2014 Locavore Holiday Gift Guide: Art Markets

Muse Gallery

Located in Longmont, the Muse Gallery prides itself on being the “only art gallery dedicated to representing local and regional artists in a variety of mediums and styles.” The gallery has three exhibition spaces featuring both local and national artists, and it regularly hosts specially-themed exhibitions. Even better, it has a Community Space especially for students and community groups. All of the work is for sale, and there is something for most budgets. It’s that desire to push and promote local artists though that we mind particularly attractive. Sculptures, paintings, fixtures – it’s all here and the people are Muse are picky. (356 Main St., Longmont, (303) 678-7869)

pARTiculars

As well as displaying, in their words, “Exquisite original art created by local artists,” pARTiculars in Lafayette offers art classes for adults and children of all experience levels in many different media. Fine art, sculpture, jewelry, painting, beadwork, fiber art ceramics, photography – it’s all here. This is one of those awesome local community spaces that makes ordinary people feel like genuine artists and a part of a bigger thing – a local art scene. If you drop by, as well as seeing many beautiful pieces on the walls and in displays, there will usually be people working on something new. It’s as much a workshop and classroom as it is a gallery, and that’s invaluable. (601 S. Public Rd., #1, Lafayette, (720) 890-7888)

Creative Framing

While Creative Framing is a chain store, the one in Louisville is a whole different kettle of fish. Janet Russell has owned the store for more than a decade and a half. They say, “Previously located on South Boulder Road, the new location in historic downtown Louisville boasts beautiful high ceilings, bright ambient light and a warm, welcoming gallery with professional gallery lighting.” It’s true too; the building is stunning and, while the store does boast all of the usual services that a Creative Framing store is expected to provide, it’s the art of locals like Jackie Friesth and Theresa Beckemeyer that is the real crowd-puller. (916 Main Street, Louisville, 303-664-0043)

Firehouse Art Center

The people at this beautiful, converted firehouse say that, “The mission of the Firehouse Art Center is to raise cultural awareness and understanding of the arts in the regional community through classes for all ages, lectures, events, and visual art exhibits of regional and national artists.” The Art Studio in Longmont has been servicing local artistic needs since 1986, and it was in 1999 that the group moved into the Firehouse. The building itself is practically a piece of art, though there’s plenty of work here that would make for excellent gift ideas. Artists as celebrated and talented as Barbara Cargill, Lisa Patchem, Sarah McLaughlin and Heather Cherry. (607 4th Ave., Longmont, (303) 651-2787)