More than 100 locals turned out for the grand opening of Ute Mountain Indian Trading Company and Gallery on Saturday, May 2.

Before opening the doors for the first time to eager shoppers, tribal leaders thanked those in attendance for their support and heralded the accomplishment as a major economic development milestone.

As throngs of shoppers stooped over jewelry displays and pottery shelves, Tawnie Knight, economic development specialist for the tribe, said she was incredibly happy with the strong turnout and community support for the new store.

She also thanked several of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes over the last four months to make opening day possible, including the Ute Mountain Day Laborers, Weeminuche Construction, and the Ute Mountain Ute Public Works Department.

"I'm relieved to be open, but I also know there is still more work to do," Knight said on Saturday.

The tribe purchased the 15,000-square-foot building for $825,000 from brothers and longtime owners Scott and Jay Tipton in November.

For 35 years, the popular format of Mesa Verde Pottery centered on Native American potters creating their artwork in a studio that could be viewed by visitors through a glass wall. That in-house production will continue under the tribe's ownership.

In addition to the live pottery molding, painting and glazing, the new space will feature jewelry and other merchandise from Ute, Najavo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes.

Guy Drew Vineyards' wine tasting room is back in the space, and a new feature is the Ute Mountain Tribal History Museum. The small museum on the eastern portion of the building showcases historic pieces from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

The Ute Mountain Indian Trading Company and Gallery is located at 27601 East U.S. Highway 160.