3 Minute Read
Although you have likely heard that Grand Junction is an outdoor mecca, you may not have heard it also has a thriving art scene with national accolades. The area boasts a unique mix of galleries, a spacious Art Center, and do-it-yourself studios, where you can make your own work of art. Most of the art is on display in Grand Junction’s Historic Downtown, which is framed with over 115 high-end sculptures and murals. The sculptures provide a historical perspective of the area, including those who established the town and the legendary philanthropic leaders who had a tremendous impact on the city. In 2018, two of Downtown's signature cultural attractions—the famed Art on the Corner program and the renovated Historic Avalon Theatre—helped the town earn the coveted designation as a Certified Colorado Creative District.
Art on the Corner
Photo @jen__granberg
It all began with the sculptor, Dave Davis, and other local artists who created Art on the Corner, placing the original 32 sculptures along Main Street. This avant-garde outdoor art exhibition, the first of its kind in Colorado, continues today and has now grown to more than 115 pieces. Murals also adorn the alley walks so be sure to peek around each corner to reveal additional art that will surprise and delight you. The outdoor exhibit features a permanent collection, including a buffalo made of gleaming silver chrome car bumpers called Chrome on the Range, and the crowd favorite – a larger-than-life bicycle that you can hop on and pose for a truly unique selfie. This art collection also exhibits temporary pieces that are changed annually at the Downtown Art Festival, October 6 – 8, 2023.
The Art Center of Western Colorado
In addition to the public art, Grand Junction boasts a superb art museum. The Western Colorado Center for the Arts, often called The Art Center, is dedicated to enhancing the region’s quality of life by displaying more than 30 rotating art exhibitions annually while maintaining a permanent art collection. They also offer a wide range of educational art programs for children and adults. Their ceramics, painting, drawing, and sculpting classes run all year long, so finding your muse has never been more convenient. Be sure to stop by before September ends to check out the Colorado Scenic Byways exhibit and pick up your FREE Visit Grand Junction swag bag from the gift shop. Hint: There is a generous gift inside!
Exploring Grand Junction’s Art Galleries
Grand Junction has a wide array of art galleries that exhibit a diversity of styles, all of which highlight the artist's expression. As you explore, you will experience many different mediums including paintings, sculptures, photographs, pottery, and murals. Start your stroll off with a fresh cup of joe or a refreshing drink from one of the many coffee shops or cafes that are conveniently located Downtown.
Recommended stops include the Art Center, James Howard Fine Art, Red Lion Arts Gallery, The Main Street Gallery, Uncanny Valley Art Gallery, 437CO, and Working Artists Gallery and Studio.
Do-It-Yourself Art
Are you inspired to take the step from admiring art to creating your own? Grand Junction has plenty of fun and unique options to get you started - no matter which medium you fancy.
The Palette is a Downtown painting studio that encourages you to uncork your inner artist with a handful of friends, a glass of wine, and plenty of paint—all supplies, including canvas, are provided.
At Angelo’s Pottery Studio, up-and-coming and amateur artists can try their hand at throwing their own clay, decorating pottery, or taking an acrylic painting class.
Fat Cat Pottery in Downtown Grand Junction offers a wet clay studio and pottery painting. They also offer to-go kits and classes.
Funky Junk, a do-it-yourself studio, offers both open and private studio time, craft projects for kids, and art parties - think Pinterest projects!
An activity that also makes "scents" is the Candle Kitchen, which provides over 120 fragrances that you can mix and match to customize your own unique candle. We dare you to find a scent that they don't have on hand. Guys often enjoy the mix of bourbon and teakwood – no joke!
Whether you develop your creativity with a drawing class, decorating a ceramic vase, or splashing paint on a canvas, you’ll find a do-it-yourself studio in Grand Junction where you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of art that brings back wonderful memories of your trip, long after you arrive home.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the Grand Junction area? Check out itineraries starting on page 16 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
