Exploring Ghost Town Gallery, Gilpin County Arts Association, and Litwood.
At the southwestern edge of the Studio Tour, the Ghost Town Gallery is located in Russell Gulch in a historic home with a dark past.
A double murder was committed within its walls in 1904 and the building sat vacant for much of the last century. About four years ago, the house found new life when it was acquired by Brian and Beth O’Donnell. Brian needed a place to house his art and the Ghost Town Gallery was born.
O’Donnell’s portfolio reflects his eclectic interests and experiences. A devoted fan of The Grateful Dead, he often incorporates the band’s lot scenes and fans into his paintings. O’Donnell expertly navigates the realms of oil, watercolor, pencil, and pastels.
The Ghost Town Gallery is more than just a space for art; it is a testament to the power of creativity to transform even the darkest of histories into something beautiful.
O’Donnell’s work is also featured at the Gilpin County Arts Association, about two miles away, in Central City. Located at 117 Eureka Street in Central City, the Gilpin County Arts Association has a bit of something for everyone.
The non-profit is located inside historic Washington Hall and hosted visiting artist, Ricky C. Powell, for a live painting demonstration during the Studio Tour on Friday, September 22. Powell’s art is a fusion of popular culture and imaginative creativity, often drawing inspiration from beloved movies and shows like Family Guy, Batman, and Dragonball Z.
The gallery also hosts local Colorado artists in a range of mediums, from pottery to nature photography. The watercolor exhibition was a bonus during the tour.
Upon entering Black Hawk, a stop at Litwood and Artisan Friends led to a convergence of electricity and wood. Jason Flesher makes wood art ranging from practical to decorative and rents space to other artists on the second floor at 221 Gregory Street, Unit D.
This stop along the tour showcased other local artisans and their work, as well as boasted seasonal gifts for Halloween.
To find out more about all of the artists featured in the 2023 Studio Tour, check out https://www.themtnear.com/ category/peak-to-peak-studio-tour/
