If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, look no further than downtown Salida, Colorado. As one of the state’s first Certified Creative Districts, the town’s culture fosters an exciting array of artisans, innovators, sculptors, and other talented creators, making Salida a can’t-miss stop for art lovers.
Salida, Colorado’s thriving art scene, includes galleries where visitors and art lovers will be thrilled to find unique art. Inspired by Colorado’s beauty and personal connection to nature, these collections are indeed one of a kind. From pottery and paintings to photography and sculpture, there are a variety of aesthetics to choose from. Take a look at our Ultimate Art Guide to Salida, Colorado, and bring a piece of your trip home.
*Please contact these businesses for more information and any recent changes in services and hours.*
Four Winds Gallery
Owner, Linda Frances, opened Four Winds Gallery in 2005 at 118 F Street in Salida. This notable art gallery features original oil paintings, mixed media paper collage paintings, and abstract landscape themes. A Cosmic series of original works here depicts galaxies, nebulas, stars, and views of the earth from space. Linda is an artist who lets the changing beauty of the landscape inspire her, allowing you to escape into these images and let your imagination soar. This gallery features offerings from other artists and is where you can find Colorado pottery, handmade jewelry, gourd art, nature photography, and many different types of art for sale.
The Bork and Watkins Gallery
Owners Carl Bork and Karen Watkins are a talented artist duo who are husband and wife. They opened their gallery at 149 W 1st Street in 2010. Carl loves when he can express himself in his art and enjoys painting the beautiful landscape in the Arkansas River Valley with its mountain and river views, dramatic cliffs, lovely trees, deep canyons, and beautiful wildflowers. Karen’s painting style is more colorful, whimsical, and surreal, with many of her works depicting simple subjects such as cute animals or trees. She also designs handmade dry felted soft sculptures, and they are usually of animals and woodland scenes. Their styles may be different, but their underlying love, joy, and imagination unite their creativity.
Brodeur Studio Gallery
The Brodeur Studio Gallery, located at 133 E Second Street in Salida, is home to International Artist Paulette Brodeur. This talented artist has created thousands of paintings and been featured in numerous galleries in the US and Europe. She has owned and operated this gallery since 1994, and her eclectic collection of colorful paintings, prints, and cards are unique. They range from the extreme abstract to impressionistic, and her landscapes are incredibly vibrant and inspired by Colorado’s sheer beauty. Brodeur has a style all her own, and this studio gallery is one of Salida’s must-see attractions.
Leslie Jorgensen Fine Art
For Leslie Jorgensen, nature provides endless inspiration, and this Colorado artist uses her experiences in hiking, biking, and skiing in the Rocky Mountains as her muse. She says that her paintings are not literal interpretations but the way she feels when experiencing these things. At her studio gallery, which is located at 120 W 1st Street in Downtown Salida, this is where creativity begins. Leslie’s work is colorful, and she is known for her expressive, contemporary style. Her work has been featured in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine and on the cover of Colorado Central.
The Maverick Potter
The Maverick Potter has a saying, “The wheel is spinning, and the potter is grinning!” Owner and Master Potter Mark Rittman designed this space on 119 F Street in Salida as an interactive gallery, studio, and shop that features his pottery work and the photography, paintings, and other works of local and regional artists. Art lovers can experience the extraordinary goods and services available through the brick and mortar store. There is always something in the works here, and this potter’s wheel is constantly spinning.
Eye Candy Art and Treasure
Representing over 40 different artists from around Salida, this gallery has something for everyone. Featuring fine Artisan jewelry, Native American sterling silver jewels, as well as extraordinary paintings and sculpture, there is enough “eye candy” to keep you browsing for treasures. The shop, located on F Street is loaded with one-of-a-kind finds that make this a fun stop for everyone to enjoy. This fun and funky collection of local treasures is a must-stop for visitors and locals alike.
Salida Art Walk
Every summer Salida celebrates its art and artists with the Salida Art Walk. This four-day event is one you won’t want to miss. Experience the best local and regional art, live music, a variety of local street performers, and artist demos throughout the event. Shop for some of the finest fine art in the region, and enjoy the summer sights and sounds of downtown. Whether you are a serious art collector or a first-time buyer there is enough for everyone to experience Colorado’s first certified Creative District.
Visiting the art galleries in Salida, Colorado, are great ways to enjoy this culture, and it’s exciting to go to a gallery, meet an artist in person, and experience a work of art. If you want to have fun, see unique art, include these art galleries as part of your trip to Salida, Colorado.
At Creekside Chalets & Cabins, we offer you a cozy and charming private place to stay, with beautiful amenities along the picturesque Arkansas River. Whether you’re visiting in the winter or the summer, you’ll be perfectly situated to enjoy all that Salida has to offer. To learn more, please contact us today.