Ceramics, paintings, jewelry, stained glass, and other items can be found at thirty-four different booths. The artists were selected by a jury, and some of the well-known artists whose work will be on display include Sumi von Dassow, Pam Herring, Mark Johnson, Adele Earnshaw, Tim Brown, and more.

Dassow and Herring are known for their ceramic arts. Dassow’s unique creations include Chinese pottery inscribed with “congratulations,” “double happiness,” and “tranquility”, along with horsehair pottery that has a pattern burned into its surface by draping horsehair over the pot when it is removed from the kiln.  Johnson, who lives in Breckenridge, mainly uses oil and acrylics and has lately started using soft pastels to paint plain air landscapes.

After working with watercolors for many years, Earnshaw began to only work with oil paint. Landscapes and wildlife are included in her subject matter. Her paintings have been shown in galleries all over the world and she has published several painting books.  Meet the Artists judge and photographer, Todd Powell comments that Brown, a photographer from Salida, creates “incredible digital art.”

Since artists have time to talk with visitors about their work, the show is quite popular.  It is a wonderful event because it is rather small and intimate, Powell remarked.  Tom Kramer, president of the Summit County Arts Council which organizes Meet the Artists, said “It’s a fantastic picnic in the park”.

For your Colorado Real Estate and Art requirements, get in touch with Jonna Beardsley at Breckenridge Associates. Jonna has been working with the community for thirty years and is an experienced real estate broker who would like to help you. Call me on my cellphone (970)-390-2533, or email me at Jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com.

Gilliland’s research reflected an alternative view that she had known for a while, “However, I didn’t factor them in for years.”  A small detail caught my eye. A few miners had left Leavenworth, Kansas for Breckenridge real estate in the beginning of April.  With the study of manuscripts and other documents from the Denver Public Library, the author Mary Ellen Gilliland carried out further investigation.

“I started to uncover additional information, and it was surprising and interesting,” she said.  However her book, which is being released to coincide with Breck 150 anniversary celebrations, delves into more than the birth of local gold mining, covering progress through the World Wars, skiing history, and events up to and including the present.

Gilliland shared, “There are many stories that have gone untold,” reminding us that the Great Depression and World War II was especially difficult for the town.  The profiles of 10 pioneers are included too — prominent historical figures who have remained in the shadows throughout history.

In another of her books, “Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels and No Goods,” Gilliland profiled some less savory figures, but her most recent book concentrates on more reputable people like Christ Kaiser, a German grocer, and Robert Foote, the Denver Hotel proprietor.  There are some photos, some never before published, inside the 144 page book.

Call Breckenridge real estate expert, Jonna Beardsley if you are considering purchasing a house in the Rockies. She has served her real estate community for about thirty years!

Email jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or call her at (970) 390-2533.

Prior to the Spring 2007 restoration project, town planner Jenn Cram reported the structure was falling apart.  The structure was disassembled into 12 different pieces before being reassembled again with an accuracy of within an inch of its historical configuration. The horses are long gone now, however the artifacts and stalls, such as old horseshoes for example, can be found at the site still.

This stable has been used since around August, plus it hosts many art events, such as: oil painting, textiles, and “life drawing” of nude models.

According to Cram, the stable, which is situated in the southwest corner of the arts district, is among a group of approximately 14 structures slated to be worked on as the budget permits over the next 5 to 25 years.

The idea is to give residents and visitors something close to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center located in Snowmass.

She indicated that the Fuqua stable exists as “one of the largest endeavors” and the “gem of the arts district.” It will become one of many attractions in the city this year as the Breck 150 celebration picks up steam, marking the sesquicentennial anniversary of the town’s founding.

This 1237 square foot stable was originally built in 1880 for $600, and was quickly rented to J.P. Fuqua, who used it for horses, according to Rebecca Waugh, town historian.  Over the next several years, the structure changed owners several times, and was also used to store mining equipment as well as other types of equipment.

The city purchased the property in 2002 and started using the Breckenridge Arts District Master Plan in 2004. The corner of Ridge Street and Washington Avenue contains several old structures.

The district is the home of Quandary Antiques, Robert H. Whyte House and Tim Shop, and several other historic buildings.  Cram stated that visitors will be attracted to the town’s art scene as the district grows to connect with the area by the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center across Main Street.

The Fuqua stable earned recognition from the Colorado Historical Society in Denver, CO in the early part of this year, as Colorado’s first lady Mrs. Ritter awarded Cram and the town one of eight Stephen H. Hart rewards.  Per the historical society, this resource is a treasure to see restored, both inside and out.

