THE GALLERY itself is an artistic treasure. Erected in 1880, the building retains its historical essence with an original tin ceiling and Douglas Fir floor. The building was constructed by the IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows), who held their meetings upstairs.

THE BUILDING HAS PLAYED HOST to a variety of uses in its century-and-a-quarter history. The main floor was, for many years, a dry goods store. What is now the gallery space was Ott's Confectionary Shop—candy was made on-site, and a soda fountain sparkled along the length of one wall. For a time, the building served as an appliance store. A hand-operated antique freight elevator shares the room where Dianne teaches art classes, cuts mats, and frames paintings. The basement serves as storage for a variety of paraphernalia (primarily objects relating to the long-ago days when it was a machine shop). The building has also hosted a roof garden and a bicycle shop.

WHEN DIANNE & IVAN purchased the building, it had most recently been an art gallery. The track lighting was already installed, creating a beautiful and well-lit space. Dianne and Ivan reside in the living quarters above the Gallery, and are very happy to be residents of Cañon City.

WHAT FOLLOWS are a photo—and details from that photo—circa 1925, when 418 Main St. was host to the Ott Candy Store & Soda Fountain.

MAN BEHIND THE SCENES. Ivan Widom—Proprietor, Janitor, and Professional Non-Artist. It should be noted that Ivan makes delicious homemade fudge, in keeping with the tradition the Ott Candy Store began so many years ago.