General Info:
Blue Pig GalleryTucked in the heart of Palisade's fruit and wine country, The Blue Pig Gallery was founded by the Wood family in the summer of 2007, the Year of the Pig. It was the prosperous power of The Pig that carried the project from an empty old shell of a building to the beautiful 5, 000 square foot art campus it is now in just two months -- from the real estate closing table to the first sale just one day before the official opening.The campus, in historic downtown Palisade, includes 2, 300 square feet of airy, inviting exhibition space, the studios of three professional artists and a Mediterranean inspired courtyard -- a great setting for art study and private parties alike. From day one, visitors to the gallery have enjoyed exploring every corner of the exhibits, conversing with the artists who work in the gallery and lounging amongst the beauty.The Blue Pig represents more than 30 artists from around the country, including some of the Grand Valley's most celebrated professional artists. Exhibitions offer something for everyone including artwork in all styles and media -- from expressionism to romanticism, pastel to encaustic and everything in between.Marla has followed her passion for art from Palisade to Florence, Italy, pursuing formal and informal education in the study of Art History. After achieving a degree in Art History, Marla worked in museums and galleries across the US north and southwest. An artist in her own right, Marla works in photography and oil painting, but her greatest inspiration fuels her writing. Marla is co-owner of the gallery. As an introvert, she tries to lead from the quite corner.Marla offers: "There is nothing so transforming as inviting a relationship to art. My greatest loves in life include art and the people who make it."Jane and Ivan Wood are long time residents of Palisade, where they own a small orchard. Jane is a painter, musician and cook. "I find creativity in all things that I do and taught my children to do the same." The couple met when Jane began writing her first cookbook, and the two have traveled the country encouraging a love of the creative in each other. Jane's career includes work on a television cooking show, and teaching drawing and guitar. Jane's outgoing personality makes her a natural for the public face of the gallery.Ivan Wood is a creative type in the business world. After great success creating a thriving real estate investment business, he came to Palisade to create a relationship with the agriculturalist in him. "Jane really introduced me to art and has helped me to develop a love of it." Ivan supports the gallery through property management and development.Mickie Harshman became director in September, 2009. Mickie will finish her Bachelor of Fine Art, with an emphasis in studio art, from Mesa State this year. She is thrilled to be working with such exceptional artists and Mickie said, "I have either been creating something, or organizing and managing creative people, for as long as I can remember. Being surrounded by art is pure joy."