Inside Karen and Floyd Day’s home, the walls are covered in art. Both Karen and Floyd are longtime artists, and the walls of their home show the evidence.
Large and colorful abstract depicting horses, flanked by detailed paintings of cows and farmland.
Community is also important to the Days. Underneath these paintings sit family photographs and graduation cards from Ridgway students show the connections they have formed over their six years living in the town.
So it makes sense that their most recent project combines two of their greatest interests – art and community.
Cimarron Coffee is now home to a Little Free Art Gallery, where community members can give and take small crafts and pieces. The idea sprung from two of the Days’ neighbors. It all started about two years ago, during the pandemic.
“Two little girls, no older than seven or eight, started bringing over a jar with paintings in it,” said Karen. Their young neighbors, Sadie and Tilda McCracken, started leaving them these little gifts – drawings, painted rocks, and other art.
The Days continued receiving this jar of surprises from the girls nearly weekly, and it occurred to them to scale up this idea over the summer, to encourage others to do it in the community.
“We thought that since we enjoyed receiving these small pieces of art,” said Floyd, “maybe someone else would as well.”
The Days spoke to Nate Wick, owner of Cimarron, and soon they installed the little box at the coffee shop, complete with a miniature painting of a cow by Floyd.
The idea is simple – anyone can take a little bit of art from the gallery and replace it with art they contribute.The largest size this gallery can fit is 5×7 inches. The tiny easels in the gallery serve to display the pieces.
Initially, some visitors seemed hesitant. Those who did approach the box often didn’t take pieces home with them, unsure of the purpose behind the display. Recently, though, the idea has picked up traction. Contributions have included a pair of Halloween-themed earrings, miniature pottery and portraits of pets.
“It’s already been successful,” said Floyd. “We’re hoping that the community will just continue to latch on to the idea.”
Both of the Days point out that displaying art on a larger scale, such as at a local gallery, can be challenging.
Instead, using an art box allows artists anonymity, as well as minimizing outside factors such as organizing sponsors or self-promotion.
“One of the best things about something like this is that there’s no pressure behind it,” Karen said.
“Anyone can participate.” Giving and receiving things can bring a community closer together, and it is safe to say that this is the aim behind the Days’ free art box.
People are encouraged to contribute, regardless of their artistic talent, and of course take whatever art catches their eye. “Our goal is to create what is a miniature, free gallery for the area through this project,” said Karen. “We think that even these little pieces can have a big impact on the people around them.”
Editor’s note: A second Little Free Art Gallery is being installed and celebrated at a grand opening during Noel Night in Ridgway. The Ridgway Love Free Little Art Gallery is located in front of the Mountain Girl Gallery at 609 Clinton St. The official opening is set for 4 p.m. on Friday and the public is welcome to attend. This lighted, miniature gallery also features an art supply exchange, encouraging people to donate or take creative materials, and a magnetic poetry wall for word art.
