06/11/2024
Some descriptions from students, Brenda and Rebecca, of their experience during Tuesday’s class (photos by Renee Zink, Brenda Corona, and Rebecca M.):
“Ethos is a place that I was curious to visit, as I have been to multiple events promoted on FB since they started. Emily and Sandra gave us a very thorough tour, their energy was very engaging and they were very open to share their space. They both discussed how this place is a safe place for many. It is an alcohol free bar with mocktails. They are very thoughtful towards people recovering from alcohol, and younger community that go in there. They only sell mocktails to individuals over 21. This space is also very LGBT friendly, and they are very passionate about keeping it that way, as they have a zero tolerance for hateful comments towards any group of individuals. Art was around from cool clocks, to a very meaningful unicorn quilt, to a community art doodle wall. What an amazing venue! After learning the intentions behind the people who run this place and work there I realize we need to have places like this in Pueblo. It is so wonderful to see young community members like Emily Gradisar and her team bring that kind of energy and offer it to the public. This place is so important to have in our community.
The Latkas – As soon as we entered the home and yard space your eyes were delighted with garden scape views. A giant arch decorated the entrance as Tom Latka welcomed us into his home. He mentioned the garden has developed over 50 years and it is a masterpiece of his gardener, ‘it belongs to him.’ There were multiple trees and many flowers, like a botanical garden as well as sculpture pieces interwoven in the design it was open yet so many detail. I was taken by a giant kokopelli sculpture that was in front of one of the trees, and a small fountain that was adorned with teal crystal like stones. He then showed us the clay studio which was outdoors, he made a point to say that the materials they like to use are salvaged. You can see that in some of the sculptures and in the flooring of the main studio. This studio is where Tom showed us his glass creation on tiles, I saw they were many, these along with some framed worked gave me an idea of Tom's style, a combination of dark bright colors creating abstract designs. If you looked very closely you would find many decors like out of the ordinary dream catchers and a pin placed purposely yet nonchalantly saying ‘love trumps hate.’ Some of the decor and style was coming from Jean Latka who is also an artist and just finished a mural piece. It was a great sensory experience seeing the art around their garden and studios that are very much a part of the ambiance when you enter. My biggest takeaways from this visit was learning the history behind the Latka's journey as prominent artists in Pueblo, and the way that Tom said ‘Pueblo has been good to us.’ I also have to mention his small creation of a lookout over the Arkansas river which he calls ‘The Beach.’”
- Brenda Corona
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“The Ethos: Visiting The Ethos was so very enjoyable for me. Two young women have transformed a historical Pueblo building into a safe haven for many. A non-alcoholic bar/restaurant/art gathering space is a rather unusual business. I think we were all curious how they could 'keep things running smoothly' financially without the monies coming in from a regular bar, but they have a spirit about them that allows nothing to happen except 'the impossible.' Emily Gradisar and Sandra were very open with us, and the tour of the building and interview was delightful. The Ethos is located in an older neighborhood and blends right in within it. From what I could tell, The Ethos is only in its first year of business but will be a continually evolving positive force in the Pueblo community, as a while. This is a place that I will help patronize with my business! Sandra has a fully functioning ceramic studio and conducts classes there a few days per week.
The Latka Studios: We were immediately welcomed into their massive garden estate by an archway of stone and color. Sculpture and flora is everywhere. Tom and Jean Latka have lived in their home/studio for over 40 years. He told us that they purchased it months before he was made aware that his mother was born in the same home. I can describe this studio as the most magical one I have ever visited in person. Tom lead our tour and was so forthcoming and gracious that we could have stayed much longer, just to listen to his stories of, how they began as artists, how they live as husband and wife, as artists, and how they view the community and engage it, as artists. They purchased a few hundred windows from the USAF Academy in 1978 (Frank Lloyd Wright designed) and resold them to 'launch their businesses.' They own commercial properties that help fuel their financial coffers and enjoy the benefits of a life-long relationship with public art projects in Pueblo. They have dedicated their lives as artists to remain true to their own vision of what they art should be. Their outdoor kiln overlooks a beautiful backdrop of the Arkansas river and the Union train station. We were not able to meet Jean Latka, but her spirit is everywhere, in clay, glass, oil paintings, woven fabric and braided branches. I loved this visit!"
- Rebecca M.
📸 Photo credit:
Renee Zink
Brenda Corona
Rebecca M.
Colorado State University Pueblo
My CSU Pueblo
SOCO Student Media
Ethos Pueblo
Tom Latka
Jean Latka
