Serving the community since 1866
VOLUME 158 | ISSUE 34
Quarry Fire expected to smolder for at least a month
WEEK OF AUGUST 22, 2024
An artist’s life for them
Professional artists emphasize joy, creative process at Golden Fine Arts Fest BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLOROADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Local firefighters say the blaze started in a “nightmare” location and had “the best outcome” possible BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
While the Quarry Fire is 100% contained, Conifer firefighters expect it to burn for at least another month. The ongoing wildland fire poses no threat to any structures or other hazards. “It’s contained and controlled with lines all the way around so there’s no more forward progression,” said Elk Creek Fire Chief Jacob Ware. “The area in which it’s burning is very rugged; there’s not a safe way to get firefighters up there. Right now, it’s just burning up fuel.” The nearly 600-acre Quarry Fire started July 30 in Deer Creek Canyon and was pronounced 100% contained on Aug. 7. Wildfires burn as long as they have fuel and oxygen, and the rugged foothills provide plenty of fuel. Inter-Canyon Fire Chief Skip Shirlaw said there are decades of accumulated duff — SEE QUARRY FIRE, P7
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Highlands Ranch’s Erika Smith tries on a sweater at fiber artist Godelio Palomino’s stand Aug. 11 at the 34th annual Golden Fine Arts Festival. Smith said she loves attending the PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN event every year to visit her favorite artists and meet new ones.
NOTES ON COOPERATION
Colorado AMP aims to bring student musicians together P16
GOLDENTRANSCRIPT.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Art is for everyone, but the artist’s life is not. Whether it’s packing up hundreds of pieces and driving across the country to attend art shows every weekend, or quitting a full-time job to make a living off the creations they spent hours perfecting, an artist’s life has unique challenges not everyone is equipped to handle. Still, Golden Fine Arts Festival participants said all the ups and downs are worth it because they love their craft and the community of fellow artists and art enthusiasts they’ve met along the way. On Aug. 10-11, the Golden Chamber of Commerce hosted the 34th annual festival along 11th Street. Last year’s event drew approximately 9,000 attendees, according to city crowd-collection data, and organizers were expecting similar numbers this year. SEE ARTISTS, P2