LOCAL NEWS
Five Questions: Alyson Kinkade, a lifetime in the arts


Columbine Gallery closing June 1

By PAMELA JOHNSON 
Loveland Reporter-Herald
May 7, 2023 at 8:00 p.m.




Alyson Kinkade has been creating art for, as she said, “as long as I can remember.”
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The painter, who runs Columbine Gallery in Loveland with her dad, John Kinkade, is one of 62 artists with pieces in the Governor’s Art Show underway at the Loveland Museum, and dips her paintbrush into many different colors of the art world.

With the National Sculptor’s Guild, she helps place large sculptures in public art collections.

With the gallery, which is closing in June and transitioning to online only, she has provided a place for artists to display and sell their work, and for people to view a variety of different types of art.
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With her paints, she creates a unique world for people to enjoy.

1. How did you first start as an artist? What is your specialty?
I have enjoyed creating art for as long as I can remember, with great art teachers throughout my primary schools in Greeley and Loveland, and a supportive family with creative friends even before my family started the art gallery. I grew up with encouragement to try all methods and materials that art can take form in, going to the Creative Arts Center all through elementary school.  …  My (junior high) art teacher was Dan Augenstein — we called him Auggie — who I later got to represent as an artist in our gallery. He’s also in the Governor’s Art Show. He specialized in ceramics at the time, so I created a series of ceramic animals that I then sold at Arts Picnic. Connie Einfalt and Laurie White were my art teachers at Loveland High and they were wonderful for exploring photography, sculpture and jewelry making, rare mediums to find at public schools. An enthusiastic art teacher makes a huge impact for a young creative and I’ve remained in contact with them. My junior year of high school I was fortunate enough to spend a summer at Interlochen Arts Camp, which helped me develop a portfolio to get a scholarship to attend the Kansas City Art Institute where I honed in on painting as my primary medium. Following graduation, I lived in Santa Fe where we had a second gallery at the time that I managed for a few years while also creating artwork; then returned to Loveland where I currently live, work and create.

My specialty is oil painting. I have a couple series right now, abstract landscapes and representational custom pet portraits. It’s nice to have the freeing intuitive work of the landscapes balanced by the tighter animal paintings. I love doing both.

2. What is your inspiration, in life and in art?
I am inspired by nature. I love to visually take in the expansive plains of Colorado with ever changing skies. I’m equally inspired by animals and helping groups who advocate for them. Proceeds from my ‘Happiness Is’ pet portrait series help me contribute to animal welfare organizations. I love to give back through my art.
The use of stacked colors in my landscape paintings represent one’s goals and ambitions laid out before them; and the sky is the space to contemplate new ideas. The horizon is where dreams and aspirations meet.

3. Describe the Governor’s Art Show. What makes it special? What is the draw for residents?
I am very proud to be juried in for my 10th time. It is wonderful to be part of such a unique show that gives back to the community through its sales. The 32nd Colorado Governor’s Art Show and Sale is one of the largest juried fine art shows in the state. It runs through June 11th at the Loveland Museum. …

What makes it so special is that it is truly is an “Art with Heart” exhibit, the show benefits Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs’ charitable projects and causes. One-third of the proceeds go to the Thompson Education Foundation’s Homeless Assistance Fund and additional funds go toward scholarships for local art students. Scholarship winners have a piece displayed in the show on the back wall. I have met them, and they are impressive young people with bright futures.

Since 2016, the Governor’s Art Show has had different jurors every year, and that makes each show so distinctive and shows off new artists purely by the aesthetic value of who juried. This makes the show fresh, diverse, and full of what Colorado artists are currently expressing. There are 62 artists on display. You will discover artists from all corners of the state, and there is something for everyone. … The caliber of artists in the show is unmatched. (https://governorsartshow.org)

​4. What is the history of Columbine Gallery? I understand that the physical gallery will be closing. Why and what are the plans for transitioning online? What will become of the building?
Yes, this is our final month of being open to the public as Columbine Gallery. …
My father (John Kinkade) founded the National Sculptors’ Guild in 1992 with a dozen sculptors who wished to find thoughtful public applications for their work. JK Designs is the design team that promotes and provides consultation for the Guild. Columbine Gallery was opened as a space to show the artwork by members of the National Sculptors’ Guild when cities and companies would come out to meet on large-scale commissions. We started out in a small space at 1032 Lincoln Ave. The gallery walls were used to showcase regional painters, and after moving to our current location 2683 N. Taft Ave., Columbine grew into one of Northern Colorado’s largest fine art galleries housing over 50 artists at one time, and the adjacent National Sculptors’ Guild Sculpture Garden filled with 85-100 sculptures year-round.

After 30 years, we have elected to refocus our time and energy on the National Sculptors’ Guild and placing large-scale artwork in commercial and public spaces. Many Lovelanders may be unaware that we have a full-scale public art business, placing over 550 significant monuments across the nation over the years. While we have thoroughly enjoyed working with art appreciators of all levels, the true passion has always been in the design team approach it takes to place great public art. That is how we started, and we are feeling it is time to devote ourselves to the Guild once again.

