In downtown Durango, just off the steady rhythm of Main Avenue, Studio & Gallery has created something more than just a retail art space. Since opening in 2010, the gallery has operated as a cooperative—part studio, part exhibition space, and part shared experiment—designed to give working artists both visibility and ownership in the creative economy of Southwest Colorado.
The original vision came from a group of artists who wanted more control over how their work was displayed and how decisions were made. Instead of following a traditional gallery model, the cooperative structure lets artists directly shape the space—sharing both the responsibilities and rewards of running a gallery.
Artist and co-owner Tim Kapustka, a founding member of Studio &, has been central to that vision. Trained as a designer and visual artist, Kapustka helped shape the gallery’s identity around collaboration and shared responsibility. In this cooperative model, artists are not just represented—they are invested in it. Members assist with daily operations, participate in exhibition planning, and help make decisions that shape the gallery’s future. The benefits go beyond sales; they include shared ownership and a voice in the gallery's development.
That structure redefines the concept of investment. Buying art becomes a direct investment in an active artist’s livelihood. Membership in the cooperative becomes an investment of time and creativity. For the community, the gallery symbolizes an investment in cultural infrastructure—a stable, artist-run space that has been part of downtown Durango for over a decade.
Like many businesses, Studio & adapted during the early months of the pandemic. While the gallery was temporarily closed to indoor visitors, the lights stayed on, and the windows became a gallery display—inviting people walking along Main Avenue to pause, look in, and experience art from outside. Even during uncertain times, the goal remained the same: to keep art visible and maintain a connection with the community.
Over time, the cooperative has grown from its founding members into its current ownership team, which includes Kapustka along with fellow artists Shawn Lotze and Jenn Rawling. This structure allows the gallery to expand while preserving its original spirit, with artists dedicating their time and perspectives to advancing the space.
One of the qualities that sets Studio & apart is how it invites visitors into the art process itself. Because the gallery serves as both a working studio and an exhibition space, it’s common to see artists installing work, preparing exhibitions, or discussing ideas with visitors. The experience becomes less about simply viewing finished pieces and more about gaining insight into the creative process behind them.
Today, Studio & continues to rotate exhibitions featuring member artists while collaborating with regional creatives across various mediums. The cooperative structure also fosters an environment where artists gain experience beyond creating art—learning to present their work professionally, engage with collectors, and contribute to the space’s long-term sustainability.
Sixteen years after opening its doors, Studio & continues to show that investing in artists is really an investment in the community. To learn more about how you can invest in Studio & and our thriving artistic community, visit studio & at 1027 Main Ave., Durango, or at anddurango.com.