History of the Arts in Lafayette

This subcollection features histories of those who seeded the arts in Lafayette, which blossomed into the creative, diverse, and eclectic town we enjoy today. The robust arts scene in Lafayette contributes to the city's strong sense of community. Whether it is the sculptures on display on South Public Road, a visit to the Collective Community Arts Center, attending Art Night Out, or heading into pARTiculars, the arts can be found all over Lafayette. Included in our collection are interviews with local artists and organizers Susan Booker, Rachel Hanson, David Fodel, Sara Rockinger, and a group interview with four of the founding members of pARTiculars.

Oral History with David Fodel
David Fodel discussed his artistic career and contributions to the Lafayette community in his oral history interview on August 8th, 2024. Fodel spoke about his work with electronic media, producing artwork that is distinctive and inventive. The interview covered the Lafayette Electronic Arts Festival, which was founded by David. The festival began in 2016 and has since become a multi-venue and largely attended event by the community. David also commented on the rich artistic community that has grown in Lafayette since he moved to the area in the 1990s. Overall, David expressed optimism for the current state and future of the diverse, creative, and eclectic Lafayette arts scene.
Oral History with Nancy West
In this interview, Nancy describes how she and her husband, Terry, started West Antiques in Lafayette, CO in 1981. She was also instrumental in starting the Lafayette Oatmeal Festival as well as many other festivals in town. The interview concludes with her describing some of the businesses in town when she and her husband first opened their shop.
Oral History with Rachel Hanson
In her oral history interview conducted on August 20th, 2024, Rachel Hanson, the City of Lafayette’s current Director of Arts & Cultural Resources, reflected on the city’s artistic growth into a creative, diverse, and eclectic community. Rachel spoke about expanding the citizen led efforts in institutions like the Lafayette Art Collective into an organization run by city staff. Additionally, she also spoke about her work in local history and developing a public exhibit at the Collective to honor the story of Rose Lueras and Lafayette’s larger Latino history. Overall, Hanson’s interview gives an example of how the City of Lafayette has engaged with public art historically and in 2024.
Oral History with Sara Rockinger
In her oral history interview conducted on July 17th, 2024, Sara Rockinger discussed her artistic career in Lafayette, Colorado. Born in Lakewood, Ohio, Sara moved to Lafayette in 1994. Though she creates art in many forms, her interview primarily focuses on her work in fiber arts. Amidst the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sara founded the Mighty Linden Tree Public Art Gallery, which provided free art materials for children and sponsored art contests for neighborhood children. Additionally, Sara spoke about creating multiple installations in her artwork throughout Colorado and in other locations in Washington D.C., Arizona, and Utah. She also discussed the larger cultural value of art for all ages, which speaks to the importance of consistent funding of art programming. Sara commented on the formation of other noteworthy Lafayette art institutions and events and the local artists who influenced her work. Sara’s interview reflects how Lafayette has become a community that fosters creative innovation and artistic communities.
Oral History with Susan Booker
In her oral history interview conducted on July 3, 2024, Susan Booker shared her perspective on the development of Lafayette’s arts community and its diverse, creative, and eclectic city culture. This interview sheds light on the history of the City’s involvement in the arts in Lafayette. Various city programs discussed in this interview include An Invitation to Stare, Art on the Street, Art Night Out, The Collective Community Art Center, Alley Art Amazing, and Booker’s personal artistic work. Additionally, Booker comments on the power of art and mental and physical health and wellbeing. Overall, Susan Booker’s interview solidifies the arts as a major part of Lafayette’s reputation and identity.
Oral History with pARTiculars Founders
In this interview conducted on September 11, 2024, four of the founders of Lafayette’s art gallery and studio, pARTiculars, discussed the blooming arts community in Lafayette. Suzanne Connolly-Howes, Peter Steele, Jeff Becker, & Jeanne Hogen were interviewed as a group by Wendy Mills, all of whom were integral aspects of the gallery's development. For background on pARTiculars, read “Genesis of the Arts in Lafayette” by Wendy Mills, an oral history assistant for this project, below: In 2008, the so-called ‘old town’ along South Public Road was dotted with many abandoned buildings marring the look of the town. To remedy this, the Lafayette Arts Commission (LAC) developed a program called, An Invitation to Stare. The concept of the program was to display artwork in the windows of the abandoned buildings until occupied. The city advertised a call for artists. Many replied and the vacant windows of Lafayette’s ‘old town’ were filled by various mediums of beautiful art. This is one story: When Elizabeth’s Embellishments moved down the street, their first location stood empty for a while. The paintings of Wendy Wham Mills were chosen for the picture window in the space. On the night of installation of the works, members of LAC, Mills, and landlord Nancy West were cleaning the dusty, dirty, cobwebbed space while speaking of dreams for the renaissance of the Lafayette and art’s part in the process. Wistfully, West said that she had always dreamed of a gallery to occupy the space (Prior to Elizabeth’s Embellishments, the building was home to Wests Antiques). The idea grew, summoning another call for artists for a new cooperative gallery which became pARTiculars. Loosely based on the Boulder Co-Op, the artist/owners of pARTIculars set up shop, cleaning and refurbishing the one-hundred-year-old abandoned building. Nancy West graciously provided financial support so the gallery could get off the ground. Nine original members shared their passion for art with Lafayette. Soon, pARTiculars obtained an event liquor license and hosted the first Art Night Out urging the participation of other merchants along South Public Road to join in. but after putting in a day’s work, most of the nearby merchants did not want to participate, balking at tacking on three hours on to an already long day. Nonetheless, some did. However, the event was in its infancy and foot traffic was minimal. One by one, the few participating merchants dropped out, but pARTiculars charged on, hosting Art Night Out in good weather, and Art Night In in the winter. The event began to make traction. Eventually, the City of Lafayette took on the event and the rest, as they say, is history.