Sandy Dolak, after a long career in the traditional medical field, returned to her roots in Southern Colorado. Several years ago, she founded the Huajatolla Heritage Foundation to promote cultural diversity and equity in rural Huerfano County, focusing on honoring the Native American and Hispanic communities through art, education, and presentations. Sandy has had a lifelong love for natural fibers, and about seven years ago, she was introduced to Colcha Embroidery, a traditional art form of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Once nearly extinct, Colcha experienced a revival in San Luis, Colorado, where Sandy was invited to join a special group of Colcheras (embroiderers).
The more she learned, the more Sandy felt compelled to share the craft. Teaching and sharing Colcha Embroidery became a way to tell the story of resilience while preserving a folk-art tradition. She teaches from the perspective of a “Contemporary Approach to a Traditional Art,” emphasizing that Colcha Embroidery is done with a single, simple stitch. Sandy highlights how manipulating this stitch can produce anything from simple motifs to elaborate tapestries. Her teaching mantra, “Colcha is so forgiving,” reflects her approachable style.
Sandy has been honored to share her embroideries at shows in Arvada, at the Martinez Hacienda in Taos, and the Range Gallery in Saguache. Her Montoya Sheep Ranch tapestry won the Grand Champion award at the 2024 Huerfano County Fair.