Accessible Art
12 Dec 2019
R Gallery’s mission is to bring fine art to the masses from up-and-coming Boulder County artists
By Amanda McCracken R Gallery owner and photographer Rob Lantz knows the importance of finding a place where he feels inspired. Boulder is the first place he’s lived where he felt like he belonged, he says. After spending his formative years in Texas, honing his photography skills as a kid and pursuing a career in software, Rob ventured to the Virgin Islands where he spent five years photographing the reefs and building a grocery delivery business. Then he felt called to the mountains, so he moved to Boulder, sight unseen. The beauty of Boulder draws a tremendous number of artists inspired by the environment. However, Lantz discovered that there weren’t enough opportunities for local artists to showcase their work. Many galleries have a long waiting list to show, or give preference to an out-of-state, nationally known artist over a lesser- known local artist.So, after six years showing his own artwork in various galleries in Colorado, Lantz opened a permanent gallery in Boulder near the intersection of Broadway and Pearl streets. He says R Gallery was born for the community — R standing for both “Rob” and “our” — showcasing paintings, photography, sculpture and jewelry. “I didn’t want it to be just me,” says Lantz. “I wanted to create a gallery for local artists. A gallery showcasing a wide variety of styles and prices where everyone could come and feel like they could afford to take home a piece of fine art.” R Gallery is very much like Lantz himself: approachable. Since March, R Gallery has shown almost 300 local artists — 90% of them from Boulder County and the rest from throughout the state. Artists range from college freshman to established artists coming out of retirement. Exhibits include whimsical, mixed-media collages from 95-year-old Gerda Rovetch who has lived in Boulder for more than 60 years and acrylic paintings of buffaloes from University of Colorado track coach Lindsey Malone. Each month R Gallery shows multi-artist themed exhibits. Lantz says these juried exhibitions are a great starting point for local artists. Partnering with local art organizations and galleries is part of R Gallery’s mission. For example, following the fall Flatirons Food Film Festival, R Gallery displayed local artists’ works inspired by the films. It is currently working with Open Studios and Boulder Art Studios to put together classes to help artists understand the business side of art. This December, R Gallery is hosting two themed exhibits: a photography showcase, and “Winter’s Beauty” (including all types of medium). It is also working to increase its small gifts section by local artists to help live up to its tagline: “Fine art for everyone.”“I wanted to create a gallery … where everyone could come and feel like they could afford to take home a piece of fine art.” —Rob Lantz
R Gallery 2027 Broadway, Boulder 303-444-4146 www.rgallery.art Mon. Closed Tues.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. Sun. 11a.m.–6 p.m.
