JULY 2008 ONLINE EDITORIALS
Art Trek: Art on the Fringe
By Maggie Kunze
This Art Trek we are traveling a bit Northwest to what has become known as an ‘art mecca’ or at least a great gathering of extremely talented artists in beautiful Bellvue, Colorado. When I came to Fort Collins about 30 years ago (and my story is that I was 10 years old at the time…and I am sticking to it…seriously!) Anyhow, I came up over the crest of Bingham Hill Rd off Overland Trail, and I thought it was the most gorgeous spot in the entire world. It overlooks the valley and is absolutely breathtaking! I even had ‘the’ spot picked out for my house and art studio way back then.
I have since come to know that there is this little enclave of artists that call Bellvue, Colorado home. What was once the old post office in Bellvue has turned into a showcase for many local artists, authors, poets and painters. If you go through LaPorte towards Hwy 287 and turn left just after Verns Restaurant, you will run right into this little jewel. Rosie Wendel, a local gal who was looking for a funky little house to buy, saw great potential in this old place that at one time was a general store with great sandwiches. At the time Rosie, and roommate and artist extraordinaire Amelia Caruso, who I have extolled many kudos as one of our finest local artists, started doing art openings and shows. Rosie is an art appreciator and collector of all things fabulous 50s. After many successful art shows she decided to move into town. Her mom, Bev Perina, my great friend and art supporter, decided to take over where Rosie and Amelia left off and continues to make the Bellvue Store a true home and showplace for local artists.
Bev decided to do art openings on a regular basis because she thought that it would be good to rotate artists through on a consistent schedule. She now hosts great art extravaganzas every second weekend of the month and every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her mission is to showcase the fabulous artists of Bellvue, of which there are many. To mention a few: Pam Furumo, a fine landscape and prolific fish painter, neighbor Amy Sisick’s fabulous iron gates, Les Sunde’s AMAZING installations and found object art world, and so many more. Bev also shows her own Polaroid transfer art that is truly incredible. This girl is not even a “recovering Catholic” such as myself, but does the most amazing transfers of found object forms that are soooo beautiful. My favorite piece, which I own, is the “Jesus Saves” sign from the downtown Denver Mission that she put on a kitchen apron—we were joined at the hip in another life!
Some of my favorite jewelers are showing their wares at the Bellvue Store; L.E Smith, Jody Deschenes, also silversmiths Travis Parry and Jenny Milner. One of my favorite potters, Buna Hunter, authors Laura Pritchert, David Clark and John Caldarezzo also frequent the fun and funky Bellvue Store. My good friend Christine, who has run the successful art school and art supply store “The Artist’s Nook” and has done the BEST art classes around, has also moved into the fab Bellvue Store. Look on her website-www.theartistsnook.net for the most fun and interesting art classes that you will ever take. Her schedule is available online and I guarantee you will learn much and have a terrific time taking classes from some truly great artist teachers that come here from around the region and nationwide!
So looking for something new and different to do? Try this: On the second weekend of the month, Friday night from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, go for an exquisite drive through the north regions to beautiful Bellvue. There you will many times hear the great sounds of the Fort Collins Bluegrass Band and witness dancing in the street while sampling great wine and goodies.
Great art in a really beautiful setting – what more can one ask for? I LOVE to find out-of-the-way places that don’t cater to McDonaldart; the places that really tell the story of local people who think outside the norm and have fun at the same time. If you are an artist and would like to show your wares at the Bellvue Store, call Rosie at 970-222-1475. Peace out and go learn something new today; in my case I am working on getting articles in on time!