Peggy Mauerman, Allenspark. Allenspark may be a small mountain community, but it’s definitely big on art—especially at The Old Gallery, a center for community, the arts and visitors. Located on Highway 7 across from the entrance to Allenspark, The Old Gallery is home to more than 20 regional and nationally acclaimed artists who work in a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, glass, wood, copper and more. Plus, in July it will present the Passion Works Art Show featuring works by artists with developmental differences.

The 1940’s style log structure was renovated five years ago, thanks to the financial support of individual donors, grants and fundraising efforts. “It’s absolutely stunning on the inside and is a beautiful space to showcase art by these talented artists,” said Vicki Dyas, gourd artist and jewelry designer and chair of The Old Gallery Artists. She’s been involved with The Old Gallery since 2008, when members of the community banded together to buy the building, which had housed an ATV Rental company, art gallery, grocery store and postal service mechanics shop.  

Six new artists joined The Old Gallery this year, including Kathy Banich, photography; Amy Ellis, ceramics, mixed media; Leslie Emerson, jewelry, mixed media; Jake Gooters, stained glass; Elizabeth Hake, jewelry; Elizabeth Lazarus, pottery; Vicki Dyas, gourd art, jewelry and Lydia Pottoff, fine art, pastels and oils.

On Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21, 2019, The Old Gallery is proud to present the Passion Works Art Show, featuring the works of Passion Works Studio in Athens, Ohio, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Passion Works Studio is a core group of practicing professional artists with developmental differences. “Historically, these people were perceived as unemployable non-viable citizens but today are creating visual evidence of the depth and wealth of the creative human spirit,” said Passion Works Studio Program Director Nancy Epling. “When offered a responsive structure, quality materials and welcoming space the artists reciprocate with wildly imaginative, beautiful creations that are fresh and approachable. 

Two artists from Passion Works will travel to The Old Gallery: Troy Goins and Freddie Cremeans. “Troy has a distinct artistic style and creates pet portraits for commission at Passion Works Studio. He’s been involved with the studio for 10 years and he also assists customers,” said Epling.

“Freddie has been developing his artistic style for more than 20 years and has been a part of Passion Works Studio since 1998,” she continued. 

“Passion Works Studio is dedicated to demonstrating the power of the human spirit and providing opportunities for artists with developmental difference,” said Epling. “We’re thrilled that The Old Gallery has invited our artists to share their art in this beautiful mountain gallery.”

Other resident artists at The Old Gallery include Anne Curtis, pottery; Patty Dwyer, oils and pastels; Lyn E. Ferguson, photography; Connie Garcia, jewelry; Terry Kasprazak, watercolor, drawing and photography; Weldon Lee, photography; Cheryl Pennington, photography and hand tinting; Russell Shamah, wood; Hannah Shook, oils; Jim Upchurch, copper; Sally Van Der Kamp, stained glass, fused glass and jewelry; Dawn Wilson, photography and Merrie Wicks, watercolor and oils. 

The Old Gallery is located at 14863 Hwy. 7 in Allenspark. It also provides entertainment, educational lectures, classes and social services to the Peak to Peak mountain communities. Through mid-October, a Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy store also operates at The Old Gallery.  For a complete list of events, visit www.theoldgallery.org.

The Old Gallery is only 20 minutes from Estes Park and Lyons. Daily hours of operation are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.  It is also available for private events, weddings and celebrations. 

For more information contact Peggy Mauerman, 303-747-2906, info@theoldgallery.org.

Originally published in the July 11, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear. You can buy a low resolution, downloadable pdf of this paper at https://themtnear.com/product/2019-07-11/