Featured at West + Main Louisville: Matty Miller

Please join us in Louisville for First Friday, featuring photographer Matty Miller

Resting Space

920 Main Street

04.04.2025, 6-9pm

Meet Matty

Matty Miller is an artist based in Denver, CO, creating paintings that invite reflection, spark wonder, and celebrate life’s quiet moments.

Growing up outside New York City and later in the vast landscapes of Taos, NM, she developed a deep appreciation for wide open skies and the power of stillness. Her studies at Naropa University explored the intersection of contemplative practice and art, shaping her approach to painting as both inquiry and refuge. Matty looks to adventures in the natural world— walking pilgrimages in Spain, paddling in Fiji, and riding wild horses in Turkey—to inspire her work.

Meadow Sentinel

Learn more about Matty in our Q+A!

How did you arrive where you are today?

I grew up in a very creative household. Much of my childhood was spent wandering around in a converted schoolhouse outside NYC where my mom and several other artists had workspaces. As a teenager, I became interested in mindfulness practices and ended up at Naropa University, influenced by the philosophies of Buddhism and the avant-garde spirit of the Beat generation. For the last 15 years, I've been a practicing artist and educator. 

Now, I am channeling my passion and experience into the role of entrepreneur running an art business, creating art that embodies beauty, authenticity, and connection. I love sharing my work with collectors because I believe being surrounded by art is a way of cultivating a commitment to the truths and values one wishes to live by. It's an act of self-care, and a visual reminder each day of the life you want to live and a mindset you want to keep.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the quiet beauty of nature. Remote wilderness areas, in particular, offer a sense of awe and wonder that fuels my creativity. I love feeling small in the grand scheme of things.

High Road to Abiquiu

What are your thoughts about your city’s creative scene?

I think Denver is a great place to be an artist. It's not a huge city but there's a robust community of creatives and more venues to enjoy art than I've had the chance to visit living here for 20 years!

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever gotten?

Dream big!

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love spending time outdoors, whether it's biking, camping, or gardening. In my free time you can find me dancing Lindy Hop at the Mercury Cafe.

Innocent-Mischief-is-Good-for-the-Soul

Who/What are your biggest influences?

Nature. My art is deeply influenced by the expansiveness of southwestern landscapes and the transformative power of solitude. My creative process often starts with a bout into the wild. Spending time in the natural world, feeling small amidst towering peaks and pristine lakes, or witnessing wildlife, replenishes my creative bucket. These experiences, combined with purposeful daydreaming, help me develop the visual metaphors that appear in my paintings.

What is your dream project?

My dream is to create a large, dedicated art studio space. It would be a place for experimentation, collaboration, and teaching others in art workshops and camps.

Get in touch with Matty

Website: http://www.mattymiller.com

Instagram: https://instragram.com/mattymillerstudio

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

Featured at West + Main Littleton: Devin Birmingham

Join us for First Friday in Littleton, featuring Devin Birmingham

2590 W Main St
03.07.2025, 6-9pm

Meet Devin

“I am a fine artist rendering creations in various media, including graphite, charcoal, ink, and oil paint. I have dabbled in digital art, graphic design, drafting, offset printing, and commissioned work, but my passion lies in the creative processes of drawing and painting from imagination.

A Colorado native, I've been blessed to draw inspiration from the beauty of this wondrous state, while also being inspired by my fellow artists both local and abroad. I believe art is a tradecraft of discovery and the process of learning and honing one's skills, an exercise of pursuit, never perfection. I feel that an artist should never be able to reach a goal for their talent, but strive for something always unseen, which keeps us finding new techniques, ways to express and hopefully...ever more beautiful artwork to share with the world.”

Learn more about Devin Birmingham in our Q & A!

How did your business come to exist?

My business came into existence when I realized that I wasn't prioritizing my own happiness in the workplace. I made the commitment to use a natural talent for art to open my own studio and start doing what I truly love for a living.

What is your biggest influence?

My biggest influences for my art are also my biggest inspirations - my colleagues around the world creating art of their own and bringing it into the lives of everyone through the use of social media, local galleries, festivals, and the like. I love seeing the vast and differing techniques of my fellow artists and their creations. I draw from those works to inspire my own pieces. I also tap into my imagination of places that have never existed as subjects for my work.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?

That could be any number of things. I only wish I'd listened to more of what was offered to me in the past. I suppose some of the best advice I've ever received or taken was centered around meaningful quotes. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" comes to mind, as does "A master has failed more times than a beginner has even tried." Both quotes have driven me to approach life with the mindset of pursuit - to take every task, no matter how monumental or daunting, by the very first step, doing just one small thing at a time, until consistency and persistence have eventually paid off, yielding measurable results. 

