The lowdown
︎︎︎our Blog
low·down /ˈlōdoun/ noun:
1. the true facts or relevant information about something.
1. the true facts or relevant information about something.
MALL FEST 50 art parade: June 27
Celebrating “What we love about this place”!
We made something big and you were a part of it. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade in collaboration with by Aspen Public Art and The Red Brick Center for the Arts. We hosted Free costume and prop workshops for the public and we re-imagined the 1893 Silver Queen, using only reclaimed and donated materials in celebration of what we LOVE about this place!
We want to hear from you! Feedback Survey
This place is great because our community makes it great
We present a re-imagining of the Silver Queen sculpture from 1893, which showcased what mattered to Aspen at the time. In an earnest attempt to keep the value of Silver tied to the US currency – upon which Aspen's economy was dependent – locals created and sent the sculpture to the World's Fair. Today in 2026, in celebration of our community, we take a look again at what we value, what we want to value, and what actually has the most value. We wondered what if the Silver Queen wasn't an object in a boat, representing a commodity we were mining from the land, but rather she became the vessel that carries and cares for the things we love and are privileged enough to enjoy about this place, and to honor the natural world that long came before us. She is made only of reclaimed materials, saved from dumpsters, donated by friends, scrounged from collections... An exercise in creative problem-solving and resourcefulness. She is a collective piece made possible by and inspired by the community – by artists, educators, adventurers, thinkers, scientists, caretakers, farmers, and doers who have come before us and are growing up in our midst.
INTERNS WANTED: SUMMER 2026
Work Study Opportunity
Design & Production Interns | Stipend + Expense Reimbursement | Carbondale, CO
1–3 Positions | 6–15 hrs/week | 6-week minimum commitment
Fair warning: we make big things here. Parade floats. Large-scale installations. Print projects that fill walls and stop people in their tracks. When a deadline hits, the whole shop moves — fast, together, and with intention. If that sounds exciting to you, keep reading.
What The Project Shop Is
A community nonprofit and working arts studio dedicated to service-learning through printmaking, design, and hands-on production. We engage student-artists of all ages in creative work that serves real community needs — including public installations, print exhibitions, and large-scale collaborative projects that go out into the world with intention and meaning
We are a small operation. That means every person here matters, every hour counts, and the work you do will actually show up in the world.
We reimburse reasonable internship-related expenses — think transportation to and from the shop and materials for personal projects. We’re a small nonprofit, so we keep it honest: this isn’t a living stipend, but we won’t ask you to spend your own money to show up and do good work. And on crunch days, we eat together.
What You’ll Do
- Take care of the Shop: cleaning, organizing, prepping, and keeping production moving
- Get hands-on with screen printing, letterpress, and fabrication
- Assist with on-site art installations and large-scale community projects (yes, including parade builds — it’s exactly as chaotic and wonderful as it sounds)
- Support crunch-time production when deadlines are real, and the stakes are high
- Dig into special projects: screen reclaiming, letterpress type sorting, materials sorting
- Engage directly with the public through free community offerings and open studio events
What You’ll Actually Learn
This isn’t busywork. Every task here connects to how real creative projects get made and delivered. Interns develop tangible skills in project execution — moving an idea from concept through design, production, and into the world. You’ll practice design problem-solving under real constraints: time, materials, audience, and purpose. And you’ll learn what it means to implement — to follow through, troubleshoot, and finish something that other people will actually see and use.
Working alongside community members and collaborating organizations, interns also build confidence engaging with the public in a creative context — participating in events, installations, and free programming that The Project Shop brings to the Roaring Fork Valley.
Your Own Project — and Why It Matters
Interns have the option to develop a personal print project from concept to finished work. Inspired by our Community Service Print Projects program, we invite you to identify a critical issue you care about and give it a voice — through design, printmaking, and your own hands.
This program engages student-artists to express their voices on critical issues by developing skills in learning design, printmaking, and production — with access to equipment and instruction in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Personal projects could become part of an exhibition, a campaign, or simply something you’re proud to carry into the world. This is your chance to say something that matters — using the tools of the trade.
You’re a Good Fit If You...
- Are curious, eager to learn, and willing to show up and try — no previous experience required
- Love making things, or think you might — and want to find out
- Are interested in printmaking, graphic design, fine arts, bookmaking, or community arts
- Can take direction, ask questions, and believe in communicating clearly
- Have reliable transportation to Carbondale
You’ll Walk Away With
Real experience working inside a small, mission-driven creative organization — where every project is a problem to solve, every deadline is a team effort, and the work actually matters to the community it serves. Interns learn how to collaborate under pressure, adapt when things shift, contribute to large-scale public art, and use creative skills in service of something bigger than themselves. Plus, if you choose, a personal print piece that says something you care about.
