Madelon Wecker
Custom Hat Designer
From the time she was a young girl, Madelon Wecker has been drawn to creative expression through color, texture, and the quiet joy of creating something by hand. Her artistic journey began with watercolor, acrylic, and charcoal—mediums that allowed her to explore storytelling in many forms. One of her earliest milestones came in high school, when she won a contest to design the image and slogan for her school’s state championship football game. Her artwork became part of the team’s victory celebration, a moment she still remembers with pride. That same year, when her family couldn’t afford graduation invitations, Madelon painted each one herself—a testament to her resourcefulness, heart, and love for handmade artistry.
Years later, during a visit to a museum honoring a legendary hat designer, Madelon experienced a spark of inspiration that would change the direction of her creative life. She was captivated by the craftsmanship, personality, and history woven into every hat. The idea that a hat could be both art and expression—personal, bold, whimsical, or elegant—spoke directly to her artist’s heart.
It was in that moment that Maddie’s Mad Hattery was born.
Today, Madelon pours her love for color, texture, and storytelling into every custom hat she creates. From playful seasonal designs to elevated, fashion-forward pieces, each hat is crafted with intention and creativity. Her process is deeply meditative—letting intuition guide the placement of every detail until each hat feels complete, unique, and full of its own personality.
This year marks the first time Madelon is sharing her hat designs publicly, and she couldn’t be more excited to debut them right here in her Silver Mesa community.
Stop by her booth at the Silver Mesa Artisans Festival to explore her one-of-a-kind custom hats in person. Whether you're drawn to bold statement pieces or subtle seasonal charm, she would love to meet you, talk hats, and help you find the perfect creation to take home.
Alla Neyman
Painter
Growing up in Ukraine, Alla Neyman discovered her love for art as a child, spending her days drawing and doodling. This early passion set the stage for a lifelong appreciation of creativity and expression.
After moving to Colorado seven years ago, she began her journey with painting. She immersed herself in the world of acrylics, experimenting with both traditional and liquid forms of the medium. "I enjoy experimenting with acrylic paints and seeing what the end result looks like," she says. The spontaneity and unpredictability of her work bring her the greatest joy, as each piece unfolds in its own unique way.
"I enjoy experimenting with acrylic paints and seeing what the end result looks like,"
This will Allas’s artisan festival debut and she hopes that visitors will find delight in her artwork. She hopes visitors will connect with her artwork and find joy in the colors, textures, and expressive freedom that define her style. Anyone interested in her work can connect with her via email at neymanalla@yahoo.com.
Jackie Goldberg
Accessories/Jewelry Visual Arts (Painting/Sketching) Note cards
Jackie Goldberg’s creative journey began with her grandmother, who inspired her love for art from an early age. Jackie fondly remembers visiting her grandmother, who always had art supplies on hand, nurturing her artistic spirit. Her passion blossomed in high school when she decided to major in art, eventually teaching the subject for over a decade. Though her career path took her in other directions, Jackie continued to pursue art independently. After retirement, she dove into daily art practice, which only deepened her commitment to creativity.
Upon moving to Colorado, Jackie found a new outlet for sharing her passion by teaching art at the South Ridge Recreation Center. During a visit to a craft show in Asheville, North Carolina, Jackie discovered bead embroidery, an intricate and tactile art form that captivated her instantly. She has been creating with beads for 14 years, skillfully blending colors and textures into unique jewelry pieces, often collaborating with her neighbors in the community.
Her work can be found on Etsy through her shops, [Beadadorn] (https://etsy.shop/Beadadorn) and [WhimsicallyWOW] (https://etsy.shop/WhimsicallyWOW), as well as her website [JSGArt.net] (https://JSGArt.net). Jackie delights in sending her art across the United States and even to a few international buyers. She is now expanding her creative portfolio to include abstract watercolor wall art, which she plans to offer in an additional Etsy shop.
At the Silver Mesa Artisan Festival, Jackie hopes visitors will enjoy viewing her one-of-a-kind jewelry and perhaps find a piece to cherish as a personal accessory or a gift. Her work is affordably priced, making it accessible for those who want to add a touch of artistry to their lives without breaking the bank.ones.
Kandis Van Gelder
Sourdough Baker
After years of facing the challenges of secondary infertility, Kandis Van Gelder found solace and fulfillment in an unexpected place—the art of sourdough baking. While it wasn't the same as nurturing a new life, sourdough offered her the opportunity to create, nurture, and experience growth in a deeply satisfying way. Kandis has transformed this passion into a small home business that brings joy to both her family and her customers.
What Kandis enjoys most about sourdough baking is its versatility. The process can be as simple or as complex as she chooses, allowing her to adapt recipes and techniques based on the situation. She relishes the challenge of problem-solving when complications arise, finding immense satisfaction in producing a delicious and beautiful loaf from humble ingredients. Providing her family with fresh bread and sourdough goodies free from store-bought additives is a source of pride. They enjoy guilt-free indulgence, knowing the food is both nutritious and delicious.
You can follow Kandis's sourdough journey on Instagram at @the_crusty_cupboard https://instagram.com/the_crusty_cupboard, where she shares her latest bakes and sourdough adventures.
Evelyn Butcher
Author
Evelyn Butcher’s creative inspiration comes from a place of curiosity, reflection, and heart. Her journey as a writer began twenty years ago while living on a small island in the Caribbean. There she felt drawn to share the insights and experiences that had shaped her view of life and love. Her book, How I Learned About God From My Dog, grew out of the special bond she shared with her beloved dog, TinkerBelle, and the surprising lessons that relationship revealed about compassion, trust, and connection.
