Colt Maule

Gunnison 'Artist of the Year' 2025

Colt Maule is a versatile artist, photographer, explorer, conservationist, and educator who has a profound connection to the natural world. His artwork often focuses on landscapes and river systems, showcasing a unique mix of creativity and respect for nature. A distinctive aspect of his artistic approach is his use of sustainably sourced wood as his main medium, along with crafting his own handmade frames, which adds a personal and eco-friendly touch to his creations. Maule personally harvests and processes local dead trees affected by bark beetles, a consequence of climate change, linking his work to pressing environmental issues. His photographs and art not only capture the beauty of nature but also emphasize the complex relationships between humans and the environment. Colt educates and inspires others to value the fragile balance of nature and the necessity of preserving it for future generations. His dedication to conservation is clear in the messages woven into his work and his active participation in environmental awareness initiatives. Colt Maule’s creations are both an artistic journey into the outdoors and a heartfelt plea for sustainable practices, establishing him as a significant figure in art, environmentalism, and education.

"My artwork explores the complex and often fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world. I'm captivated by the breathtaking beauty of wild landscapes, aiming to capture their essence and inspire a sense of awe. Yet, there's a fundamental contradiction at the core of my creative journey: the very act of creating requires a certain level of disruption to the nature I deeply admire. Each piece I create becomes a physical representation of this inherent tension.

The materials I use, whether sourced directly or indirectly from the earth, reflect a transformative process – turning natural resources into artistic expressions. In this way, my art not only celebrates the magnificence of nature but also quietly acknowledges our unavoidable impact on it. I strive to encourage reflection on this delicate balance by showcasing the beauty I discover while also recognizing the cost of its artistic portrayal, I invite viewers to contemplate their own role in this intricate relationship. My art is a continuous exploration of how we can appreciate and, hopefully, coexist more mindfully with the wildness that inspires us."

Colt Maule

Exhibits

2025 - The Color of Snow

Group art exhibit at the Crested Butte Art Center in Crested Butte, CO.

2024 - Horse

Official 2024 Art Exhibition of the Ridgway Independent Film Festival. Group art exhibit in Ridgway, CO.

2024 - Resurgence

Group art exhibit at the Gunnison Arts Center in Gunnison, CO.

2023 - Arteries of the Earth

Solo art exhibit at Gunnison Arts Center in Gunnison, CO.

Artist Awards

2025 Gunnison Country Times 'Peoples Choice Award' Best Art Gallery.

2025 Gunnison Country Times 'Peoples Choice Award' Best Photographer.

2025 Gunnison Country Times 'Peoples Choice Award' Best Artist.

2024 Crested Butte Art Festival 'People Choice' Winner

2024 Gunnison Country Times 'Peoples Choice Award' Best Artist.