We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nick Ryan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nick below.
Nick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission has been to establish a premier contemporary art gallery in Boulder, CO—a world-class town with a rich cultural history, consistently ranked among the top places to live in the U.S. and even a finalist for the next home of the Sundance Film Festival. Yet, despite its vibrancy, Boulder has long been underserved when it comes to its gallery scene. With its close proximity to Denver, the city has lacked a commercial gallery offering a certain caliber of work—something I’m determined to change.
Our 3,400-square-foot, two-level gallery features an incredible roster of nationally and regionally recognized artists, creating museum-quality work across a variety of styles and media. While our exhibition programming is gaining attention across the region and beyond, we’re also here to connect people with art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, just starting to explore art, or a business looking to build a collection, we have the art—and I get immense satisfaction from helping people find the perfect piece.
This is about more than just filling a gap in Boulder; galleries bring a fresh vision, voice, and perspective to the greater art world. Creating something like this in a place that hasn’t had anything quite like it before makes it all the more meaningful. I know it will take time, but I hope Boulder comes to appreciate and embrace something truly unique and special. My dream is to build this into one of the top galleries in the region—and to help transform Boulder into a thriving arts destination.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m originally from St. Paul, MN, and moved to Boulder in 1995 to attend the University of Colorado, where I earned a BFA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in painting. Studying under accomplished professors like Jerry Kunkel, Garrison Roots, and Antoinette “Toni” Rosato provided me with a strong foundation—not just in materials and techniques, but in understanding what it means to be a professional artist.
After graduating, I planned to pursue a career as an artist while working to support myself. I was waiting tables and searching for an arts-related job when I heard that MacLaren Markowitz Gallery, a local gallery, was hiring. That opportunity turned into a formative experience. Over four years, I wore many hats—starting as an inventory manager and assisting with bookkeeping, then moving into sales and art consulting. The gallery specialized in paintings, sculpture, and works on paper, with a strong focus on jewelry and craft. When the owner decided to retire and close the gallery, I knew I wanted to continue working in the gallery world.
I set my sights on Denver, home to a more established gallery scene, and was fortunate to join the William Havu Gallery, one of the city’s most respected spaces. Working alongside the owner, I managed the gallery and learned every aspect of the business, building lasting relationships with artists, clients, and the community. After nearly 20 years there, I found myself at a crossroads in my mid-forties, questioning the future of my career and what I truly wanted to do next.
After a lot of soul-searching, I stepped away to explore my options, knowing I wanted to channel my experience into running my own gallery. I took time to reflect, explored the job market, and ultimately felt compelled to open my own space. I looked at locations in both Boulder and Denver and eventually found a gem of a space in The Hill neighborhood of Boulder, CO.
Now, I’m focused on building a gallery that reflects my vision—not just in the art and artists I represent, but in every aspect of the business. Our growing roster includes Ky Anderson, Galen Cheney, Lanny DeVuono, Lydia Farrell, John Gibson, Bob Knox, Daniel M. Granitto, Emilio Lobato, Claire McConaughy, Bruce Price, Lisa Rock, Jessica Rohrer, Andy Ryan, Courtney Sennish, Debra Smith, Brenda Stumpf, and Andrew Watel—a group of nationally and regionally recognized artists creating museum-quality work across a range of styles and media. Alongside these established names, I’m also committed to showing emerging artists of exceptional talent.
Our brand starts with the art, but it’s also defined by how we present and market the work, as well as our knowledge and experience in the art business. When it comes to art, I’m drawn to a broad spectrum-genres, movements, media, and styles. That said, my gallery is primarily focused on contemporary art. It’s where I find the most compelling work, offering a dynamic interaction between the piece and the viewer. I’m looking for art that stands out, that truly impresses me—work that’s not only exceptionally interesting and well-executed but also introduces a fresh perspective or a new kind of beauty. With so much art out there, I’ve become hyper-selective; I’m not interested in work that feels derivative or lacks an authentic voice or style. I’ve set high standards for the work I represent—art that’s both cutting-edge yet resonates with collectors.
As a dealer, I see myself as a bridge between artists and clients, and I work hard for both with professionalism. I love working with clients—whether in the gallery, their homes, or their businesses—to help them find and connect with new art.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yes, leaving my previous gallery job to start my own gallery at 47 was a major pivot in my life and career. Opening a business—and not just any business, but a brick-and-mortar art gallery—is a huge risk. But as I mentioned earlier, I spent a lot of time soul-searching and asking myself: How do I want my career to look? What do I want my life to look like for the next 30 or so years? Who do I trust in this business the most? In the end I bet on myself.
Now, we’re approaching our one-year anniversary in business. It’s been incredibly fulfilling but also full of challenges. Opening a small business today is no small feat. Rents and property values in most metropolitan areas are cost-prohibitive, and margins for art galleries are razor-thin. Galleries require exhibition space, as well as sufficient storage for inventory. And that’s just the tangible, surface-level stuff.
But at 47, I’ve learned to trust myself over others and to chart the course for this venture. You have to remind yourself, even in the toughest moments, that the challenges are temporary. It’s all part of the process, and I’m continuing to learn.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
As I began exploring opening a business, finding funding was a big mystery, so I reached out to an old colleague who was an accountant and former bank manager for advice. She recommended I contact the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), as they had assisted her daughter in opening her own business. I took her advice, and the SBDC became an invaluable resource for me. They helped in numerous ways, from advising me on my business plan to connecting me with potential lenders working with SBA loans. It was through the SBDC that I learned about Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), a lender specializing in funding for new businesses and entrepreneurs.
Finding funding and financing for a new, for-profit creative business is challenging. There seem to be far more resources and opportunities available to nonprofits in the arts than for a commercial gallery. It can be a rigorous process that requires a lot of research, persistence, and patience. I’m incredibly grateful to the SBDC for their guidance, as well as to CEF for their support. A big shoutout to both!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nickryangallery.com
- Instagram: @nickryangallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nick-Ryan-Gallery-61557675096282/
Image Credits
Person photo of Nick Ryan taken by Calli George
Additional photos
1) Collage & Oil Painting by Emilio Lobato, Sculptures by Courtney Sennish, Oil Painting by Ky Anderson
– Photo by Wes Magyar
2) Painting by Bob Knox
– Photo by Wes Magyar
3) Oil Painting by Jessica Rohrer
– Photo provided by the artist
4) Paintings & collage by Bruce Price
– Photo by Wes Magyar
5) Paintings by Claire McConaughy
– Photo by Wes Magyar
6) Textile Works by Debra Smith
– Photo by Wes Magyar
7) Woven & collaged Painting by Galen Cheney
– Photo by the artist
8) Paintings by Lanny DeVuono
– Photo by Wes Magyar