PAGE TITLE VENDOR SPOTLIGHT SUMMER WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, sunscreen Bottled water LANDO ALLEN (LEFT) RECEIVES HIS VENDOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM SPECIAL GUEST AT DENVER VOICE’S RISE AND THRIVE, BREE DAVIES (RIGHT). CREDIT: GILES CLASEN VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: LANDO ALLEN GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets/shorts (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets/shorts (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN, MANAGING EDITOR LANDO ALLEN DOESN’T LIKE A LOT OF ATTENTION. But when it came time for the Denver VOICE vendors to nominate the vendor of the year for 2022, it was Allen who received the most votes from his peers, so he didn’t have a choice. And if you don’t know him, keep reading to understand what he’s been up to over the past year — then you’ll get why he was nominated. Since 2009, Allen has vended the VOICE and has been among the top vendors every month since. A primary reason for Allen’s success is the way he connects with people. He may be getting over a cold or having a rough day, but you wouldn’t know it. That’s because he makes a point of focusing on the positive attributes of the people or situations he encounters throughout the day. One way he manages whatever challenges he may be facing is to paint, and it turns out, his paintings are pretty darn good! About a year ago, Allen brought a piece he had recently completed to show his fellow vendors and the Denver VOICE staff. It wasn’t his first painting, but it was the first time many of us were aware of Allen’s artistry. Because the reception of his artwork was so positive, Allen was encouraged to bring in more of his artwork. It wasn’t long after that Allen wondered if he could make additional income from selling his art. He then applied for and received his sales license. He also continued to bring in more paintings, which we hung on the walls of the VOICE office. Our location in the Santa Fe Art District presented an ideal opportunity for people participating in the First Friday Art Walks to recognize Allen’s talent. With the support of VOICE Program Coordinator Connie Gaitan and volunteer web designer Daniel Chavez, Allen now has a website where people can view his art, purchase his paintings, or explore the possibility of commissioning his work. While the positive feedback he has received has spurred him to create more, it is the opportunity to vend the paper that Allen credits with enabling him to have his own place and take care of his basic needs. He also says the organization has helped him maintain his dignity. For the past few years, Allen has spoken of getting a houseboat and living somewhere with water and a warmer climate. When that happens, he will leave a void at the Denver VOICE, but he has taught us all the valuable lesson that, despite life’s greatest challenges, if we get out of our own way, keep moving forward, and continue to learn and create, we can live more fulfilling lives. Given Allen’s attitude, determination, and past success, @DenverVOICE LANDO ALLEN SHOWS OFF A RECENT PAINTING. CREDIT: ELISABETH MONAGHAN there is no doubt he will continue to stand out as a skilled artist and exemplary human being. And even though he may not like drawing attention to himself, it would not be a surprise if his future included more than just a few additional minutes in the spotlight. ■ 4 DENVER VOICE June 2023
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