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There are plenty of creative opportunities for the Telluride, few of which are contentious, but Miranda Baker and Jacques Garcia think something is missing. So, the figs bloom. This fresh, artist-driven pop-up collective is hosting free poetry workshops at the Telluride Arts headquarters on Sundays from 6-8pm. All are welcome to attend.
“We just wanted to bring people together to write and talk about poetry,” Baker said. “It’s for all levels of interest, we’ll have a short introduction to poetry, and then we’ll have very vague prompts and more specific prompts, or you can write freely.”
Baker said Figs will focus on comedy and poetry. She and Garcia believe that while the local music scene is vibrant and hyperactive, aspiring cartoonists need acting opportunities.
“I was tempted to focus on comedy because I believe we lack performance space in the area, especially for the locals. I was joking with Jacques that I wanted to plan that comedy show so I could be in the headlines,” Baker said. “We want to create a safe space for people to try and fail. We want low pressure, gentle encouragement, and a reminder that most people are afraid to do these things, but we can try and fail together.”
If last month’s comedy night at the Transfer Warehouse showed that need, The Fig couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Fantastic. There were more people on stage than room! But we had an affiliate program ready, so we spilled over from the stage,” Baker said. “We are fortunate to be able to donate this space as we currently have a zero budget. The performers and Telluride Arts staff have all come together to help put the show together. Without the full support of the community and staff , we won’t be able to do that.”
Comedy isn’t just for laughter, Baker said.
“Comedy is important because it’s like a fun therapy. It’s full of emotion and can oscillate between being funny and associated sadness,” she said. “It gives people a chance to think and reflect on the things they notice about themselves and the world. I don’t think we’re doing enough! Like hydration, being consistent is the hardest thing. But comedy makes it fun. It Bringing people together to talk and share and gain a sense of community. Vulnerability is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of comedy. Can we put our egos aside and connect without judgment?”
Why figs? Baker said it started with a conversation she had with Garcia about “creating a disaster dating podcast called ‘The Fig…’ (because it’s not a date.)
Baker and Garcia envision more poetry and comedy workshops and plan a holiday-themed comedy event in December.
“We’d love to call anyone who wants to join,” Baker said. “We’re also trying to run a workshop sometime before that for those who want to attend but aren’t sure yet about the show.”
Besides music, figs are also open to other types of performing arts.Contact Baker and Garcia at thefigtelleride@gmail.comor message The Fig on Instagram @Thefigtelluride.
Baker said she and Garcia were recently asked to host a locals comedy night for the 2023 Telluride Comedy Festival in honor of Silas Berrier, who started 2020 before Covid. Silas’ uncle and comedy festival founder Jeb Berrier wanted to stick with it, she said. (Silas was killed in a car accident in Ouray County in 2021.)
The comedy festival is where Baker starts, but first she has to kill the dragon, her fear.
“My journey started with my painful feeling of wanting to stand for long periods of time,” she said. “Also, I was afraid to try everything. In general, it took me years and some therapy to really help me reduce my fear of everything. I did it at the Comedy Festival with Silas in 2020 A scene, that was my first audience.”
This year, she also performed at the Telluride Blues & Beer Festival, sharing the stage with seasoned professionals. Despite the audio delay and dazzling stage lighting, she persevered, much to the delight of the 400 people who came to the blues stage.
“Now that I’m addicted, I don’t want to lose motivation,” she said. “So, I write every day.”
The figure has a simple vision for the future, with an emphasis on inclusivity.
“We would love to continue to gather community members for reflection, laughter and a sense of togetherness, while also developing our own minds,” Baker said.
Workshops like Sunday Poetry Workshop are always free, while events are paid as much as you can.
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