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

Only 20 percent of Summit County real estate is private property.  Surrounded by the White River National Forest and other government-regulated lands, our homes in Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Montezuma are nestled in a Rocky Mountain haven with six major Colorado ski areas.  They include Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Vail, and Beaver Creek.

In addition to the scarcity of developable land, more people are seeking vacation homes and second homes.  First, the nearby population of metropolitan Denver, about 85 miles to the east, continues to expand.  Summit County is a convenient weekend-vacation spot.  Secondly, baby boomers are only just beginning to drive the second-home and vacation-home markets.  The top end of the generation has started retiring but the younger set, in its prime earning years, is out shopping for places to relax and to enjoy family memories.

Essentially, this is the right time to buy property here.  Today, there are great values at every price point coupled with low interest rates.  As build-out closes in, prices could very well begin surging as they did in Aspen.  The Source reports, “There is still land available, beginning at about $120,000 for a home site.”  We have empty lots, great places to build a family estate, dream home, duplex or fractional, or hunting cabin.  Single-family homes can still be lassoed for about $400,000 and condominiums for $220,000.  For those with distinctive taste, there are condominiums and townhomes for about $2M and single-family homes with exclusive appointments into the multi-millions as well.

With Vail Resorts sinking millions into mountain improvements and development of the Breckenridge Ski Resort bases and gondolas, the resort in certain to appreciate.  A primary gondola accesses Main Street.  That is where wonderful community events, art shows, festivals, and concerts are held annually and to celebrate our 150th birthday this year.  Then we offer fishing in the Blue River, hiking and mountain biking over the Continental Divide and on the Colorado Trail, and many more exciting and relaxing activities for every age.  Come build family memories with us.

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

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.

Some of the positive signs and indicators present in the Summit County real estate market include construction projects, renovations and remodels, low mortgage rates for second homes, and the continued popularity of Colorado’s playground.  Yet, in spite of the glimmers of hope, real estate agents easily notice that real estate transactions in the Breckenridge and Summit County areas are down approximately 60 percent when compared to 2008.

Because the average sales prices are reflecting values from 2006 and 2007, buyers and investors are taking advantage of the opportunity to purchase vacation homes, second homes, and investment properties.

Several large-scale construction projects are currently underway in our resort town.  Among them are 88 luxurious ski-in/ski-out condominiums at One Ski Hill Place the base of Peak 8.  This RockResort by Vail Resorts features refined mountain living and amenities, with residences ranging from studios to four bedrooms.  Other new developments include The Fairmont Lodge & Spa at Shock Hill and The Fairmont Residences on the River, and Water House on Main Street, which is convenient to our quaint Victorian downtown.

Another exciting project involves the Village at Breckenridge located at the base of the mountain.  Homeowners from the well-loved condominium community decided to commit $18M to an extensive remodel.  The decision will not only improves a long-term investment value of the resort it well return a property to flagship status among newer developments in the area.

Although a recent article in Forbes Magazine referred to Colorado as a top place to live for skiing and culture, Colorado Ski Country USA counted fewer skier visits during this past season.  Vail Resorts concurred.  However, the dip is not too dramatic.  Generations of skiers are loyal to their sport and find ways to cut back slightly without compromising their recreational needs.  The real estate market in the area is accommodating the need for people to modify slightly their real estate goals while moving forward to achieve their dreams. 

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

Real estate investments in Breckenridge and Summit County Colorado are sound.  Home prices are not dropping wildly as in many cities and resorts.  The local resort market is not overdeveloped or speculated as some are.  The Breckenridge area does not have lists of foreclosed homes and properties like some parts of the nation do.

Being surrounded by national forests, build out is just around the corner, at least for Breckenridge homes and real estate in our mountain valley.  If we look at the trend for other ski resorts such as Aspen, when they reach build out the prices skyrocket. 

Another great reason to invest in a second home in Summit County right now is that inventory has remained steady over the last couple of years, but there are half the buyers.  That means buyers have a wonderful selection.  It also means that buyers have a little bit of negotiation leeway with sellers—but not much.  Why is that?  Most realtors in Summit County work closely with our sellers, advising them where their current standing will be considering overall market prices from a buyer’s point of view.

Have prices dropped?  Yes…sufficiently because we have half of the buyers and twice the inventory.  These factors combined with the low interest rates make a second home investment in Breckenridge or Summit County an outstanding time to buy.

Buyers who come here from Phoenix or Las Vegas and expect to find a crumbling market are in for a few surprises.  Considering the appreciation in our land and real estate values, we have so some wonderful bargains.  However, most of our sellers are financially able to wait out the dip in the market and will not be interested in lowball offers.  They are not compelled to cut prices such as we see happening on the southeast coast of Florida.  Nonetheless, sellers want to sell and will work with reasonable buyers.  They may be able to offer prices from the 2007 era, which means a substantial savings for the buyers.

If we listen to logic and not to the naysayers today, we will stay on track by making sound investments for our future. 

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.

Celebrating in style, on April 4, 2009 the Town of Breckenridge kicks off her 150th birthday party.  Everyone is invited.  From dancing in downtown Breckenridge real estate to gold nugget hunts for children, the proud roar of this quaint resort town will echo throughout the Rocky Mountains during today’s festivities and throughout the year to come. 

Revolving around the Old Courthouse, now 100 years old, the Old Fashioned Street Party includes the removal of a time capsule from the courthouse cornerstone, a bucket brigade, live bluegrass music, and a grand fireworks display this evening.  The Six Million Dollar Band, an Anniversary Toast with local legends, and the Quantum Ski Club’s Retro Ski Bash are all on schedule.

A rich heritage began in 1859 when a group of prospectors decided to incorporate to bring some order to a rabble-rousing camp for miners and the accompanying settlement.  Some found gold and others discovered the pristine beauty of the Ten Mile Range and the Continental Divide.

This is the year for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for excitement to explore again the old trails and stories of the area.  Replete with brothels and saloons, gold booms and busts, adventure and hope, the history of Breckenridge will come to life during Kingdom Days June 20 and 21.  Events and activities include tours of the historic mines, museum exhibits, gunfights, live music, old time arts and crafts, storytelling, historic hikes, activities for children, and the Annual Outhouse Races.

On August 15 and 16, the Mining and Railroad Weekend adds a critical piece to the puzzle.  It highlights the railroad relics and the historic railroad route.

One special venue this year is the Edwin Carter Museum with exhibit themes tracing the evolution of Carter’s life as a miner, taxidermist, and scientist as well as a new theater room and interactive learning center for children.  Naturalist Carter paved the way for today’s environmental awareness.  There will also be the unveiling of new additions to the Arts District, a cutting-edge campus with ceramics studio, performance arts venue, artist-in-residence studios, workshop space.  French Gulch and Iowa Hill boast new signage explaining the Town’s history along the trails.

They say that the characters may have changed but the outcast, the visionary, and a slew of other characters remain in our beautiful mountain community.  Come appreciate the white gold still falling from the sky and appreciate what it took to bring us to this point.

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.