Dan Telleen

Dan Telleen

Board Member | Summervail Art Workshop

Dan Telleen is the owner of Karats, a working jewelry store and gallery in Vail Village in Vail, CO. Telleen was raised in Iowa and completed his Art Education studies at Wayne State Teachers College in Nebraska. After teaching for three years in Michigan, Telleen relocated to Vail in 1970 and opened a gallery showcasing his artistic jewelry. Telleen was one of the three original founders of Summervail Art Workshop, which ran from 1971-1984 in Vail, and has become known as the launchpad for the arts and cultural movement in Vail. In 1985 he established Karats, which has become widely known for Telleen’s distinctive custom jewelry designs. Telleen often incorporates artifacts from various cultures as well as debris that connect the wearers of his jewelry with past civilizations and the physical elements of the natural world. Telleen is careful to provide detailed consideration to the wishes of his clients while creating jewelry designs and is happy to set up personal appointments in order to do so. His work has been featured in selected exhibitions throughout the world in museums and galleries, as well as in the print media. Telleen is most proud, however, that his jewelry has found a place in the collections of our many valued clients.

Telleen is a founder, Summervail Art Workshop and Board Member, Summervail Art Workshop Legacy Project.