Joel Haertling is an eclectic character and avid collector who grew up in Boulder, Colorado. A filmmaker, musician and collector, he is the son of a renowned architect (Charles A. Haertling) and a piano teacher (Viola Brase). He also worked at the Boulder Library for over 30 years and was director of the film programme. As a lover and collector of ephemera, found art, personal items and more, he brings people together through objects. Yard sales are said to be his natural habitat, and many of his memorabilia have been acquired from Boulder residents, where he finds value in items they want to get rid of. Joel has been acquiring and meticulously documenting objects for many years.