How to live a more creative and inspired life September 27 2026, 0 Comments
By Kimberly Nicoletti
If you appreciate art, you instinctively appreciate creativity. But while we cherish art within our homes — or in galleries and museums — we often forget how much it enhances our lives to spend time exploring our own creativity.
You don’t have to be an “Artist” with a capital “A” to be artistic, or to live a creative life. If you’re human, you ARE creative. The simple acts of selecting which outfit to wear, what to cook for dinner, how to accessorize your home or what to do in your free time prove that you’re creative.
Daily life demands a series of choices, which, essentially, is creativity, whether we give ourselves credit for our inventive decisions or not.
As artist Rolinda Stotts points out: “When we're engaged in the creative process, we are alive.”
We create our life minute by minute, day by day, through the people, places, things and activities with which we fill our time.
We can take a cue from professional artists, who intentionally carve out time to be creative. That doesn’t mean we need to spend 40 hours a week generating art; we can spend 40 minutes a week preparing a nice meal or dancing, writing, taking photos, drawing, collaging or painting.
Even a few minutes daydreaming about what lights us up reduces stress, improves mental health and offers fresh perspectives. You don’t need a scientific study to prove that; just try it, and see how you feel.
Creativity is both an action and a state of mind. The more we pay attention to it, and make time for it, even if it’s simply daydreaming up possibilities, the stronger that spark of vitality grows.
“We have to make space for creativity,” Rolinda Stotts said. “It has to be intentional. We can't just fumble around in life rushing. You actually do have to make it a special, sacred time where you are going to invite the muse.”
She encourages people to look for inspiration and welcome it when it emerges. She points out that it can come from anywhere, from driving down the road or walking along a forested trail to watching a movie or chatting with a friend.
It’s most easily spotted when you approach the world with curiosity, openness, and present-moment awareness.
“Then the question is: Are you going to do anything with that inspiration?” Rolinda Stotts asked, nudgingly.
That’s where a little support from community events can help.
From the Vail Valley to Breckenridge and beyond, artistic organizations and pop-up events offer opportunities to nurture your creative spirit.
Artistic events in and around Vail
The Discover Vail Art Series, in collaboration with the Alpine Arts Center, takes place at various times and venues throughout the Vail Valley. For example, at 5 p.m. Oct. 7, you can fashion a pinecone flower bouquet on wood, with all instruction and materials provided for $25. More info: https://alpineartscenter.org/event/discover-vail-art-series-15/
Check out Alpine Arts Center in Edwards for more classes and open studio sessions focusing on mediums ranging from string art to painting, pottery and mixed media. More info: https://alpineartscenter.org/
At Vail Recreation District, ongoing classes include painting pottery, woodburning and acrylics for $10-$40, depending on the activity. More info: https://www.vailrec.com/art-studio
The Vail Valley Art Guild in Avon hosts workshops, ranging from one-day to multi-day classes, as well as meet-ups with people who enjoy photography and other artistic endeavors. More info: https://www.vvagco.org/event-list
Then there’s the Dojo House in Avon. They offer private tutoring, artistic coaching, and group classes on everything from AI image creation or silversmithing to how to take a creative idea from concept to product. You can even take classes in DJing and music production. More info: https://dojohaus.co/workshopsandtutoring/
Of course, there are plenty of other creative opportunities in the valley, including Colorado Mountain College, which offers a variety of classes, including ceramics and watercolors. https://coloradomtn.edu/campuses/vail-valley-edwards/
Artistic events in and around Breckenridge
Oct. 16-17, Breck Create hosts the free Dia de Muertos & Latin Festival, featuring dance, art and music. Friday evening honors the Mexican tradition of remembering those who have passed with an Azteca promenade at 5:30 p.m., a performance at 6:15 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil. On Saturday, you can catch an Azteca dance workshop at 2 p.m. on Ridge Street Arts Square and an interactive performance at 4 p.m. at Blue River Plaza. At 5:30 p.m. a colorful procession with cantrinas takes place at the Riverwalk Center. Latin Dance Night kicks off at 6:15 p.m. as various dance companies perform, followed by a dance class and party beginning at 8:20 p.m.
Breck Create also offers a variety of classes, located in renovated historic structures. Classes range from ceramics to glass blowing, soap making, stained glass, and more. For more info on classes and Dia de Muertos: https://breckcreate.org/
Ready Paint Fire! is also a creative treasure trove, with many bisque pottery designs you can paint (the paint is included in the price, and they show you everything you need to know). Candle making lets you choose the shape and scent of a hand-crafted item to illuminate the darker days that this season brings. https://rpfbreck.com/
On the other side of Summit County, Art Spot in Silverthorne has classes on ceramics and hand-building, stained glass, sewing, woodworking, jewelry making, printmaking, and more. Info: https://www.artspotsilverthorne.org/
Rolinda Stotts reminds us that creative experiences can become a meditation, a way to step into a state of flow, where time and problems disappear.
As summer ends and shrinking daylight, along with cooler temperatures, encourages us to spend more time inside — whether that’s with a more internal focus and/or cozying up in your home, may you pay more attention to those sparks of joy that point to a pathway to live a more creative life.
Just start with something that ignites your imagination, and follow the energy — in other words: Play around with what feels meaningful and what energizes you.