What is your dream project?

My dream project would be a large format dark fantasy piece -something I intend, to try the limits of my talent against, in days to come.

What is your favorite part of your job??

My favorite part of my job has to be a mixture of getting into the creative 'zone' - letting the creative side of my mind completely take over, and feeling the gratification at the end of creating a new piece. When I get into the flow of a piece of art, my mind wanders like a nomad. I start thinking about things that have nothing to do whatsoever, with the art I'm creating, and the creative side of my mind takes control. From the shadows, it does its' own thing, while I'm busy thinking about whatever I am at that moment. It's nice being able to put my subconscious in the driver's seat and let it lead the way to wherever.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy music, reading, and the outdoors. I play guitar, dabble in hammer dulcimer, harmonica, and shakuhachi. I grew a fondness for reading fantasy novels when I was still in high school and have loved to indulge ever since, though not as frequently as I'd like. I truly love hiking in the beauty of the mountains of Colorado, going on a drive with the family to see the views, or watching the turning of the leaves in the autumn. Someday, I'd like to go back to the ocean with my wife for another cruise. I long to travel to distant places and see more of the world.

• Get in touch with Devin Birmingham

Website: https://www.devinefineart.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558520823611

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

Featured at West + Main RiNo: Laura Goodson

Please join us in RiNo for First Friday, featuring artist Laura Goodson

Here & Now

2632 Blake Street, Denver
2.7.2025, 6-9pm

Meet Laura

Laura's art embodies the essence of the modern West, a tapestry woven with tales of cowboys, bandits, renegades and the western landscapes. With each brushstroke, Laura breathes life into her subjects, infusing them with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the West’s storied past. Her art serves as a timeless homage to the cowboys and outlaws who shaped the landscape, while also celebrating the enduring spirit of resilience and adventure that defines a region. Traditionally drawn to the simplicity of black and white, Laura's work embodies the stark contrast of light and shadow, mirroring the raw intensity of the American west. Yet, as she journeys deeper into her craft, she boldly ventures beyond the confines of monochrome, embracing the vibrant hues of the sunset-lit prairies and the rich tones of the rock filled canyons. 

Her art represents more than what is delivered 2 dimensionally; it also represents love lost, love gained, the laughter shared between friends, and the quiet moments of introspection beneath a starlit Texas sky. Laura's art isn't just about paint and brushstrokes—it's a reflection of who she is and her generous spirit. She's not one to simply paint a piece and call it a day; she's out there, boots on the ground, building spaces and places to celebrate other folks and members of the community. Laura is the epitome of a true Texan,  always ready to lend a helping hand and share a good laugh.

Learn more about Laura in our Q & A!

How did your business come to exist?

I started producing artwork in Houston, through the pursuit of love. That of course grew over the years and has made many twists and turns. It has developed into its own love story; with me and my love for self expression.

Who or what is your biggest influence?

My biggest influences are Mark Maggiori for his art/talent, Kevin Chupik who is an all around good human and artist, and I’m a big fan of my dad and his work ethic

What are you working on right now?

Lighting and sculpture pieces. Neon cowboys and wire hat sculptures for example.

How did you arrive where you are today?

Standing back up after getting knocked down.

What are your thoughts about your city's creative scene for artists, designers, crafters, makers, and/or small businesses?

 I oscillate between Denver and Houston which both have THRIVING creative scenes. I have to say the amount of creatives that inspire me in these two locations is sometimes overwhelming, in the best way. I am constantly in awe of how these folks can be creative, run a business, and manage life in times of genuine crisis/chaos. It definitely pushes me to keep going and to do things bigger than i did yesterday.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like hobby projects and creating spaces. That could be as simple as clearing brush off of a fence line or re-designing a hotel/space/concept...it goes without saying, I'll also never turn down a round of golf.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?

Say yes when you feel like no is easier, take the opportunity, shoot the shot, fail fast....people doing more than you won't have time to talk negatively, there are too many!

What is your biggest challenge?

 Battling depression and my own thoughts.

Where do you find inspiration?

Travel, other humans, architecture, nature

Get in touch with Laura Goodson

Website: https://lauragoodsonart.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraGoodsonArt/

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

Featured at West + Main Louisville: Lilianna Story

Please join us in Louisville for First Friday, featuring photographer Lilianna Story

Old Mexico

920 Main Street
12.06.2024, 6-9pm

Meet Lilianna

Lilianna Story is a photographer from Texas, specializing in fine art photography from different parts of the world.