We will continue to sell much of the artwork online, (nationalsculptorsguild.com), which has become a popular choice among art collectors.  …

This transition to less show space also allows me to pursue more opportunities for my own artwork, and my father can continue to work on his philanthropic projects that often combine the arts and helping community. It has been a privilege to serve the community of Loveland and our amazing stable of artists over the years. We look forward to continuing to do so in a different capacity.

We are thrilled to see someone new take the space with new energy and ideas to make their own mark on this special art-filled city. The Taft Avenue gallery and garden will continue to showcase art as the new owner is currently working to open ‘par-a-dox fine arts’ this summer. There will be different artists and events that will renew the space with creative energy. It feels good that our legacy will continue in this way.

5. What are your favorite places to enjoy art in Loveland?
Columbine Gallery and Garden (through May), Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland Museum, Artworks, Artspace, Downtown Loveland (rotating sculptures and the growing mural collection) some of the local restaurants have fun rotating artwork (Muse, Verboten, Henry’s, West End) and occasionally I grab a blizzard at the Dairy Queen and enjoy seeing sculptures on loan there too. Loveland is full of great art and artists everywhere you go.

Bonus: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Dream big, put in the hours, seek out those who support your efforts, and give back when you can.

Alyson Kinkade
Years in Loveland: 26
Occupation: Artist, Director at Columbine Gallery and the National Sculptors' Guild

Pamela Johnson | Assistant Editor
Pamela Johnson is an award-winning journalist with two decades invested in the community of Loveland. She covers education, county government, environmental issues, outdoor recreation and whatever else she finds along the way. johnsonp@reporter-herald.com  Follow Pamela Johnson @RHPamelaJ

We are proud supporters of the Colorado Governor's Art Show once again. This is a phenomenal show that gives back to the community through its sales.*
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Celebrating 32 years of excellence. The Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale, the largest juried fine art show to exclusively feature Colorado artists, introduces the public to 62 of Colorado’s top fine artists.

The 32nd Governor’s Art Show is Saturday, May 6th through June 11th, 2023 at the Loveland Museum. The Opening Night Gala is May 5, 2023 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. buy your tickets now

Several of our artists were juried in this year, you'll see new work from James Biggers, Jane DeDecker, Daniel Glanz, Alyson Kinkade, and Stephen Shachtman.

*Purchase Art with Heart – the show benefits Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs charitable projects and causes. One-third of net proceeds will go to the Thompson Education Foundation’s Homeless Assistance Fund and additional funds will go toward scholarships for local art students.

#CelebrateColoradoArtists #CoGovArtShow #FineArt #ArtWithHeart #LovelandMuseum #DowntownLoveland #MarkYourCalendar

With a little luck, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day by sharing our discovered pot of gold...  over 140 never before shown Lu Haskew paintings.

While cleaning out a storage room, Lu's son, Denny, uncovered 5 boxes filled with Lu's paintings. They were packed away from her studio when she fell ill, then forgotten. Lu was a prolific artist, prioritizing her time to paint 5 days a week, so it is no surprise that so many paintings remained in her studio from her final couple years. Most are unframed, and because her preferred substrate was canvas mounted on gator board, dozens of paintings fit in each box.

​We are making these final paintings available for purchase, exclusively on our online store. Enter code: TreasureTrove at checkout for a special incentive through the end of the month.

We have 40 additional portraits that we are still documenting. If you have interest in these, please contact us and we'll send you notice once they have been uploaded.

A portion of each sale benefits the Lu Haskew Endowment for the Arts, funding art supplies and scholarships in the Thompson School District where she taught.

Our #TreeForAll entry “Good Fortune” will find a new home at @fhslevents auction tomorrow.
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John created another beauty for the annual fundraiser. It features colorful paper lanterns, fans and mercury glass fortune cookie ornaments. The red skirt also serves as a storage bag for the tree for easy set up each year. A $250 gift certificate to Columbine Gallery accompanies this tree.

Visit foothillsserviceleague.org to learn more about this philanthropic organization and their events.
#FoothillsServiceLeague

We are so pleased to share the coverage on the philanthropic efforts of the Colorado Governor's Art Show in Loveland's Reporter-Herald. This has been a passion project for Columbine's John Kinkade since 2015; and the increased funds and awareness raised for the TEF Resiliency Fund has been a personal highlight.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022
HOMELESS HELP
Governor's Art Show nets big donation for unhoused youths
TEF's Resiliency Fund gets boost
By Will Costello
wcostello@prairiemountainmedia.com
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Proceeds from the Governor's Art Show funded a $28,230 donation to the Thompson Education Foundation's Resiliency Fund for Unhoused Youth, a program that provides help to the students in the Thompson School District that are unhoused.

