NEDERLAND - There are a lot of reasons why Nederland is such a beautiful place, including the splendor of its natural surroundings, and its authenticity as an old mining encampment turned hippie attraction, a haven for musicians, artists, and freaks of all kinds.

These days, though certainly a little less freaky, Nederland is still alive with that indomitable spirit of creativity, as our unique community artists are our greatest commodity. 

Since 2021, Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery has been the quintessential space for art lovers to explore the work of local artists. Owner Roz Bagtaz and Manager Danielle Crouse have worked to cultivate an atmosphere perfect for the showcasing and enjoyment of Nederland’s distinctiveness, expressed by community artists in amazing works. 

Over the years, the business model of the gallery has evolved from the traditional art gallery to a hybrid model, including more studio space in an effort to better reflect the needs of Nederland’s artistic community. Now, Kaleidoscope is about to take a great leap towards that goal. 

“Here’s our run at it to convert the whole space to studio space, where we don’t have a manager, clerk, or staff and it’s up to the artists to use the space, bring in their clientele, and do their own sales,” Crouse told The Mountain-Ear as she enthused about this exciting conversion, which will officially begin this March. 

Bagtaz was sure to mention her gratitude for all the support the community has given the gallery, and stated how she hopes that this new business model will better serve the amazing talent in Nederland. 

“With the space, people can utilize it as a meeting spot, for art classes, or like a study hall to do artwork,” Crouse said, mentioning how she will be teaching classes weekly at Kaleidoscope, as will local artist Kathy Bremers. 

“I also want to set up a nice nook for professional meetings and creative work, where people can pay a day fee instead of a monthly fee to come chill out with other creatives, have a safe spot to be warm, to see the view, and to meet clients.”

The individual studio spaces offered are five by eight feet square, providing artists with the room to bring in any desired furniture and equipment, as well as the wall space for shelving or displaying art.

These spaces will be available for $300 a month, with an option for artists to share the rent on one space. Artists will have 24-hour access to their studio space to create, to teach, or to meet with clients.

Kaleidoscope is also declining to take any commission from the artists’ sales. 

“We’re hoping that this flows better with what our community wants,” Crouse explained. “As many compliments as we’ve gotten from people all over the world who have come to visit Nederland and found the gallery on how beautiful the space is, they’ve always commented on how amazing the talent is here; and now this will be even more community-oriented in providing a creative space for us.”

Be sure to stop into Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery, located in the Caribou Village Shopping Center at 20 Lakeview Drive, Unit 210, for the final week of February as they will be having a 10% sale on all the amazing artwork in the gallery. 

The discount comes from the gallery’s commission. However, some artists, such as Annie Thayer, a local painter, teacher, and organizer of the “Art at the Center” events, are including their own discounts in addition to the gallery’s 10%. 

For more information call 303-949-3590.

For local artists who are interested in renting a studio space at Kaleidoscope, please email k.ned.gallery@gmail.com.