Encompassing most of the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains, and offering no shortage of breathtaking natural scenery, it’s no wonder the state of Colorado is often considered a place of respite and refuge. It also comes as no surprise that many creatives have flocked to the state, seeking inspiration among the mountainous yet diverse region.
Visitors enjoying a gallery in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Courtesy Visit Denver.
While many plan their skiing, hiking, site-seeing and spa trips in Colorado towns like Aspen, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Vail and Telluride, the art scenes in these towns are just as compelling. This also includes the Mile High City, the state capital and cultural epicenter of Denver—where visitors will find exciting art opportunities around every corner.
View of Pikes Peak close to Downtown Colorado Springs. Courtesy VisitCOS.com.
Accurately described by the Denver visitors bureau at www.denver.org, as “urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure,” a visiting art lover and collector will want to head to the Arts District on Santa Fe. Among the other impressive art communities the Santa Fe district is considered the largest, with an impressive variety of artist studios and galleries. Also a must-see is the Golden Triangle Creative District—home to more than 15 galleries and the popular Denver Art Museum—the River North Arts District (RiNo), Tennyson Street Cultural District, Westwood Creative District and Arts on Belmar, among others.
Another significant art hub in in the state is Colorado Springs, sitting directly south of Denver, and known as the Pikes Peak Region, named for the highest summit in the southern range of the Rockies. With the astonishing peaks looming in the distance, you can also find your next great contemporary art piece in downtown Colorado Springs’s arts district. Journey through an array of galleries and experience the prestigious Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
Interior view of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Gallery at Colorado College. Courtesy: Visit Colorado Springs.
“For over 100 years, the Fine Arts Center has been the top cultural attraction of the Pikes Peak region offering world-class art, Broadway-worthy theatre and arts education for all ages and abilities,” reads the Arts Center website. “Established in 1919 as the Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC provides innovative, educational and multidisciplinary arts experiences that elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality.”
Representatives continue to explain that “Colorado Springs rivaled Taos and Santa Fe for its dynamic arts scene and ability to attract high caliber artists including Ward Lockwood, Birger Sandzen, Charles Bunnell, Lawrence Barrett and Frank Mechau…By the 1930s, the local art colony had become a major force in art instruction and national art activity. Muralist, cartoonist and illustrator, Boardman Robinson, from the Art Students League of New York, joined the academy and took the helm as director in 1931.”
Exterior of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Gallery at Colorado College. Courtesy: Visit Colorado Springs.
It’s quite clear that there’s an inexplicable magic to Colorado that not only charms, but also inspires. Upon your next visit to this wonderfully enchanting state, make it a priority to visit these creative regions.
Throughout this section, you’ll hear directly from galleries, artists and creative institutions from different regions of Colorado.
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Blue Rain Gallery
934 Main Avenue, Unit B Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 232-2033
www.blueraingallery.com
Celebrating a 30-year legacy in championing contemporary art, Blue Rain Gallery has recently expanded its artistic influence to
Durango, Colorado, with a dedicated focus on regional, Native American and studio glass art.
Entrance to the new Blue Rain Gallery location in Durango, Colorado.
The gallery proudly boasts a diverse collection featuring the works of over 50 living artists, a testament to its commitment to advancing Southwest art through a lens of innovation and refinement. While showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic talent, Blue Rain Gallery remains true to its roots by devoting a significant portion of its aesthetic to contemporary Native American art, placing a strong emphasis on artistic innovation. The expansion into Durango signifies a pivotal milestone, underlining the gallery’s unwavering commitment to propelling the evolution of contemporary art in the Southwest.
Blue Rain Gallery, Cavallo Bianco, blown glass, 18 x 6 x 9", by Ross Richmond.
With over three decades of experience, Blue Rain Gallery stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, continuously inspiring and exciting collectors. The inclusion of infinite detail and superb quality as common threads connecting the diverse works of the gallery’s artists, reflects a dedication to maintaining a high standard of artistic achievement. This expansion not only signifies geographical growth but also reinforces the gallery’s status as a key player in the promotion of innovative and refined contemporary art in the Southwest art scene.
Blue Rain Gallery, There in the Silence, naturally forged clay on canvas, 65 x 24", by Eunika Rogers.
New artists represented at the Durango Gallery include Eunika Rogers, Raymond Gibby, Ross Richmond and Hib Sabin.
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Felicia Studio Gallery
(303) 570-5534
www.feliciasculpture.com
Felicia’s inspiration has always been people. Her intention is to echo the figure and conjure a captivating, creative vision of spiritual, simplistic and contemporary forms in her bronze sculpture pieces. The artist’s end result shows different surface textures, along with high-polish areas finished with varied innovative patinas.
Felicia Studio Gallery, The Model, bronze, ed. 18, 20½ x 6 x 6"
Felicia has been working in bronze for over 30 years, and is in many private collections across the country as well as permanent museum collections. —
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