Hi, I’m Megan…

Maker of things.
Finder of treasures.
Believer in what happens when we make art together.

I’m brought to life by nature, found objects and the magic of transforming what others overlook
into something beautiful that sparks joy.

An Artist & A People Person

I’ve spent decades in people and culture work: philanthropy, HR, and organizational leadership and held space for teams navigating change and building cultures.

At heart, I’ve always been an artist. I founded Chaparral Made - hand-made goods using natural and upcycled materials because for me, making things from what's been discarded is both about sustainability and showing love.

A woman with glasses, large hoop earrings, a sleeveless maroon top, and a floral tattoo on her arm, taking a selfie in a cluttered room.

What I’m Unlearning

Meeting everyone else's expectations at the cost of my own.

Apologizing for my natural sensitivity

That I always need to do more, be more, create more.

A woman taking a selfie outdoors during sunset near a snowy lake, wearing a knit hat with a pom-pom and a jacket.
Person with short hair and yellow sunglasses looking at a lake view with mountains and trees in the background.

I Find Joy In

Walking in nature, looking for treasures.
Making things from found objects.
Chit-chatting with neighbors.
Color — mustard yellow, teal, and salmon
Laughing with my two kids.
Creating gifts by hand.
Moving through the world wanting to make it better for all of us.

A couple standing by a waterfall with a stone bridge in the background surrounded by autumn trees.
A smiling woman and young girl sitting at a restaurant table, with the woman holding a glass of orange drink. The woman has short hair and is wearing a blue denim shirt, and the girl has long hair and is wearing a white T-shirt. In the background, a man in a yellow shirt is seated at a bar, and a waiter in a white shirt is serving other customers. The table has a piece of bread and cutlery on it.

Daily Rebellions

Big statement earrings.
Bright colors and punk rock hair.
Tattoos.
Crow's feet inherited from daily laughter (and my dad)
Showing up boldly and bravely in spaces that expect something quieter.

I Want You To Know:

Art is a practice that helps us see and be differently in the world.

Blue decorative string or ribbon in a loop and swirl design.

When we make something with our hands, side by side with others, we create more than objects. We relax, unwind and create connection. We discover how to move through the world with more ease, creativity and joy.

I've always seen possibility everywhere — looked at found objects and thought "What could this become?" For a long time I thought everyone reimagined the world this way. Turns out, not everyone does.

But everyone can — because creativity lives in all of us. Sometimes we just need time, space, and permission to play without knowing where we're headed.

I'm excited to co-host Art & Alchemy and help people remember that making with our hands can be the most rebellious, joyful act there is.