<\/p>\n
Westfork Gallery owner Michelle Pickens is a diva of interior design who brings artistic skill and style to everything she does.<\/p>\n
For the past 17 years, the accomplished painter and professional framer has created a warm and inviting boutique store in Dolores filled with unique accoutrements that make a house a home.<\/p>\n
Her contributions to decorating homes and work spaces near and far earned Westfork Gallery the Dolores Business of the Year recently.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt started out as a custom framing business and has evolved into home decor with a Western, rustic edge,\u201d she says during a recent tour. \u201cI am honored and proud to be recognized for the award. This is my home, and the community has been very supportive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her shop is part museum, part art gallery, with a nice selection of furniture and household goods you can not find anywhere else.<\/p>\n
\u201cI stay affordable, and work with customers on a personal level to create a comfortable space that is interesting and reflects their personality,\u201d Pickens says.<\/p>\n
The variety is astounding as well. From shell-covered African baskets, traditional Native American wares, and local jewelry to animal-skin rugs, large Western oil paintings, light fixtures, candles and ceramics.<\/p>\n
In recent years she added the well-designed Karma Coffee bar, and created a wine-tasting room in an old vault that had been used for storage. The room features wine from Mountain View vineyard out Olathe.<\/p>\n
The building is on the historic register and used to be a track house where locomotives and the Galloping Goose were repaired.<\/p>\n
Pickens and her daughter, Sara Everin, run the place with enthusiasm and love for design, community, and art.<\/p>\n
\u201cI grew up in the gallery and learned everything from my mom,\u201d Sara says. \u201cShe really knows her business and has excellent tastes. It shows in this store.\u201d<\/p>\n
Working with artists is an obvious passion for Pickens. Her custom frame shop caters to painters, designers and photographers.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery piece has a story to tell. I learn what a piece means to them, who it is going to and where it will hang, then design a frame to fit that space and personality,\u201d Pickens says. \u201cI help complete the story.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pickens is an art dealer and designer for 25 fine-art publishers, and continues to create her vivid watercolors of flowers and scenic home settings.<\/p>\n
She emphasizes that there is something for everyone in her store. It is one of those special shops that requires multiple return visits. Wherever your eyes land, there is a unique item, meticulously positioned, waiting for a spot in your home or office.<\/p>\n
Pickens describes her work as framing an environment: \u201cAn exceptional home is simply a frame for an exceptional life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Contact the gallery for interior design needs, project planning, and custom framework. Westfork Gallery is located at 105 South 5th St. in Dolores. (882-2211) Visit their website at http:\/\/westforkgallery.com\/<\/p>\n