Guide to Local Artists, Galleries, Historic Sites, Tours, & more PDF, 1706 kb
Made In Lake City: Artists, Studios, Galleries & Writers
For a small town, an amazing number of artists and writers live here: nearly 10% of the residents are artists of some kind. The artists listed here welcome you to make a personal visit their studios and galleries.
Adolph Assenheimer Where: 1441 Balsam Drive Hours: by appointment in the summer 970-944-0148 his subjects. “I particularly enjoy using the wet-in-wet technique of painting, which allows me to blend the colors on the paper.” Call for an appointment to visit his home studio, or look for his work at a one-man show starting on July 9 at the Community Arts Center. Adolph welcomes commission orders.
Mary M. Aymami Mary Aymami Photo Greeting Cards Where: Slumgullion Gift Gallery, Third Street Market Home studio: 2081 San Juan Drive And by appointment: 970-944-0311 Mary's collectible, handmade greeting cards feature local points of interest and wildflowers. Mary says, “It is my desire to share the beauty of God's creations with others.” New this year, Mary is making landscape quilts. Her items are available locally at the Slumgullion Gift Gallery and at the Third Street Market. You can also meet the artist by appointment. Enlargements of Mary’s photos, special orders, and wholesale inquiries are welcome.
Ani Barrie & Mary Carkin Where: Silver Lynx 306 Silver Street 970-944-3019 www.lakecitysilverlynx.com Silver Lynx features the work of owners Ani Barrie and Mary Carkin. Their first rule is, “Have fun!” Their jewelry, fiber art, collages, boxes, paintings, home décor, and hand-knit sweaters fill the store. Silver Lynx is host to the works of many other Lake City artists as well.
Donald Bradley Where: Storm Front Gallery Using birch trees from his native Wisconsin, Don creates a variety of natural candle holders that compliment lodge, rustic, or cabin style home décor. Don's candle holders are available at the Storm Front Gallery located at 312 Silver Street. Don offers online ordering through www. stormfrontgallery.com, gift certificates, gift wrapping, and shipping.
Russ Brown Where: Russ Brown Gallery 223 Silver Street Hours: 7 am to 4 pm; Closed Fridays 970-944-5009 See artist Russ Brown create a multitude of paintings, including the subjects of aviation, armor, automotive, wildlife, landscapes of the San Juan Mountains, and more, at this interactive gallery. There is no other gallery like it in the country. Russ accepts commissions, offers gift certificates, and will ship to your location.
Yolie Brown Where: Silver Lynx, Lake City Community Arts Center And by appointment: 970-944-2005 Yolie Brown's impressionistic oils and watercolors of local subjects can be seen by appointment or at the Silver Lynx, 306 Silver Street. Yolie will also present her works at the Local Artists Show at the Community Arts Center on June 13.
Chuck Chetwin Where: Shot & Hung in Lake City 220 Gunnison Avenue 970-944-0301 Hours: summers, open 9 am to 7 pm, Monday - Saturday. Artisan Chuck Chetwin's gallery features his original nature photographs in rustic frames made from aspen, pine, and old weathered wood. Chuck mills his own wood and makes all of his frames on site, without using any manufactured moldings. Choose from any of his portfolio photographs for a truly custom, and local, work of art. In addition to the gallery, Chuck's photos are available on some Saturdays at the Third Street Market. Chuck welcomes commissions and wholesale inquiries. He also ships and offers gift certificates.
Helen Dewey Where: The Adobe Studio 625 Pine Street Hours: by chance or appointment: 970-944-2642 Multi-talented artist Helen Dewey welcomes you to her home studio, where she offers her own handmade books, cards, papers, and paper kits. She accepts one-of-a-kind commissions for weddings, birthdays, and other commemorations. Seasonally, she sells organic vegetables, salad greens, and herbs from her garden.
Lisa Gray Where: Silver Lining Studio 916 Ocean Wave Drive Hours: by appointment year round 970-944-2475 or cell 970-275-4367 Artist Lisa Gray offers fine art on paper, acrylic on canvas, and collage. Her interpretive landscapes and mythic abstracts usually stem from an “a-ha!” moment of inspiration, resulting in intriguing works. Lisa’s studio cabin was built from railroad ties from the historic High Bridge trestle. Call ahead to visit. Lisa welcomes commissions.
