Event Recap: Bonus Event April 12— Boulder Arts Week 2026
On the final evening of Boulder Arts Week 2026, CreativeMornings/Boulder hosted a joyful pop-up celebration at the Junkyard Social Club — and the energy in the room said it all.
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, this bonus event was designed with intention: to bring together artists, makers, and community partners in a space where creativity opens the door to connection, and where autism is one of the topics people can engage with in a natural, low-pressure way. No keynote. No agenda. Just good people, good art, and good conversation.
We were especially grateful to have author **Malva Tarasewicz** with us, sharing her award-winning memoir *Benjamin Breaking Barriers* — a deeply personal and inspiring book for parents navigating life as their autistic child's greatest supporter, advocate, and teacher. Her presence added heart and depth to an already warm evening.
Check out all the amazing photos from the event on our Flickr!
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### The makers, artists & community partners who made it happen:
**Julie Ann Martinez Rosario** (@formasbyjulie) brought her handmade wire jewelry and offered fun customization options for guests to make each piece their own.
**Emily Reynold** from BoulderWrites was on hand to share how the Boulder Library offers free writing support to the community — a resource worth knowing about.
**Kai Franks** (@kaissilverwear), one of our own event photographers, also came as a maker, selling his handcrafted jewelry and silverware pieces.
**Leah Rich** (@roundtripgoods) led a block-printing activity and sold her beautiful plant-dyed art and clothing — a returning vendor and a crowd favorite.
**Barbara Olson** (@barbjolson) guided guests through a book-binding activity alongside her fiber works — another beloved returning face.
**Stephanie McNamara** brought mosaic-making to the table, giving guests a tactile, creative outlet to settle into.
**Kyoko** returned with her signature origami activity, folding paper and conversation in equal measure.
**Kirsten Russell Kindt**, representing the Alzheimer's Association Colorado (@alzcolorado), shared information about community programs and support groups — a meaningful presence at an event rooted in connection.
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### Live music
The evening was set to the sounds of returning musicians **Clark Carroll** (@clarkplaymusic) and **Brian**, whose live performances gave the whole night a warm, unhurried rhythm.
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### Thank you
This event was proudly sponsored by **Boulder Arts Week** and made possible through the generosity of **@boulderartsculture** and the welcoming space of **@junkyardsocialclub**. Thank you to every maker, artist, attendee, volunteer, and community partner who showed up — you are what makes CreativeMornings/Boulder possible.
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*CreativeMornings/Boulder hosts free monthly events for the creative community. Follow us to stay connected and join us at our next gathering.*
*#boulderartsweek2026 #CreativeMorningsBoulder #AutismAwarenessMonth*
