March is officially recognized as Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the many contributions women have made across all facets of American society. Originating as “Women’s History Week” in 1981, this commemoration expanded to encompass the entire month in 1995. Across the United States, Women’s History Month is celebrated and acknowledged, spanning from museums and schools to national parks and right here at High Plains Bank in Bennett.
Celebrating Women’s Contributions
In honor of Women’s History Month, High Plains Bank Bennett is partnering with the Corridor Creative Arts League (CCAL) with a special exhibit at the branch featuring Bennett-area women artists.
The Corridor Creative Arts League (CCAL), founded in 2022 by local artists Laurie Leftwich and Jamie Zerr-Lockwood, strives to “promote a greater understanding of art and the creative process by fostering collaboration and an open exchange of ideas between artists and the community.”
Friendship and Community Formed Through Art
Jamie Zerr-Lockwood is a Colorado native and has lived in Bennett since 2016. Laurie Leftwich also moved to Bennett in 2016 from New York. The two met during an art event held by the Bennett Arts Council and quickly became friends. They recognized the need to create an art community and decided to start a small "Art Club." This little "Art Club" is now known as Corridor Creative Arts League and has over 50 participants.
“Our journey began with a handful of local artists in 2020, dreaming of infusing Bennett with creativity and art,” shares Jamie Zerr-Lockwood, co-founder of CCAL. “Becoming a nonprofit in 2022 was a game-changer for us, especially in achieving our dream of providing a platform for local artists. We're incredibly grateful to High Plains Bank for opening their doors to us and allowing us to showcase our work. With no dedicated galleries in town, the bank is providing CCAL with a way to live out our mission - bringing people together through art and foster pride along the I-70 corridor.”
pictured: Jamie Zerr-Lockwood
The Arts as a Community and Bank Value
High Plains Bank has long been a champion of the arts and understands that a vibrant cultural scene plays an important role in improving local communities, bolstering small businesses, and improving the overall quality of life. Each High Plains Bank branch proudly displays artwork created by the local artistic community. In Bennett, this has translated to the bank’s ongoing support of organizations like CCAL and the Bennett Arts Council.
Casey Clearwater, Branch Manager at High Plains Bank Bennett, underscores the institution's commitment to community engagement. “My favorite part about working at High Plains Bank is the deep and intentional focus on community. Expression and inclusion are pinnacles of a healthy community, which is why we are incredibly proud and honored to be able to support the CCAL and their Women's Art Exhibit.”
To see the artwork, all of which is for sale, visit the High Plains Bank Bennett branch located at 235 S. Ash Street during business hours, 8:30AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday through Monday, April 30th, 2024.
To learn more about the Corridor Creative Arts League, visit www.corridorcreativeartsleague.org.
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Photo: Elisa Woog