Meet Charles Lounsberry | Cannabis Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles lounsberry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, how does your business help the community?
The thought behind my cannabis art business has always been to promote the use of cannabis in the same context that beer, wine and spirits have been promoted throughout the ages as medicinal and recreation in nature. My thought was that if I could visually promote cannabis in a fine art context then I would be helping the cause by normalizing the use of cannabis whether that be for medicinal or recreational use.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Fortunately or unfortunately I am one of the few artists that I know of that creates cannabis themed fine art. I have found myself in the distinct position of being way ahead of the curve. There are many barriers to entry into the fine art market and creating work that promotes the use of cannabis has certainly been a barrier to me in being represented by major art galleries. I do feel, and feel strongly that my cannabis themed art will be the rage once I find that gallery or collector who recognizes the significance of my work as my work represents a sea change in the social attitude towards the use of cannabis. A barrier to entry can be a good thing though. A good thing in the sense that I have very little competition at the moment. To be a successful popular artist you have to first. Cezzane was first, Picasso was first, Pollock was first, Kelly was first, Raushenberg was first, Warhol was first, Haring was first…and I will be first.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
in Aspen, first, let’s get visits some of my favorite cannabis dispensaries. Let’s go to Roots, Natural Remedies, Silver Peak, the Green Dragon and also Dalwhinnie Farms on South Mill Street for some premium bespoke flower and great collection of high end cannabis themed jewelry and of course Michael Gurtman’s “Best Day Ever” Dispensary on the second floor at 520 E Cooper Street for again premium flower and edibles along with Best Day Ever’s collection of original fine art glass by some incredible artists along with some interesting stained glass by Eli XXX. Next this time of year, Gorsuch for a cup of Illy Coffee and some of the best donuts in the Rockies before we take the Gondola up the mountain and If it’s ski season, maybe head to the slopes and enjoy some famous tasty Aspen powder or go on a winter wonderland hike or cross country skiiing on the myriad of great local trails. Back down to enjoy a late lunch at couple of my favorites like Meat and Cheese, or lunch at the Little Knell or pizza at the Limelight. A must is to reserve a horse drawn sleigh ride reservation for dinner to the Pine Creek Cookhouse, all the while enjoying a cool buzz. Then cocktails of course at the St. Regis with that magnificent view or back to the Little Nell. Maybe visit some of the great Art Galleries in Aspen like Gallerie Maximillian and Gallerie Zuger, Windy River Gallery for the art of the west. Dinner could be the White House Tavern, Aquolina, Casa Tua,,,or maybe drive down to the Woody Creek Tavern…there are so many good ones. The atmosphere in Aspen is wonderland this time of year and between the great outdoors, the skiing, shopping, restaurants, great bars …and great cannabis dispensaries to make the scene just that much better!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife Brenda has been my staunch supporter in all of my artistic endeavors especially with my cannabis art series. Brenda provides a very serious and prudent edit to all my work and does not pull any punches. If the the image doesn’t work Brenda will the first to tell me.

Website: www.maryjanegallery.com

Instagram: @themaryjanegallery