There’s no question that the 创意经济 in Colorado is booming. 你没有 to go far to find concerts, art exhibits, plays or other performances nearly any night 一周的内容. Thanks in large part to an active base of UNC students and graduates, 格里利也不例外. 

And she’s just one example of the many UNC creatives making their mark on the local 创意经济. 

“You can literally see contributions of UNC grads on the walls of many buildings in 我们的城市. Much of the public art that has been supported through the City of Greeley, like our downtown murals, has been created by UNC alumni. Ely Corliss是个特例 example of an alumnus who has had a massive impact on the local music scene; he owns and manages the Moxi Theater, which has become a great venue for local bands getting their start, as well as a place that draws high-quality national acts to town,” Harris 说.

UNC grads like Harris and Corliss are doing incredible work in Greeley and beyond. You can find these Bears doing everything from making artwork and music, starting creative businesses, getting hired in arts organizations, participating in arts boards and planning commissions, and so much more. 

“I see a real interest with a lot of recent grads in staying in the area and putting down roots; 北ern Colorado is booming, and there are a lot of great opportunities 对于创意者,” Harris 说. “​I work closely with Armando Silva- I'm currently his manager- and I am consistently impressed with his work ethic and ability to create community and conversation through his work. Ely Corliss is one of the hardest-hustling people I know, and he has his hands in multiple projects that are all focused on making Greeley a cool place to live. Becky Safarik, our Assistant City Manager, has been the board president for the Greeley Creative District for years, and she leads with such passion, clarity, and vision. She's been working for years on improving our community 对于创意者.”

Even if art isn’t your specialty, Harris 说 the opportunities abound for anyone 参与其中. 

“Volunteer for a local music or arts festival. Also, if you don't see something here that you wish existed, start it! There is a ton of opportunity for people hungry to build something new,” Harris 说. “Greeley has always been a community with a strong creative heritage, and the strength of UNC's 艺术 programs is a huge part of that 故事. I love the integration that happens between student artists and working professional 校外艺术家. It's a really supportive community, and you often will find students and alumni working together on creative ventures.”