Upon entering the state from any direction it’s hard to miss the “Welcome to Colorful Colorado” highway signs. Like “aloha” in Hawaii, “Welcome to Colorful Colorado” is our adopted greeting. “Colorado” means “colored red” in Spanish. The scarlets of our rock formations are breathtaking, but it’s the complete spectrum of colors found in our spectacular mountains, expansive plains, blue skies and amazing snowfalls that have inspired artists for over a century
Today many talented artists share their work in diverse galleries, boutiques and working studios across the Pikes Peak area. Here are a few you won’t want to miss.
Old Colorado City
Squash Blossom
https://squashblossom.com/
2531 W Colorado Ave, Old Colorado City
719-632-1899
Forty-five years ago, two newlyweds, John and Patti Cogswell, got hooked on Native American turquoise jewelry. After their honeymoon they launched Squash Blossom. It’s an iconic Old Colorado City gallery filled with fine art, jewelry, bronze sculpture and home accessories.
Arati Artists Gallery
http://www.aratiartists.com/
2425 W Colorado Ave, Old Colorado City
719-636-1901
Arati Artists Gallery, is a co-op known for original artwork at affordable prices is home to 20 Pikes Peak-area artists including painters, sculptors, potters, jewelers and wood turners.
Horse Alley Studio
https://horsealleystudio.com/
2425 W Colorado Ave, Old Colorado City
719-684-3929
Hunter-Wolff Gallery
At Horse Alley Studio, you can watch a working silversmith and stonecutter craft pendants, earrings, bracelets and gifts in this 1920’s-era shop. Craig and Dusty Shutt work in media of fine and sterling silver, gold, turquoise and pearls. They can also create custom pieces from customer-provided stones.
Hunter-Wolff Gallery
http://hunterwolffgallery.com/
2510 W Colorado Ave, Old Colorado City
719-520-9494
Hunter-Wolff carefully curates museum-quality fine art from American artists across the country. You’ll find wall art, bronze and stone sculpture, pottery and ceramics, blown and fused glass, furniture, wearable art, jewelry, and more at this “Best of the Springs” gallery.
Michael Garmin Museum & Galleryhttps://www.michaelgarman.com/
2418 W Colorado Ave, Old Colorado City
719-471-9391
Sculptor Michael Garmin captures American heroes from all walks of life in his affordable miniatures. His Norman Rockwell-esque sculptures tell true stories that captivate everyday collectors, celebrities and even U.S. Presidents. Don’t miss Garmin’s experiential Magic Town “sculptural theater,” a one-sixth scale miniature city.
Manitou Springs
Commonwheel Artist’s Co-op
https://www.commonwheel.com/
102 Cañon Avenue, Manitou Springs
719-685-1008
Established in 1974, Commonwheel Artist’s Co-op has empowered artists through its gallery shop and annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival. Its wall art, jewelry, glass, pottery, sculpture and clothing are all created by Colorado artists.
Colorado Springs
Gallery 113
https://www.gallery113cos.com/
125 1/2 N. Tejon St.
719.634.5299
Colorado Spring’s finest galleries showcasing award-winning local artists in painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and wood turning. Whether representative art, impressionism, illuminism, whimsical, high realism or contemporary abstract, at Gallery113, we cater to our collector’s tastes in choosing work among both emerging and award-winning artists.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/
30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs
719-634-5581
Both a museum and art school with a century-long history, the Fine Arts Center is home to a rich permanent collection including numerous traveling international exhibits. It also holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its recently enhanced partnership with Colorado College provides visitors the opportunity to experience art from the Southwest and the Americas. On your visit, revel in the mountain views while enjoying lunch at Taste, the center’s in-house restaurant.
Art111 Gallery & Art Supplies
https://www.artgallerycoloradosprings.com/
111 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs
719-471-3438
What began as a gallery has expanded to include an art supply store where local artists connect for community, supplies and inspiration. With unique local pieces of contemporary and “urban” art, Art111 a new exhibit the second Friday of every month.
Kreuser Gallery
https://abigailkreusergallery.com/
125 E. Boulder St, Colorado Springs
719-464-5880
Open since 2011, Kreuser Gallery features both new and established artists. A recent themed exhibit, “Gratitude,” celebrated 170 community artisans showcasing a piece of their choosing. Many of these — sculptures, oils, encaustics, mixed media, fiber and glass — focus on Colorado’s natural beauty.
Cañon City
The Artist’s Gallery
https://www.facebook.com/TheArtistsGallery/
416 Main St, Cañon City, CO
719-345-4070
Featuring 50 local artists, The Artist’s Gallery offers fine art, jewelry, photographic prints and select handmade gifts amidst a cooperative gallery. Owner Sammy Burman rescued the gallery from impending closure in 2011 in unending support for Cañon City’s Main Street.
Cripple Creek
Silver Mine Art and Antiques
https://www.9494cripplecreek.com
367 E. Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek
719-689-3311
Located in Cripple Creek’s historic downtown, Silver Mine Art and Antiques is nestled among a row of small shops and restaurants. This gallery offers original watercolors from Colorado artists, leatherworks, intricate Christmas ornaments and pottery pieces.
Salida
Paquette Gallery at the SteamPlant Event Center
http://salidasteamplant.com/
220 W. Sackett Ave, Salida
719-530-0933
Part of the overall Salida Creative District, this gallery features community artwork inside the lobby of Salida’s multi-use, lovingly restored SteamPlant Event Center. Located along the banks of the Arkansas River, adjacent to to the Strawn/Grether Sculpture Garden.
Buena Vista
Rock Run Gallery
https://www.rockrungallery.com/
Buena Vista, CO
719-966-5185
A celebrated artist, Nora Larimer’s paintings reflect the natural beauty of Colorado — so much so that Patagonia used one of her works for its clothing line. Landscapes and vibrant florals are done in watercolors and oils. This Buena Vista gallery also features pieces from other Colorado artists and artisans.
Pueblo
Steel City Art Works Gallery
https://www.steelcityartworks.org/
Pueblo, CO
719-543-3868
The Steel City Art Works Gallery pays homage to Pueblo’s long history as a leader in the steel industry. For more than a decade, Steel City and its “Community of Creators” have displayed diverse art forms including oil and watercolor paintings, wood workings, fiber arts, sculpture and pottery.
Blo Back Gallery
https://www.blobackgallery.com/
Pueblo, CO
970-749-1211
Modern art and expression abound at Blo Back Gallery whose featured artists are constantly challenging the world around us byutilizing unexpected colors and startling themes. Expect paintings, wood block prints and large mixed media installations.
