The idea of opening a co-op started brewing in my brain about 10 years and 1,800 miles ago. Working as an artist on the tri-state festival circuit at the time, I was surrounded by like-minded creative soul sisters. While also raising two beautiful boys who swam in the river all summer and chased snow in the winter in the Laurel Highlands of Southwest Pennsylvania.

This lady tribe of mine dreamt of opening an art and wellness center. We searched for property, organized weekly gatherings, worked our way through Julia Cameron’s gem of a book, The Artist’s Way. We collaborated, laughed, cried, and grew together. All up until life threw my sweet little family a curveball.

This took us on the adventure of a lifetime and landed us at the end of the rainbow in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. 

Arriving here somewhat broken, lonely, and very terrified, I had little time or energy for creativity. I could not even think about starting over again to build my art career. So, I did what so many folks in this region do when they need a new start; I got my real estate license. 

Everyone who knew me well knew this was not a shining moment for me and my decision making. However, I made a go of it saying, “I won’t do it forever, but it will lead me to the next thing.” 

Have you ever noticed that the Universe does in fact listen to you? 

Apparently, the Universe and my husband are both quite intuitive.

As I struggled to be the square peg fitting into a round hole in an industry that just didn’t resonate with my core values and priorities, I awoke one morning in late August 2019 to my husband showing me pictures of a commercial space for rent in Silverton, Colorado. He had firm instructions: 

Call for more information. 

Go see the space. 

Sign the lease.

“What do you think I am going to do with a commercial space in Silverton???” I asked, exacerbated. 

“Open your art studio.” He answered, as if we had ever even discussed this possibility. 

Needless to say, I was shocked, not totally on board with this plan, and thought that maybe he was losing his mind. However, I let my imagination open to the possibility that this could be my reality. 

Could this be? 10 years and 1,800 miles later? After visiting the space, I was still not sold on the idea that this was the best financial decision to be made so I hemmed and hawed for a bit. 

While the idea was still stirring, our favorite local watering hole had a roll-a-day game and the pot hadn’t been won in weeks. It was becoming a daily activity for the locals in the area to make a pit stop just to roll the dice, making the pot grow quicker and quicker by the hour! Friday evening rolled around and Brian pulled into the driveway beeping the horn, yelling, “Come on, we have to go roll the dice!” 

Groaning the whole way down the steps, I was in the depths of some doldrums, perfectly happy staying home. However, I gave in and went along. 

When we arrived, it was like a scene straight out of a movie! Friends and neighbors were cheering for one after another as dollar bills and dice flew down the bar, onlookers shaking their dollars in the air for their chance at the winnings. Not one person had yet rolled the coveted Yahtzee to win the pot. 

I sat patiently waiting my turn. When the time came, I took the cup in my hands, shook those dice and rolled four fours. A lot of cheers and yelling ensued, with the bar patrons on the edge of their seats, everyone hoping to witness the final run. Taking a deep breath and with a little whisper to the Universe, you better believe that I rolled that last four! 

It happened. I had just won myself the security deposit for my new co-op.

We are now over 20 Artists strong. 

Why 9318? Well… the Shop is located in Silverton, CO, with an elevation of 9,318 feet above sea level!