To Apply, Send Us
- A few sentences about yourself and why you want to be here
- Work samples, a portfolio link, or photos of things you’ve made — or just tell us what you’re into
- Your availability and ideal start date
- Bonus: tell us about the topic you might want your personal project to address
[email protected]
The Project Shop is committed to inclusiveness and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.
CARBONDALE TYPE-IN
for the love of typewriters
May 8th - 6pm - 1831 Dolores Way.
For those of you who have visited the Shop and printmaking studio, you will know that it is full of old well-made (often very large and heavy) metal instruments built to share ideas (namely, letterpress equipment).
So naturally, we also love and have many typewriters and we have made some typewriter-loving friends along the way. Local High School teacher Trevor Doty had this great idea and we are super excited to support this lovely evening over at Mtn Heart Brewing. Open to all ages.
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So naturally, we also love and have many typewriters and we have made some typewriter-loving friends along the way. Local High School teacher Trevor Doty had this great idea and we are super excited to support this lovely evening over at Mtn Heart Brewing. Open to all ages.
Spring 2026
Community is our next Superpower.
Dear Friends,
Every day that I am able to turn towards creative expression, I find my ground. Other days, I have floundered pretty hard. It is challenging to keep up with what is happening, account for all of the pain people are enduring, and to know what to do that will make a difference. But I am so grateful I have these amazing reminders… from high school interns who keep showing up to help - to generous financial donations - to great creative community events and new non-profit partners - and to old friends sharing their voices through new art projects in support of all of our neighbors. You all are proving that we are in this together.
So here’s to believing art matters, and that maybe community is our next hero.
I also trust that we all need fallow days for the hard work ahead, so there are no expectations, just offerings: We have space, paint and cardboard if you want to make some signs, some live screenprinting opportunities for the community, work and internship opportunities for some exciting art projects this spring and summer, wishlists for donations, and hope that if someday ahead you have a project you think of us.
On quiet days, it can be hard to rally, but for me, if even one person shows up, the positive collective vibes renew my belief that it is worth getting to work championing our freedom of expression and the belief that art matters in creating a better future.
Sincerely with love,
Reina
Project Shop, Director
Solnit Interview. March 28 March. Fall of Freedom.
Recent happenings
Staff Printmaking workshops
Screenprinting Branded Shirts
Recently, we have held a couple of really great staff workshops for partnering non-profits. These organizations are doing incredible work in the community and are two examples of recent collaborations incorporating the service-learning model into their team-building activities.
We helped develop the designs in collaboration with the organizations, including our student-artists in the process. We hosted workshops for their staff members to come and learn about the screenprinting process while working together to print their own branded merchandise, repping the organization they care so deeply about.
Thanks to
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
and
UpRoot Colorado
We helped develop the designs in collaboration with the organizations, including our student-artists in the process. We hosted workshops for their staff members to come and learn about the screenprinting process while working together to print their own branded merchandise, repping the organization they care so deeply about.
Thanks to
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
and
UpRoot Colorado
{19-1392} service project Reflection
UPDATE on safeguarding reproductive healthcare.
Hi Everyone, I want to start by thanking you all for the support on project 19-1392: safe access for Women’s Healthcare. As of June 28th, we’ve successfully raised $630 for Glenwood’s Planned Parenthood, and we hope to continue supporting reproductive clinics in the Rocky Mountains!!! In light of recent events, we’ve decided to do round-two of printing for additional orders!!
Since June 24th, I have been mourning the death of women’s autonomy, the death of women’s access to protected healthcare, and the death of America’s promise to liberty and the right to privacy. The SCOTUS decision to gut the protections set forth by Roe not only enable 26 states to restrict abortion access, but also 25 states to completely ban abortion proceedures. Yet public interests contest our legislation reality– “about six-in-ten Americans say abortion should be legal in some or all cases” (Pew Research Center).
Today, as a young woman in America, I am angered, saddened, and disappointed in our legislation system. Yet though it can feel like our hands are tied, we must remind ourselves that our legislators are meant to serve us and laws are supposed to represent our interests! Upon interviewing Rebecca Binion (Glenwood Planned Parenthood director), she pointed out a few ways for us to continuing the safeguard of aboriton access in CO: listen to people’s stories, use your voice to talk about health equity, support the organizations that are advocating for reproductive rights and justice, and most importantly, VOTE! (I encourage you all to go to read the rest of my interview with rebecca!)
