it comes to food and drink and that we are forever growing into a space that travelers love to come to.
What is the hardest part of your job? Having to leave it all behind when I leave to go home. Its hard to separate my life with Meow Wolf versus my home life because it holds so much of my passion.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? The thought of another day of being creative in the world. I get the opportunity to help people and to guide them in different ways. One being that of the space station that I work in and the other being a part of such a beautiful and flourishing community of people.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I am attempting to learn to play the violin. It is one of my favorite instruments that holds such a sweet spot in my heart.
What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? My favorite staycation would be a cabin in a wooded area where I can go to or hear running water and take a hike. I love being outside with nature and Colorado gives you the option and opportunity to choose which scenery you want to be around. Whether that be lush trees and rivers or rocky spaces, it is all just so beautiful.
What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? I would be remiss if I did not say Sips (With a Z) is my favorite place to eat and drink. It has such a vibe to it that even on my days off, I would love to be in that space and share the experience within.