Valerie Lloyd can’t really talk about Surface Gallery, her light and airy space featuring local and regional artists “with a fresh perspective,” without talking about its roots.
Even though Lloyd and her husband, Ryan, were enjoying success with The Machine Shop, their creative co-working space downtown, they longed for more. She wanted a space where she could highlight local and regional artists in a way that would be visible all the time. He needed a space to accommodate his successful and still-growing architectural firm, Echo.
Salvaging the Past; Reinventing the Future.
The couple found a long-neglected, abandoned building on the southeast corner of Colorado Avenue and 28th Street that was built around 1863 as a general store with mining supplies for locals and miners. The Lloyds, along with his partners, purchased and converted the building into multiple spaces, naming it The Sluice for the device that’s used in separating and recovering gold in running water.
“We wanted to transform a forgotten historic building into a creative community that provides affordable workspace, craft goods, design, art and good vibes to locals and visitors alike,” she says.
What’s in a Name
Everything, in this case. Lloyd’s maiden name is Surface — and it’s the ideal name for her gallery.
“I want to surface and showcase the work of emerging-to-established artists that focuses on modern and contemporary work,” she says. “We have a new show every month featuring several artists. I work hard to ensure their work goes together well and balances each other.”
Lloyd also offers a curated selection of handmade goods, including notebooks, pottery, candles and more from international and local artisans. Most are sustainable and fair trade.
Artists at Surface
Lloyd exhibits work from about 13 artists, including Betony Coons, Rachel Espenlaub, Joseph Liberti and Lupita Carrasco. She also has an online gallery and retail store.
Website: https://surfacegallerycos.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @SurfaceGalleryCos
