Julia Yamashita is an illustrator and artist based in Denver, but grew up in Steamboat! As a half-Japanese biracial artist, she loves merging different cultural motifs in her work. Her art incorporates bold colors, whimsical characters, and stars. Julia is an aspiring children's and middle grade book illustrator.

This soccer ball design captures bits and pieces of Steamboat through collaging washi tape, a Japanese decorative medium.

This project was initially inspired by a large collection of European stamps given to me years ago by my friend and art framer, Mindy Williams. While sorting through them, I found many soccer stamps and originally saved them for my son, Nolan. However, this fundraiser felt like the perfect opportunity to use them.

To create the piece, I applied the stamps to the soccer ball first, keeping as many complete as possible and only cutting duplicates to create borders and defined sections. Next, I added word finds, which established the theme: "Live What We Love!" I incorporated materials from an old soccer catalog of Nolan's and painted one of his favorite post-game treats—a gourmet ice cream shake.

The rest of the design details fell into place from there, representing different elements of the sport: partial clocks symbolize the relationship to time during a match; a butterfly represents growth, change, and hot summer games; and the remaining imagery captures the deep passion, pride, and devotion shared by players, coaches, parents, and fans.

I hope this vividly painted soccer ball elevates your spirit and keeps your passion on track. 

Artist Bio: Simone White is a mixed media artist and printmaker based in Northwest Colorado. Raised in ski towns and deeply rooted in mountain life, her work is inspired by years spent skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring the natural beauty of the Rockies. She can be found hiking up Colorado's 14ers with a paintbrush in one hand and paints in the other. Simone’s vibrant, expressive pieces capture more than just landscapes, they tell stories. Known for her vivid colors and bold lines, Simone’s work explores the emotional connection between people and place. Her goal is to celebrate the privilege of living among breathtaking scenery and to inspire others to connect with the outdoors through art. Simone’s work has been featured in several Colorado art publications and exhibited at galleries in Steamboat Springs, Vail, Denver, Winter Park, Fort Collins, New York, and Los Angeles. 

Artist statement: The moment I saw the soccer ball as a canvas, I was reminded of the patterns on a quilt my grandmother made. The hexagonal shapes resembled the piece she used to create a floral map of all the state flowers. I chose to represent plant species native to Colorado, specifically high elevation terrain. I used my own work as inspiration as well, mimicking the patterns and textures of a carborundum and drypoint print titled “Achillea Millefolium”. The plants you see on the ball include Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow), Amorpha Nana (Dwarf Leadplant), Agastache Rupestris (Sunset Hyssop), Mountain Dandelion, Rudbeckia Hirta (Black-eyed Susan) and Monarch Butterflies.

Steph Traylor, owner of Dusky Grouse Coffee and is the coach of the amazing U8B team, Coco Bros!

"I am no artist, but I jumped on this opportunity purely to help raise money for SSC and to welcome some creativity into my own life. And who doesn't love flowers?

Callaghan Cavanaugh is a multidisciplinary artist based in Steamboat Springs, CO where she works as a ski instructor. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Studio Art from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, where she grew up. Callaghan has spent time working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and for affordable housing developers in Omaha. She works in printmaking, painting, and ceramics to explore systems of power, community, queerness, angst, and the midwest. Through self-aware nostalgia and punk aesthetics, Cavanaugh hopes people see themselves in her work. In her practice, she prioritizes play, whimsy, and, above all, community building.” 

Madeleine Burrough is a realistic Painter who believes art can express the best reality has to offer. The gentle play between shapes and shadows creates movement through her work. Tranquility exists in her painting. Lost edges and lost focus are where she finds her true art. Madeleine lives in Steamboat Springs with her husband and their five sons aged 14-24. When she is not painting, you can find her outdoors enjoying nature or spending time with her friends and family.

For the Together We Turf campaign, I wanted to transform the soccer ball into a Koi pond. I wanted to combine the movement of nature with the soccer ball. I loved the challenge of bringing two completely different things together and making them into something colorful, peaceful, and unique.

Jake Kaufmann enjoys living in Steamboat Springs, where he finds artistic inspiration while enjoying the outdoors. He manages print production at Ohana and contributes creatively as a graphic designer. You can find him on the trail or in the studio most days, but his favorite activity is playing soccer with his friends.

Drawing on some of the biggest moments and players from the World Cup, he hopes that this artwork will help us remember how this tournament brought the world together for a moment to celebrate.

Born and raised in Steamboat Springs. Currently attends SCAD and will graduate this December. He's an illustrator- concept artist /character Designer.

Erin Kries a dedicated art teacher with over 20 years of experience, hailing from the beautiful Steamboat Springs. Driven by my passion for creativity and accessibility in art, . She owns Paint Steamboat and offers lively paint parties. Her ball was inspired by Australian Aboriginal dot art.

Hannah lives and works in Steamboat as a bench jeweler. While jewlery is her primary practice , she enjoys exploring a variety of mediums and finding inspiration in unexpected places. For this piece she was inspired by the geometric sections of the soccer ball, which brought to mind the structure of honeycomb.Bees work together as a team within the hive, each contributing to something larger than themselves to create honey and sustain their community. This mirrors the teamwork and shared purpose on a soccer field.

Artist Bio: Suzi Mitchell is a Scottish-born artist and writer who has called the Yampa Valley home for several decades. Working with acrylics and pastels, her artwork is an emotive response to favorite landscapes, and the people and places she encounters through life. Suzi is the founder of You Out Loud, a transformative arts program to support mental wellbeing for youth in Routt County. When not in the studio, she leads women on mindful forest art sessions she calls Wild and Wondrous. Artist statement: The Spirit of Adventure. I chose this theme for my ball as I want to reiterate to youth here in Steamboat - that if you go through life with effort and curiosity, the sky's the limit. 

Megan Westerkamp is a Steamboat Springs resident of 20 years, an educator, and a lifelong creative. She holds a Master's in Art and Design and currently teaches art at the high school, sharing her passion for visual expression with the next generation. Growing up on Colorado's Front Range, Megan spent her youth playing competitive soccer and was excited to bring a soccer ball to life for the Together We Turf Campaign. Her ball design draws vibrant inspiration from the legendary "Tartan Army" and their unforgettable World Cup presence.

MC Daubendiek is a multidisciplinary artist and curator. She works in video, photography, performance, sculpture, drawing, and painting. Her work collaborates with space and explores the questions and conditions that come with having a body, with emphasis on empathy. She earned a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from George Washington University.

Christie Stephan is an artist and educator. She earned a BA in Printmaking and Studio Art from CO College and MFA from San Francisco Art Institute. She is a teacher at Soda Creek.

"Art and soccer have both played an important role in my life, so I was excited to make art while helping the TWT campaign! I've been a soccer player from 1st grade through college and currently coach and play in the adult league.

"For this project,I wanted to acknowledge the similarities in the creative process in the art studio and on the soccer field. Both take disciplined practice and determination, where you compete with your own limits to go beyond the self into imagination and execution. Both are beautiful and endlessly thought-provoking."

Gwyneth Moore, a 22-year old senior at CU Boulder pursuing a degree in psychology and fine art. I was born and raised in Steamboat and grew up playing for the soccer club.

My inspiration for this project stems from a deep love for my hometown roots. The places, people, and traditions I was brought up in, many of which still remain today. This soccer ball is my ode to Steamboat Springs, the one I was fortunate enough to know as a little girl, and the one I am lucky enough to come home to now.