Meet Anita Marie Conkling | Art Gallery Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anita Marie Conkling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anita Marie, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is part of being a leader, and I was born a leader. Being the eldest of six children, good management skills were formed at a very early age, and have been my “super-power” in business. Strategic planning is my key to mitigated risk, in my personal life and business career. It is important to me to be prepared for an opportunity to find me, as it often has, and know what I can and cannot take on. Making good friends and relying on them has been a great support and sounding board for ideas. However, in the end, risk is about putting oneself on the line for what you believe, what you want, and what you are willing to do, not to under-emphasize the power of hard work.

I often meet people who are afraid to put themselves out or feel stuck in their current situation. I know I can help encourage and raise confidence, help think through ways to improve, and be a partner in evaluating successes and mistakes. It helps me be a better businessperson and friend along the way. It is really about focusing on why you want to do something, first and foremost, and the getting there is simply one smart step in front of the other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I always strive to create the work environment where I would want to work. That’s a tall order because kindness rules, creativity and attitude are essential, and of course, we have to make some money. It has been a struggle to keep the gallery streamlined on original fine art oil paintings, and not to introduce other artistic elements, such as pottery, textiles, jewelry, or even abstract paintings. Other local galleries, such as Cottonwood, Kreuser, and Chris Alvarez (to name a few) offer wonderful pieces that meet the needs of a large portion of the art-going community, but very little traditional, collectable paintings. So that gave my a window to explore.

I wanted to fill a niche that I felt wasn’t being completely served and had the unique opportunity to feature TWO master artist in the same gallery. Unheard of. The work we offer here is exceptionally beautiful and valuable because of the technique and training of the artist; it is quite apparent when you see the paintings. These works are readily recognized as exceptional by everyone who steps into the gallery,. My goal is to exhibit these beautiful paintings, and if someone falls in love with one, then we all benefit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Very difficult to narrow it down to a weekend, but …. My perfect weekend in Colorado Springs Itinerary:

Day 1:
Sunrise hike up Pulpit Rock and bring thermos of coffee (not too difficult and great views)
Breakfast /brunch at Marigold Cafe
Drive to Pikes Peak Visitor Center (bring water bottle and jacket!)
A walk through historic Manitou Springs, galleries, and shopping for chocolates, olive oils, and jewelry
Dinner at Sahara Cafe ( don’t drink too much)
Evening deep soak at Sunwater Hot Tubs in Manitou Springs
Late Night snack at The Rabbit Hole, Coati, or the 9p show at Loonees Comedy Corner (often not for the faint of heart)

Day 2:
Early morning walk through Garden Of The Gods, then head downtown to The Perk for coffee
Olympic Museum tour and Weidner Field walk-around
Shops along Acacia Park, Tejon St and Bijou St, including art galleries: Kreuser, Art 111, Anita Marie Fine Art and Cottonwood
Head to the Broadmoor and tour grounds – with stop at Ristorante del Lago for dinner
Drive up to Seven Falls for the late night Lantern Tour

Day 3:
Visit some of Colorado Springs historic sites, starting with the Pioneer Museum and McAllister House
Breakfast at
Scenic overlook at the Air Force Academy and go to WWII Aviation Museum
Relaxing early dinner and sunset drink at the Patty Jewett Golf course Bar and Grill (stunning views, friendly staff, and reasonable prices)
By now you should be exhausted, so a short rest and then finish the night at Whiskey Baron Dance Hall

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel I get the “lion’s share” of good fortune; whether the best looking entree at a restaurant or an opportunity to work and travel the world. And, none of it is from my own doing. So much strength and support comes from my family, and especially my husband, Paul Conkling, who runs Un-Broken Records and lives an exemplary life of creativity and giving back. He guides me through my “Holy Spirit” moments that can be so fantastic and terrifying at the same time.

Jon Koury, managing director at Cottonwood Center For The Arts, always has my back and inspires new ideas for promotions, events, and gatherings. But, I cannot dismiss the tremendous support I have received from local artists, Chuck Mardosz and Richard Dahlquist, and the way they keep the focus on art and learning. Sue Edmondson at the Downtown Partnership and her staff have also been instrumental in helping me to become an active member of the art community in Colorado Springs, and always offering enthusiasm.

Instagram: @AnitaMarieFineArt

Image Credits
Images are original oil paintings by Chuck Mardosz or Richard Dahlquist, plus one photo of the interior of the gallery