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

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 hope you are gathering with your favorite people, honoring traditions and/or celebrating in your own way. Regardless of the path you're on, there are so many reasons to commemorate this week. Enjoy.

We'll be closed until next Wednesday to be with our families. You can still shop online, so grab a hot cocoa and find your next artwork to warm your space.

Merry Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa!

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.

Look for our ad and tips from John in a feature article in the new publication Northern Colorado HOME this November, all about #LivingWithArt. We'll also instagram some of our favorite interior placements from our collector's homes over the next few months, start following us now! #FeedYourCreativeSpirit

Shop online this Fall and use Coupon Code: LivingWithArt for a special incentive on your next artwork.

It's official, we have upstairs neighbors, we've cleared out the top floor (except for a few large paintings). The gallery is now just the first floor. 

​Please welcome Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to the building. We’re excited to have this energetic bunch of real estate agents reinvigorate the upstairs.

Not to worry, we still have all our 45 artist’s artwork on display, and we think the gallery and NSG sculpture garden look better than ever.

Stop by and see all the changes we’ve made, or shop online.

#ChChChanges #BerkshireHathaway #LivingWithArt #AroundLoveland

You may already be aware that the price of bronze has been increasing for several years due to global demand for copper. Recently, all metals are on the rise... this means your favorite artwork prices will increase too. Because we bid a lot of large-scale public art, we've been watching this very closely; we've already seen an over 15% increase in material costs since December.

While the value of an artist's work befittingly goes up throughout their career, a large factor of pricing is the cost of materials the artwork is fabricated from. Our artists absorb as much of these material cost increases as possible, when it's no longer feasible, the only choice is a price change. That's actually good news for collectors - the value of your collection goes up with each increase. 

Much of the art we show is made from Bronze, Steel and Aluminum, therefore...
Our recommendation to you, the collector, is to lock in the price of that piece you've been eyeing before the next bump. Place an order with a 50% deposit and you can pay the balance over time (up to 6 months). Many sculptures may need to be cast/fabricated requiring weeks to months before it can ship anyway.

If you are placing an Order's Only purchase online, we will contact you with details of when to expect your artwork. If the artwork will take more than 2 weeks to fabricate/cast/create, we will adjust your payment to reflect only the required deposit and charge the balance with a series of smaller monthly charges, or with a single payment prior to shipping depending upon your preference. Shop Online

Here are a few links on the subject....
The Fabricator: Rise in Steel Prices continues 
Market Watch, New Tariffs to Raise Prices
Barron's Tariffs: Giving Steel Prices Another Nudge

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"

While you are checking out Loveland, Colorado; here's a few favorite things we recommend for your visit...
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ART, starting with us, of Course:
Columbine Gallery home of the National Sculptors’ Guild. Our 4500 square foot gallery artfully displays over 800 NSG sculptures and paintings by over 40 local and national artists. Plus the attached NSG Sculpture Garden is an acre filled with unusual botanical specimens and over 80 monumental sculptures, all available for sale, ready for your collection.
2683 N Taft Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538 970-667-2015 email

MORE ART: ​4th street has other small galleries/studios like Independence Gallery, and  Lundeen Sculpture ​

Bronze Services of Colorado: See the sculptures being cast,
140 2nd Street S.E., Loveland, CO  80537  970-667-2723
​THURSDAY mornings at 8 am. By appointment only.

Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra a permanent collection of  82 African stone sculptures carved by Zimbabwe artists. Would be good to catch on the way in or out of town – Centerra is near the I-25 interchange. 2593 Kendall Parkway Loveland, CO 80538​

ACCOMMODATIONS: 
Embassy Suites: If you need a place to stay, this is our top pick. We loan art to them on occasion, and they offer great amenities close to I-25 and Hwy 34.

Origins Wine Bar and Pizza: If you have a large group, I'd recommend renting the Wine Cellar Library  in advance, which seats up to 20. The menu has a great mix of fresh foods that pair well with the wine!
Origins is right across from the Loveland Museum  
​500 N Lincoln Ave Loveland, CO 80537,   970-685-4269

Who does the National Sculptors' Guild use for cleaning and conservation? We recommend Sculpture Services of Colorado for all our clients whether it's monumental public art, or a residential collection. 

They travel throughout the US and are superb at what they do. 

"Sculptures should actually look like the day the collector brought the sculpture into their collection, especially bronze."

Let us know if you need to be added to their route. 

