Are you looking for a unique gift to commemorate a special summer weekend, or your recent trip to Colorado?

Cottonwood Institute’s 14ers Art Store hosts beautiful watercolors of 53 Colorado 14,000-footers (“14ers”), available as prints, canvases, or framed images. Created by local Denver artist Mile Wilson, the watercolors are painted from unique perspectives inaccessible to usual hikers, using Google Earth images as references. According to Mike, “The watercolors are 18″ by 24″ and provide a look at each mountain’s most attractive side. Each mountain gets its best lighting, best background, and even its most striking snow cover. These are portraits.”

The net proceeds from the online store are used to support Cottonwood programs and students. One student from AXL Academy’s CAP class said, “I feel more inspired to try new things and I have learned so many new things. I tell my parents one new thing almost every night. I love CAP class because it has done so much for me. Before, I just stood aside and watched everybody else.” We are so grateful to Mike for sharing the magic of his 14ers art with you all, and for providing additional opportunities for our middle and high school students to get outside.

 Pay tribute to your special memory with a beautiful print of Longs Peak, Quandary, Grays & Torreys, or any of Colorado’s 14ers. Visit the online store here.

There are many ways to enjoy the Colorado mountains and 14,000 foot peaks. Not everyone has to summit a 14er or bag a peak. Some folks enjoy these mountains from a distance, while others like me love to paint them. Enjoy these peaks in whatever way feels comfortable, but please protect them!

– Artist Mike Wilson