Mermaids and the Cursed Valley

LILY CAIN STUDIO X DARC MOON COLLABORATION

Mermaids and the Cursed Valley is a lyrical journey through Colorado’s Western Slope, where myth and landscape intertwine. Through multimedia paintings, meditations, poetic prose, and local folklore, artists Lily Cain and Lynnea Tai reimagine the region’s rivers, mesas, and mountain towns as realms of merfolk—guardians of water, memory, and transformation.

Each place—from the orchards of Paonia to the red cliffs of Fruita, the high mesas of Cedaredge to the ancient canyons of Cortez—reveals a distinct mermaid spirit. These are not creatures of faraway seas, but beings born of mountain snowmelt and desert springs, watching over rivers and valleys as keepers of story and soul.

Threaded through the pages is the lingering legend of the “dirt curse,” a reminder of the bargains struck with the land and the resilience that endures beneath it. Together, the paintings and prose invite readers into a world where myth and reality converge—where the Western Slope’s wild beauty and timeless spirit shimmer just beneath the surface.

All pre-order books will be available on November 29th

Includes:
• Signed copy of Mermaids and the Cursed Valley
• Colorado Mermaid Enamel Pin
• Mystery Gemstone Bracelet inspired by one of the mermaids in the book
• Three Mini Art Prints (Limited Edition) featuring scenes from the collection

How to measure:

These bracelets have a sturdy elastic band, so you can expect a little bit of stretch. Measure your wrist's widest part using a soft sewing tape, note the measurement, and add up to half an inch for a comfortable size.

Womens:

• XS - 6.5 in
•  S - 6.75 in
•  M - 7 in
• L -7.25 in
• XL - 7.5 in

Mens:

• XS - 7 in
•  S - 7.25 in
• M - 7.5 in
• L -7.75 in
•  XL - 8 in