Carol Schneider

The Artist Within is owned and operated by local bead and fiber artist Carol Schneider. Carol came to Pagosa Springs only three years ago after a long career in Indian education. After teaching and most recently being an administrator, Carol’s education career spanned over 16 years, 13 of which were spent on three Indian reservations: the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota, and the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Retiring from her life in education allowed her to return to her native state of Colorado to settle down and pursue her life-long dream of opening a shop and pursuing her artistic talents. Carol opened The Artist Within in May 2010.

Carol’s jewelry designs show the profound influence her experiences living among Native American tribes had on her. Several of her art pieces were juried into the 2009 Durango Four Corners Commission exhibit. Her work also received numerous awards at the 2010 and 2011 Archuleta County Fairs, including three Grand Champion ribbons.

See Carol's Video!