#gus gruner

This past year as TEDx Artist in Residence has been a very thrilling and fruitful journey. Upon being asked and accepting to hold this position by Organizer, Corinne Hara, I became very curious. 

  Stepping into the first group gathering, I was a bit nervous and truly did not know what to expect. As the group leaders started to roll in and place themselves around the table, I knew things were going to be great. The demographics of the table ranged from well-dressed community leaders, professors, and mountain enthusiasts riding to the meeting on their mountain bikes.  It was a comforting and very relaxed environment. 

  As the meeting was underway, the enthusiasm filled the air, and people in the room started introducing themselves. Right then and there I knew that it would be a truly worthwhile experience.  The skill sets and unmatched qualities possessed by everyone in the room were astounding.

  As time had passed, the event started to form into a very-well, put together showing and I became more and more interested. The thought that I would be involved in such a thrilling and influential event started to hit home. 

  It was time to start painting.  I started my statement piece, the TEDxVail speakers rug.  As I painted, the image and idea unfolded.  I still couldn't help but think what it was all for. Lost in my creative process, I looked up and noticed it was complete. Was it worth it? I wasn't sure.  24 hours before the event, I realized that the rug would be the launching pad where many influential and passionate people would deliver their ideas from, and fill the room with their beautiful energy. 

  The next day had arrived.  It was time. The event was underway, and the rug was on stage. Usually, I would be appalled by people stepping all over my artwork, but this time it was different. From passionate poets, world travelers, literary geniuses, athletes, to brilliant scientists, my rug, the centerpiece of the event, became this platform for amazing people to spread their energy and share life changing ideas to many. It was worth every hour, minute and second spent dedicated to painting the rug.

  These new ideas shared by the speakers built up rush of feelings just waiting to be free were now truly free.  The many words spoken "Naturally" of living out passions without compromise in the efforts of happiness and positive change were truly beautiful.  It was hands down one of the more influential happenings of my life. 

  This journey leading to this amazing event was truly beneficial for the mind, body, and soul. I met, worked with, and networked with powerful community leaders and speakers from all over the Vail Valley and country. A networking event that is not singled out to a specific category or topic. But, a networking event for the open and beautiful mind.  An event and experience that  I wouldn't trade for the world.

  Just to think that this journey and influential event was facilitated by "ordinary" people, is probably the most amazing thing of all.  Anything is possible!

Naturally,

Gus Gruner