We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Jaramillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aaron, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’ve worked on many art projects. While many projects have been a blessing, the most meaningful would be the custom cornhole boards I made for Dalton Risner. Dalton played for the Denver Broncos and grew up in Colorado. I reached out over Instagram, made him a custom cornhole set, and we became good friends. I’ve also participated in many of Dalton’s Foundation events, The Risner Up Foundation. When I first met Dalton, I found out that both of our foundations/nonprofits are based on the same bible scripture, 1 Peter 4:10. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received as a service to others, as good and faithful stewards of God’s grace, in its various forms. This verse basically says to use your gifts to serve others. I have never been very visually artistic. My hope with my nonprofit, 5280 Beer Can Art, is to bless others through the art or the money raised. With the help of Dalton, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for the work he is doing with the Risner Up Foundation (scholarships, youth athletics, etc).

Aaron, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Aaron Jaramillo. 5280 Beer Can Art is a nonprofit I formed in Colorado. Essentially, I take recycled Colorado Craft beer cans, cut them up, and turn them into art. I am a choir teacher as my full time job. The nonprofit formed when I thought it would be fun to make my brother a christmas present. Over 1,000 pieces later, I’ve been blessed to make art for many people and raise money for a variety of local organizations. I think what sets my nonprofit apart from others is that we are focused on blessing others through the gift of art. There are so many local craft breweries, each with a unique can labeling and visual aesthetic. I love being able to try new beer, supporting small businesses, and creating art. The main thing that I would want followers/fans to know about 5280 Beer Can Art, is that it is guided by the love of Christ. The nonprofit formed from the scripture 1 Peter 4:10, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received in the service of others, as good and faithful stewards of God’s grace, in its various forms. This verse basically says to use your gifts to serve others. Many people would probably not connect God to craft beer, and yet here we are. This is such a gift and blessing from God, and I want to use it to bless my community in any way I can.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I will answer this question as a visual artist with 5280 Beer Can Art and a High School Choir Director (my full time job). I believe the best thing society can do to support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is to get involved. Purchase art, join a chorus or band, go to concerts or art shows. All of these things help creatives feel supported and loved, and gets you involved in the beauty and community that comes from creativity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal or mission that I have focused on throughout my creative journey is to serve. As the scripture 1 Peter 4:10 says, use the gifts you have to serve others. I am essentially spending free time drinking beer, cutting up cans, and making art. How can I use this gift to serve my community? I take the money from each project to gift to my students’ in the choir program at the high school I teach. I donate to other performing arts programs and/or other nonprofits. Many people will most likely imagine that you will lose so much (time, energy, money, etc) when you serve. Ironically, the exact opposite happens. Service brings life. Use your gifts to serve others and your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.5280beercanart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5280beercanart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5280beercanart

Image Credits

Lemar Griffin Films