GALLERY 132
A Local Artisan Cooperative and Gift Shop
Owner: Jennifer Cunningham
Street Address: 251 Front Street, Suite 8, Monument, CO 80132
Business Phone Number: 719-375-8187
Business Website: www.https://gallery132.com/
Years in Business in Monument: 2
In recognition of Arts Month this October, we are featuring Gallery 132 in our business spotlight. We asked them a few questions about their business.
History of operations.
Gallery 132 opened on October 21, 2017. It began with only eight artists, but now boasts 25 full-time vendors with a handful of guest artists. It has showcased more than 50 artists to date. Art classes began in January 2018. Since that time, the gallery has hosted no fewer than 250 classes in mediums like glass, jewelry, acrylic and watercolor painting, fiber arts and more.
How and why you started the business?
It was a 20-year dream of owner, Jennifer Cunningham, to open a place where artists could share and sell their creations almost 24/7. She understood the frustrating and time-consuming nature of craft fairs and many artists’ reluctance to market and promote themselves. Having a store front provides more opportunities for exposure and sales.
How are you unique or what are your specialties?
Gallery 132 features only Colorado artists and has the largest variety of Colorado-made art in northern El Paso County. It’s a wonderful place for locals, visitors and tourists alike to find and take home a special memento.
We are also unique in our large offering and variety of art classes, as mentioned above.
What are your most popular products/services?
Our items that depict Colorado are the most popular. Aspen works in glass, paint and felt sell the most, followed by our wood creations.
Our classes are also a huge draw for the community. We have numerous repeat students, who sometimes take the same class more than once. Classes are a great way to hang out with friends and make new ones.
What do you enjoy about being part of the Monument community?
Jennifer and her family have been residents of Monument for ten years. As an Air Force officer, they moved frequently. When moving to Monument to retire, Jennifer jumped into the community with both feet; joining the chamber and other networking groups, writing for the local newspaper, starting several home-based businesses and ultimately opening a store front in downtown.
Jennifer enjoys the feel and belonging of a small town with all the amenities of a larger city close by.