This month, we sat down with Melody Beerbower, to talk about her experience at the ranch and her not-so-hidden talent of painting in this most recent staff spotlight. Enjoy!
What drew you to applying for a job at the ranch?
I was looking for something fun to do this summer and saw the ranch postings. It sounded like a fun atmosphere surrounded by beautiful mountains, so I decided to apply. After my interview with Mette, I knew it was the right place for me.
What is your position at the ranch?
I started out as a dishwasher, which I actually truly enjoyed! I would get all caught up on dishes and ask for other jobs around the kitchen, cutting and peeling vegetables and such. After a few weeks, they approached me about becoming a Pastry Chef Assistant, and I excitedly accepted. It had been wonderful working with Melissa and all the other chefs.
What is your favorite thing about working at the ranch?
I love working in a close-knit community with such close access to the mountains. I also enjoy the fast pace of the kitchen. Decorating cakes and making fancy desserts are my favorites.
Where are you from?
I am from Toledo, Ohio, very far from any mountains.
What do you like to do in your free time on the ranch?
I like to go hiking to Hinman lake, play some pickup games with other staff, and sit and sketch the horses and other things around the ranch.
Tell us a little bit more about your artwork and being commissioned to do some painting and drawings for the cabins and the website (did you expect this to happen??). How long have you been painting? What are your goals with your painting/artwork? Your style is so unique and beautiful!
I have been painting since I was little but became more focused on watercolor the last five years or so. I brought a good selection of my art supplies with me to the ranch intending to sketch and paint in my free time. I was not expecting to be commissioned to do artwork for the cabins, however, when I saw some of the beautiful pen and ink drawings in the Lodge, I thought it would be fun to have some of my artwork somewhere on the ranch. I am not shy about showing my art to others and soon gained the reputation as the resident artist, although I was pleased to find other talented artists at the ranch. I was very honored that Laura asked me to paint pictures for the cabins and thrilled to be asked to do some sketches for the website as well. I have done commissions in the past for family and friends, but this is my first commercial work.
My long-term goal for my art is to write and illustrate children’s books. I have my certificate in Children’s Book Illustration from Hollins University, and I’m slowly building up my portfolio and experience. In the meantime, I hope to continue doing commissions and personal projects as well.
What skills/experience/life lessons will you bring with you once you leave the ranch?
I have learned a lot of new skills working with Melissa and the other chefs: knife skills, cake decorating, baking tips, and much more. I went to my first rodeo here, loped on a horse for the first time, learned new line dances, went cliff jumping and fly fishing, and made some really good friends.
As a staff spotlight, what is one thing you want potential new staffers to know about working at the ranch?
Working at the ranch is hard work, but it is fun! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. If you’re an adventurer, VVR is a good home base to work and start your adventures. And if you’re a little nervous about adventuring on your own, you’ll find many ready companions at the ranch to join you.
Anything you’d like to add about your experience as a staff member at VVR in this staff spotlight?
VVR has been a great place to spend my summer, and I look forward to returning next year! Thank you for the interview and the opportunity to share my experience and art with others.
Check out some of Melody’s artwork on her Instagram page and be on the lookout for her sketches on our website when we launch our fully redesigned website! And if you have a trip planned to the ranch, and are staying in Dome, Saddle, or Sand, you’ll see her watercolor commissions hanging up in your cabin. To highlight our incredible staff more frequently, be on the lookout for another staff spotlight in the week’s to come.