Collecting Art in Florence: Who Would Have Thought It?

   As I plan ahead for the annual Paint the Town event sponsored by the Florence Arts Council, I decided to mention this month how steeped in the arts our great little town is. I started out door-to-door downtown to see what shops might have old paintings or new paintings. It would take a lot less time to tell you what shops do NOT have paintings. I was amazed. I, myself, am an artist of sorts and had no idea how much art existed in our “antiques capital of Colorado.”

   People collect art, specifically paintings, for as many reasons as…well, as there are people. A few of those reasons are because the paintings may be valuable and/or may increase in value as they age. Or the artist is well known internationally or locally. Or the subject matter is appealing or nostalgic. Someone may purchase a painting because they just like it and have no idea why. Or they may take it home because it matches the sofa…or it will cover a hole in the wall perfectly. Let me tell you that whatever reason you may have for purchasing a piece of art, you will find the perfect painting in one of the many shops in Florence. Not only are the prices more than reasonable, but the choices can range from an 18th century Spanish Colonial painting of a saint (Legends and Lace) to landscapes by one of our popular local artists Tom Lockhart (Barn and Barrel). Or check out Blue Spruce Arts and Antiques with its salon-style display of wall-to-wall art by local contemporary artists. Or take in one of the Bell Tower’s monthly themed art shows/sales featuring the work of regional artists. You can spend an afternoon on an Art Scavenger Hunt, finding original paintings and googling the artists on your phone.

   This all brings me back to Paint the Town, October 11-16, one of my favorite events in Florence. Artists spend five days plein-air painting in and around Florence. Then there is a reception and sale at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. The 16th year of this event, the art is always astounding…definitely a place to collect art. To register to paint or for more information contact The Bell Tower @719-784-2038 or see their social media.