Sculpture shown by Jane DeDecker and Gary Lee Price

Columbine Gallery is hosting the Loveland Artist's Collective August Meeting. Please join us in the National Sculptors' Guild Sculpture Garden for a Bouquet of Knowledge, August 28th 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

This is a great networking resource for emerging and mid-career artists, looking for ways to connect and gain tools to take their work to the next level with professional guidance from the established creative industry of our community.

Art Shape Mammoth will present their new model of artists' representation
Voila Fine Art Rental will tell us about the art rental field
Weedin Insurance will overview the special insurance needs of artists. ie. coverage during exhibitions, etc
Columbine Gallery will share best practices when seeking gallery representation
General networking will proceed the topic discussions.

The Artist's Collective mission is to draw together visual, performing, and literary artists to network, educate, elevate and activate the artists to succeed in a thriving creative community.

This event is open to the public. Future meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month - click here for event details and sites.

Last updated 2021. Still have a question we haven't covered? Please call or email.

Our focus is shifting toward the National Sculptors' Guild, so there is opportunity for you to purchase Columbine Gallery and continue its 30 years of connecting people with art!

Buy the Gallery and Garden. Keep it as an art gallery, or expand your own business in this beautiful Northern Colorado space. Columbine has 29 years of history in the art market. Gain clientele, contracted artists fine furnishings and a gorgeous backdrop for paintings and sculpture in a growing art-centric city. Our Loveland location of Columbine Art Gallery is the largest original fine art​ in Northern Colorado, showcasing hundreds of artworks by 40 renowned artists.

Columbine is named after the Colorado State flower which is a symbol for Spirit. #FeedYourCreativeSpirit 

If you need time to build funds for that perfect artwork, we allow up to 6 months of interest-free payments. With your deposit of at least 1/3, you ensure the piece is yours until you've paid in full. All artworks are retained until fully paid. Please call us to order in this method as it is not currently available online.

Many of our artists will paint or sculpt to your specified needs. This may include portraits, certain size, etc. Depending on the commission, we may provide multiple proposals for you to choose from. The initial design is complimentary. If the design phase is extensive a design fee will be incurred. Please let us know your wishes and we will connect you with the artist(s) that meet your request. ​

Need a Bronze Cleaning Kit? click here Need Professional Help? click here
For all other materials, please contact us. We can help establish best practices that you can implement to clean your artwork yourself, or connect you with trained professionals and conservators that can work on-site to help maintain your collection on a regular basis, or help with highly distressed pieces that need major work. 

The pricing is set by the artist based on their costs and career level. We are an artist-driven organization and take a smaller commission than most galleries. We do not adjust the retail pricing, nor do we bargain as this will only result in devaluing the artist's entire body of work. Valuations are based primarily on the last sold price of a piece. It behooves you as a patron to not buy art that has been severely discounted. Instead support artists you admire and watch your art investment continue to appreciate as your favorite artists climb in acclaim.

Past patrons of Columbine Gallery receive 5% off or free shipping to show our gratitude while maintaining the value of the artwork. This discount does not apply with any other offers, nor for custom commissions. If you have purchased from us in the past, please make us aware of this at the time of your purchase if we haven't already acknowledged this. Should you purchase online, we'll check our database and refund the discount to existing patrons prior to shipping.

On occasion we use coupon codes in advertisements or newsletters for free shipping or a % off. Keep your eyes open! Look for #CouponCode

Sorry, we don't purchase artwork. All the artwork on display at Columbine Gallery is consigned by the artists we represent. You may find your collection has out grown your space. We unfortunately cannot consign aftermarket work at this time. We recommend you attempt selling the artwork on your own. Be sure to have your artwork appraised by a certified appraiser. Here are a few resources to consider: Sell Your Art. Chairish, Live Auctioneers, Sotheby's, Art Appraisal, Colorado Appraiser. Once you make room for more art - please check our online store.

We are currently at capacity of represented artists. You may send us your qualifications for future consideration by emailing your website or qualifications. Do not bring artwork to the gallery for review.

Columbine Gallery was opened in 1992; the 4,500 square foot building housing the gallery was designed by one of Frank Lloyd Wrights’ last students.  Click here to find out more about the Gallery's architecture.

Why is the National Sculptors' Guild headquartered in Loveland, Colorado? 
Loveland is home to over 300 artists; and over 8% of the total labor force are employed in the arts and design related/cultural occupations. There are workers in fine art, literary art, including publishing, design, art related retail heritage (museum) and the performing arts. This makes for a Art-centric city and has become a destination for art appreciators from all over the world.

We've put together a brief listing of our favorite Loveland, CO spots. We hope you enjoy them all! click here