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Vol. 13, 2008. Serving Colorado and the Four Corners since 1996 |
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HISTORY & HERITAGE | RECREATIONAL RAILROADS | REVIEWS | LITERARY CORNER | FAVORITE WEB SITES | ABOUT US |
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 MONTROSE, COLORADO
MONTROSE'S’S EVER-CHANGING art scene is on the move again—and it’s growing. In the past two years, several new galleries have joined Mike Simpson's Gallery, a long-time Montrose mainstay. New on the art scene: Ouray Silversmiths, Kagan and Baron, Around the Corner (both at the corner of Uncompahgre and Main), and Rock Rose (corner of Main and Mesa). Aided by various local businesses who showcase artists and help sponsor artistic events such as the First Friday Art Walk and PAX (the Public Art Experience), Montrose galleries have put an impressive new face on the art scene here in Western Colorado. Best of all, they’ve made art fun as well as functional. Buying and owning art can be, and often is, a serious investment for some, but what we’re seeing here is that it can also be affordable, and in many cases, downright entertaining. MIKE SIMPSON'S GALLERY Mike is the anchor.
He’s been downtown more than twenty years as a gallery-owning artist
and fine art framer. Primarily a plein aire painter, Mike’s excellent
work reflects his continual growth as an artist and his dogged
determination to succeed as local businessman in Montrose. It’s not
been an easy path, but Mike has accomplished it.
www.mikesimpsonart.com/ OURAY SILVERSMITHS When it comes to
rings, especially wedding rings, nobody does it better! And nobody does
it with the pizazz and western flair of jewelry designers Melanie Kline
and her son Josh. Working in silver, gold, precious and semi-precious
stones, and unusual elements, the Klines create one-of-a-kind
jewelry—unique, contemporary rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and
other pieces crafted with old-fashioned skill and old-world precision.
They also offer on-site workshops and showcase their students’ work in
gallery shows. Both stores,
Montrose and Ouray, are a must stop for downtown shoppers in either
location. Better yet, visit both. A love of the west, both old and new,
prevails, and the enticing displays are as clever and unusual as the
jewelry the Klines create.
www.ouraysilversmiths.com AROUND THE CORNER Local artist Linda
Nadel sets the scene for ATC (Around the Corner) gallery. Long known
for her colorful watercolors, often of animals in bright, albeit
imaginary hues—have you seen her rainbow zebras?—Linda is joined by
fellow artists and partners Loretta Cassler and Pat Brown. The three
hooked up during a two-week painting workshop at Yosemite and decided,
Linda says, “If we could get along that long, 24/7, then we should be
able to do a gallery together.”
It seems to be working. Inside the recently renovated historical Frees Building (related story page 32), they’ve created a space splashed with light and filled with two- and three-dimensional art by local artists (from Montrose and surrounding counties) that makes your heart sing. “Our mission,” Pat says, “is to help grow the local art community.” www.aroundthecornerartgallery.com/ KAGAN AND BARON Next door, Danielle
Brenteau, who grew up in a family of artists, has made a serious
commitment to growing the local and regional art experience. Featuring
contemporary work by regional, national, and international artists,
K&B also presents a full range of artistic venues including theatre
and music performances, demonstrations and shows by featured or guest
artists, salon evenings, and wine tastings. (K&B is also an
official tasting room for local winery, Cottonwood Cellars.) “There’s a
special feeling here,” Danielle says, “the warmth of a small town
American community which draws you in. If I have anything to say about
it, Montrose will be an art Mecca and we’ll continue to pour creative
energy into the art world!”
www.kaganandbaron.com ROCKROSE GALLERY At Rockrose,
owner/artists Aileen and Mark Bratovich put a giggle or two into their
art. Ceramicist Aileen’s “snake eggs” (with removable, repositionable
wiggly creatures poked into holes) are fun to look at and play with.
For a smile, check out Mark’s stone cat (both the cat and the eggs are
pictured in their ad) and his colorful contemporary paintings. Aileen
doesn’t do functional, but she does do whimsical (like her “garlic
puzzle” with moving parts). The gallery also carries utilitarian
pottery and paintings by regional and local artists. www.rockrosefineart.com
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