Gallery adds creative flair to Breck

BRECKENRIDGE — Walking into Teal Art Gallery in Breckenridge, viewers are inspired by a mishmash of radiant colors, a manifold of patterns, various textures, lucent lighting and open air.

Gallery owner Stephanie Teal Sadler wouldn't have it any other way — she designed and hand-picked the gallery's interior. And her favorite part about being a gallery owner is engaging her patrons in conversations about art and theory.

“I like to talk to people about art and what it's about,” she said.

Not only does 24-year-old Sadler have an eye for detail, she's extremely knowledgeable about her art assembly and she can talk about her displays in all aspects — how people feel about a piece, how long it took to make, where it came from, what the artist hoped to accomplish, and more.

An artist herself, Sadler didn't enter the gallery scene traditionally. She studied art production and history extensively throughout Europe as a high school student in England, and then completed an international business degree from the University of Denver in 2007. After graduation, Sadler traveled around the world for eight months, exploring unique places and visiting art galleries along the way.

Upon returning to the States, she opened Teal — in December 2008 — because she genuinely loves art and wants to introduce a plethora of options to the community.

“The whole collection is based on modern art so that anyone could find something they like,” Sadler said.

Sadler's goal is to fill Teal with high-quality artists of varied backgrounds, messages, ages and mediums, including photography, paintings, even water sculptures — “It's all about finding things that I haven't seen before.”

She's currently selling artwork from Texas, New York, Georgia, Colorado, Germany and France.

According to Sadler, any piece of artwork can be brought to a home to view it in its potential surroundings.

Gallery parties at Teal

Starting in July, Sadler will have a new show based on abstract patterns, designs and nature. The month-long show will kick off with a “big” party on July 3.

Sadler said she plans to have two parties each month, one to coincide with “Second Saturdays” — a monthly walk around Breckenridge's participating art galleries, featuring new art and hors d'oeuvres — and themed parties near the end of the month.

Teal parties are great first date options because there's other people to talk to and numerous topics to discuss, Sadler said.

“It's a good place to socialize,” she added, noting that she'll often host bands or come up with amusing party concepts — one gathering required guests to dress in specific colors depending on their relationship status.

For more information about Teal Art Gallery and to view Sadler's event calendar, visit www.tealartgallery.com.