Evelyn is delighted to present her work at the Silver Mesa Artisan Festival. She hopes readers will find warmth, comfort, and perhaps a fresh perspective within the pages of her book. Her greatest joy is hearing how her story touches others and sparks meaningful reflection.
Come meet the author, get your signed copy, and take a photo with her!
For those who want to explore her work beyond the festival, How I Learned About God From My Dog is available on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com) [Barnes & Noble](https://www.barnesandnoble.com)
How I Learned About God From My Dog is more than a story about a pet—it’s a heartfelt journey of faith and discovery. Through the lessons she learned from her dog, Tinkerbell, Evelyn Butcher beautifully illustrates how the love of an animal can open our hearts to God’s presence in everyday life. Readers will find comfort, inspiration, and joy in this simple yet profound message of love.
Ken Gerhart
Pencil Artist
For as long as he can remember, Ken Gerhart has been captivated by the simple beauty of drawing. What began as a childhood pastime has grown into a lifelong passion—one that continues to bring him both peace and joy. For Ken, the act of putting pencil to paper is not only relaxing but deeply rewarding, especially when a piece starts to come alive before his eyes.
With more than 25 years of experience in his craft, Ken’s artwork reflects a quiet dedication and an enduring love for the creative process. He finds his greatest inspiration in those moments when his drawings begin to “click”—when lines and shading merge into something that feels real and expressive.
This year, Ken is excited to share his enthusiasm for drawing with the Silver Mesa community. He hopes festival visitors will walk away with a new appreciation for what can be created with nothing more than paper, pencils, and imagination.
You can view a selection of Ken’s works on his website, where he also shares updates through local social media pages. Looking ahead, Ken plans to continue exploring his artistry indefinitely, with watercolor as the next creative frontier.
Bobbie Milley
Handmade Decorative Hand Towels and Christmas Napkins
Bobbie Milley’s venture into the world of textile arts was sparked by a friend's encouragement. Over the last five years, Bobbie has refined her skills in crafting handmade decorative hand towels and Christmas napkins, transforming simple fabrics into beautiful, functional pieces for homes.
Bobbie enjoys the process of creation, particularly the activeness it brings to her daily routine. Her passion for sewing not only fills her days with purpose but also allows her to produce unique items that add a touch of holiday cheer to any setting.
She has show cased her work at various craft fairs, where her creations have been warmly received. This year, she is excited to share her latest designs at the festival, each piece meticulously sewn and imbued with her personal touch.
At the festival, Bobbie hopes visitors will appreciate the craftsmanship of her work and find the perfect addition to their home décor or a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Want to contact Bobbie outside of the festival? Conact her via email at bjmilley@comcast.net or by phone at (303) 882-1649.
Julie Wynn Birr
Mixed Media
Julie Wynn Birr’s love affair with art began in first grade — around the same time everyone else was learning to tie their shoes and stay inside the lines. While her classmates dutifully followed directions, Julie drifted into her own colorful world of imagination. Her teacher, Miss Stensgard, once took away her crayons for getting too caught up in creating — but as Julie fondly recalls, “She gave them back.”
That spark of creativity never dimmed. Though she spent fifty years performing on stage as a singer and dancer, she was always drawn back to “making arty stuff, crafty stuff.” Looking back, she realizes she’d been winning poster contests and Valentine competitions all along — hints of the artist she was meant to be.
Today, Julie’s work reflects the same joyful curiosity that once filled her first box of crayons. Her paintings burst with movement and color — from koi fish swirling through water to golden pears, beloved pets, and radiant angels. Each piece captures a moment of light, whimsy, and wonder — the kind of beauty that reminds us that creativity, like childhood imagination, never truly fades.
Want to connect with Julie outside of the festival? Julie can be reached at Juliebwynn@aol.com
Kate Haege
Kate Haeger – The Joy of Small Art
For artist Kate Haeger, creativity begins with joy — the joy of color, of texture, and of watching people smile when they see her work. What started as a passion for painting evolved into a heartfelt mission: to create small works of art that fit anywhere and bring happiness to everyday spaces.
Kate’s signature pieces are her one-of-a-kind hand-painted stones, each crafted in acrylic and often paired with a humorous or inspirational quote on the back. Over time, her artistry expanded to include miniature canvases, stools, glassware, cards, and custom pet portraits, all sharing the same personal touch and attention to detail that makes her work so distinctive.
With nearly a decade of experience and over 4,000 unique images painted, Kate has brought her art to life in Wisconsin and Colorado alike. During the isolation of the pandemic, she filled her neighborhood at Gold Peak and Palomino Park with painted stones, offering a touch of beauty and connection when people needed it most. Her hope was simple: to make every walk to the mailbox or stroll through the park just a little brighter.
This year, Kate is excited to share a new collection of Colorado-themed pieces — mountains, trees, birds, landscapes, Broncos-inspired designs, and seasonal favorites — alongside her ever-popular stones and frameable acrylic cards, all priced for accessibility and joy. Whether it’s a keepsake for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a friend, her pieces are designed to fit any space — and every heart.
When she’s not painting, Kate enjoys engaging with neighbors, hearing their stories, and creating custom pet portraits or designs that capture something personal. Her work can be found on Facebook at Three Lakes Stone Painting and a Little Bit More and Three Lakes Rock Painting.
Above all, Kate hopes festival visitors leave with something more than art — a small reminder that beauty can live anywhere, even in the palm of your hand.