Selling art in downtown Salida can be an expensive endeavor. Luckily, Salida is all about community, and the art community has come together under the organization and ownership of Deidre Wilda to form the Salida Arts Collective at 124 F St., a collection of works from 30 artists all in one location.
While the space opened Jan. 6, the gallery is still a work in progress, Wilda said. There are currently about 30 artists, but there will be more in the future when space in the back is opened up.
Each month will have three featured artists, and each month the art will move around the location. “That’s a good way to keep it fresh,” Wilda said. The artists have all agreed to switch their work out with new ones as they come, she said. So far, Wilda said locals have seemed excited by the premise.
The back room will also become a classroom space for those who wish to teach art classes or craft classes. The cost for this usage is a small percentage of whatever they charge for their class, she said. The space will probably be able to facilitate about 10 students, she estimated, depending on the medium.
“I picked the very best artists around here … but not only that, I picked the nicest artists,” she said.
Wilda herself is a sculptor and painter, but her work is not yet showcased in the collective.
“I was asked to join a group of people that were talking about creating a co-op gallery,” she said. “It became obvious that none of the other people really had the time to get it together.” This idea evolved into developing the Arts Collective.
“None of us could afford to do this gallery space on our own,” Wilda said. “It’s a collective; we’re all helping each other to maintain this space.” The space in question, she said, is “the best spot on the street.”
“This is a real need in the community,” she said. “Salida was one of the first Colorado Creative Districts and we need to live up to that.” This venue facilitates getting the art out to the people, she said.
Wilda said she wants all artists to be able to do their art and make a living off it, if possible.
“I decided to jump in with both feet, eyes partly closed and just do it.”
“There are so many artists who have pitched in and helped me,” she said. “This is all of us helping each other be in this space, in this location.” She noted the “instrumental” help of Todd Powell in helping with the physical aspect of the space, including drywall and lighting.
Wilda was born in Englewood and graduated from Summit County High School. She attended Adams State College in Alamosa and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree with an emphasis on sculpture.
“All my life I’ve done something art related,” she said. She moved to Salida in 2011 at the recommendation of her son, Lane Wilda. “It’s a wonderful, diverse community.”
Wilda said her favorite part of owning the venue is “when you walk in and you’re surrounded by all this great art every morning.”
Each painter gets 6 feet of wall space, and other artists might have a showcase designated for their work. Being a part of the space requires an annual contract with monthly payments.
Every artist will host in the gallery once a month, Wilda said. “It gets them out of their studio and talking to the collectors who come in here. You never know which artists will be here.” The public thus far gets a thrill from just meeting the artists, she said.
For artists interested in joining the collective, Wilda said she can email them information. Reach Wilda at the Arts Collective at 719-677-8010.
