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

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 

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!

Yes, there's a hippo in Embassy Suites.

​As NSG Fellow Tim Cherry's bronze hippo sculpture Roundbottomus Hippopotamus awaits its permanent placement as the site is being prepped, she will greet visitors to Loveland in the Lobby of the Embassy Suites Convention Center.

The National Sculptors' Guild will install the hippo this Spring in Little Rock as a part of their extensive Public Art Program. Stay tuned for updates.

Curtis Zabel’s bronze Mule Deer sculpture "The Escape" is heading out of the National Sculptors' Guild Sculpture Garden for temporary display at the entry of Embassy Suites Loveland. We think it looks great! This is in appreciation for all Embassy Suites does for the Colorado Governor's Art Show each year.
Make it yours, click here

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.

Columbine Gallery was pleased to help this year's Colorado Governor's Art Show with a mini Art Tour so that Loveland's downtown eateries can promote the art community and the show's activities this May. 

Thanks to those who could join us. click here to purchase tickets for the April 28 Governor's Art Show Gala
Art purchases go toward the show's fundraising efforts benefiting the Thompson Education Foundation's Homeless Assistance Fund helping the district's homeless students..

We are pleased to share that National Sculptors' Guild Associate Dan Glanz's Tree Top Stretch bronze monument was one of the select new additions to Loveland's Benson Sculpture Garden this year. The park continues to grow each year through the proceeds generated from each annual Sculpture in the Park show now housing over 150 sculptures. We urge you to experience all of Loveland's Public Art collection during your next visit to Columbine Gallery.

"For many years we lived in the beautiful Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest outside Loveland, Colorado, surrounded by wildlife we would see on an almost daily basis. We were always excited to see the wildlife; deer, black bears, elk, bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys, and many more animals. However, it was the elusive mountain lion, while only occasionally spotted on the mountain, we knew was always close by.
On many occasions, we found tracks in the snow at the edge of the trees and half-eaten prey on our walks around our ridgetop. I would make it a habit, especially in winter, to go out in the early morning darkness to see if there were four-legged visitors nearby before letting our dogs outside. One snowy morning, with my headlamp illuminating the darkness, I discovered fresh mountain lion tracks in the snow on our steep drive only to realize that less snow had fallen in the lion’s tracks in front of me than the track I made behind me just 3 minutes earlier. I followed them back toward the house and discovered the lion had been watching me not 50 feet away. I’m sure it wasn’t the first time, nor the last, we had been closely watched.
“Tree Top Stretch” began as a commissioned piece that gave me the opportunity to describe the powerful stealthy, yet reclusive, feline in a more relaxed manner. The big cat is beginning the evening’s hunt, limbering up on an old treetop, more than likely a daily ritual." -Daniel Glanz

The National Sculptors' Guild sculpture garden at Columbine Gallery is starting to emerge from the snow cover with colorful blossoms. 

Introducing Colorado to its Artistic Talent" - April 24 - May 29, 2016 at the Loveland Museum/Gallery. 
Opening Night Gala: April 23.
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Over the past 6 months JK Designs' Principal, John Kinkade, has been pouring much of his knowledge, time and energy into the upcoming 25th Annual Governor's Art Show Happily we are seeing great acknowledgements as the events are beginning to unfold including the opening of Re-Fine-d Gallery this Friday. We believe the art community (artists and collectors alike) will love the show and all the extras that the Board Members have planned.... Beyond the Calendar of Events there will also be artists demonstrations at varied locations each weekend for the duration of the show. Columbine's Alyson Kinkade will be painting April 30th 2-4pm at Studio Vino, Carolyn Barlock at re-Fine-d Gallery May 7th 9-5 and Guest demonstrators Sabrina Stiles and Rodgers Naylor will be at Columbine Gallery May 14th 2-4pm.

“This event is not only an opportunity for Colorado artists to show their work,” says board member John Kinkade, “but also to introduce Coloradans to the amazing portfolios of many artistic talents we have in our state.” Indeed, this year’s show features works in a variety of media by 55 artists exploring myriad themes. More than 300 artists submitted work to the juried show, and while there are many returning and established exhibitors, nearly 25 percent of the participants are new to the event. 
--- To mark the silver anniversary, the show includes an exhibit honoring its “legacy” artists. “This show has been instrumental in introducing new Colorado talent early in their careers,” Kinkade says. “We’re bringing these artists back to the show through the legacy program.” Works owned by the City of Loveland from each of this year’s legacy artists—Fritz White, Kim English, and Quang Ho—are on display in the museum’s Green Room. English and Ho also bring new works available for purchase. 
---Proceeds from the show benefit a number of causes and groups supported by two local Rotary clubs. They also have helped to establish art scholarships for area students.
click below to read the full Southwest Art article,