WINTER GALLERY HOURS
Sun-Mon 10am- 2am
Tues-Sat 9am-5pm
101 Grand Ave, Mancos, Colorado
970-533-7040
Artisans of Mancos opened the doors of their co-op endeavor on May 30, 2003. The group, offering an eclectic display of artistic talent, located their gallery in the glass block front building at 114 Grand Avenue. The concept for the co-op came from Conn Marsden, then a member of the Mancos Chamber of Commerce. With encouragement from the Chamber, Marsden began to contact local artisans and first talked to Marilyn Kroeker and Barbara Hackett. The gallery began as an experiment, open to the public that first summer to gauge its acceptance, but with continued success the group decided to stay open through the winter. The Chamber agreed to pick up the utilities, but were promptly reimbursed because the new endeavor was not only accepted by locals and tourists alike but also proved financially stable.
The concept was to encourage two of each creative type to participate—2 photographers, 2 artists/oils, 2 woodworkers/carvers, 2 sculptors, 2 jewelry/gemstones, 2 potters/various, etc. With encouragement and backing from the Chamber, local artists greeted the idea of such a gallery with enthusiasm. The original three artists were soon joined by other artisans willing to put together a format for the operation of the Artisans of Mancos. After a successful year in the Krajack building, the Artisans of Mancos had the opportunity to move across the street into the beautiful restored Bauer Bank Building on the corner of Main and Grand. The main floor of the building was much larger, and the wide east and north windows lightened the area and brightened the various displays.
Today, after 20 years in operation, the Artisans of Mancos have a continuing list of creative talent wishing to participate in the gallery. The co-op is unique in that it takes no percentage of any artist member’s sales. The only thing a member is responsible for is a small monthly dues fee, and a requirement to work at least a half day each week in the gallery, a chore most of the artists have enjoyed. There are no employees; the artists are in charge and monthly meetings with various officers elected and committees formed have resulted in a stable and thriving operation. Applicants to the co-op must first present their work to a membership committee, then if considered a good “fit” the applicant is invited to attend a monthly meeting where the existing members take a vote and if voted in, the applicant is welcomed as a gallery member and given an assigned area.
There is always a participating artist available to discuss all the art found in our gallery! All sales are made from the artists directly to the buyer, so there is never the additional gallery commission. Patrons are encouraged to contact the artists for made to order work and special projects. In addition, member artists hold various art workshops and special receptions throughout the year. Featured art includes paintings, photography, jewelry, fine gourd art, works in glass, ceramics, fiber, pottery, wood block, metal and more.
In 2023 we celebrated our 20th Anniversary. Check our FB and Instagram for Special Events, Sales and Grand Summer nights festivities.
We invite you to visit our wonderful town and location. We think we are home to some of the finest scenery in the Four Corners area and the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park..
The concept was to encourage two of each creative type to participate—2 photographers, 2 artists/oils, 2 woodworkers/carvers, 2 sculptors, 2 jewelry/gemstones, 2 potters/various, etc. With encouragement and backing from the Chamber, local artists greeted the idea of such a gallery with enthusiasm. The original three artists were soon joined by other artisans willing to put together a format for the operation of the Artisans of Mancos. After a successful year in the Krajack building, the Artisans of Mancos had the opportunity to move across the street into the beautiful restored Bauer Bank Building on the corner of Main and Grand. The main floor of the building was much larger, and the wide east and north windows lightened the area and brightened the various displays.
Today, after 20 years in operation, the Artisans of Mancos have a continuing list of creative talent wishing to participate in the gallery. The co-op is unique in that it takes no percentage of any artist member’s sales. The only thing a member is responsible for is a small monthly dues fee, and a requirement to work at least a half day each week in the gallery, a chore most of the artists have enjoyed. There are no employees; the artists are in charge and monthly meetings with various officers elected and committees formed have resulted in a stable and thriving operation. Applicants to the co-op must first present their work to a membership committee, then if considered a good “fit” the applicant is invited to attend a monthly meeting where the existing members take a vote and if voted in, the applicant is welcomed as a gallery member and given an assigned area.
There is always a participating artist available to discuss all the art found in our gallery! All sales are made from the artists directly to the buyer, so there is never the additional gallery commission. Patrons are encouraged to contact the artists for made to order work and special projects. In addition, member artists hold various art workshops and special receptions throughout the year. Featured art includes paintings, photography, jewelry, fine gourd art, works in glass, ceramics, fiber, pottery, wood block, metal and more.
In 2023 we celebrated our 20th Anniversary. Check our FB and Instagram for Special Events, Sales and Grand Summer nights festivities.
We invite you to visit our wonderful town and location. We think we are home to some of the finest scenery in the Four Corners area and the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park..