Since June 24th, I have been mourning the death of women’s autonomy, the death of women’s access to protected healthcare, and the death of America’s promise to liberty and the right to privacy. The SCOTUS decision to gut the protections set forth by Roe not only enable 26 states to restrict abortion access, but also 25 states to completely ban abortion proceedures. Yet public interests contest our legislation reality– “about six-in-ten Americans say abortion should be legal in some or all cases” (Pew Research Center).
Today, as a young woman in America, I am angered, saddened, and disappointed in our legislation system. Yet though it can feel like our hands are tied, we must remind ourselves that our legislators are meant to serve us and laws are supposed to represent our interests! Upon interviewing Rebecca Binion (Glenwood Planned Parenthood director), she pointed out a few ways for us to continuing the safeguard of aboriton access in CO: listen to people’s stories, use your voice to talk about health equity, support the organizations that are advocating for reproductive rights and justice, and most importantly, VOTE! (I encourage you all to go to read the rest of my interview with rebecca!)
Heavyweight Sweatshirt
- 50% US Cotton / 50% Polyester
- 100% of our fabric cutting scraps are recycled into fiber and used in new products
- 33% of the energy used to manufacture our products comes from renewable resources
- 8.0 ounce
Eco/organic T-shirt
This tee is carbon neutral!
- 50% polyester from recycled plastic bottles.
- 25% organic cotton.
- 25% Tencel™ Modal.
- 4.2 ounce
Eco/organic Totebag
8 oz. Organic Cotton Twill Everyday Tote
Limited Edition Print 11” x 15”
Original print on paper made from recycled t-shirts.
More About the Design
Medusa:
In Greek Mythology, Medusa is painted as a monster that turns men into stone. Yet deeply misunderstood is the sexual assault written in her origin story and protection her snakes offer. In the design, I chose the allusion to Medusa’s story as a metaphor for the villanization and criminalization of a woman’s decision to get an abortion. Societal values and expectations force women to carry the enormous weight of guilt. But I’m a firm believer that we should remove this stigma of shaming women for making a decision relative to their lives. Everyone deserves kindness, love, and respect, even if their decisions don’t align with another’s beliefs.
Lady Justice:
The crown and scale of Lady Justice are sympathetic to the injustices imposed upon a woman’s autonomy over her physical and mental health due to the lack of safe medical resources. The paradox of the issue lies within the personal freedom protection offered by the 14th Amendment and the lack of “right to privacy” for women when it comes to reproductive health care. Additionally, extreme policies regarding abortion access does not accurately represent voters interests in red or blue states. And beyond our flawed legislative system, the symbols of Lady Justice also unveils the gray area between the planes of justice and morality.
19-1392:
19-1392 is the doc number assigned to the underlying case: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, whcih was filed 3/19/2018 regarding the constitutionality of a Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks of preganacy.
Inspo:
Passionate about the sociological crossroads of policy and society, I am always eager to learn about the relations between historical relevance and current events. And as a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. Growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece is not only a method of advocating for my rights, but also a bridge between the gaps of my parents’ and I’s worldviews.
Artist Statement
Bio
About the Process
As a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. And growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece not only advocates for my rights, but also bridges the gap between my parents’ and my worldviews.
Bio
Growing up in the metropolis of Shanghai, China and making the odyssey to Cleveland, and then again to the Rocky Mountains, Mandy’s entire life is governed by movement and the excitement that accompanies exploration of the new. Taking art lessons since the age of 7, her art mainly revolved around traditional styles and mediums of acrylics and pencil. Driven by her personal identity as an Asian American and her involvement within the outdoor community, Mandy’s artistic style has evolved to integrate issues of racial and enviornmental justice. She is also experimenting with new mediums and styles such as: textiles, pointillism, ink, and now print-making at the Project Shop. Recently graduated from Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Mandy is taking a Gap Year to travel, before attending Pitzer College, where she is excited to participate in Claremont’s local art clubs and to explore Pitzer’s muralistic art scene.
About the Process
Holding myself accountable to give the project an informed foundation, I dedicated time to researching abortion rights and interviewed Rebecca Binion, director of the Planned Parenthood in Glenwood Springs. I distilled the web of information into one precise message: access to abortion is about providing safe health care for women, which should be an issue between a woman and her doctor.
Finally, I went back to the drawing board, drifting into my imaginative space and away from the logos and overthinking. Through the act of losing myself in creativity, I was able to weave meaningful elements into the design (which you can read more about at TheProjectShop.org). And, most importantly, I was able to see my designs come to life on sweatshirts, totes, tees and posters. The experience of carefully printing each piece of cloth, and knowing that 100% of my dedication to the project will be donated to Planned Parenthood, is truly rewarding.
