Visitors to Beard and Braid Coffee Shop in downtown Steamboat Springs walked in to find an unusual sight on April 1st: a cluster of plaster cast ‘Octopus’ arms stuck up from the ground bejeweled in everything from crystals and wool to live plants and recycled metal. The sculpture was the work of 10 members of You Out Loud, a new program to promote mental wellbeing in teens within Routt County.

Abstract Study of Self

Over eight weeks, the creative crew of teens from Yampa Valley High School, Steamboat Springs High School and the Steamboat Mountain School met weekly at artist Missy Borden’s studio to engage in an abstract study of self and their surroundings. The concept was Inspired by My Octopus Teacher, a Netflix documentary, and students explored weird and wonderful ways to engage with others.

A New Way for Teens to Connect

You Out Loud was founded in January 2022 by Suzi Mitchell, a local artist and mother of three. “I saw a need for teens to find an alternative way to connect beyond school and sports,” Mitchell says. “The idea is to bring individuals together using art as a bridge to bond with each other, the community and build their self-esteem.”

New Projects in the Works

Mitchell gathered a group of fellow artists and local counsellors to build the programming. The Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Colorado agreed to be the fiscal sponsor and the first program filled up within four days. Three future projects are on the books between now and June 2022 and the Colorado Group Realty Charitable Foundation is proud to be a sponsor. “We’ve had tremendous input from students about the things they want to be involved with, so we feel we can offer them a platform to really engage and share their voices,” Mitchell says.

Fashion and Sustainability

The next project is ‘Reimagined,’ the future of fashion. Participants will focus on sustainability and test out sewing skills to upcycle clothing. There are plans afoot to stage a fashion show in collaboration with youth musicians and the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra.

You Out Loud is teaming up with The World Hope Project and local therapist Tina Harlow of Guiding Bright to create a documentary on issues facing youth with multigenerational input. The group intends to screen the production locally in June.

The Grand Showpiece

The grand finale to the 2021/22 school year is a large-scale art installation headed up by realism artists Brian Bonebrake and Gregory Block. You Out Loud is collaborating with the Community Agriculture Alliance to connect recreators with ranchers in a visual exploration of shared spaces.

Donations Appreciated

All programming for You Out Loud is free to participants and the fledgling organization relies on donations. All monies given in honor of You Out Loud are tax deductible and can be donated through the CGR Charitable Foundation or through The Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Colorado.