Investigating the visual artist landscape of the state of Colorado has uncovered a plethora of talented creators. I am in awe of the diversity and talent of this region. Oddly enough it is an artist that looks even higher than the Rockies for inspiration that caught the eye of Harmony Republic this month.

Monica Petty Aiello is an artist that creates "lush mixed media pieces, that blend her deep interest in planetary science with a love for fiber, materials and process." She researches her work heavily often consulting NASA scientists involved with the Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, New Horizons, and Magellan missions for accuracy. In her own work Aiello describes her work as addressing "celestial and geological forms while comparing their relationship to our own origins, evolution and life itself. At first glance, my work may appear to be purely abstract; however, upon closer inspection, one finds depictions of specific subjects - the pieces are actually topographical landscapes of the planets and moons within our solar system. From the diverse geology of the Galilean Satellites, to Saturn's frozen moons, to our own fragile planet, I hope to capture these mysterious landscapes in paint."

Aiello is an active community member and enjoys fostering the connection between art and science through regular lectures and teaching. Recently, Aiello taught a six week course entitled "Alien Landscapes" helping locals explore the solar system through art. In addition to inspiring other through teaching, Monica and her husband Tyler Aiello (also a talented sculptor) are empowering others to create by providing work spaces. The couple has renovated two warehouse buildings in the Rino Arts District of Denver as sculpture and fabrication facilities for area working artists.

Aiello's most recent and impressive exhibition was held at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The exhibit NASA | ART and was organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in cooperation with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

To view more of Monica Petty Aiello work visit her website at: www.tandmaiello.com

Monica Petty Aiello's Website: TandMAiello.com