Funding:
100% of profits made from the products will be donated to supporting @PlannedParenthood. Having reproductive healthcare facilities are important as it pertains to providing safe, accessible contraceptives, sex-ed, STI testings and treatments, and abortions. Additionally, to supplement the art project, I have contacted Rebecca Binion, the director of the Glenwood Planned Parenthood, for an interview regarding access to reproductive health care in the valley and how the potential overturn of Roe may impact our local community. You can check out the article @soprissun.
{19-1392} Interview with Planned parenthood Executive director
Mandy Lei & Rebecca Binion
Do you think reproductive health care is widely accessible to most women in the valley?
The Glenwood Spring Health Center is the only Planned Parenthood west of the Denver area in mid-Utah. We serve a wide geographic region, not only the Roaring Fork Valley. We are proud to offer comprehensive reproductive health care and that includes abortion care.
Health disparities that impact too many people, and the Roaring Fork Valley is not immune to that. Many patients that we serve lack any form of insurance, indicating that patients can’t afford, or don’t qualify for coverage.
Do you notice any disparities between abortion/reproductive health care access for women in the valley? (whether that is in terms of class, race, etc.)
What is the most common demographic make-up for women seeking abortion access in the valley?
1 in 3 people will have an abortion in their lifetime, of all backgrounds. Abortion is a very common part of health care.
What is one of the most difficult discussions you have had on the topic of abortion rights?
I have had the honor of working with PPRM for 20 years. Supporting patient access and advocating for my team is of the utmost importance to me. Nothing compares to what is happening right now in Texas, Oklahoma, and at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the most difficult. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be a person in Texas needing and abortion, and what it will soon be for so many more people across our country.
How are you feeling regarding the recent leaked SCOTUS opinion regarding the overturn of Roe?
I am outraged and saddened that instead of progress, we are going back. I am proud to be an abortion provider and I will continue to do whatever we need to help our patients get the care they need. I worry about the folx that won’t get the care they need.
If Roe is overturned, how do you foresee the consequences will impact the valley/our local community?
How do you foresee the decision impacting Colorado as a whole? It seems that our legislators will move to safeguard abortion access, but could the upcoming mid-term election potentially alter that outcome? And how do you forsee the restrictive access to abortion in neighboring states, such as New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, will impact the avaliablilites of clinics in CO?
Our health center is already seeing patients from our neighboring states. The unfortunate reality is that people are being forced out of their communities, must wait longer times, and travel further and further distances to access abortion care.
What do you forsee the direction of the abortions rights movement moving towards in the future? Is there hope?
The majority of people in our country support abortion access.
Lastly, how can we (especially the younger generation and as a community), help protect abortion rights and the access to safe health care for women?
The Glenwood Spring Health Center is the only Planned Parenthood west of the Denver area in mid-Utah. We serve a wide geographic region, not only the Roaring Fork Valley. We are proud to offer comprehensive reproductive health care and that includes abortion care.
Health disparities that impact too many people, and the Roaring Fork Valley is not immune to that. Many patients that we serve lack any form of insurance, indicating that patients can’t afford, or don’t qualify for coverage.
Do you notice any disparities between abortion/reproductive health care access for women in the valley? (whether that is in terms of class, race, etc.)
- Only some many providers accept Medicaid
- Over 30% of the patients we serve speak only Spanish.
- We care for all patients, and every patient is offered financial support if needed.
What is the most common demographic make-up for women seeking abortion access in the valley?
1 in 3 people will have an abortion in their lifetime, of all backgrounds. Abortion is a very common part of health care.
What is one of the most difficult discussions you have had on the topic of abortion rights?
I have had the honor of working with PPRM for 20 years. Supporting patient access and advocating for my team is of the utmost importance to me. Nothing compares to what is happening right now in Texas, Oklahoma, and at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the most difficult. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be a person in Texas needing and abortion, and what it will soon be for so many more people across our country.
How are you feeling regarding the recent leaked SCOTUS opinion regarding the overturn of Roe?
I am outraged and saddened that instead of progress, we are going back. I am proud to be an abortion provider and I will continue to do whatever we need to help our patients get the care they need. I worry about the folx that won’t get the care they need.
If Roe is overturned, how do you foresee the consequences will impact the valley/our local community?
- Colorado is a safe haven state. We expect a surge in patient volume, we have already seen this since SB8 in Texas.
- We already see patients from other states because of restricting laws
- We are expanding Telehealth care and examining our processes to accommodate a higher patient volume.
