Contributing Contemporary

Boulder’s art scene celebrates the new Nick Ryan Gallery

By Irene Middleman Thomas

The Nick Ryan Gallery on the Hill is an exciting addition to Boulder’s art scene. Launched in May of 2024, it exhibits nationally and regionally recognized artists, creating museum-quality work across various styles and media, focusing on contemporary work. 

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring my vision for a contemporary gallery to life,” says Ryan, who has lived in Colorado for 30 years and now lives in Boulder. “I feel fortunate to be in Boulder, a world-class town that has long been in need of more contemporary art. There have always been art galleries here, but I believe what I’ve brought is something new and different.”

The 3,400-square-foot gallery boasts two floors of roomy, well-lit exhibition space in a lovingly restored historic building. Ryan, who holds a BFA in Painting from the University of Colorado at Boulder, offers personalized art consulting services. He worked in the Denver art scene for 19 years, including a long stint at the renowned William Havu Gallery, one of the city’s most respected spaces.

Ryan notes that he feels it’s vital to show art that he enjoys. When selecting art and artists to feature, he wants to be impressed—he’s not looking simply for works that fit into current selling trends. He looks for works he believes could shift perspectives and help clients learn something new about how they see the world.

“For me, contemporary art does that even more—it keeps life feeling fresh,” Ryan says. “Art is a form of expression, but it’s also an intellectual and emotional stimulant. The more you engage with it, the more refined your eye becomes, and the deeper your appreciation grows.” 

He explains that by staying true to his vision and running the gallery authentically, he’s able to present art the way the artist and curator intend. With two floors of gallery space, Nick Ryan Gallery will present approximately seven shows a year—solo and group exhibitions—each running for
about six weeks. Ryan is committed to keeping the exhibits fresh and different. The roster currently has 18 artists, and several more will be introduced this year.

Ryan notes spending a substantial amount to collect art is not always necessary. The gallery offers great pieces—works on paper, smaller paintings and more—starting at $100. Ryan notes that art enriches life and makes it more interesting. Bringing new artwork into your home or business can positively shift the energy, allowing moments of inspiration.

At a recent artist talk in early March, the gallery invited patrons to visit with its current exhibition artists, Ky Anderson from Kansas City and Courtney Sennish from Bay Area California. That exhibit ends on April 19. With an almost full house of spirited and engaged people, questions were fast and furious, and the artists were pleased by the interest. 

While Ryan studied under some of CU Boulder’s top art professors, such as Jerry Kunkel, Garrison Roots and Antonette Rosatto, these days, he’s too immersed in running the gallery to create his own art. But it’s OK, he says, as he finds joy working with other artists and curating collections.

“Art can be a catalyst for shifting a place’s cultural landscape,” Ryan notes. “The idea of contributing to Boulder’s vibrancy feels meaningful.”

Nick Ryan Gallery
1221 Pennsylvania St.
Boulder
nickryangallery.com