Mary Ann Flynn Where: Silver Lynx, Third Street Market 512 Water Street And by appointment: 970-944-3015 Award-winning fiber artist Mary Ann Flynn specializes in quilted items, including bed quilts, wall hangings, table toppers, and quilted crafts. Her new purses are available at Silver Lynx, 306 Silver Street. In addition, she offers other fabric crafts, totes, crocheted items, hand-crafted Christmas ornaments and décor. Mary Ann is skilled in quilt repair, accepts custom orders, and will ship her items. Check out her work at her home studio, or at the Third Street Market on Saturdays.
Belinda Gianola Where: Storm Front Gallery, the Pottin’ Shed Multi-talented artist Belinda Gianola creates sparkling necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches using Swarovski crystals with gold or silver accents. In addition, she offers hand-painted, nature-inspired home accents, including birdhouses, stools, racks, trays, and flowerpots. You can find Belinda’s well-crafted items at the Storm Front Gallery, 312 Silver Street, or at the Pottin’ Shed, 324 Fourth Street.
Amanda & Christian Hartman Where: Silver Thread Weaving Co. Corner of Second & Bluff Streets Hours: weekdays from 1 to 4 pm 970-944-0220 Amanda and Christian Hartman weave rugs on a vintage wooden loom in their historic home, the Moon House. Using mostly recycled materials, the rugs are both beautiful and functional. Amanda and Christian sometimes experiment with fine art hangings that incorporate other natural materials. In addition to their studio, you can find their rugs at the Third Street Market, other local arts and crafts shows, and at the San Juan Soda Company, 227 Silver Street. They will provide custom orders, domestic shipping, and gift certificates. Wholesale inquiries are welcome. Online orders can be made at www.sanjuansodacompany.com.
Doug Hartman Where: San Juan Soda Company 227 Silver Street 970-944-2297 home; 970-944-0500 shop Hours: summers, Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Sundays 10 am to 9 pm. www.sanjuansodacompany.com sanjuansoda@gmail.com With over 30 years of experience, Doug Hartman's specialty is leather work. Visit his store at the San Juan Soda Company to see his selection of prime grade leathers, including belts, saddle bags, canteens, and decorative items. Doug offers custom work, online ordering, gift certificates, and shipping.
Robert Hines Where: Hines Watercolors 631 Hotchkiss Street Hours: by appointment: 970-944-2516 After decades in the NYC design industry, Robert Hines has settled into “painting for my own enjoyment.” Visitors are welcome to view works at his home by calling ahead. Robert specializes in local landscape watercolors and exhibits in local shows. His work graces the cover of this guide.
Amy Humphreys Amy's Hats Where: San Juan Soda Company And by appointment: 970-944-5678 rainywedding@gmail.com Using a variety of wool and cotton yarns, Amy crochets soft and comfortable hats and beanies for adults, children, and babies. See her collection at the San Juan Soda Company located at 227 Silver Street. Custom orders are available; call or email for more information.
Karen R. Hurd Where: Back Country Navigator, Storm Front Gallery And by appointment: 970-944-2684 rkhurd@msn.com Karen Hurd is a self-taught wildlife artist. As a native of Lake City, Karen is strongly influenced by the local flora and fauna. Most of her paintings include an animal or bird of some kind. Karen paints pet rocks, which are available at the Back Country Navigator and at the Storm Front Gallery. By request, she also paints pet memorials and the occasional propane tank.
Jane E. Jones Where: Lake City Art Gallery And by appointment: 970-944-2794 jane@janejonesart.com www.janejonesart.com Artist Jane Jones' local scenes range from impressionistic to abstract, incorporating mountain scenes, buildings, trees, rocks, and water landscapes. Working mainly in watercolor, her unusual work features vibrant color and fluid abstraction. “I believe in listening to your own voice. Your own voice takes time to find…then you must find a technique that is best and suits your vision.” Jane's works are available at the Lake City Art Gallery, 325 Silver Street. She welcomes commissions.
Dave Jordan Where: On Fire Glassworks 230 Gunnison Avenue (Hwy 149) 970-497-0887 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm pyrojord@hotmail.com Lampworker Dave Jordan makes a variety of hand-blown glass items, including goblets, beads, jewelry, ornaments, and mystical creatures. Dave has a new location this year at the corner of Third Street and Gunnison Avenue. See his colorful artwork take shape as you watch him work. Dave also sets up at the Third Street market on Saturdays through the summer.
Patrick Kelley Where: Sweet Peas 970-944-1100 patrickbkelley@gmail.com Patrick creates striking photographs of natural scenes and wildlife. Taking his camera along on some strenuous hikes into the local mountains, Patrick is able to capture dramatic skies and remote wildlife that few people ever get to see. You can find his prints and framed photographs at Sweet Peas, 219 Silver Street.
