Big Art for Big Spaces
Large scale art is created on a powerful scale, often using unconventional materials, large canvases and even whole walls. These pieces can be very striking and awe-inspiring. Western Colorado Artists are currently exhibiting large-scale works of art that make a big impact at Montrose Center for Arts. (MCA).
Telluride Artist Karen Kokjer is exhibiting her work with MCA for the first time. She fell in love with art from the moment her parents put her first box of crayons and a stack of recycled paper (the backs of swim meet heat sheets) in her hands.
“My parents always joked that they never had to worry about entertaining me,” says Kokjer. “I would happily spend hours drawing. By age 10, I’d moved on to oil paints and charcoal and was experimenting with capturing faces.”
Her first artistic success came in middle school when she won an art award at her school and was asked to paint a mural for the lunchroom area. She submitted her plan to the school board and then spent the entire summer break painting the mural. The mural remained in that place of honor at her school for the next 20+ years.
“It was during college when I had a chance to take a comparative art study in Italy. It was a dream trip, where I studied and learned the techniques of Michelangelo,” says Kokjer. “My teachers there were extremely impressed with my artwork and urged me to continue painting and drawing. That experience cemented my love of art, even though my course of study in college was chemistry with an eye toward becoming a doctor. That was just when chemotherapy was being introduced and I was fascinated. But after that trip, I was torn between my love of helping people and my love of art.”
As it happens, while still in college Kokjer was recruited by a computer firm to create graphics, which led her to a career of book illustrations, ad creation, board game design, commercial art, and eventually, her establishing her own design firm. She currently has studio space in Telluride, located at 160 D Society Drive, where she is fascinated by creating what she calls useful art.
“These days, I want to create functional art — jewelry, cards, lamps, etc. Things that people can use, not just hang on the wall,” says Kokjer.
Her work titled “The Loving Cup of Contemplation” is the first piece of art that greets people walking through the doors of MCA. She hasn’t met an art medium she doesn’t like — acrylic, oil, mixed media, collage, paper and more.
Big Art: The Power of Scale exhibit, sponsored by John Trainor with Canyon Print Frame & Design, will be on display in the Main Gallery from January 16 – February 14. Trainor will be giving a FREE Art Talk January 28 at 6 p.m. titled “Tips and Ticks for Framing Artwork.” On February 12 at 6 p.m. at MCA, Artist Jeanette Oslund will share her experience with mural art as well as sharing how to get involved with the City of Montrose’s Development And Revitalization Team Mural Grant Program.
During the same period, guests should be sure to explore the Member Rooms (Ponderosa and Cottonwood Galleries) which will be exhibiting Wild at Heart Colorado. As Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, MCA invited its member artists to share their vision of what they love about Colorado, particularly the Western Slope. Experience their interpretation of beautiful scenery, outdoor sports and adventure, people, places and things that inspired all of us to fall in love with our state.
The Ponderosa and Cottonwood Galleries are also home to Montrose Center for Arts Marketplace — a showcase for all kinds of exceptional art that makes great gifts — cards, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, fiber arts, paper art and much more.
All art displayed at MCA is original, and unless marked, available for purchase.
Coming Next
The next exhibit is Give Us Your Best Shot: A Look Through the Lens that runs from February 17 – March 27. Every photo tells a story. Every picture opens the doors to another world. The power of photography lies in its ability to ignite emotions across barriers of language and culture. Journey through the camera lens with some of the best regional photographers on the Western Slope.
About Montrose Center for Arts
MCA is a non-profit organization totally served by volunteers and is always looking for volunteers to help with a wide variety of activities, from hosting at the reception desk, to helping with events and planning and developing the future of the organization. If you are interested in helping bring art to the Western Slope, you can call or email MCA to volunteer.
MCA depends upon support from membership, contributions, sponsorships, grant funding and the local community. To support the MCA and local artists on the Western Slope, become an MCA member by stopping by the gallery or visiting our website.
