Born and raised in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Tempest Manthei first came to Glenwood Springs in 2008 as a camp counselor at Anderson Camps—and quickly realized she had found her forever home. Inspired by a passion for helping others, she earned her nursing degree and now serves as Valley View Hospital’s Wound and Ostomy Certified Nurse.

An artist trained in painting and illustration, Tempest works in watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, and mixed media. Her artistic career has recently blossomed, with her signature large-scale floral canvases displayed at Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen.

She regularly hosts paint-and-sip events at Native Son and donates her art—affectionately called “Heartwork”—to local causes. Her custom pieces include nursery art, pet portraits, family landscapes, and greeting cards, all created with warmth, color, and detail.

A recent collaboration with her children led to a sold-out series, and she's now working on her first children’s book—a natural step for her creative storytelling.

Tempest was also honored to create the official branding artwork for this year’s Strawberry Days Festival, reflecting the theme “Through the Eyes of Locals.” Be sure to visit her booth at Strawberry Days!

Through her business, Columbines to Creatures LLC, Tempest isn’t just making art—she’s creating joyful, lasting connections.