Leo Jo Lowry & Cindy Bissel Where: World of Gem Creations 329 Silver Street Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday 970-944-2722 This mother and daughter team designs their own jewelry, which Cindy then makes by hand. Leo Jo offers her own line of decorative candles, in which she incorporates gemstones and wood.
Abbie Mahlin Where: Blue Mountain Quelle 118 Silver Street 970-944-0304 Hours: Noon til 8 pm during summer, 4 to 7 pm in the winter. Artist Abbie Mahlin prefers to work with found materials, making intriguing shadowbox collages that represent the natural world and our local area and history. Abbie paints watercolor and oil landscapes, and makes some herbal crafts as well. Gift certificates are available. You can also find Abbie's work at the Local Artists Show in June.
Pete Main Where: Ponderosa Pottery 1000 Highway 149 North Hours: Open 9 to 5 during July & August And by appointment, 970-944-2714 pete@centurytel.net Clay artist Pete Main has been making pottery in Lake City for over 30 years. Pete makes sculptural and decorative Raku pottery, plus a line of landscape designs using colored clay slips on high-fired stoneware. Some of his glazes include local and Slumgullion clays.
Edna Mason Where: shows at the Community Arts Center 970-944-4321 badge632@centurytel.net Edna offers wonderful views of local flora and fauna in her photographs. With careful patience, she captures the essence of wild animals in their native habitat. Edna specializes in photos of birds and their behavior. In addition to her offerings at the Local Artists Show, Edna welcomes commissions and custom orders.
Lynn McNitt Where: Storm Front Gallery 312 Silver Street 970-944-4111 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 4 pm. www.stormfrontgallery.com Lynn offers a variety of color photography of the Lake City area, including scenic views and hot air balloon event photos. Her work is available year round at her store, the Storm Front Gallery, and at some local art shows during the summer. Lynn offers online ordering through her website, gift certificates, gift wrapping, and shipping services.
Ken Needham Where: World of Gem Creations 970-944-2722 Master gem cutter Ken Needham spends his summers in Lake City cutting fine gemstones and creating jewelry settings for his stones. You can find Ken at World of Gem Creations, 329 Silver Street, where he specializes in the “Lone Star Cut,” which are stunning Texas stars cut into the facets of blue topaz, the official gemstone of Texas. In addition to his fine jewelry, Ken can do custom casting, stonecutting, and repairs.
Greg Ochocki: Nature Photography Where: Silver Lynx, 306 Silver St And by appointment: 970-944-4734 Greg offers fine photography of mountain scenes and wildlife, with a specialty in large mammals, plus underwater scuba, science, and expedition topics. Greg has a large portfolio of works available via agency. He is available for contract assignments; client list is available. You can find his work locally at Silver Lynx, 306 Silver Street.
Michelle Pollitt Keziah Cinnamon Girl Where: Sweet Peas, Third Street Market And by appointment: 970-944-4108 peanutfarmer.1999@yahoo.com Inspired by her little girl, Michelle’s line of beaded jewelry is fresh and stylish, made with a variety of gemstones. Find Michelle’s work at the Third Street Market, or at Sweet Peas, 219 Silver Street. Custom orders are welcome. Michelle also offers shipping, gift wrapping, and gift certificates.
Natalie Reeve Where: Third Street Market, Local Artists Show And by appointment: 970-944-2751 summers Natalie’s works range from local scenes, to natural subjects, to portraits. A long-time summer resident, her careful attention to the fine details in life results in engaging artwork. Don’t miss her series of art cards featuring rain drops on aspen leaves. Natalie welcomes commissions.
Martha Reyburn Art Where: Back Country Navigator, Third Street Market And by appointment: 970-944-2443 Martha Reyburn specializes in colorful, hand-built, hand- painted pottery items. Martha's other unique offerings include original watercolor and oil paintings of landscapes and still-lifes, hand-knit and hand-felted wearable art, and mixed media art objects. Look for Martha's work at the Back Country Navigator, located at the corner of Second Street and Gunnison Avenue, and at the Third Street Market.
Carol Robinson Where: Silver Lynx, Community Arts Center 970-944-2479 zorahdog@yahoo.com Influenced by her documentary background and extensive travel experiences, Carol’s photographic subjects vary widely, from portraits to icebergs to historic architecture. She occasionally uses special techniques, such as long exposures or the use of infrared filters. Look for Carol’s work at Silver Lynx, 306 Silver Street, or at the Local Artists Show or the Heart of the San Juans Show this summer.
