The City of Loveland and Visit Loveland are hosting this year’s Colorado Municipal League Convention this week and asked the National Sculptors’ Guild to help during the event by reflecting what makes the City of Loveland so special - its connection with the Arts!

The Guild has provided the conference with a unique display of 16 large-scale sculptures by our NOCO members inside Embassy Suites - Loveland.

We love being headquartered in this art-centric city and hope to make Loveland’s art community proud.
Click here to see more and learn more about the display and artists.

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. [email protected]  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

Columbine Gallery’s Loveland location has served as headquarters and home to the National Sculptors’ Guild and its sculpture garden, featuring some of the country's finest sculptors, since 1992. One of the largest fine art sources in Northern Colorado, the gallery and adjacent NSG Sculpture Garden quickly became a destination spot leading to thousands of art placements, large and small, in collectors’ homes across the nation. The Father/Daughter owners wish to announce a direction shift to the public art side of their business. They are selling the gallery space to provide greater dedication to their large-scale placements than the events and exhibitions that make a gallery shine.
 
“We will continue to sell artwork online, which has become a popular choice among art collectors. This is particularly ideal when a collector is familiar with an artist or has worked with us in the past; they know the quality and take comfort in our 30 plus years of experience. This trust has been built over time, and we intend to care for our artists and collectors in the same manner we have from the start.” -Alyson Kinkade, co-owner and Project Manager for the National Sculptors’ Guild.
 
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with art appreciators of all levels, but the true passion has always been in the design team approach it takes to place great public art.” – John Kinkade, Executive Director of the National Sculptors’ Guild. “Many Lovelanders may be unaware that we have a full-scale public art business, placing over 500 significant monuments across the nation. But that was how we started, and we are feeling it is time to devote ourselves to the Guild once again.”
 
This transition to less show space also allows the Kinkade’s to pursue more of their own interests. Alyson plans to spend more time on her own artwork; and John will continue to work on special projects like serving as Co-Chair for the Colorado Governors’ Art Show, as well as other philanthropic projects that combine the arts and helping community.
 
“It has been a privilege to serve the community of Loveland, Colorado, and our amazing stable of artists over the years. We look forward to continuing to do so in a different capacity.” states John.
 
“Loveland will remain our home base, and we intend to be part of the art world for a long time to come.” Alyson adds. “We are thrilled to see someone new take the space with new energy and ideas to make their mark on this special art-filled city.” The gallery and garden at 2683 N. Taft Avenue will continue to showcase art as the new owner of the property has plans to open par-a-dox fine arts this summer. You’ll see changes already taking shape.
 
John continues, “We hope people reflect fondly of their experiences at Columbine Gallery, we will remember well the dinner parties we threw for hundreds of our patrons under tents in the garden, and special events like weddings; unique exhibitions; charity fundraiser receptions; afternoon meetings with artists on the balconies, and watching the fireworks being set off across Taft Avenue. We express gratitude to all who have been a part of making this beautiful space so special to our family and artists.”
 
Now is the time to redeem any gift certificates, or “Circle of Giving” coupon codes you may be holding onto. Columbine Gallery will remain open through May 31st with hopes to find homes for the amazing artwork that is on display. Shop online: columbinegallery.com/store or stop by the gallery through May 31st.
 
Learn more about our 500+ Public Art projects here: jk-designs-inc.com/project-feed
 
**Representing some of the nation’s leading sculptors, painters and fine artisans, Columbine Gallery and the National Sculptors’ Guild have consulted private and public collectors in the placement of fine art for the interior and exterior since 1992. The National Sculptors' Guild [NSG] is an association made up of its design team and nationally recognized sculptors chosen for their outstanding artistic abilities and varied style with the primary objective to conceive and seek out monumental placements for members' work. Artist Driven, Client Minded.
 
Proudly Representing Renowned Local and National Artists:
Sculptors: Gary Alsum, Craig Campbell, Tim Cherry, Dee Clements, Darrell Davis, Jane DeDecker, Clay Enoch, Edward Fleming, Daniel Glanz, Carol Gold Estate, Denny Haskew, Mark Leichliter, Joe Norman, Leo E. Osborne, Don Rambadt, Wayne Salge, Sandy Scott, Stephen Shachtman, Michael Warrick, and C.T. Whitehouse.
 
