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

Hi Jennie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Gunnison, CO, just over the mountains from Buena Vista, where I am now! I was brought up with an outdoor-loving family and as kids we were always spending time at the lake swimming and sailing, and on the snow in the winter time. My parents also loved to travel, so I had the privilege of going to many new places and experiencing all sorts of other environments and cultures. The mountains always called me back no matter how far I roamed.

In my 20’s I met my (now) husband, who had grown up in a similar fashion. Instead of sailing at the lake, he was out there fishing. He taught me to fish and now it is one of our favorite things to do together. Fishing is where I draw much of my inspiration for my artwork, and where I go to recharge, to find my center for my life. As we raise our new baby girl, I hope to impart some of these rituals to her and to introduce her to the world in a way that makes her excited to show up for new experiences and dive into everything she puts her mind to!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I came to be the owner of Rock Run Gallery in a sort of serendipitous way. It had been a distant dream of mine to own and operate an art gallery of sorts, and while I was in the middle of preparing for summer art shows, I happened upon the shop and accidentally got myself a job. After working for Nora, the previous owner, for a while, I wound up buying the business from her and here we are! There have definitely been challenges along the way. Running a business of such size and nature was not what I was used to and I had a LOT of learning to do. As life changed and I had a daughter things around the shop also had to change but I am excited for my next chapter as a mom and small business owner.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gosh Buena Vista really has it all. You can go hike a 14,000 foot peak and find snow at the top, and jump in the river in the same day! We are really lucky to have the best of many worlds in our little town. Summer is my favorite time of year here, and my ideal days are spent floating and fishing on the Arkansas river, going for a soak in the hot springs, and then grabbing a bite to eat at Viking Burger or Deerhammer. Of course a trip to Rock Run Gallery would be a must for any new visitors as well!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my husband Dan! We often joke that I like to start projects, and he likes to finish them, which is what makes us such a good team. Despite this, Dan has been my biggest source of encouragement when it comes to chasing after a dream and jumping into things. When I purchased Rock Run Gallery in 2021, it was a big step into something completely new and different for me, and he could not have been more supportive.

Website: www.rockrungallery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockrungallery/

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

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