FirstBank believes, “if you do right by your employees, they’ll do right by you.” To help our employees establish a healthy work-life balance, we encourage everyone to express themselves and pursue their dreams.   

For Jenny Bencomo, Senior Personal Banker, her artistic talents are displayed in the Glenwood Springs FirstBank Branch and through the Carbondale Arts Showcase. As you learn more about Jenny and her art, we invite other members of the LatinX community to share their stories and embrace creativity.

Hometown: Glenwood Springs, CO

Years at FirstBank: 2 years

Tell us more about your artwork.

My current art series, Since 1997, explores landscapes, that were personally significant to me, in a dreamlike way through abstract scenery and unconventional colors.”

How long have you been creating, and what kind of opportunities have you had in the past to share your art?

I have been creating since I was little, about 5 or 6 years old. I remember making greeting cards for my immediate family members to buy for others on special occasions. Since then, I have been able to display artwork at the Aspen Art Museum and graduated from the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Art. There I was able to create a public sculpture for the University Village Center in Colorado Springs.

In three to four sentences, describe your experience getting to where you are today.

The support of my family is the biggest reason why I am here today. My parents have always pushed me to create, and my mom is always the first to display my art around the house. My siblings have been a constant in my life. They’ve shown me how to pursue my interests with excellence. And my husband is the one who helps me see my art through different eyes, especially when I get discouraged. 

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Frida Kahlo, a pioneer for female artists but especially for Latin female artists. She made a great name for herself by being her unapologetic self. 

How was your artwork selected for the FirstBank and Carbondale Arts showcase?

The gallery manager for Carbondale Arts was installing the Fall 2022 showcase while my retail manager was at the branch. She mentioned to him that I make art, and he told me to enter for the following Spring 2023 showcase. And that’s what I did! They loved the idea of showcasing local artists at the branch where they work, so it happened organically!

Tell us what this showcase means for artists/creators within the LatinX community in the Roaring Fork Valley.

It is encouraging to know that the community supports their local artist and gives a platform to the Latin community. It allows our community to express themselves and break out of boxes that they have placed themselves in or that society has placed on them.

How has FirstBank’s companywide philosophy of “banking for good” impacted your personal life and career?

This opportunity has shown me that FirstBank cares and supports the life of their employees outside of what they provide to the company. What FirstBank cares about is what their employees care about.

How has FirstBank helped encourage the pursuit of your creative goals?

This opportunity has encouraged me to create more in my free time. We are already discussing  displaying my work in other branches within the Roaring Fork Valley Market. I’m excited to see what’s next.

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