Arts Council Director Gets A Refresh With a Residency
"Understanding where you've been and where you're going"
The artists who come to Kestrel Fields Studio for an art residency or retreat are unique, interesting people. KFS intern Brooklyn Ferguson checked in with 2024 artist-in-residence Desirée Brothe, for an update on her creative life, and to hear about how working at Kestrel Fields Studio impacted her art practice.
Kestrel Fields Studio: Thanks for meeting with us for an update, Desirée! Let's start with how you heard about Kestrel Fields Studio & Art Residency--why did you choose us for your residency?
Desirée Brothe: It's so nice to talk with you again. 😊 I found Kestrel Fields during the 2023 Fort Collins Studio Tour, where I met Heather, saw the space, and learned it was available for residencies. At the time, I was seeking a quiet, private retreat—not something educational or group-based. I was looking for solitude, and this space offered exactly that. It was an open, ready-to-use room at an affordable price. I'd been looking at Airbnbs and cabins, but Kestrel Fields made more sense.
KFS: What were you hoping to get out of the residency, and how did your goals shift during the week?
DB: I was uncertain about my direction at the start. I brought a wide array of materials—printmaking tools, painting supplies, illustration materials—so I could move freely between mediums. I didn’t have a strict plan but brought a few project ideas. Some of those evolved during the week. I completed some wood-based projects I'd been putting off for years and ended up writing quite a bit. My downtime involved watching movies more than reading. The goal was to let things unfold naturally.
KFS: What did you learn, or how did you grow from the experience?
DB: The biggest realizations actually came months later. That time away at Kestrel gave me the space to reflect on what kind of work I want to create moving forward. I took an online illustration course during the residency, and it reminded me how important play is in art. I also had a consultation with Heather. She asked if every piece really needed to carry deep meaning. That helped me understand it was okay to make art just for the sake of it. Since then, I’ve become more intentional with how I split my time between meaningful work, making things for fun, and production pieces.
KFS: What were some of the long-term benefits of an art residency for you?
DB: Giving myself permission to fully step away was huge. I'm typically high-strung and don’t relax easily. After the residency, I started carving out three to four hours each weekend for simple creative work, which really supported my mental health. I had a few small art shows later in the year, and a book project I started while at Kestrel Fields Studio came to fruition as an actual publication! The residency really helped me gain clarity on the kind of work I want to pursue.
A shipment of Helen & Kate books, hot off the press!
KFS: Tell us more about the book!
DB: It actually started with a fever dream a few days into my residency. I was sick and had this vivid dream about the two characters. I woke up and typed it out immediately. Over the week, I refined the story and started some illustrations on my iPad. When I got home, I sat on it for a while, then talked to a friend who's also done children's books. She walked me through the publishing process and encouraged me to finish it. Eventually, I printed it locally, got an ISBN, and even did a book signing during the November Art Walk in Cheyenne! That experience sparked other book ideas, too.
KFS: What are you working on these days?
DB: I've pivoted this year to making work that's more personal and reflects more of the world around us, and also I have been working on another Helen & Kate story. I've been surprised by the writing that's come up for me lately, and trying to decide what to do with all of that. All of that to say, maybe the photo will help express what I've been thinking about. This piece, called 'Feelings,' is steeped in symbolism around how we (or, I) process feelings and we hide or let them out.
KFS: What would you say to other artists who are unsure about attending a residency?
DB: Residencies offer a rare chance to truly step away. Giving yourself that permission to create without distraction can be incredibly refreshing. It helps artists reset, reflect, and move forward with more clarity. I often work with artists and know how hard it is to make space for growth. A residency provides that opportunity.
KFS: What is something that sets Kestrel Fields Studio apart as a residency?
DB: The location is beautiful with the Colorado Front Range as a backdrop. Heather and Paul are incredibly kind, and the space feels homey while still being a retreat. There are chickens, walking paths, and a sense of peace that made it feel like a true getaway while still being close enough to town if needed.
KFS: Thank you Desirée! We can't wait to see what you do next!
Follow Desirée Brothe on Instagram @creative_magpies, and be sure to pay a visit to the Cheyenne Creativity Center (just 45 minutes from Kestrel Fields Studio) next time you're in northern Colorado/southern Wyoming.
Feelings
Desiree Broth
2025