A Fun Stop in Breckenridge, Colorado: Art on a Whim

I love art. In fact, when I was in school, my art teacher was disappointed when I decided to end my art studies and signed up for classes at the local technical school. He’d really hoped that I’d have pursued a career in art, namely jewelry design. He must have seen something in my work that I didn’t because I just didn’t get it and certainly didn’t have the confidence to go on.

I’ve always thought of myself as someone that appreciates art more than someone that creates art. Which is why I love visiting art museums and art galleries and I was so excited to literally stumble across a unique, whimsical shop nestled in the midst of Breckenridge on my recent visit to Colorado. Allow me to introduce Art on a Whim, featuring artwork designed to inspire you and make you laugh. 

I loved this gallery for several reasons, one, the owners are so friendly and knowledgeable about the art and artists. They truly love the pieces that they sell and it shows. Many of the pieces have personal meaning to the owner, as she shared with me some of the artwork that was created specifically with her in mind.

Like many art galleries that sell fine art, the artwork and artists that are showcased are handpicked, yet I’ve never been at a gallery where the artists have been represented on such a personal basis.  Art on a Whim consists mainly of local artists or artists that have been chosen  because their art is truly remarkable and unique. Each of the artists represented in the gallery are considered to be family as far as the owner is concerned and even stay with her when they are visiting from out of town. Therefore each piece of work is personal not only to the artists, but to the owner as well and her love for art and passion for the extraordinary is infectious.

When you buy a piece of art, you’ll learn the story behind it. You’ll hear of the artists love for their craft and know that you’ve purchased something impeccable. There really is something for everyone, from eclectic mixed media canvases with glass beads and silk strings that create beautiful Aspen motifs, to fascinating kinetic wood sculptures, to bronze statues, silver jewelry, hand rolled glass, watercolors,  pottery and Paper Mache sculptures. I found the prices to be reasonable and varied; there is simply something to fit any budget.

Art on a Whim is  a store that the whole family can enjoy. Personally, I didn’t see any reason why parents’ wouldn’t be able to enter through its doors with well behaved children in tow. Of course I wouldn’t turn them loose, but you could certainly browse through the collection with your children beside you.  My teens would have loved it and as I walked through, I found pieces that they each would have loved which is what inspired me to purchase this piece as a house warming present, but you’d just have to see our own beloved family pet to see why it is so special.

So, if you ever find yourself in Breckenridge, Colorado, make sure to pop into Art on a Whim, especially if you’re there on the 2nd Saturday of the month where you’ll be treated to appetizers and wine and you may just bump into one of the artists that are showcased in this amazing little shop, which is sure to be a special treat in itself. You’ll find Art on a Whim at 100 N. Main St. If you happen to be looking for a special gift for the art lover in your life, they also offer convenient online ordering at www.artonawhim.com.