I love the light in February. Days are longer and the sun is stronger. There is lots of hustle and bustle going on at Carbondale Arts, with Fashion Show rehearsals, mural making, climate change activations, youth aerials, Valley Visual Arts Show and more. This vibrancy is so welcomed. We are facing great challenges in our government, and as a nation. We are divided as a people and that division is painful. It comforts me to know that in our everyday lives we are finding ways to cross the divide and work together, creating opportunity and delight. Our partners include Carbondale Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, CoVenture, Town Government and many of you! It takes a village. Carbondale Arts just finished a year long strategic plan process and we are unveiling it this month. It shows how valuable our partners and collaborators are. There is no room for division in order to be an effective entity. As we move through 2020 we must not lose site of the importance of crossing divides and finding ways to move forward together. It is also important to use our voices, not as weapons but as tools of communication. Art is another form of communication and over these next several months Carbondale Arts will be presenting ideas and innovation that we hope will bring us together rather than divide.
Thank You Laura Stover!
It is with great love and admiration that we bid adieu to Laura Stover’s tenure as Design + Marketing Director of Carbondale Arts. Laura has been with us for seven years and has been an integral part of our success. She shaped the Carbondale Creative District brand, as well as helped CCAH transition into Carbondale Arts. She was part of the team that helped design The Launchpad and her eye in the gallery is instrumental. Laura is the artist behind the amazing projections at the fashion show, as well as the stylist and designer liaison. Luckily, Laura is just headed across the street to Studio Ra Ra, where she will focus on her fashion design work, as well as her freelance graphic design clients. The good news is she will continue to be deeply involved with us through the fashion show, R2 gallery committee and Mountain Fair t-shirt Supervisor. Laura is so much a part of us that, while she may not have a desk in the office, her hard work, vision and style will continue to be felt always!
Introducing Sarah Overbeck
Hello all! I'm very excited to be joining the Carbondale Arts team as the Marketing and Communications Director. As a returned RFV native I'm delighted to raise my family here in this amazing community, and to create another generation of Mountain Fair lovers. My love for art began with photography, learning on my dad's old Yashica 35mm camera, which ultimately lead me to a BFA in Photography and continues today as a professional event and portrait photographer. I was called back to further my education in Digital Communications and Design Management during my time in the Mile High City where I worked as a Photographer, Media Designer and Creative Content Manager. Street art and installations are my other favorite forms of art and expression. I love the company of good people and creating the life experience. Dancing to live music and having a good laugh bring me life. I look forward to working with you all, please introduce yourself if we haven't yet met.
12th Annual Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza: Mirror Mirror is SOLD OUT
Friday, March 13th & Saturday, March 14th
Thursday Preview Tickets on sale now
Local and national designers and artists come together to create a dynamic, alluring, and thought-provoking event featuring fashion that sparks the imagination and is created from recycled and/or sustainable materials. These creations, intertwined with dance and multimedia artistry, attract an audience from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
If you missed the window of opportunity to buy a ticket before we sold out, here are THREE ways you can still come see the show:
Follow the conversations on the Fashion Show Ticket Swap public Facebook group. This is where people can swap nights if needed (we don’t do this in house) or sell tickets that they are not using.
Sign Up To Volunteer There’s plenty to do behind the scenes and during the show and we would love your help! Sign up here.
Please email [email protected] or call 970.963.1680 with any questions you may have.
Welcome our fabulous new Board Members
Thank you to all the Carbondale Arts members that participated in the selection of new board members. Carbondale Arts is thrilled to welcome four new board members and one returning board member.
Brooke Bockelman
Brooke has lived in Carbondale since 2011, and is Program Director at the Buddy Program. Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband, one-year-old daughter and rescue pup; traveling, hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, gardening, and making jewelry. Brooke thinks the creative, adventurous, genuine community of people and events like Mountain Fair and the Green is the New Black Fashion Show make Carbondale the best ever place to live.
