About the Author

Lauren Merrill is the owner and founder of Alpine Arts Center, the local arts center servicing Vail and surrounding areas. This book was illustrated and designed for the community by Lauren and her team at Alpine Arts Center. She graduated from University of Michigan, School of Art and Design with a degree in fine arts. After teaching art for 5 years in the Vail Valley she opened Alpine Arts Center in 2010. When not at work, Lauren spends her time exploring in the mountains and creating art. Alpine Arts Center is a learning community committed to providing diverse visual arts experiences to people of all ages. We offer art classes, camps, drop-in studio use, exhibits, public events, team building and outreach programs throughout the Vail Valley and beyond. Our goals are to inspire and unite our community through the visual arts, and to provide our customers with an outlet for growth, imagination, and discovery.