Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Korbe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Becoming an entrepreneur in the world of art-related business is the largest risk I have taken and it has been quite a journey. At the end of 2016, I took a big leap and quit my 9-5 job in order to focus on my passion for painting. Initially, I did not have a set idea of what exactly this meant or how to do it. (For the record, I do not necessarily recommend this approach.) Over the next few years, while showing my work in a local cooperative gallery, I worked a multitude of odd jobs which included everything from painting peoples’ walls, helping with domestic and light handy(wo)man tasks, and also some contracting work here and there in my previous line of work. The Covid pandemic brought extra challenges, but also the opportunity to really evaluate what I wanted to pursue and some time to plan it. At the very end of 2021 I took a bigger leap and opened NKollectiv Gallery in the Aspen Grove shopping center in Littleton. This was a temporary arrangement with an affordable lease that gave me an opportunity to try out a business model that included a space to create my own work while displaying work from local artists in a location that was accessible to the public.
After eight months in Littleton, an opportunity to move to a small but affordable space in the Art District on Santa Fe came along. I was excited to be back in the community where I initially got my start! After two years, a rent increase pushed me to re-evaluate once again, and the art hub, EASEL, was born! EASEL stands for Englewood Art Studios, Events, Lessons and is a much larger space in Downtown Englewood that includes NKollectiv Gallery, five working artists’ studios and space that is available for artists and others to rent for events and exhibitions! The building has many unique characteristics, some original and some added over the years, that make it perfect for an art space. In addition to original woodwork and transom windows, there is great natural light due to huge skylights and stained glass accents throughout the space, as the building was previously owned by a stained glass artist.
Looking both ahead and back, I am grateful I took that initial risk, though it has not been without challenges. I am hopeful that EASEL and NKollectiv will grow to be a valuable asset for both artists and the larger community.
My advice to others considering pursuit of a passion: Life is short – devise a plan and go for it! Along this journey I have learned many things about my own strengths and weaknesses, and not all of the entrepreneurial ventures have panned out. But you don’t know until you try. Surround yourself with others who have similar values and want to be a part of it. I know I would not have come this far without help from the other artists and mentors who have contributed along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Starting at a young age in a rural part of New Mexico, I have always been equally drawn to art, nature, and science. In college, I chose the path of a natural science degree and obtained a B.S. in Biology (Botany). A circuitous route led me from environmental consulting to a career in project management in the electric power industry and I often sought out creative hobbies to exercise my creative side. One day about 10 years ago, I made the fateful decision to experiment with painting. This was the trigger for the sequence of events that eventually led to the opening of NKollectiv and EASEL. I quickly became obsessed and could not stop painting. I am self taught, but I researched and absorbed everything I could via online resources, a few lessons here and there, and talking to and observing other artists. I quickly outgrew painting in my dining room and found a tiny art studio outside of the home. This began the immersion in what is such a wonderful creative community in Denver that I am so proud to be a part of.
The skills I gained in my project management career translate nicely into what it takes to run a business. But it is not easy. I have had to learn how to wear more hats than I ever imagined. It has been exhausting, but the passion I have for local art and sharing local artists’ talents with admirers and collectors makes it a labor of love that is well worth all of it.
EASEL provides a bigger opportunity to further this reach with space for events, classes, studios and community. Englewood is a fantastic location with both established and new local businesses well worth exploring. Partnerships are blooming between the creative and other local businesses with new Second Saturday coordinated events!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

People who enjoy art can help artists in many ways, the most obvious being by purchasing or commissioning art from real working artists and independent local art galleries and collectives, but there are many other low or no-cost ways to do so. Sharing artists’ posts on social media or information about their events or posting reviews of your favorite local artists or galleries goes a long way too! Spread the word about your favorite local artists and art businesses! Take an art class! Come to openings, or visit during open gallery or studio hours and get familiar with the local artists in your community. An added benefit for those who participate – viewing art can lower anxiety and stress and increase an overall sense of well being.

Local, state and federal support of artists and art related businesses is also important. This support could come in the form of funding or tax breaks for small independent artists and art businesses, promoting independent artists, and making efforts to preserve or develop affordable spaces for artists to live and work. This last point especially would go a long way to helping creative communities in states like Colorado where the cost of living is so high it makes it very difficult to pursue art as a full time endeavor. Many art districts have faded away due to the costs exceeding what is reasonable for small businesses and artists to persist in these areas. I fear the same is going to happen to the remaining art districts in Denver.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The moment someone resonates with a piece of art is the best moment, whether they purchase or not, when there is a connection with something that someone else created from their soul, it is incredibly powerful. Just to witness this makes everything worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.easel-co.com also www.nkollectiv.com
• Instagram: easel-co.com also nkollectiv
• Facebook: easel-co.com also nkollectiv

Image Credits

For the photo of me, please credit Matt Draper of Draper Studios. Other photos courtesy of EASEL/NKollectiv