Meet Greta Balzer | Artist & Gallery Owner

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

Hi Greta, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In reality there was very little thought. This business was created out of inspiration. Honestly I am not sure I would have opened a fine art gallery in a town of 200 people, located at 9000ft, had I actually thought about it too much.
As far as considering this as a business plan, I think the odds were stacked against me. So many traditional physical galleries were closing and or moving online as I was opening.
Now looking back this may have been to my advantage.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an oil painter among many other things. I was lucky to grow up in a tiny town surrounded by high peaks and plenty of amazing landscapes. I spend a lot of time in nature, but can find the beauty and silver linings in any place, this has been my focal point as a painter so far.
I have tried many different mediums, and have helped on many projects large and small.
My mom helped me to step right in to being an artist, and it all fell into place. Oil painting just made sense to me.

There are so many artists of evrey variety surrounding me, and being one myself it felt like our local area would benefit from a gallery. Seeing so many great ideas is a great driver of creativity for all of us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Answering to this question is a bit challenging as my “city” Ward CO. is 200 people, and my gallery is one of 4 businesses within 10 miles. This being said I would defiantly go camping or hiking in the Indian Peaks, stop in at The Glass Tipi Gallery, and finish off with a dinner at Morocco”s Restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shoutout would be directed to my close family, friends, and town as a whole. Too many individuals to mention had a hand in this creation, weather they know it or not.
I could not have opened these doors without my mom Carol Jenkins, (a favorite artist in the gallery) and my dad and best friend, Tom Balzer who passed in 2020.
My dad helped tear down and rebuild the entire interior of the gallery, creating a beautiful, efficient space. He was my rock, advisor, and inspiration on so many levels.
My mom Carol helps with every aspect, from picking artists, to hanging shows and running the gallery. We share a studio where she has become my personal art teacher. She deserves all of the good credit I have to offer.
A Shoutout needs to go to the artists, and the art lovers, they are so important.

Website: http://theglasstipigallery.com

Instagram: glass_tipi_fine_art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uniquetipi/

Image Credits
Greta Balzer