Jennifer Peterson

Founder

Like many of us, Jennifer grew up in an environment where her value was linked to her productivity. Stepping into the art studio of her grandmother, Estelle, she discovered art as play. This childhood oasis full of color and light, smelling of clay, turpentine, and paint opened new doors to her.

With guidance from the gentle hand of Estelle, Jennifer experimented with different art mediums and found a stronger sense of self and freedom. She also redefined productivity for herself, one with a more compassionate framework. Through this kinder lens, she discovered that time spent playing in art is productive to one’s soul and adds strength to one’s entire character.

With the founding of the Estelle Center for Creative Arts, Jennifer is continuing her grandmother's legacy of giving artists a place where they can discover their strength, freedom, and self-compassion. 

Sunshine Caulfield

Director of Operations & Hospitality

Sunshine Caulfield is the Director of Operations and Hospitality at the Estelle Center for Creative Arts. She is a visionary who enjoys interacting with artists and creatives. Sunshine is passionate about creating community through promoting creative self expression.
Sunshine handles all promotions, recruitment, events, retreats, communication and advertising for the Estelle Center. She also manages the daily operations of the Estelle Center venue.
She loves her community and is an advocate for the unique small town charm that is La Veta. 
Sunshine is an animal and nature lover and when she is not busy with the Estelle Center she can be found exploring the wilderness usually with her furry friends. She has been a petsitter/caretaker for many years. She promotes animal welfare through WAAG (Wahatoya Animal Advocacy Group) a 501c3 that strives to keep pets in homes by sponsoring monthly pet food distribution, emergency vet bills and feral cat TNR (Trap Neuter Release) programs. 
Sunshine is thrilled to be a part of the exciting creative opportunities that the Estelle Center for the Creative Arts is bringing into reality.

Lilo Bowman

Director of Partnerships / Outreach & Strategic Initiative

Lilo Bowman brings over 18 years of experience building durable partnerships, designing multi-year programs, and cultivating donors across the nonprofit and arts sectors. She specializes in guiding creative initiatives from concept to sustainable practice, blending strategic vision with meticulous operational follow-through. A recognized connector, Lilo bridges artists, institutions, sponsors, and donors to foster thriving communities and meaningful collaborations.
In addition to her work at the Estelle Center, Lilo serves as President of Studio Art Quilt Associates, where she has driven strategic planning, strengthened board governance, and expanded international engagement. She is also an author and international lecturer on creative studio organization, sharing her expertise through her book Love Your Creative Space. Her work reflects a commitment to nurturing creative journeys, advancing innovative arts initiatives, and cultivating environments where artists and creatives can connect, grow, and thrive.

Marilyn Heywood Paige

Director of Marketing

Marilyn was a jazz singer in Philadelphia who learned how to market herself to land better gigs. Eventually, she found marketing more fulfilling than singing and became a full-time marketer. She began her marketing career at the Princeton University Alumni Council and then went on to Barnes & Noble, and QVC. She earned her Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications in 2013 and founded two marketing agencies in Colorado. In her free time, Marilyn makes junk journals and greeting cards, and stalks large dogs on Instagram.

Abby Fountain

Social Media Manager

Abby Fountain lives in Fort Collins, Colorado and works as a photographer, videographer, and writer. She believes that everyone is creative and loves that the Estelle Center offers a safe space to practice art. When Abby's not at her laptop, you can find her running, rafting, or spending time with friends. 

Andrea Premer

Executive Assistant

Andrea is an experienced executive assistant with a passion for supporting mission-driven work and uplifting community voices. With a strong background in operations, organization, and relationship-building, she brings both structure and heart to her role at the Estelle Center for Creative Arts. Andrea is dedicated to helping creative spaces thrive and believes in the power of the arts to connect, heal, and inspire.