Lilianna started photographing professionally over 20 years ago. She was mostly influenced by her father, who was also a photographer.  He taught her how to photograph with heart.  He photographed presidents and celebrities, including John Kennedy, Jacquelin Onassis and Lyndon B. Johnson.  His favorite work involved human interest stories and this taught Lilianna how to capture life through the lens.

"My goal is to capture people and places which evoke emotion and help tell a story."

MAESTRO DE SOGA

Learn more about Lilianna in our Q+A!

How did your business come to exist?

I never set out to be a photographer. I started photographing with my father‘s camera.  Then someone asked me to photograph professionally. I was fearful, but then I said yes. I’ve enjoyed it ever since.

What are you known for?

Many people will say my work is known for capturing light and giving importance to negative space in a photograph.  But ultimately, the observer defines that.

What are you currently working on?

I recently returned from India, so I am working on a series for exhibition.

CHARRA

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being able to give and serve this way is humbling and makes me happy.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever gotten?

My father always says, “enjoy it, share it, and remember that it does not come from you.”

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love family. Being around them, re-energizes my soul.

CHARRO

What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is promoting my work. It feels awkward to self promote.

Who/What are your biggest influences?

My parents are a big influence to me. They are honest and loving and very nurturing.  Above all, God steers me.

What is your dream project?

My dream project would be to photograph a unique culture that no one really knows about. And working with children, I love working with children.

Get in touch with Lilianna

Website: https://www.liliannastory.com/

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

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

Featured at West + Main Littleton: Traci Zajaczkowski

Join us for First Friday in Littleton, featuring Traci Zajaczkowski

Life in Color

2590 W Main St
011.01.2024, 6-9pm

Meet Traci

Traci’s art focuses on colorful and detailed animal portraits. She loves the animals that roam in the beautiful state of Colorado and strives to bring their personalities out with vibrant colors and stylized details. Animals are magical. Traci wants to bring a little bit of that magic and joy back to the viewer. Her most recent works focus on fusing the beauty of nature within the beauty of the animals themselves, emphasizing the importance of our natural surroundings. Traci works in mixed media, with a combination of colored pencils, markers, watercolor, and acrylic paints. She has an MA in illustration from Syracuse University.

Traci believes that whatever you do in the world, you should find a way to make the world a better place, and you should do it with passion. Traci is passionate about kids, art, animals, and the mountains. She strives to use her art and skills to partner with like minded organizations, to provide leadership and growth opportunities for kids, and to help keep the animals that she loves safe for generations.

Learn more about Traci Zajaczkowski in our Q & A!

How did your business come to exist?

When I was in 9th grade, I made the decision to drop band and take an art class. Within a week of being in that class, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I decided to go to school to be an art teacher and create art on the side, which was a great path for me, as I loved teaching art, and did so for 19 years. While I never stopped creating and growing as an artist all those years, I didn't have the confidence to put myself out in the world as an artist, but I always knew that I would at some point. In 2021, I took the plunge and resigned from teaching, and diving into not only making my art, but making a point to get it out there.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently finishing a piece I started quite a while ago and got stuck on. It is a porcupine whose quills turn into flowers. I am currently working my way through problem solving the background, which stumped me.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?

A piece of advice that I have found to be my mantra lately is "be brave, Flora" and it comes from the book "The One memory of Flora Banks", by Emily Barr. It is about a 17 year old who suffers from short term memory loss and goes on an adventure. She "wakes up" every few minutes to find that she has no memory of where she is or how she got there except a tattoo on her hand that says "be brave". Since reading this book, it has become my mantra, reminding me to take risks and intentionally do things that scare me or take me out of my comfort zone. It is part of the reason why I am on this adventure of being solely an artist today.

What is your dream project?

I recently did an artists residency at the children's museum in Denver where I created a small scavenger hunt of my artwork through a section of the museum. I loved not only working with the kids there, but the process of making art for a public space. I want to do more of this! This experience really made me realize that I want to move into doing public art - especially in kid friendly spaces.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in nature. I love to be outdoors, and I love experiences with animals, especially in the wild. I want to translate that experience through my work.

If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose??

Defginitely flying. First, the whole point of getting my work out there is NOT to be invisible anymore. Secondly, I used to be a skydiver.I have made 550 jumps. I love the feeling of being in the sky and have always wished that I could fly.

• Get in touch with Traci Zajaczkowski

Website: https://tracizart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracizart/#

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!