Beautiful Things ,
for You and your Home
By Kathryn Retzler and Samantha Tisdel Wright
Classy elegance pervades the
shops of downtown Ouray, where you will find beautiful things for you
and your home. “We try to be as unique as possible,” said Maria
Gilliam, owner of Silver Lining's and its sister store, The Purple
Iris. This theme continues in the historic "Beaumont" Block where
three delightful stores occupy the lobby of the beautifully restored,
Victorian hotel: Buckskin Booksellers, Schalla Jewelers, and North
Moon, especially known for its whimsical art and fabulous
jewelry. “I
absolutely buy by my heart,” Sandra Boles said of North Moon's stunning
array of
jewelry and art. Artist Romagean Personne displays her own outstanding
work along with that of artists of national and international renown.
The
600 and 700 blocks of Ouray are really the heart of “downtown.” Find
great clothes and jewelry at Denim of
Antiquity, Ouray Silversmiths (original designs by mother and son duo
Melanie and Josh Kline), High Country Leathers, Ouray Mountain
Sports, Wildflower Boutique, and for the rug rats in your life,
Gumdrops kid's clothes. For your home, Khristopher’s Culinaire has
everything you need for a creative kitchen, San Juan Gallery can help
you fill your home with colorful "kinetic" art, Ouray Glassworks is an
artistic delight where you can watch veteran glass blower Sam Rushing
or his wife, potter, Di Rushing at work.Ivory’s Trading Company &
Gallery, also on the 700 block, is
Ouray’s premier source for Native American jewelry (both contemporary
and old pawn), fine bronze sculpture, Navajo rugs, collectible baskets,
pottery, and artwork. Head north to the 800 block of Main Street to experience the curvilinear wrought ironwork of Jeff Skoloda at Skol Gallery, photography of Michael Burrows at The American Lotus and fine vintage jewelry, antique timepieces, and antiques at Classics From the Past.
Don't miss the "off-Main" shops. Award-winnning wood artist Bob Willis on 6th (around the corner from the Purple Iris) is nationally acclaimed. Across the street, Nan K has fun and affordable jewelry jewelry.
Like so many pearls strung upon a fine strand, the wonderful shops and galleries grace downtown Ouray. So sally forth, fair shopper, with your purse in hand, and surely you’ll discover many more treasures than those
modestly enumerated here. For there’s always someplace good to shop, in the Switzerland of America.
Top: Glass art at Silver Linings
Below: Inside Ouray Silversmiths.
Both © Kathryn Retzler for SJPG