Painters and Artisans: Carolyn Barlock, James Biggers, Amelia Caruso, George Coll, Bob Coonts, Cathy Goodale, Don Hamilton, Lu Haskew Estate, Alyson Kinkade, Gary Miller, Jean Perry, Tony Pridham, Teresa Vito, Tal Walton, and the Roy Wilce Estate.

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
[email protected]
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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.

Columbine Gallery's John Kinkade was featured in Southwest Art's May issue about the upcoming Colorado Governor's Art Show and Sale. John has been the Governor’s Show Board and Show Committee events director for the past six years, and he explains in the article many of the changes he and his team have made to revitalize the show to appeal to today's art collectors and showcase Colorado artists to the fullest. This year marks 30 years.

Grab a Southwest Art magazine to read more, then check out the show which runs from May 22nd to June 27th at the Loveland Museum. Learn more.... governorsartshow.org/ click "buy tickets" to reserve your time in advance.

Several Columbine Gallery artists are in this years show, Denny Haskew is a Legacy Artist, other invited artists from Columbine are Mark Bailey, James Biggers, Jane DeDecker, Kim English, Clay Enoch, Daniel Glanz, Alyson Kinkade, Wayne Salge, Sandy Scott, Stephen Shachtman, you can spot them on the show's website. governorsartshow.org/selected-artists/

A brief virtual tour at the National Sculptors’ Guild Sculpture Garden showing Spring in Colorado.
Shop online if you see something you like
#BlueSkies #ArtAndFlowers #SculptureGarden #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #FeedYourCreativeSpirit 

What happens when you have an engineer/artist dad (Joe Norman), a bright young girl and a 3D printer to make prototypes during a stay-in-place order? Construct a icosahedron fort! What an awesome homeschool project!!

We've got our eyes on Abby, she's going places already. Also, I want a play day in that fort!

​From Joe: "Attached are some photos of me and Abby learning about icosahedrons and building her new fort in the backyard, after prototyping it with 3D printed sockets we designed that fit Q-tips as structural members. We then used 2x4's and door hinges to make the full size version."

In geometry, an icosahedron is a polyhedron with 20 faces. The name comes from Ancient Greek εἴκοσι, meaning 'twenty', and ἕδρα, meaning 'seat'. There are infinitely many non-similar shapes of icosahedra, some of them being more symmetrical than others. 

Kinkade stated; "I delivered the commissioned paintings to Platte River Power Authority today. (wearing mask and gloves!) I’m thrilled to be part of their permanent collection in their beautiful new building. Special thanks to Anderson Mason Dale Architects for the selection and a gorgeous space for my art to hang. And thanks Columbine Gallery for the sale.

I love this painting, "Vast, Front Range Sunset Symphony" and I love that it will be in a space that embraces environmental stewardship; keeping the landscapes that inspire my art around."
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Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Platte River's generation portfolio includes thermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.
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#PublicArt #AlysonKinkade #AKfineArt #ContemporaryLandscape #FrontRange #Colorado #PlatteRiverPowerAuthority #andersonmasondale #andersonmasondalearchitects #SkyScape #Mountains #Sunset #Beauty #sennelier #OilPaint #SimpleBeauty #Nature #Power

We plan to continue work and are available by phone and email for any questions or concerns. 

In-stock items are listed on our Online Store; plus you can place orders on items that require time for casting or fabrication. We're happy to provide 3-D views of artwork you're interested in.

We will also continue to post things on our social media outlets for some added beauty in your day. Feel free to share images of how you are #LivingWithArt with us. Or, send us ideas of what you'd like featured.

Our 45 artists are continuing to create amazing art, if you are able to support through collecting, we do hope you'll add a piece or two to enhance your space at this time. ​ Shop Here

We hope everyone continues to do their best to stay healthy and work on facing all the unknowns together.

Make sure you check out the latest community mural by our artist Scott Freeman while visiting Loveland’s art scene.

“THE KISS” – Loveland Version, 15 x 15 feet. Feb,2020.

“2020 is our fourth year to create a giant community art piece in downtown Loveland, Colorado. For the design each year I’ve spoofed a famous fine art painting, giving each one a Valentine’s Day twist and a nod to Loveland.