Call Jonna Beardsley if you are in Breckenridge, Colorado and would like a Historic Real Estate tour. Jonna has been supporting Colorado’s history for over three decades and has assisted buyers and sellers in finding their ideal mountain home. Cell 970-390-2533 or email – jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com

There is no place like Breckenridge homes, especially the Festival of Film event in Breckenridge Co. aka Breckenridge Ski Resort in the Colorado Rocky Mountains!  The Breckenridge Co Festival of Film was established in 1981, making it one of the oldest film festivals in the country. The Festival has hosted such guests as Alan Arkin, Sydney Pollack, Mary Steenburgen, and Donald Sutherland. Our four Summit County theaters hosts’ premier features, and Breckenridge friends and volunteers, help make this a splendid mountain event.

The Breckenridge Film Festival has a great web site connecting visitors with lodging for beautiful Breckenridge homes and Breckenridge condominiums offering off season favorable nightly rates. Be sure to check out all of the parties and events and festival schedule. It is a great time to interact with the stars. SEE: (breckfilmfest.COM)

The Breckenridge Festival of Film is proud to announce that Breckenridge Associates (Jonna Beardsley- partner) is honored to receive the “Sponsor of the Decade” award for their continued support.  Director Dawna Foxx, stated that our Breckenridge Real Estate Hometown team has truly lived up to their name with the support of the Film Festival.  Also, stating our donations sponsorship dollars and numerous volunteer hours. Our hat is off to this non-profit organization.  They work hard with fundraising events, and are known for the many private and local contributions.  The revenue from tickets and merchandise sales help provide funding.

Breckenridge was established in 1859 and boast much of the look and historic charm of its prior fame as a late 1800’s mining town. In a spectacular setting 9,600 feet above sea level, summer and fall visitors enjoy many recreational opportunities from fishing, golf, tennis and horseback riding, to biking, hiking, sailing and rafting. Hockey players and family members will enjoy the two ice rinks, as well as a full recreation center with a climbing wall and skate park.
Breckenridge is located approximately 90 miles west of Denver via interstate highway 70. The town offers historical tours, art galleries, many shops and fine dining.

If you have an interest in Breckenridge Colorado real estate contact Jonna Beardsley, Broker/Owner. I can help you with a tour around town or sign up to receive my  by-annual real estate magazine called “The Source” or news letter update for the Breckenridge real estate economy, homes of interest, and inter active online magazine.

I am only a phone call away. “Serving the Breckenridge community for close to 3 decades.” 970-390-2533 or e-mail jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com

We had light rain drizzle but it didn’t stop the bikers from riding on the connected bike trails from Breckenridge to Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, or Copper mountain ski resort.

The Breckenridge wild flowers are about to bloom… many ladies enjoy the hikes to discover many names and types of wild flowers. It is our own fun and discovery of “gold in them hills”. I hope you will discover the beauty of “Gods Country” this summer. 

Be sure to ask Jonna Beardsley about the fun amenities of Breckenridge, real estate lodging or calendar of events.  You can find all of these things here on my web site.  Remember I am only a phone call away. Decades of dedication to helping folks find their Breckenridge Co dream vacation property or ski home.

Mud season is a great time to plan to brighten up a corner of your vacation home in Frisco or a condominium terrace in Silverthorne CO real estate.  Plan to put in lavish baskets and flower beds of peonies, crocus, poppies, lupine, tulips, columbine, delphinium—and peek-a-boo stands of hearty wildflowers along the hillsides.

Gardening at an elevation of 9,600 feet requires a bit more patience than at sea level, however.  Our local landscapers are wonderful guides to successful high-altitude gardening.  They know what works and what plants tend to struggle in the cooler climate. 

Annuals and perennials are slow to start.  They can be started indoors using the short-season or high-altitude seeds that are available through a variety of plant suppliers and local landscaping companies.  Additionally, seed-starting mixes such as Redi-Earth Seed Starter and Ferti-Mix are available on the market. They really do help our high-altitude gardeners achieve maximum success.  After germinating, seeds must stay inside for 4-6 weeks so start in early May.  To shortcut the process, buy plugs to plant in June. 

When temperatures consistently reach the 40s, prepare the flower beds outdoors but wait to plant until the middle of June when warm weather arrives.  By covering the plants with mulch and regularly watering and weeding, most gardeners enjoy beautiful blooming gardens by late July or early August.  After the middle of August, it’s best to stop fertilizing and start planning for next year.  Most watering should end by the end of summer. 

