Conversations with Erin Mindigo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Mindigo.

Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in Columbus Ohio in 1979, my parents are both professional artists. I grew up throwing pots, exploring with fibers, and living my early years around artists every day, no shoes, playing in paint, and climbing on sets in studios. I was a lucky kid to have my creative spirit developed and not smushed. I have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, a minor in art history and art therapy from Columbus College of Art and Design.

I am an art teacher and this school year marks my 15th year in the teaching profession (word on the street is every year of teaching is like dog years, so it could be 105 years since I started). I got into education because I am a sucker who believed all the hype. Just kidding. After teaching middle school in Florida for 8-years and got stuck in Florida for 15 years. I moved to Loveland, Colorado, and is now at Isabella Bird Community School in Central Park. Over the last 25 years I have shown my art work all over the country, in museums and galleries. I’m an award-winning artist for my jewelry but this was a long time ago, and I have been showing work in the Denver area the last 2 years. I completed my Master of Arts in learning, developmental and human services from the University of Colorado. I work with Denver Art Days doing workshops in printmaking, papermaking, and watercolor. Denver Art Days is a woman owned and operated creative space and I am delighted to work with Mel and her dream as we bring art to the Denver area.

Fun facts: I own protected land in the Amazon Rainforest, I’ve worked with chimpanzees doing cognitive research, was a foster parent of 2, have 3 younger siblings, both parents are professional artists, and the proud mom of an adopted daughter that has made me a grandmother, ugh, lastly I’m a super dog and kitten mom living in Wash Park area.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding a community of artists my age interested community projects

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently I am in love with printmaking and process art, I’m more on the “low” art or applied arts spectrum as I get older and moving away from the “high” art world. I am most proud of seeing my students grow from kindergarteners into confident and creative artists.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Denver Art Days workshops and classes.
Brain Fest with University of Denvers Neuroscience department.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @erinmindigo
• Facebook: Erin Mindigo