BOULDER — It’s warm and welcoming when you walk through the door of the new Mountain Arts Gallery & Gift Shop — which also just happens to be the entry into the popular local eatery, the Elkhorn Cafe.

A visitor steps into a lively, artistic space, wafting with scents of homemade cinnamon rolls and freshly perked coffee.

The two Main Street enterprises came together under one roof in November in a synergistic merging that offers comfort food for the tummy and the creative spirit.

Customers can indulge in a cheese omelet or perhaps a plate of biscuits and gravy followed by a generous slice of apple pie, and then browse in the gallery for handmade holiday gifts — from soaps and teas, to tie-dyed toddler dresses to antler earrings and oil paintings.

So far, both business parties find their new partnership a happy union.

The gallery is just the latest blossoming of creative ideas growing out of Boulder’s Horizons workshops over the past year, aimed at boosting the community and its economy.

Local artists needed a space to display and sell their work, and authors and musicians need a space to perform.

The group searched for just the right place and then posed their idea to cafe owner Kim Giulio, said Colleen Teeling, one of the moving forces behind the gallery.

“They approached me,” said Giulio, sitting at a cafe table as she took a brief break from taking orders and serving coffee, “but it didn’t take much convincing. We were both willing to do it by trial and error.”

She not only enjoys their company, but also the vibrant colors the artists picked for the gallery, a deep burgundy that now also livens up the cafe walls.

Although it’s a bit too early to tell, she thinks the gallery is boosting the cafe’s business.

This summer’s $4-plus gas prices slowed the typical stream of visitors to Boulder’s health mines and historic sites down to a trickle. Giulio estimates that 30 to 40 percent of her business comes from tourism.

“This year was the worst of the eight years, as far as I could tell,” she said of the time she’s been in business here.

“It’s hard to say if there’s been a boost in business,” she said of the new arrangement. “I would say so many people are coming in, we get a little bit of it, but it works both ways. I’m excited for them. I like to see something new come into Boulder. Every day there’s something new in there.”

Teeling and fellow artists worked late into the night to repaint and decorate the gallery, so they could open its doors at Thanksgiving, yet not disturb the cafe’s business in the meantime.

Visitors who stop in will likely meet one of the artists sitting behind the desk, which is comfortably nestled a few feet away from the glowing pellet stove that emanates a circle of warmth this wintry morning.

At a glance, the gallery gives a snapshot of a community bursting with creativity and exuberance — all coming together in a tasteful, eye-catching and graceful setting.

Colors, shapes, fragrances and textures invite further exploration.

Leaning against the wall is the curved and twisted frame of a log bed made by a Basin craftsman. Resting beneath are colorful felted and fluffy handmade slippers.

The desk brims with delicately carved antler ear rings and decorative journey rings — unique stone and bead creations that have been transformed into ornaments, necklaces or key fobs.

Nearby hang an array of metal angels one would never guess started life from a recycled can.

Along the walls and tables, a visitor might find, among other goods, lavender sachets, collages, one-of-a-kind felted vests and hats, and wizard hats and wands.

There’s also a towering pecan wood sculpture of an Indian in eagle regalia caught in mid-dance step, as well as children’s tie-dyed dresses and bird feeders made from vintage glassware.

Items change daily, as artists and craftspeople bring in new work. Artists who are invited to join the gallery pay $50 per month to display their items. Each artist also works two days per month in the shop. Right now, 13 artists are members.

“We’re growing each day,” said Teeling. Eventually, the gallery will pursue nonprofit status.

And if all goes well, it will outgrow its lovely space.

Local artists are bubbling with ideas, from offering workshop classes, to opening a commercial kitchen for making local food items to providing an art supply shop.

But for now, the creators are just busy producing art and waiting on customers.

It means a lot to them to have this space to display their work.

“It’s a great space,” said Boulder fiber artist Jennifer Pryor, who creates “artwear” clothing, pillows and other items from recycled wool. “I’m honored that they asked me (to display my work). I made sales I wouldn’t have made otherwise. It’s nice we can shop locally for our Christmas presents.”

Oil painter Carol Christensen is excited to have a local space for displaying her work. Much of it’s inspired by the Boulder Valley landscape.

“As an artist you have to love what you do,” she said.

Not only is the surrounding area inspiring, she said, but artists flourish when they have a supportive environment.

She’s finding it at the gallery.

“There’s lots of energy here.”

Open house

Saturday, Dec. 20, 4 to 9 p.m.;

prizes, refreshments, music. For information, call 465-8589

Open for business

Cafe and gallery business hours:

6 a.m. -2 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday

Reporter Marga Lincoln: 447-4074 or marga.lincoln@helenair.com