How do you foresee the decision impacting Colorado as a whole? It seems that our legislators will move to safeguard abortion access, but could the upcoming mid-term election potentially alter that outcome? And how do you forsee the restrictive access to abortion in neighboring states, such as New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, will impact the avaliablilites of clinics in CO?
Our health center is already seeing patients from our neighboring states. The unfortunate reality is that people are being forced out of their communities, must wait longer times, and travel further and further distances to access abortion care.
What do you forsee the direction of the abortions rights movement moving towards in the future? Is there hope?
The majority of people in our country support abortion access.
Lastly, how can we (especially the younger generation and as a community), help protect abortion rights and the access to safe health care for women?
- Vote
- Listen to people’s stories, tell yours, and keeping talking about health equity that includes abortion care
- Support the organizations that are advocating for reproductive rights and justice
{19-1392} Mandy Lei service project
safeguarding women’s healthcare.
All proceeds donated to Planned Parenthood.
First run sold out.
Read update
More About the Design
Medusa:
In Greek Mythology, Medusa is painted as a monster that turns men into stone. Yet deeply misunderstood is the sexual assault written in her origin story and protection her snakes offer. In the design, I chose the allusion to Medusa’s story as a metaphor for the villanization and criminalization of a woman’s decision to get an abortion. Societal values and expectations force women to carry the enormous weight of guilt. But I’m a firm believer that we should remove this stigma of shaming women for making a decision relative to their lives. Everyone deserves kindness, love, and respect, even if their decisions don’t align with another’s beliefs.
Lady Justice:
The crown and scale of Lady Justice are sympathetic to the injustices imposed upon a woman’s autonomy over her physical and mental health due to the lack of safe medical resources. The paradox of the issue lies within the personal freedom protection offered by the 14th Amendment and the lack of “right to privacy” for women when it comes to reproductive health care. Additionally, extreme policies regarding abortion access does not accurately represent voters interests in red or blue states. And beyond our flawed legislative system, the symbols of Lady Justice also unveils the gray area between the planes of justice and morality.
19-1392:
19-1392 is the doc number assigned to the underlying case: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, whcih was filed 3/19/2018 regarding the constitutionality of a Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks of preganacy.
Inspo:
Passionate about the sociological crossroads of policy and society, I am always eager to learn about the relations between historical relevance and current events. And as a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. Growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece is not only a method of advocating for my rights, but also a bridge between the gaps of my parents’ and I’s worldviews.
Artist Statement
Bio
About the Process
As a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. And growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece not only advocates for my rights, but also bridges the gap between my parents’ and my worldviews.
Bio
Growing up in the metropolis of Shanghai, China and making the odyssey to Cleveland, and then again to the Rocky Mountains, Mandy’s entire life is governed by movement and the excitement that accompanies exploration of the new. Taking art lessons since the age of 7, her art mainly revolved around traditional styles and mediums of acrylics and pencil. Driven by her personal identity as an Asian American and her involvement within the outdoor community, Mandy’s artistic style has evolved to integrate issues of racial and enviornmental justice. She is also experimenting with new mediums and styles such as: textiles, pointillism, ink, and now print-making at the Project Shop. Recently graduated from Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Mandy is taking a Gap Year to travel, before attending Pitzer College, where she is excited to participate in Claremont’s local art clubs and to explore Pitzer’s muralistic art scene.
About the Process
Holding myself accountable to give the project an informed foundation, I dedicated time to researching abortion rights and interviewed Rebecca Binion, director of the Planned Parenthood in Glenwood Springs. I distilled the web of information into one precise message: access to abortion is about providing safe health care for women, which should be an issue between a woman and her doctor.
Finally, I went back to the drawing board, drifting into my imaginative space and away from the logos and overthinking. Through the act of losing myself in creativity, I was able to weave meaningful elements into the design (which you can read more about at TheProjectShop.org). And, most importantly, I was able to see my designs come to life on sweatshirts, totes, tees and posters. The experience of carefully printing each piece of cloth, and knowing that 100% of my dedication to the project will be donated to Planned Parenthood, is truly rewarding.
Funding:
100% of profits made from the products will be donated to supporting @PlannedParenthood. Having reproductive healthcare facilities are important as it pertains to providing safe, accessible contraceptives, sex-ed, STI testings and treatments, and abortions. Additionally, to supplement the art project, I have contacted Rebecca Binion, the director of the Glenwood Planned Parenthood, for an interview regarding access to reproductive health care in the valley and how the potential overturn of Roe may impact our local community. You can check out the article @soprissun.