This month we feature Pepper Raper, Telluride Arts’ newest employee. Pepper moved to Telluride in 2011 sight unseen seeking a mountain town with a strong community and music scene. Immediately she found herself enthralled with our busy little community and hasn’t looked back since. Prior to joining Telluride Arts, Pepper did public relations for Telluride Ski and Golf. She left her position there last October to pursue opportunities to be more creative. The Pepporium, a vintage-festive-costume business, is her passion project where she lets her creativity out of the closet, styling outfits for events, parties and festivals as well as collecting and curating vintage and unique clothing pieces. She volunteers her time with Burning Man as the Western Slope regional contact and Deep Creek Experimental. When she’s not working you can find her listening to vinyl, doing yoga, or playing in her closet.
Here we get to know her a little better…
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Outgoing, vibrant, authentic.
What was the first thing you did when you got up this morning?
Looked out my window, smiled, and gave thanks for the ridiculous beauty that I get to call home existing just on the other side of the glass.
Best Telluride moment?
Second lining down Colorado Avenue with Rebirth Brass Band during Telluride Jazz! If there’s two things I love they are second line parades and getting dressed up. Put those together, stick me on Telluride main street, throw in some good weather, and I’m just about in heaven.
What inspires you the most?
Live music. Some of my best ideas come to me when I’m at shows.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I didn’t have a definite idea, but I knew I wanted to work with people and art. Hey-o, winning!
What was the last film you saw at the Nugget?
I think Lady in Gold? Guess it’s been a while…
What was the last thing you geeked-out about?
Gucci worked with Gia Coppola to create a film showcasing their Spring/Summer 2016 collection. It was a four part online series with no dialogue retelling the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set in modern day New York. I geeked out, not only on the designs but how they made the collection tell the story and that they remade a greek myth. I love Alessandro Michele, his over the top designs and what he has done with the legendary brand.
Who were you in a past life?
Which past life are we talking about?
If you could swim in a pool of any substance, what would it be?
Chocolate pudding.
What’s your favorite piece of clothing and why?
Oh my, I have so many favorites! I tend to go through phases with pieces (and I have SO many amazing things) so I’ll share what I’m digging right now which is this 90’s denim vest. I’ve got some good pieces of flair on there and a patch or two.