Imagine a space where immersive colorful patterns inexplicably bring feelings of connection. Inspired by the theme of Other Worlds, New York-based artist, Laurie Shapiro will create a site-specific environment that invites you to relish in the joy of color and the alluring swirl of psychedelic motifs. As you enter the artist’s hand-painted tent-like structure, you will be mesmerized by the atmospheric quality of color and light, that changes theatrically throughout the day as the sun and the clouds move across the ever-changing Colorado sky.
Shaprio will be one of this year’s BIFA artists-in-residence from late July through August 2026. The artist will work closely with community through a series of workshops to create elements that will be added to her BIFA installation over the run of the festival.
Laurie Shapiro is part of Breck Create’s signature annual festival—BIFA. Trail Mix blends art and nature along scenic Breckenridge trails, where hikers and bikers encounter site-specific installations in the wild.
Laurie Shapiro (b. 1990, New York, based in NYC) creates handmade, painted, immersive installations and 3D/wall-hanging pieces focused on internal listening, safety, care, and interconnectedness. She holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University (2012) and lived in California for 12 years. Shapiro has exhibited internationally at venues including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and SACI Florence. Her immersive installations have been commissioned by Otherworld, Walter Studios, Weedmaps, and international festivals like The Governors Ball, Life is Beautiful, and Phish Riviera Maya. She has completed residencies at the American Academy in Rome, Kala Art Institute, and the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, and is a recipient of a California Council for the Arts Fellowship and a Puffin Grant. Her work is in public and private collections globally, including SACI Florence and Bilkent University. Her work has been featured on TV (WTAE, KTNV) and in publications such as Fiber Arts Now and Artillery Magazine.