Smoking River Studio Arts

Smoking River Studio Arts
627 Main Street, Meeker

Driving home from a Colorado Rural Electric Association meeting in 2015, Dale Dunbar, manager of finance and chief financial officer at Meeker-based White River Electric Association, and his wife, Jill, passed through Fairplay, where they spotted Coyote Creek Studio Arts. When they went inside, the women who were running the store explained that the studio is an art cooperative.

“Jill and I lit up,” Dale says. “We talked about it all the way home.” Dale and Jill bounced around the idea of opening an art cooperative in Meeker with friends. They ultimately pitched the idea to the townspeople in the local newspaper, and in June 2016, Smoking River Studio Arts opened its doors.

“We wanted to provide an outlet for the many creative local talents,” Dale says. “The members own it. The members work it. Not only do they paint and take pictures, but they take care of the bookwork, too.” Today, the cooperative has a board of directors and 24 artists who are member-owners.

Smoking River’s selection of artwork includes paintings, photography, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, woodwork, metal art and more, all created by local artists. The studio also offers classes to the general public. If you’re in the Meeker area this month, be sure to stop by and check out one of these classes:

February 2 and 16 – Van Gogh Gos Art Club, 4-6 pm
February 9 – Teen Art and Paint Night, 6-8 pm
February 10 – Couples Who Wine Paint Class, 7-9 pm

“It doesn’t matter your skill level,” Dale says. “You are welcome.” For more information, call 970-221-0051 or visit facebook.com/smokingriverstudioarts/app/537971032959294/.