Ted Garcia Fine Art, Black HawkStepping into Ted Garcia’s gallery in Gregory Plaza can feel overwhelming in the best way. Paintings cover nearly every inch of wall space, with somewhere around 500 pieces on display at any given time. Garcia constantly replenishes the walls with new work. When asked if he worries about having enough paintings, he laughed and said the bigger question is whether there are enough customers! Beyond the sheer volume of work, Garcia is busy with commissions, including pet portraits and paintings done in his impasto style. This technique builds thick, textured layers of paint to give each piece a three-dimensional look.
Photo By Mindy Leary
Gilpin Arts Association, Central CityInside Washington Hall, the Gilpin County Arts Association showcases the work of dozens of local and regional artists. This fall, staff and volunteers reflected on the success of their recent plein air competition, which brought in new members and fresh perspectives. Plans are already underway for a rotating “Wet Wall,” where plein air artists will display their work every two months, keeping the gallery vibrant year-round. With more than 75 people attending last year’s fundraiser, The Taste of Gilpin, the organization continues to grow its community presence. The walls hold a mix of mediums such as oil, watercolor, sculpture, and photography, all tied together by a strong sense of culture in the historic building.
Photo By Mindy Leary
Very Nice Brewing Company, mid-GilpinThe Gilpin taproom of Very Nice Brewing transformed into a gallery space during the tour. Visitors browsing between pints found Susan Green’s pottery, Ro’s vibrant colored glass, and paintings by artists such as Danae Fidler and Anna Carragher. Handmade mugs lined the shelves next to framed art hung on the walls, showing how naturally art and beer can come together.
Photo By Mindy Leary
Litwood & Artisan Friends, Black HawkJason Flesher, the creative mind behind Litwood, has turned wood into a living canvas. His electrified designs are made by channeling high-voltage electricity through the surface, leaving behind branching, lightning-like patterns. The shop is also home to other local artisans, creating a collective feel where visitors can browse jewelry, handmade crafts, and unique creations alongside Flesher’s signature work.
Photo By Mindy Leary
Ghost town disc golf course & art galleryAt the end of a dirt road in Russell Gulch sits Brian O’Donnell’s studio, housed in what is known as the “Murder House.” The name comes from a grim history: the house was the site of a killing many decades ago, long before O’Donnell turned it into a gallery. Now, at 75, he fills the rooms with a lifetime of paintings, from his first oil piece at age 15 to ghost town landscapes and disc golf scenes he has painted in recent years. Surfboards from his years living on the South Carolina coast are also tucked among the canvases, now repurposed into art. Visitors who make the trek into the nearly forgotten ghost town often find themselves surprised to discover around 80 pieces inside, each tied to both his personal story and the area's layered past.
Photo By Mindy Leary
Amy Hager’s home studio, mid-GilpinAlong Lump Gulch Road, Amy Hager welcomed visitors into her cozy studio filled with encaustic botanical collages. Each piece features dried flowers pressed onto wood and sealed with beeswax, a process she calls “nature’s glue.” In addition to showcasing her work, Hager also offers classes in her greenhouse where participants can create their own floral compositions, turning blooms into art that lasts.
Photo By Mindy Leary
Tree ablazeA gorgeous aspen tree ablaze with color.
Photo By Mindy Leary
The golden roadOne of the many beautiful, tree-lined roads on The Mountain-Ear's Studio Tour route.
Photo By Mindy Leary
