June has been full of coordinating the move out of Columbine Gallery and the Sculpture Garden, we're happy to share that JK Designs' made the move to home offices and we are excited about our renewed focus on our large-scale projects with the National Sculptors' Guild members artwork. So far, our dog's are the happiest about the move.

Alyson's office is already in use and Jujube is super happy with her new bed in the office.

We were all pleasantly pleased to see the Executive Desk Set fit into John's space. We'll update with a new pic of all the office accoutrements. It sets the tone for some great site designs and public art master planning to take place.

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

The video above shows the new work created for the exhibit Waters, National Sculptors' Guild Fellow, Clay Enoch's show at Surface Gallery in Colorado Springs last month.

About the Exhibit:
This show is dedicated in loving memory of my Father who went to be with Jesus in September. Without his encouragement, support, and tireless endorsement, I would not be a sculptor. He believed in me and saw meaning in my work. He was a big fan of including written inspirations to accompany my pieces, so I have done that for this show. I love you and miss you, Pop.

Chaotic water is a Biblical theme that begins on page one and runs throughout, often representing a threat to human life.

'Waters' is sculptor Clay Enoch's six-piece exhibition of challenge…survival…and a God-way forward.
It is a personal reflection on the events he recently faced/that have threatened him, and the tangible God who reveals himself in, and through, and after the waters of life.

For many years, I have incorporated fused glass elements into my bronze figurative compositions. This show represents more exploration with bronze and terracotta into themes around water represented by resin and by kiln-cast glass.

- Clay Enoch

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.

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.

Congratulations to NSG member Craig Campbell whose American Liberty Gold coin that he sculpted for the US Mint won an international award: "Gold Coin of the Year"!!! We love seeing Craig's work (big and small) getting recognition.

Craig Campbell sculpted the Obverse (pictured here), designed by Beth Zaiken, and the Reverse was designed by Richard Masters, sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.

Read about the Coin of the Year awards here
Order one from the US Mint here

​"The 2021 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin is the fifth coin in the American Liberty series. The obverse (heads) features Liberty as a wild American Mustang horse, bucking off a western style saddle. It evokes the throwing off of the yoke of British rule during the American Revolution. The horse is centered on a rising sun. The reverse (tails) depicts a close-up view of an eagle with an open beak."

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!

The family has requested we share this event with the artworld, please attend if you are able.
​John will be speaking on behalf of the National Sculptors' Guild and Columbine Gallery.  
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Celebration of Life for Carol Gold
January 28, 2023, 11 a.m. at the Pavilion in Fairfax, California
142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax CA 94930

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

It's Fall in Colorado and the temps are dropping so John's been bringing the final blooms inside. The flowers go so well with the artwork. We hope you are cozy at home with your collection of art and florals. #MumsTheWord

Need more art to cozy up with? http://www.columbinegallery.com/store/
Enter code Columbine30 for a special incentive at checkout

On this #NationalNativeAmericanDay we highlight Potawatomi artist, Denny Haskew.

'Strength of the Maker right from its title... to the strength shown even in the toes, is a statement of how I view my very inner belief. Nature and all things natural have always been of the utmost importance to me all my life. Believing in, the Great Spirit, Buddha, Mohammed, the Mysterious One, is important. I feel they all exude the same message; a life of oneness, of love, of honesty and a source of emotional strength. Strength of the Maker is my visual version of how I see my Maker.' -DH

This powerful monumental bronze of a Native American preparing their bow is on permanent display in the Native American Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Other prominent placements of the edition include the Gilcrease Museum, OK; the Barona Band of Mission Indians, CA; Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum, Bastian, VA; Briscoe Western Art Museum, TX; Flagstaff, AZ; Grand Junction, CO; Cerritos, CA; and Canyon City, CO; and private collections. "Strength of the Maker" has won five best of show / first place prizes in the top art shows in the country.

Only one remains from the limited edition of 21, add it to your collection: click here

​The juxtaposition of styles and subjects in the gallery is one of our favorite parts of the artist's we've curated. We know collectors love all kinds of art, just like we do.
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Add to your collection: http://www.columbinegallery.com/store/ and enter code Columbine30 through the end of 2022 for a special incentive at checkout

It's National Dog Day! We love our dogs, in art or real life. Here are some of our artist's take on human's best friend.
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Below are links to the pictured artwork:
#GaryAlsum http://www.columbinegallery.com/store/p1689/Vivat_LVII.html
#CraigCampbell http://www.columbinegallery.com/.../Cupcakes_-_Frenchie.html
#BobCoonts http://www.columbinegallery.com/.../Coonts_Pet_Portrait...
#JaneDeDecker http://www.columbinegallery.com/store/p2095/New_Tricks.html
#DanielGlanz http://www.columbinegallery.com/store/p798/Mastiff.html
#CathyGoodale http://www.columbinegallery.com/.../Goodale_Pet_Portrait...
#AlysonKinkade http://www.columbinegallery.com/.../Happiness_Is_Custom...
#WayneSalge http://www.columbinegallery.com/store/p341#waynesalge
#SandyScott http://www.columbinegallery.com/.../First_Season_Brit.html