Enjoy art, inspiration and free admission at the Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden of Western Art, considered by many to be the best western and wildlife art museum in Colorado. The museum sits nestled like a jewel before views of Long’s Peak and the Flatiron mountains of Boulder. Located 15 minutes from downtown Boulder and only two blocks from Celestial Seasonings, the relaxed setting is home to the private art collection of Ed Trumble, founder of the Leanin’ Tree greeting card company.
Ed’s venture into western art on greeting cards began in 1949 with four Christmas cards. The company and his art collection have grown dramatically over the last six decades. Museum visitors today enjoy over 250 paintings, 150 bronze sculptures and 100 artists. The collection can be admired with a stroll through a sunny outdoor sculpture garden and a leisurely tour of galleries spread over two floors and 8,000 square feet. Leanin’ Tree greeting cards and unique merchandise are also available in a friendly gift shop.
The heritage of the American West surrounds you in one of the nation’s largest private art collections. You will step back into the drama and history of the genre: Gritty cowboys, proud Native Americans, desert and mountain landscapes, majestic wildlife, and scenes of pioneers, trappers and everyday ranch life in the Old West.
Come appreciate the unique beauty of that West as interpreted by America’s master painters and sculptors of the post-1950 era. You’ll find yourself immersed in the craftsmanship of James Reynolds, John Schoenherr, Bill Hughes, Olaf Wieghorst and scores of other incredible artists.
Ed Trumble developed close personal relationships with many of the artists whose work now grace his museum. According to his eldest son Tom Trumble, now president of the greeting card company, “Everything in this collection is an expression of my father’s singular taste. We don’t really put a price on the collection because it depends so much on that particular piece, the subject matter and how much the buyer loves it. And we love every single one of these. Dad bought each piece for a particular reason. It’s one of the things that make this small museum distinct and different from a public collection.”
“When you make a choice to buy a painting you’re kind of adopting it”, states Ed. “In the long run, nobody owns anything. I see Leanin’ Tree just simply as custodians of this art. Much of it will withstand the merits of time and most of it will survive and be admired and appreciated for generations to come. And hopefully they will take care of it too and pass it on.”
The Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden of Western Art is open to the public for free seven days a week. Please visit www.LeaninTreeMuseum.com for hours of operation and driving directions.