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The Sharon Prize, a prestigious $5,000 annual grant celebrating and supporting women and non-binary artists in Colorado, has been awarded to Kristen Abbott for her innovative project, Tending | Belonging. Her project explores the cyclical nature of life—how we are connected and shaped by our encounters with beauty, loss, and longing. This immersive exhibition considers the garden as both metaphor and material: a site of care, change, and shared experience.

Kristen is a mixed media painter, drawing inspiration from the scenic landscapes of Boulder, Colorado where she resides. Guided by introspection and propelled by a sense of joyful experimentation, Abbott’s creative process spans a diverse array of mediums and materials. Her collaboration with nature rejuvenates her sense of wonder, continually drawing her back to the canvas in pursuit of capturing the enigmatic essence of Colorado’s landscape and the internal stillness it shares with us. 

Kristen’s work is represented by Liz Lidgett Gallery and Midnight Gallery and is included in private, corporate, and hospital collections nationwide. Beyond her studio practice, she is passionate about fostering a creative community, hosting workshops, retreats, and gatherings at Schoolhouse Studios, a 1950’s schoolhouse she personally renovated in Boulder, Colorado.

“When I first read about the Sharon Prize, it felt too aligned not to apply. Receiving it has been both an honor and a catalyst—giving me greater freedom to create art that builds connection and community, and to hold spaces where artists of all backgrounds can gather and grow. I am grateful for the Sharon Prize jury’s belief in the power of art to connect us,” said Kristen Abbott.

Through large-scale cyanotypes, paintings, installations, photography, poetry, and interactive elements, Tending | Belonging invites viewers into a sensory journey through the seasons—winter, spring, summer, fall—each unfolding within its own room at Schoolhouse Studios. These distinct spaces mirror the inner landscapes we move through and will immerse attendees in themes of loss, dormancy, renewal, and abundance.

Tending | Belonging is a call to disarm through beauty—to break down barriers and create space for reflection and conversation. Together, these artists offer a space where art and nature converge to remind us that we are more connected than separate in our experience of what it means to be human. 

The show features the work of Kristen Abbott as well as Colorado-based artists, Sara Sanderson, Natalie Pigliacampo, Cady Faus, and Lindsey Mazzaferro.

The Sharon Prize, established in honor of the late Sharon Riordan McAvoy, is an annual grant recognizing women and non-binary artists in Colorado who create work evoking the power of community and collective change. Over the past four years, they have received grant proposals from over 200 visual artists, singers, dancers, writers and filmmakers living and working in Colorado.

The opening reception for Tending | Belonging is Saturday, October 4th, from 5-8pm, at Schoolhouse Studios located at 4705 Baseline Road in Boulder, Colorado. Light refreshments will be served in the studio garden.

Leading tuition-free online public school starts new school year with strong parent satisfaction and expanded College and Career Readiness offering

Englewood, Colo.  – As students across the state head back to school, so are those who prefer logging into their classes with Colorado Connections Academy. This tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12 from across the state, recently welcomed new and returning students to the virtual classroom for the 2025-26 school year.

This year, students in grades 6-12 can benefit from an expanded College and Career Readiness offering. The school will integrate traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences, and marketing, helping students develop durable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.

“Colorado Connections Academy is more than just a school, it’s a community. It’s a place where you can find unparalleled support from our incredible teachers and exemplary staff who care about helping everyone thrive. Not only academically, but as a person,” said Bryan Hill, Executive Director of Colorado Connections Academy schools. “Our school model offers engaging instruction and meaningful collaboration.”

Students return to school as results from the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with Colorado Connections Academy, show continued high levels of approval from families:

• 98% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Colorado Connections Academy
• 96% of parents agree the Colorado Connections Academy program gives them more opportunity to be more involved with their child’s education
• 95% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Colorado Connections Academy
• 95% of parents feel their children are making progress on their academic goals with Connections Academy  

Colorado Connections Academy offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school’s team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child’s Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day. 

  Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students, including those who are academically advanced or struggle in a traditional school setting, as well as those who may be experiencing health challenges, bullying, or living in rural areas. Others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule. 

Siblings Aimee and Aaron Wild train full-time as elite halfpipe snowboarders while completing their studies through Colorado Connections Academy. The school’s flexible schedule enables them to compete internationally and stay on track academically. Both have earned top finishes on the NorAm and Rev Tour circuits, with Aaron also competing on the World Cup circuit for Team Great Britain.

“Colorado Connections Academy has helped me prepare for my snowboarding goals of winning at an elite level by giving me the flexibility of when I complete my schoolwork. It has also prepared me for my future at college,” said Aimee, a 9th grader with Colorado Connections Academy. 

Aimee recently won the NorAm Cup and earned two wins and two silver medals at Rev Tour events. Aaron qualified for finals in three out of four Rev Tour events, reached the podium at Mammoth Mountain, and competed at the World Cup level. He hopes to qualify for the X Games and the Olympics in 2030.

“I have a solid relationship with my teachers. They are all very responsive and helpful,” added Aaron, who will be an 11th grader this year. “I love my electives and I feel like I’m learning things I can apply to real life.”

Enrollment is currently open for the 2025-26  school year. Families interested in Colorado Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students. To learn more about the school or begin enrollment, please visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

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About Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12. Colorado Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology  

Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2025 survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.