First Thursday Art Walk features local talent

04 Mar First Thursday Art Walk features local talent

[click "Play" button to hear Susan's conversation with Susan McCormick]

Susan McCormick at Telluride's Stronghouse Studios:

Susan McCormick is a longtime local who generally maintains a low profile around town. March 5 will different. It will be Susan's once a year day, when her latest paintings go on display at the Stronghouse Studios, 283 South Fir Street, part of the monthly First Thursday Art Walk.

Susan arrived in town in 1979.  Husband Brian works at the water and waste water plant and skis "about one million vertical feet" on the mountain year after year. Susan, a non-skier, lives for the summer festival season and the music, especially Bluegrass. Over the years, like so many locals, she worked a number of jobs: ski area ticket office, Resort Rentals (now ResortQuest) and as realtor T.D. Smith's assistant. For the past seven years, she has collected her paycheck from Jack Wesson and Ben Jackson, owners of Telluride Realty.
The past four years, Susan has also served as a board member on the Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities, the non-profit voice of the local art scene and sponsor of Art Walk.

Susan began painting as a young girl, inspired by a talented aunt. Today, she works in watercolor and oil to capture the beauty of the Telluride region. She also paints florals and abstractions. What links the disparate themes is a passion for exploring color in seamless and surprising combinations.

To learn more about Susan's path to the easel, click the "play" button on her podcast.

At the other venues:

Art Walk is a day-long showcase of our local fine arts scene, galleries, studios, arts organizations, and shops, which stay open “late 'til 8” the First Thursday of every month.  The event, which kicked off two years ago, includes galleries located in and around Colorado Avenue (Main Street), all within walking distance of one another. One gallery in the Moutain Village is also joining in the fun. Most venues hold receptions, 5-8 pm, when visitors can meet the artist, and enjoy complimentary food and beverages.

In addition to the excitement around Susan's work at the Stronghouse Studios, other participating venues also have exciting shows in March:

Schilling Studio Gallery,  151 S. Pine features the work of Nina Tichava:"That which I see as sweet, or lovely, holds such prominence in my daily life that I try to emulate that quality over and over, tirelessly. I do at the same time love technology, and progression, evolution–the excitement of it.–but I cannot ignore the draw I have to the tactile, human quality of art making.”   " I describe my style as abstract – figurative." Nina was singled out by Santa Fe magazine in a feature on "Top Talent 150," about influential emerging artists.

Dolce Jewels, 226 W. Colorado, is happy to welcome jeweler Katey Brunini to town to showcase her newest line of spirit animals. Bruce Dodd’s most recent sculpture, "Defiance," is sure to impress with its 15 layers of patinas to reach an electrifying blue hue.

Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, 130 E. Colorado Ave, is featuring winter landscapes by the newest oil painter in its stable, William Glen Crooks. Wine Tasting with Sutcliffe Vineyards, 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Lustre, an Artisan Gallery, 171 S. Pine, features a distinctive collection of fine art, home collectibles and exquisite jewelry.

East Meets West in the Mountain Village is a treasure trove of Eastern and Western art and accessories.

Free Art Walk brochures are available at all participating venues as well as  hotels and coffee shops. Included is a self-guided map of participating establishments.

Visit the TCAH website for further information.