In their blended marriage, Carlee and Terry Burnett thought it was a good idea to have home studios to support their passion for the arts. After all, Terry’s work had been on display around the area for some time, and Carlee was moving her career back home. After taking classes in stained glass creation and running a studio for her teacher since 2022, she was ready to pursue bigger and better things. Carlee’s studio focused on stained glass, while Terry’s shop centered on metal and woodworking. Blending their artistic pursuits into their blended family was a natural decision.

Little did they know that soon, they’d be opening a studio of their own in the Fruita Farm building. Carlee’s studio management experience is now charting a new career, while she and Terry’s share their passions. “We wanted to create a space to showcase some incredibly talented local humans, that encourages relationships through art and could be an escape for everyone to be creative,” said Carlee.

Since the studio’s opening, much has been accomplished, with plans for even more. “Everything you see we put together in about a month,” Carlee said. “We’ve designed the studio with moveable walls, so the look can change as the art on display changes. This also allows the space to be used for events as we move forward. Working directly with the artists is what makes this cooperative space special.”

At the heart of Canvas 35 is a desire to support the arts by connecting artists personally with both their buyers and the community. “Much of the art on display is from artists with studios inside the Fruita Farm building,” Carlee said. “So it won’t be uncommon to see something you like and be able to say hello to the artist who created it.”

Carlee plans to take that interaction even further by offering catered experiences and customized events, showcasing several artists. There will also be private classes taught by the artists themselves. “Imagine an event focused on the tradition of Chinese tea,” she said. “We could have a local, yet world-renowned Taiwanese artist with her works on display, along with local artists creating custom teacups and napkins for the event. The public, buyers, and the community could all enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a creative and fun way to be intertwined with the arts and artists where artistry is at the center of everything, whether it’s the design of the studio, just stopping in on occasion or with the events themselves.”

Community is also at the core of what the Burnetts are bringing to the local market. Terry’s work is already well known—his Apple Core sculpture in downtown Grand Junction, his butterfly piece at the Botanical Gardens, his swordfish at the Lincoln Park pool, and his Golfman (made from golf clubs) at Tiara Rado Golf Course. 

Now, Canvas 35 stands as the latest endeavor under Carlee’s oversight and vision. “It’s really about creating a destination for art lovers and buyers from all walks of life,” Carlee said, noting the Grand Valley’s passion for the arts. She also mentioned that high-end art buyers visit the area for other shopping needs, adding, “So why not art for everyone as well?”

The Burnetts are active in the community. Carlee serves as chair of the Fruita Arts and Culture Board, is a board member with the Grand Valley Creative Alliance and the Fruita Chamber Foundation, and their business, T&C Customs, sponsored the Fruita Fall Festival. “What better way to give back to the community than by creating a space where people can hang out, see great art, and interact with the actual artists—maybe while having a coffee, tea, or a glass of wine?” Carlee said.

For the Burnetts, that’s the heart of Canvas 35 studio. 

For more information on Canvas 35, visit their Facebook page under Canvas 35 Gallery or Fruita FARM, 160 S. Park Square, Fruita.