This year I chose Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt, and his iconic 1908 painting, The Kiss. If you look closely you can see Dan Cupid aiming his arrow at the couple. Dan Cupid is the character who shows up in the special postmark each year for Loveland’s famous valentine re-mailing program. He’s kind of a Loveland mascot, at least around Valentine’s Day, so he made his way into the design this year.”  -Scott Freeman

#CommunityMural #ScottFreeman #Loveland #Colorado #TheKiss #Klimt #GustavKlimt #AfterKlimt #AroundLoveland #PaintByPanel #Mural #DowntownLoveland #Art #Community @ Loveland, Colorado

Check out all our new signage, we are especially fond of the new NSG garden sign by #sculptor Joe Norman.

We hope to see you this weekend for our 27th Annual National Sculptors' Guild Show Garden Party August 9 - 11, 2019, Exhibit continues through August 31st.
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Over 45 nationally recognized artists will be on display at Columbine Gallery this August during our 27th Annual National Sculptors' Guild exhibit
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NSG’s 23 members will exhibit over 100 garden pieces plus smaller works in the Gallery along with 22 painters’ artworks on display.
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See new work and speak with your favorite artists throughout the weekend. Find the next piece to add to your collection.
Special Open House Hours are 9 am to 5 pm Friday – Sunday. Artists will be available to meet with the public throughout the weekend and Artist Demonstrations will occur 1-4 pm each afternoon during the show weekend.
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no admission fees, kid-friendly
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located at 2683 N. Taft Ave. Loveland, Colorado (southwest of Benson Sculpture Park). #LivingWithArt #FeedYourCreativeSpirit #AnnualShow #SculptureGarden #BuyOriginal #Flare #Signage #JoeNorman #CortenSteel #SandwichBoard #Art #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #columbinegallery #featherflag #CantMissUs 

Columbine's Jean Perry is featured in the current Art of the West magazine. We just got our copies and it's stunning. Her beautiful landscapes lift off the pages, and the written word provides more depth to the imagery she creates.

"I think my years of abstract design have helped me to organize a good landscape."

​We urge you to pick up a magazine to see the full article. And stop by the gallery to see her work in person.

#InTheNews

Special thanks to Advantage Bank who put together this ad celebrating our 500th placement, the Thompson Valley Rotary Club's Legacy Project which includes Denny Haskew's Reaching Our Goal sculpture.  click here to learn more

We've had a fantastic experience with Advantage Bank, if you're seeking a supportive community bank in the area... we highly recommend them. 

Columbine Gallery and the National Sculptors' Guild are so excited to be celebrating this moment in Loveland, Colorado where we've been headquartered since 1992 that we've donated our portion of the project plus design work back to the placement to give back to the community that has supported us through the years. 

#FullCircle #ReachingOurGoal #WeHaveTheAdvantage #CircleOfGiving #CommunityMatters

Columbine Gallery is really excited to have Ba-Nom-a-Nom join us during our August Sculpture Show. They'll be at the southeast entrance of our parking lot Saturday (August 11th) only, So, stop by to enjoy a refreshing, healthy treat while you peruse all of the Loveland Art Shows. #FeedYourCreativeSpirit 

This is Nature's Ice Cream!  
The Ba-Nom-a-Nom Treat Truck serves "Soft Serve Frozen Fruit".  Our treats are 100% FRUIT, but fluffed and whipped like soft serve ice cream. 
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Since the only ingredient is fruit, our treats are DAIRY FREE, GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN, FAT FREE, have NO ADDED SUGAR, are HEALTHY and DELICIOUS! You won't believe your taste buds!

We'll take rain whenever it comes to help our flowers in the Sculpture Garden. Stop by to enjoy 

You may have noticed some updates to our south entry and beyond. We've been painting out the red stairwell,  adding #ColumbineBlue and revamping the decor. Even a new roof!

All of this is in preparation of leasing the upstairs; if you have a great business seeking office space with an artful twist, please contact us! 

​Not to worry, we still are showing tons of our 48 amazing Artists' Fine Artwork, inside and out. Can't visit us? Shop Online

#FeedYourCreativeSpirit #LivingWithArt #ChangeIsGood #PaintIsMagic #WontYouBeOurNeighbor#WereLookinGood

We are really pleased to have new neighbors to the gallery, Plenty Pharma provides natural remedies for people and pets!

Art, and the Art of Healing, all in one block. We hope you'll visit them when you next stop by the gallery and sculpture garden, 

"Plenty Pharma was founded on the belief that we can truly benefit peoples lives by providing products that enable them to enjoy pain-free, active and well-balanced lifestyles. We strive to provide only the best quality, most effective products available, while maintaining affordability and accessibility to our customers"