With the Rocky Mountains as a centerpiece to the landscape, along with a rich cultural history, the state of Colorado is quite the locale for Western artists and enthusiasts alike. Originally settled by the Native American tribes of the region—such as the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Shoshone and Ute—Colorado became major part of Westward exploration and expansion, which included the mining boom beginning in the 19th century.
View of Rocky Mountain National Park. Courtesy Visit Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park.
It almost goes without saying that Colorado has become synonymous with Western art, attracting the eye of some of the greats. The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, located in the state’s capital of Denver, adds, “The creative output of both its visiting and resident artists during the past two centuries belongs not only to the cultural legacy of the Rocky Mountain West, but also is part of the larger story of American art. A representative roster includes George Caleb Bingham, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, Frederic Remington, Frederick MacMonnies, Alexander Phimister Proctor, Robert Reid, John Carlson, Birger Sandzén and Georgia O’Keeffe…”
The museum notes that important historical markers such as the Gold Rush and the post-Civil War era were introductory periods for creatives in the region, starting with an inspection tour led by Major General John Pope with artists in attendance. Museum representatives continue, “In 1869 New York native Ralph Blakelock, a late exponent of the Hudson River school, gathered material for his later paintings of the mountains near Golden and elsewhere in the state. Colorado’s health benefits attracted many people, including artists, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and brought Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham to the Colorado Springs area in 1872 and occasioned his painting, View of Pikes Peak, now in the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas.”
Kirkland Museum Exterior, Bannock Street Side. Photo by Wes Magyar. Courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.
In addition, publications like Harper’s Weekly commissioned artists to produce accurate illustrations of the scenery and the exciting events in the distant Western territories of great interest to their readership. “In 1874, Thomas Moran, known as ‘The Turner of the West,’ made his first trip to Colorado, commissioned to provide 13 illustrations for Picturesque America that included the celebrated Mount of the Holy Cross,” says the museum.
Today, we see the influence that these talented artists and historical events have had on Colorado, and therefore, the Western American art scene. From northern towns like Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins, to Boulder, Denver, Aurora, Aspen and Colorado Springs, and then Telluride and Durango in the south, there is an abundance of Western art collecting and adventuring opportunities.
In the following pages, you will hear from some of these galleries and artists that populate the state, giving insight into their Western collections and what visitors can look forward to in 2024.
ON THE ROAD
Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in the state after Denver, and is close to Pikes Peak, the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains in the southern chain. Besides its natural splendor, downtown Colorado Springs is home to a flourishing cultural hub filled with museums, art galleries and the renowned Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
Durango
In the southern most part of the state, Durango is known not only for its skiing and mining history, but for its rich and diverse art scene. Find artistic delights in galleries like Sorrel Sky Gallery, Blue Rain Gallery, Azul Gallery and the popular Durango Arts Center.
Vail
Also known as a popular destination for skiing and outdoor exploring is the town of Vail, surrounded by Vail Mountain. This small town offers so much more by way of artistic and cultural endeavors, starting with Vail Village, modeled after a traditional Bavarian village. Included among the charming cobblestone streets are popular galleries that add to the unique flavor of the town.
Denver
Denver, the capital of the state, has no shortage of creative inspiration throughout its many boroughs. Adventure through the Arts District on Santa Fe, home to the renowned Denver Art Museum and its significant Western art collection, as well as the River North Arts District (RiNo), Tennyson Street Cultural District, Westwood Creative District and Arts on Belmar, among others.
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Blue Rain Gallery
934 Main Avenue, Unit B
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 232-2033
www.blueraingallery.com
Interior view of Blue Rain Gallery’s Durango, Colorado, location. Photo courtesy of Blue Rain Gallery.
Celebrating a 30-year legacy in championing contemporary art, Blue Rain Gallery has recently expanded its artistic influence in Durango, Colorado, with a dedicated focus on regional, Native American and studio glass art. The gallery proudly boasts a diverse collection featuring the works of more than 50 living artists, a testament to its commitment to advancing Southwest art through a lens of innovation and refinement.
Blue Rain Gallery, There in the Silence, natural foraged clay on canvas, 65 x 24", by Eunika Rogers.
While showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic talent, Blue Rain 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 work 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.
New artists represented at the Durango Gallery include Eunika Rogers, Raymond Gibby, Ross Richmond and Hib Sabin.
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Claggett/Rey Gallery
216 Main Street, Suite C-100
Edwards, CO 81632
(970) 476-9350
Claggett/Rey Gallery winter portrait.
Throughout Claggett/Rey Gallery’s 35-plus years in the gallery business, they have learned the art of many things. “The most important is the art of taking care of our artists by representing them in a space and to a level that will showcase the importance of them as individuals and their creations,” says co-owner Maggie DeDecker Rey.
Claggett/Rey Gallery, Chaos and Order, oil, 36 x 36", by George Carlson.
She adds that “next is earning the trust from our clients, to have confidence in our artistic instincts and eye for what is aesthetically pleasing for their collections. The art of pivoting: from building initial collections, to high grading collections, to assisting with estate planning and redistributing works of art that have been passed down to subsequent generations—all of these processes are integral in working with each of our patrons.”
Claggett/Rey Gallery, Big Itch, bronze, 36 x 16 x 18", by Tim Shinabarger.
Owners Bill and Maggie Rey go to extended measures to ensure every detail in the gallery is handled with an informed and nurtured approach. As they look into the future of the next 35-plus years, “we hope to continue on this trajectory and help build and refine some of the best collections of our time,” they both share. “So, when you find yourself passing through the beautiful state of Colorado, stop by Claggett/Rey Gallery to share a story, a passion or just to enjoy the art.”
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Don Woodard
Broomfield, CO
(720) 217-2029
don@donwoodard.com
www.donwoodard.com
For many years, people have said that they have never seen artwork quite like the three-dimensional paintings and mixed media artworks created by Don Woodard. The reason why is because he hand-carves his images into select woods, then paints select areas to highlight certain features.
Don Woodard, Black Canyon Overlook, Linden wood, 16 x 20"
Woodard refers to his artwork style as “fine art in wood,” which is exactly what it is. There are carvers and there are fine painters, but rarely does one see this combination of skills blended into one piece of art. Occasionally he will add a substrate such as leather, fabric, sand or sticks to create a mixed-media work of art that is truly unique.
“Like many people the past few years, my wife and I have visited many national parks located in the Western and Southwestern states, and these national parks have inspired many of my high- and low-relief artworks.”
For 2024, Woodard plans on completing a bit of traveling and seeking new adventures, while also showcasing his works in various shows throughout the country. Currently, Woodard’s National Park Art collection is on display at the Life in the West Art Gallery, located in Broomfield, Colorado. In late April 2024, many of the artworks in this collection, along with his Pack-Horse Adventurecollection will be moving to the Vernon Filley Art Museum, located in Pratt, Kansas, for a one-man show from April 27 through July 6, 2024.
Don Woodard, Great Sand Dunes, mixed media and painted high relief Linden wood with sand, 15 x 29"
As the Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center states, “Award-winning artist Don Woodard combines carving and color to produce visual and functional art with Western and Wildlife themes. Like Olaf, Don’s art is influenced by events and situations experienced firsthand.” —
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