Artist Profile
Tara Novak
Painter
Mountain girl, artist, entrepreneur… A Vail Valley resident for over 25 years, Tara’s abstract paintings depict the textures and ever-changing colors in the mountains and waterways of Mother Nature’s landscapes.
After attaining her degree from RIT, Snowboarding took over her world in 1994. She spent several years competing in pro circuits and teaching at Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts, where she fell in love with the pure joy of riding in the Aspen glades.
Tara’s main bread n’butter is her company, Custom Creations Inc. Working with contractors, interior designers, and homeowners in the resort communities of Vail, she provides artful solutions for decorative wall finishes, woodwork and antique restoration, and fine art commissions.
Tara founded the art cooperative ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery. This space is Tara’s home studio, while also continuing to grow as a thriving hub for local artists and community collaboration.
In 2020 and 2021, Tara was awarded public art projects in the Vail Valley – decoratively painting six benches in Avon and a utility box in Riverwalk in Edwards as part of a community vitality installation. Most recently, Tara won awards for the 2021, 2022 and 2024 “Best of Vail Valley” competition: Best Visual Artist and Best Art Gallery.
