Piecing Together The Arts In Leadville

Meeting Artists and Mosiac Murals

It’s hard to beat the natural beauty surrounding Leadville Today. With Colorado’s two highest peaks as its backdrop, and the headwaters of the Arkansas River providing the creative energy that flows through America’s highest city this time of year, the artistic magnificence provided by Mother Nature’s easel is unmatched.

But it’s exactly these scenic surroundings that provide the inspiration for many Leadville artists, whether it’s a painting, a recently installed mural or a new sculpture that appears with the spring thaw. There’s no doubt about it, Leadvillites are patrons of the arts. And the Leadville Arts Coalition’s (LAC) 3-2-1 Fridays Summer Artist Series, demonstrates that affection by providing a vehicle for art-lovers to show their support of artisans through collective admiration, as well as fundraising. So be sure to put these dates on your summer calendar and then come,  join the fun!

Celebrate The Arts at 321 Fridays

By Sue Jewell, Leadville Arts Coalition

Leadville’s Summer Artist Series gets underway at Harperrose Studios, on Friday, June 21. Meet watercolor artist Marley Seifert and watch her demonstrate her creative style, featuring beautiful sights in Leadville/Lake County, and the surrounding area. Check out Marley’s artwork from 4-8 p.m.at 601 Harrison Avenue, in Leadville.

No stranger to Leadville, Seifert’s artwork has been featured at Harperrose Studios since 2017 and she works part-time at Harperrose as well. An outdoor lover, Seifert has worked as a photographer for NOVA guides. “I take my reference photos when I am hiking or at NOVA.  The best way to get great images is to take the photos myself,” she mentioned.

A recent CMC graduate, Seifert is interested in continuing her CMC education, focusing on graphic design and photography. “Being surrounded by the mountains in Leadville really inspires me. They constantly change with the lighting and weather. I’m glad I can combine my passion for art and my degree in Outdoor Recreation to create pieces that capture the outdoors how I see it, Seifert added.

Watercolor artist Marley Seifert

Art comes naturally to Seifert.  “My mom is an artist, and I have been surrounded by art.” As a Canon City High School student, she managed her schedule so she could focus on art as a senior, and her chalk pastel won the Fremont County Art Show.  Now watercolor is her specialty.  She will be demonstrating the three steps of her process: “First I pencil in the design, then I fill in with watercolor and finally ink it in.”

Seifert plans on making several new pieces for the 321 Fridays event, and has everything from wall art, hats and stickers available at Harperrose Studios. Join Marley Seifert to see her at work and learn more about her unique style.  Enjoy light refreshments on this third Friday in June: Number 3 in the 321 series. Harperrose Studios and The Leadville Arts Coalition proudly cohost this event. LAC plans to serve wine, with donations going towards a future public arts project.

Writer Sue Jewell is a member of the Leadville Arts Coalition, a Lake County non-profit organization that support the arts in the Leadville community. The group may be reached at lac.arts.info@gmail.com.

Mural Installation @ Ziatz Park

One of the most recent art installations supported by the Leadville Arts Coalition in partnership with other community stakeholders was completed in Zaitz Park. The mosaic tiles bring a pop of color to the planters in the park located between 7^th and 6^th Streets on historic Harrison Avenue. Looking good! Thanks to everyone’s efforts, especially Leadville artists and teachers Amanda Good and Erin Farrow and Leadville City Administrator Sarah Dallas!