Arati Artists Gallery

Arati Artists Gallery’s slogan is, “Original art at affordable prices.”  And since 1977, Arati Artists Gallery, 2425 West Colorado, has been the go-to gallery for high-quality, original artwork (at affordable prices) by local artists.  An artists’ co-op showcasing twenty artists who live in the Pikes Peak Region, Arati’s selection includes distinctive bronze sculptures, beautiful and functional pottery including raku and horsehair, elegant wood creations, exclusive dyed three-dimensional art, stunning paintings in watercolor, oil, and acrylic, and unique jewelry.  The creators of these art treasures are Marian Busey (prints), Dan Masimer (potter), Peggy Cook (sculptor & painter), Frank Davey (painter), Dee and Frank DiNino (jewelry maker and wood turner, respectively), Kurt and Robyn Elliot (potters), George Fellows (silversmith), Larry Haught (watercolor painter), Marilyn Kirkman (three-dimensional silk painter), Reveille Kennedy (painter), Marlene Mihelich (painter, weaver, and jewelry maker), Alice Ann Ochs (sculptor), Jan Oyler (painter), Kang Lee Sheppard (painter), Karen Standridge (painter), Lorraine Watry (watercolor painter), Darlene Wells (potter), and Dick Williams (painter).

The gallery is located between La Baguette and the Chocolate Factory on West Colorado in Old Colorado City, and it is a perfect stopping point for people strolling the tree-lined sidewalks of this pleasant neighborhood on a fine summer day.  For locals and tourists alike, Arati Gallery is a treasure chest full of spectacular art, and the knowledgeable artists who make the art are always on hand to chat with their visitors.  Arati Gallery members are voted in by the group, and once in the co-op, they take part in everything from budget management to promoting the gallery.  Members are involved in every aspect of the gallery concern, thus keeping costs of doing business low and the perks of the personal touch high.  The members do enjoy opening the gallery and being there three to four times a month as they get a chance to meet customers and talk about their work. The artists say they love running the gallery themselves and having the final word as to what’s hanging on “their” wall space.  

April to January each year, art lovers flock to Old Colorado City, and specifically to Arati Gallery, for the popular “First Friday Art Opening.”  All up and down West Colorado Ave., people stroll the streets, enjoying wine samplings and snacks in the galleries and shops that grace those several blocks.  The Arati artists take pleasure in greeting and talking with interested customers as they enjoy the art, food, and beverages.  “It’s like a monthly party,” says the reception chairperson.  “We enjoy having the people in our gallery, and they enjoy spending time here!”  The year 2009 has seen a new facet added to the Art Walk experience:  All visitors are asked to bring one canned food product to one gallery to benefit Care and Share.  Everyone wins!   

Besides an all-Gallery spring show and sale and a special show for the holiday season, Arati Gallery members are “Featured Artist of the Month” once during each calendar year.  That artist’s artwork hangs in the window and on the expanse of the wall beside each window for a month.  For members, this means a doubling of the amount of wall space they usually have, which, in turn means, they can display much more of their artwork.  Which, in turn, makes them very happy.

Arati Artists Gallery is featuring three outstanding artists in its September Show.  Dan Masimer, potter, and watercolorists Frank Davey and Jan Oyler.  The opening Reception is Friday, September 4th from 5 to 8 pm during Old Colorado City’s first Friday Art Walk.  The show continues throughout September.

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2425 West Colorado Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Phone: 719-636-1901
Hours:  M-S 10am-5pm, Sun Noon-4pm

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