Left Hand Laurel Anne Postle

For her longstanding contributions and volunteer efforts in the Niwot Community, Anne Postle is the Courier's February Left Hand Laurel.

"Niwot becomes your whole world when you move here," said Postle. "You have everything here - work, friends, shopping, dining, activities, and events. When I first moved to Niwot in 2012, I thought I would always be going back to Boulder for dinner, but I found I rarely go back because everything I want and need is right here."

Postle, a senior partner at Osmosis Architecture, is heavily involved in the Niwot community. Originally from Phoenix, Ariz., she has lived in Colorado since 1989. Postle first opened her architecture firm in Boulder in 1994, but began falling in love with Niwot in 2001 when she moved her firm into a bigger office space in town.

She said, "I have always loved both art and math, and architecture is a really good career for someone who enjoys both of those things. I am retiring in June and it has been a gift to get to go to work every day and love what I do and share it with the people of Niwot."

Osmosis Architecture added the Osmosis Gallery in 2009 to increase the artistic opportunities in Niwot. "There was a gallery next door to us that closed due to the recession. At one point the owner came in and mentioned his artists really missed having a place in Niwot, so I went to the staff and asked if they were okay with converting part of our space to the gallery," Postle said.

"It has been fun and exciting and something that gave us even more of a tie to Niwot. We see people coming into the gallery, we have regulars, you get to know people, and then you start working on events and get to know everyone even better."

Postle wants the community to continue thriving long into the future and is taking steps to make that happen. "I have been on the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) board, I am a member of the Niwot Business Association, the Niwot Future League, a past member of the Niwot Local Improvement District, and am on the tree carving committee."

She has also been one of the moving forces behind the NCAA''s "Let's Wine About Winter" event since its inception, which will celebrate its eighth year on Saturday, Feb. 8. She has also championed the NCAA's First Friday Art Walk and the Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show.

Postle continued, "We also donated architecture from our firm for the Niwot Monument sign, the depot building at Whistle Stop Park, the seating area outside of The Old Oak Coffeehouse, the concessions building at Monarch Ballfields, and a few others."

A "few others" is an understatement. Postle was also instrumental in creating the Niwot Sculpture Park, and chairs that committee. She also donated two sculptures to the park, from the collection of her late husband, Jim Postle.

"Anne has been such an asset to the Niwot community," NCAA President Biff Warren said. "She doesn't like to be in the limelight, but she's always willing to step up and volunteer her time and services. She comes up with creative ways to support the arts, and get others involved in the community who are inspired by her efforts."

Postle has advice for anyone who wants to become a bigger part of the community. "It is easy to be involved in Niwot with lots of opportunities. Pick a group, attend a meeting, and ask where you can serve. So many places are open to volunteers and almost every event in town is run by volunteers who could always use more help."