Having children impacts our lives in ways that are impossible to predict. In this past year our son’s artistic talents have introduced us to the art sub-culture of our valley, beginning with Axel’s art teacher at Aspen High School, Stephanie Nixon, and continuing on with his being awarded scholarships to take art classes both at The Art Base and at Anderson Ranch Arts Center over the summer. This year as a Junior in high school Axel will be applying for the Claudette Carter’s ARTmentors program, a program for high school juniors who are considering the arts as a career. Mentees are paired with professional artist mentors who help them learn firsthand what it takes to become a working artist. Mentees are introduced to the full cycle of the artistic process, from concept, creation, to promotion of the artwork, culminating in an exhibition at the Charles J. Wyly Gallery.