Wildflowers prefer soil with low fertility that can be watered.  If seeded with a carrier such as fine sand, they will spread evenly.  The key is to barely cover them with dirt and to keep them moist.  If planted in the spring, they will bloom by late summer. 

New gardeners may get the hang of it more quickly by joining the Summit County Garden Club, which works on beautifying public spaces.  Mid-summer, they hold an annual tour of some of the most fabulous gardens in the area.  Everyone shares gardening ideas, including inspiration about healthy bushes and flower bulbs like daffodils that can be planted in the fall for an easy garden in 2010.  By the way, water bulbs until snow or freezing temperatures arrive.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about real estate in the Rocky Mountain region.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.

Not only does Breckenridge come to life in Gilliland’s books, but so does historic Summit County in the neighboring communities of Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, Montezuma, and Copper Mountain.   

Scheduled for publication Spring 2009, the new book revisits the first gold strike in Breckenridge in 1859.  In the meantime, future residents of Breckenridge CO homes can pick up Gilliland’s other books detailing the Colorado high country, history, and hiking and skiing trails.  Walk through the passages in the New Summit Hiker (2006) where Gilliland guides hikers to wilderness trails, waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and incredible sites with panoramic mountain views.  Readers enter the gateway to the Colorado peak experience.

Pick up a copy of SUMMIT, A Gold Rush History of Summit County Colorado (2006) to learn about alpine mine camps, highline stagecoach and narrow gauge railway routes, Ute Indian sites, and the Rocky Mountain frontier.  SUMMIT offers colorful accounts of Colorado’s flourishing gold and silver rush 1859-1910.

Gilliland’s secret writing skill comes from her sense of humor.  As she explained to Andrew Tolve in the Colorado Summit Magazine, “It’s hilarious what goes on.  People are plain funny.  They just are.  What angling people will do and the shenanigans they will pull against each other….Some of the personalities today are as humorous as the ones yesterday.  I’m always richly enjoying people.”

So she could pen Rascals, Scoundrels, and No Goods (2005) about the “escapades of charlatans, swindlers, seducers, rogues, and imposters…scamps and hooligans.”  Gilliland writes, “A Victorian lady would rush for her smelling salts at the first whiff of scandal—and so may you.”

Don’t let the squirmy accounts keep you from investigating the great values available today in our gorgeous mountain ski hamlet.  Who knows?  You, too, may strike it rich after you purchase your own mountain retreat.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about real estate in the Rocky Mountains.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.

Buyers who come looking for vacation real estate in Breckenridge during this week, January 13-16, can watch how the blocks of snow are built and even join in the fun helping the Town of Breckenridge to make it happen.

T blank canvases of snow that are carefully planted around the Riverwalk Center and Blue River Plaza will be turned into awe-inspiring snow sculptures by the teams of artisans.  Each four-person team carves a unique sculpture into its twenty ton block of snow.  Using no power tools—only creativity and hands—the sculptors form their masterpieces before thousands of spectators.

Sculpting begins January 20 and ends, usually with a flurry of all-night finishing touches, on Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m.  As judges observe the emerging designs, spectators may also voice their opinions by voting.  On January 25, a panel of artists awards the top three teams on the basis of theme, style, and technique.  They will also announce the winners of the awards for People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice, and Artists’ Choice.

Another interesting element of the event is the exhibit at the Snow Sculpture Headquarters in Riverwalk Center.  The stories from the last two decades of Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships will be displayed.  Everyone can learn about the roots of the event, the competitors, the beauty and fun that the Championships bring to this historic village.  They began as a tribute to the God of Snow during the annual January Ullr Fest and grew into an international event.

The event leaves a spectacular Ice Village at the Riverwalk Center.  Glowing statues remain on display, weather permitting, until February 1.  At that time, they disappear during the night.

The teams selected to participate in this competition include Team Bulgaria, Team Canada Ontario, Team Canada Yukon, Team Canada U.S., Team China, Team German, Team Mexico, Team Netherlands, Team Spain, Team Switzerland, Team U.S. Alaska, Team U.S. Breckenridge, Team U.S. Loveland, Team Minnesota, Team Vermont, and Team Wyoming.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates is a long-time resident and Realtor and may share her own stories about the snow sculpting competitions in town.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly professional real-estate assistance in the Rocky Mountain area.