The Resiliency Fund, which has existed for around a decade, provides help to unhoused students, many of whom are underage and without parents or a legal guardian, in the form of gift cards to pay for groceries and gas, or paying for car repairs or new tires so that students can actually get to school.

"There are a whole variety of supports that other agencies can't provide," said Kim Akeley-Charron, executive director of TEF. This, she explained, is because many of the students the fund helps are both unaccompanied and under 18. The typical services that help minors in financial trouble are administered through parents or guardians, so children without them sometimes fall through the cracks.

An upcoming program operated by the Resiliency Fund will install "resource closets" in all the high schools across the district that will contain necessities like toothpaste and other hygiene items. It also helps graduating seniors afford caps and gowns for graduation ceremonies, and provides scholarships to some of those who are pursuing post-secondary education.

The Governor's Art Show, an annual tradition held in Loveland for decades, has funded the Resiliency Fund for Unhoused Youth for the last six years, said John Kinkade, board member for the Governor's Art Show and one of the main planners of the event. Prior to that, proceeds went to the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs, which jointly put on the event, and would then be spent on philanthropic causes of those organizations choosing.

Then Kinkade, who also serves on the Thompson Valley Rotary Committee that selects art scholarship recipients, encountered a young scholarship applicant who presented a portfolio that struck him. "It was really dark, really severe," he remembered. A fellow committee member asked about the nature of the student's work, and she described a series of harrowing life experiences that culminated in becoming unhoused.

Kinkade, moved, reached out to his friend, Akeley-Charron, to inquire further. "That just kind of blew me away," he said. Akeley-Charron told him that in addition to the young student Kinkade had encountered, there were hundreds more across the district who had similar experiences. He then insisted that in addition to funding the two Rotary Clubs' philanthropic efforts, one-third of the proceeds from the Governor's Art Show be earmarked for the Resiliency Fund.

The show has been donating to the fund ever since, totaling over $100,000 since 2016, Akeley-Charron said when the donation was announced. 

Kinkade, who volunteered the equivalent of six 40-hour workweeks preparing for this year's show, said the program is the primary reason he's still involved with the show. Both Kinkade and Akeley-Charron said that it was rewarding work, and that the recipients, many of whom face challenges unthinkable even to adults, are deserving. "We called it the Resiliency Fund, and that's exactly what these kids show," Akeley-Charron said. "Resiliency, every day."

All contents Copyright © 2022 Daily Reporter-Herald. All rights reserved. 

Below are some photos from past year's Governor's Art Show galas and events from our archives.

We already knew how amazing our artist Joe Norman is, but now the world is getting a bigger glimpse of his generous spirit. He has been creating 3D printed ppe and ventilator parts to maximize the use of a ventilator for multiple patients at hospitals with limited equipment and resources.

"Several weeks ago, I was working on four large public art placements in three different states in the western US. Since then, I and the various public art agencies have decided to put those projects on hold so they could focus (rightly) on the health of their communities. And, to be honest, there are more important things in my life right now than making sculpture. 
Specifically, there are thousands upon thousands of people dying scared and alone, isolated from their loved ones in hospitals across the country. I simply can't justify working on my own art when I have the ability to do something about that. Anyone interested in helping can visit make4covid.co and makersunite.co for more information." - Joe Norman

#DoingYourPart #Covid19 #VentilatorManifolds #MakersUnite #Make4Covid #JoeNorman 

To all our Healthcare Professionals, THANK YOU for taking great care of us. We are forever grateful for all you do.

NSG Fellow Jane DeDecker has a number of sculptures that depict our compassionate healers, this post shows just a few. The meaning of these pieces grows deeper lately as we rely on the brave men and women who are truly giving their all.

#ThankYouHealthcareWorkers #JaneDeDecker #HealingTouch #PatientConcerns #DocElliot #CanYouFixThis #Bronze #Sculpture #ArtCares #StayHome #SaveLives #MedicalProfessionTribute #Doctors #Nurses #Housekeeping #ElderCare #KeepingUsSafe #DoYourPart

We have a dozen paintings by the late Lu Haskew never before shown at Columbine Gallery on display, this week only. We hope you'll come by Saturday for our annual Legacy For Lu event 11-4.

Purchasing artwork this week gives back to the community with proceeds going to the Thompson Education Foundation's Lu Haskew Endowment for the Arts Fund, infusing art classrooms with additional resources. 

Can't make it? You can donate to the endowment online... click here

#LegacyForLu #ArtWithACause #ArtWorthCollecting #TEF #GiveBack#CircleOfGiving #BuyOriginal

It's a peek at our Future,... and the Future is Bright!

We are pleased to host the finalist interviews for the Rotary Art Scholarship again tonight. Each year we grow more, and more impressed with the confident students who are showcasing their talents as they prepare to stretch their wings.
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The winners will be displayed at the Colorado Governor's Art Show & Sale. Just one more reason to go to the show this May.