Justin Sparks Justin Sparks Wildlife Art Where: Lake City Art Gallery And by appointment: 970-944-0611 www.justinsparks.com jjasparks@yahoo.com Justin is an award-winning, renowned photo-realist wildlife artist who works in watercolor. Original art and giclee prints are available. Justin offers online ordering through his website, commissions, shipping, and gift certificates. Wholesale inquiries welcome.
Bob Stigall Where: Third Street Market And by appointment: 970-944-2603 rstigall@centurytel.net A photographer with an attention to fine detail, Bob has worked for over 30 years on local scenes, specializing in black and white photography. He operated the popular Silver Scene Photography gallery in Lake City for over 25 years. Now, you can find Bob's work at local artist shows, and at the Third Street Market on Saturdays. He welcomes you to give him a call at his studio, and he offers commissions and shipping services.
Kathleen Whinnery Where: The Pottin' Shed 324B Fourth Street 970-944-2448 Open May through September, Monday – Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm Proprietor Kathleen Whinnery sells several kinds of high- altitude annuals and perennials which she grows in her Lake City greenhouse. Kathleen also sells her own decorative art items. Look for Kathleen at her new nursery at 324 Fourth Street, featuring a new greenhouse and an antique sod-roof log cabin.
Lori Winblood Where: Dolls By Lori & the Timberline Craftsman 2600 N. Hwy. 149 Hours: by appointment 970-944-2352 www.angelfire.com/biz2/DollsByLori/ Award-winning doll-maker Lori Winblood offers all kinds of hand-made dolls, including porcelain, cloth, and more. Lori is the creator of the (in)famous Alferd Packer cloth dolls, including her humorous "Packer Preserves." Don't miss her popular Doll In A Day doll-making classes for all ages. Give her a call to make an appointment to see her dolls or to sign up for a class.
Mike Young Where: Signs By Mike 213 Henson Street 970-944-0116 Hours: 9 am to 5 pm www.signsbymike.com baceux49@gmail.com Mike has over 30 years of experience making custom signage for homes, RVs, businesses, and for fundraising efforts. He is a skilled illustrator and master sand-blaster, able to make quality sand-blasted wood items, etched glass (including custom panels for your front door), and etched rock items. Check out his website for an extensive portfolio. Mike’s custom-made items can be also be ordered through his website, and he is happy to ship to your location.
Writers
Don Alexander Under the pen name, “Alex Harold,” local resident Don Alexander authored three historical adventure novels: Slumgullion Gold, Slumgullion Greed, and Slumgullion Grit. Each book profiles Sheriff Big Jim Booker and his struggles in pioneer-era Lake City. Don wrote all three novels from his home overlooking the Slumgullion Slide just south of Lake City. Don’s books are available at the Back Country Navigator, Timberline Craftsman, Slumgullion Gift Gallery, and directly from the publisher, Western Reflections Publishing, 970-944-0110 or www.westernreflectionspub.com.
P. David Smith Where: Western Reflections Publishing 951 N. Highway 149 (Broad Axe Building) 970-944-0110 www.westernreflectionspub.com P. David Smith is the author of numerous books about Colorado history, including Ouray, Chief of the Utes; Mountain Mysteries; Chipeta, Queen of the Utes; Mountains of Silver; Images of the San Juans; and Exploring the San Juan Triangle. He has also edited several reprints of historic books, and encouraged dozens of other authors to get their books into print. David and his wife, Jan, own Western Reflections Publishing Company, which relocated to Lake City a few years ago. David’s books are available online through his website, and he is happy to ship your order. Wholesale inquiries are welcome.
Mary Stigall Mary is the author of Up Here, a book inspired by her columns about small-town mountain living that appeared in the Silver World newspaper. Published in 2002, the book is available locally at the Timberline Craftsman and Back Country Navigator. It can also be ordered directly from the publisher, Western Reflections Publishing, 970-944-0110 or www.westernreflectionspub.com.
Claude Thormalen 970-944-1480 www.authorsden.com/claudeathormalen This Lake City author is prolific, with two books released in the last three years. Claude's books include a novel, The Right Side of the Law: Reminiscences of a Federal Narcotics Agent, an autobiography, The Rising of Orion, and a short story, The Rite of Fall, published in The Bugle, the journal of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Claude's books are available directly from him by appointment, as well as at the Timberline Craftsman and at the Back Country Navigator.