Art in the east village

La Plata County’s other burgs offer burgeoning art scene

by Stew Mosberg      

Most people seeking cultural stimulation in Durango rarely venture east of 2nd Avenue let alone drive 15 to 20 miles to find it. Conversely, if you heard that a nearby town had one gallery for every three people, it might pique your interest. And if that “town” happened to be Gem Village – known more for the legendary Billy Goat Saloon and heavy machinery – you may scoff.

But, beyond that somewhat scruffy and disheveled blink on the road, lies a budding art scene.

Truth be told, Gem Village is not officially a town. It is designated as a “neighborhood” of Bayfield, which doesn’t have a particularly dense population in its own right. With only three official residents, as per the latest U.S. census, Gem Village would seem an unlikely candidate for an art gallery. But Karrie Sellke thinks otherwise.

Sellke – not among the aforementioned three local inhabitants – moved to Durango from the Denver area in 1980 to briefly attend FLC, then returned to live here in 2008. In the water business with her husband, they also operate an automobile detailing shop in Gem Village. However, interested in the arts since high school and creating in a variety of mediums, she dreamt of one day exhibiting her work. In due course, she decided to expand the auto detailing shop into the space next door, where six months ago she officially opened Studio Sellke. The gallery is a stone’s throw from the Billy Goat, up from Kubata farm equipment and next door to Valley Feed & Ranch Supply. But don’t look for a sign because they haven’t gotten around to it yet.

A self-described “big thinker,” Sellke admits to always having “high expectations,” and it wasn’t long after displaying her own work that she felt the need to invite other artists to join. Her generous spirit and entrepreneurship led to the currently represented 23 artists and a mix of artwork in mediums from traditional painting and ceramics to modern metal work, jewelry and glass. There are even a few that defy classification, such as the baskets made from lariat rope by Jerry Abernathy or the large, abstract glyph paintings by Peter Berriman, who  also goes by the name LADD.  As if to emphasize her “big thinking,” Sellke just signed a deal to take over the building across the road that formerly housed Four Corners Framing, giving her a larger, more traditional gallery space. She hopes to be open in that space by mid-to late-June at 39722 HWY 160.

A mixed media piece entitled “Treetop Sojourn,” by Melanie Kirkpatrick, hangs on a wall at Pine River Valley Bank in Bayfield./Photo by Steve Eginoire

For the culture hound who thinks one gallery does not a day trip make, just mosey on down Highway 160 a few more miles to the Bayfield branch of the Pine River Valley Bank (PRVB). While not technically an art destination, the bank has just incorporated its already successful Community Artist Program in Bayfield as well. Now through July 3, the Bayfield branch will feature the works of Melanie Kirkpatrick. A reception for the artist will be held from 4-5 p.m. Thurs., June 12 at the bank, 301 N. Commerce Drive, Bayfield.

A painting by Kirkpatrick won the Music in the Mountains poster competition this year, and the artist explained that her bank show will include nature-themed, acrylic paintings as well as mixed-media and sculptural pieces. “It looks like I will have about 20 pieces for the show,” she said. “Including work done in the last two years, which I have done strictly from inspiration, with no (particular) show in mind.”

Although the bank’s Durango branch has shows scheduled through May 2015, PRVB Marketing Coordinator Leslie McGownd said she has put out a call for artists at each location separately, but with the same criteria. “That way,” she said, “the artists can determine which venue they are interested in.”  McGownd plans to alternate between fine art and photography every other month.

In addition, Sellke and McGownd, along with several businesses in Gem Village and Bayfield, hope to bring more culture seekers to the area with the “Off the Beaten Path” art fair on July 19 from noon - 6 p.m. The outdoor artist market will include a wide range of artwork, and X-Rock radio 105.3FM will be broadcasting during the festivities. The fair will take place just east of Studio Sellke, outside the Village Junction Antique Emporium, which will be hosting a steam punk event with prizes awarded. Adding to the merriment will be an all-day open mic happening at the Billy Goat Saloon.

But wait, there’s more. For those contemplating a sojourn on Highway 160 to scope out the art, the Tuning Fork Cafe, 25 West Mill St. in historic Bayfield, is also worth a stop. In fact, since opening in March 2012, co-owner Kelly Lillyquist has been exhibiting the works of several area artists, as well as some of her own jewelry pieces. Lillyquist acknowledges that she is always interested in new artists but prefers smaller-scale work because of space constraints. As a bonus, the Tuning Fork also happens to be a pleasant place for breakfast or lunch, so you really can make a day out of it.

Artists interested in participating in the Off the Beaten Path art fair can contact Karrie Sellke at (970) 509-0288.