MONTROSE, COLORADO
MONTROSE'S’S EVER-CHANGING art scene is changing again. The older galleries like Mike Simpson's simply endure, and thereis a new face on the block a few blocks east: —Around the Corner (at the corner of Uncompahgre and Main).  A few downtown businesses have added art to their inventory, so a stroll on Main street may bring you surprises.Buying and owning art can be, and often is, a serious investment for some, but what we’re seeing here is that it can also be affordable, and in many cases, downright entertaining.

Mike is the anchor. He’s been downtown more than twenty years as a gallery-owning artist and fine art framer. Primarily a plein aire painter, Mike’s excellent work reflects his continual growth as an artist and his dogged determination to succeed as local businessman in Montrose. It’s not been an easy path, but Mike has accomplished it.
www.mikesimpsonart.com/

When it comes to rings, especially wedding rings, nobody does it better! And nobody does it with the pizazz and western flair of jewelry designers Melanie Kline and her son Josh. Working in silver, gold, precious and semi-precious stones, and unusual elements, the Klines create one-of-a-kind jewelry—unique, contemporary rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other pieces crafted with old-fashioned skill and old-world precision. They also offer on-site workshops and showcase their students’ work in gallery shows. Both stores, Montrose and Ouray, are a must stop for downtown shoppers in either location. Better yet, visit both. A love of the west, both old and new, prevails, and the enticing displays are as clever and unusual as the jewelry the Klines create. 
www.ouraysilversmiths.com

Local artist Linda Nadel sets the scene for ATC (Around the Corner) gallery. Long known for her colorful watercolors, often of animals in bright, albeit imaginary hues—have you seen her rainbow zebras?—Linda is joined by fellow artists and partners Loretta Cassler and Pat Brown. The three hooked up during a two-week painting workshop at Yosemite and decided, Linda says, “If we could get along that long, 24/7, then we should be able to do a gallery together.”
It seems to be working. Inside the recently renovated historical Frees Building (related story page 32), they’ve created a space splashed with light and filled with two- and three-dimensional art by local artists (from Montrose and surrounding counties) that makes your heart sing.  “Our mission,” Pat says, “is to help grow the local art community.”
www.aroundthecornerartgallery.com/