COLORADO — Sometimes, when we work with or for someone else, it can be easy to forget that they are not just a USDA Forest Service biologist or administrative assistant, not just your supervisor, your employee or your co-worker. We may forget that outside of work our colleagues have other interests and skills…maybe even, hidden talents! 

At the May all-employee day in Cañon City, Colo., Forest Service employees from the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimmaron and Comanche National Grasslands got to see their co-workers’ hidden talents at an employee art show. Artists from across the forest and resource areas brought their art pieces in mediums ranging from paint, pastels and photography to ceramics, beads, fabric and wood.  Art was displayed outdoors, on and around tables and included each artists’ name. An explanation of what inspired the art, often national forest landscapes, was also shared.

The creation of the show was last-minute and fortuitous. Organizers of the all-employee day were looking for authentic ways to help employees meet, interact and learn more about one other after years of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two forest and grassland employees, Cristy Brown, administrative operations specialist, and Michelle Putz, national environmental policy act planner, spoke on the phone about finally meeting at the all-employee day and realized they had a shared interest in art and drawing. Less than two weeks before the all-employee event they came up with the idea of bringing their own drawings to share at the event, which led to an invite to other Forest Service artists and crafters to bring their art to share.

On the benefits of such an event, Brown said, “This project allowed employees to not only see the creativity of their peers, but also get a sense of what they do in their off time. Art is known to have therapeutic qualities. Because the event was held during Mental Health Awareness month, it was the perfect opportunity to see a tangible side of self-care.” She also added, “By getting a different view of coworkers, it helped foster an opportunity for deeper relationship building.” 

Putz agreed, “I think this art show highlighted several things: it reminded people that we are not just what we do at work, it gave fellow employees a broader sense of their co-workers, it reminded people about life-work balance — that we need something outside of work to focus on and enjoy, and, with any luck, it encouraged further creativity.” Putz went on to say that seeing co-workers in a different way reminds everyone of the diversity of thought, experience and knowledge that each person brings to their job."

Brown was excited about this project partially because of her interest in mental health. “Art is known to have therapeutic qualities, including improving mental health. We have busy, sometimes stressful and demanding jobs. Having positive outlets is crucial to maintaining our wellbeing. For a lot of people in land agencies, it is usually outdoor activities. Not everyone is able to hike, bike, etc. due to location, or finances or physical limitations. This show was a reminder that there are other options available.”

Those interested in arranging a similar show face two challenges, organizers said. Finding the right venue and finding artists were their keys to a successful employee art show. Organizers found that the all-employee day was an opportune venue because it brought both Forest Service artists and viewers together at one time in one place. Organizers also suggest that someone interested in a similar project could gather the art centrally and set up a traveling “exhibit” to each of the forest units. 

As for finding artists, organizers found this to be less difficult than they expected. An email requesting art was positively received with artists stepping right up to reserve their spot. And a few friendly, personal nudges, organizers said, encouraged more bashful artists to participate.

Whether you’re an artist yourself or just appreciate art, realize that “who we are” can be many things.  And the next time you talk to or work with someone at the Forest Service, you might want to ask yourself (or better yet, ask them), “What is your hidden talent?”