Joe Scofield
Joe is a longtime Carbondale local and returning board member. Joe was a board member from 2005 to 2011. Carbondale Arts is thrilled to have him back on board as his experience and expertise will be crucial over
the next few years especially as Carbondale Arts starts planning for its 50th Mountain Fair in 2021.
Leah Swan
Leah is the Senior Digital Product Manager for Aspen Skiing Company, which means she runs the Aspen Snowmass App, and various website and eCommerce projects. Leah believes that life is better with community -- Carbondale Arts truly defines our beautiful community -- so she is thrilled to be able to contribute her time, ideas, and hard work to ensure that never changes.
Nicholas DiFrank
Nicholas is as a senior licensed landscape architect and project manager with Design Workshop in Aspen. He has been leading landscape architecture, urban design/planning and architectural design projects for over 15-years. Nicholas looks forward to sharing his open-minded appreciation for artistic creativity and exploration along with his knowledge of community-based arts programs.
Raychl Keeling
As Executive Director at True Nature Healing Arts, Raychl enjoys creating new experiences and providing the community with a sanctuary for inspiration, connection and self-discovery. Raychl is passionate about spending time outdoors, having meaningful interpersonal connections and finding creative outlets that positively contribute to our wellbeing.
Wewer Keohane Scholarship Winners Engage in Expressive Arts Projects
Congrats Charles Morris and Nannette Weinhold!
The Wewer Keohane Art Saves Lives Scholarship strives to advance training and projects that address mental health and youth at risk in the valley. This year’s recipients, Charles Morris and Nannette Weinhold embody the essence of this award.
Charles Morris has lived in the valley off and on for many years. His project, The Mask You Live In, addresses the importance of young boys to connect to emotions and value authentic relationships. His work with youth and parents around mask making provides an outlet for discussion. Charles will be providing workshops in our valley public libraries and on Rosybelle, the mobile maker bus. Nannette is using her funding to pursue training in art therapy. Nannette is a long time teacher and artist, primarily working with youth through the lens of a camera. Pam Rosenthal and Mellie Test received a small stipend to pursue training as well.
All four will attend Sheri Gaynor’s Creative Awakenings Academy on February 15th and Charles and Nannette will mentor under Wewer Keohane throughout the year. As Wewer states, “I believe that art is the soul made visible and by exploring our inner world and sharing it with others, we begin to know we are one, which is a giant step in our collective healing.”
February First Friday at The Launchpad with Cocoa Tree Chocolates
Friday, February 7th 6 - 8 pm
Carbondale Arts will have Abby Mandel ofCocoa Tree Chocolates at the Launchpad from 6 - 8 pm! Come by to purchase a special treat for you or your loved ones! Abby will have her beautiful and delicious chocolates in exclusive packaging, one-piece and two-piece boxes available. Chocolatier Abby Mandel has been obsessed with all things food (especially desserts) and all things science since a young age. She was able to combine her passions during school by pursuing a PhD in Taste Perception Science. She uses this expertise in taste and flavor to create well-balanced and unique truffle flavors.
Sign Up Now for Love Me Some Lip Sync!
Saturday February 8th, 7:30 - 9:30pm at Batch
Carbondale Arts and Batch present Carbondale’s second annual lip sync battle at Batch. Come for the delicious beer and stay for the one of a kind entertainment! There are 15 acts, available for individuals, teams or businesses, and we only have a few spots left! Take those super star hair brush performances to the next level and SIGN UP!
Registration fee is $12 for an individual and $22 for a group. *If you do not want to participate, but would like to attend, there will be a $5 entry fee payable in cash on the night of the event.
Batch is generously donating a $100 cash prize to the winner(s) and their bartenders will donate their cash tips from the night to Carbondale Arts and Gay for Good Rocky Mountains.
Cirque d'Sopris
Friday, February 21st & Saturday, February 22nd
6 - 8 pm at SoL Theater Company
Cirque d’Sopris is a beautiful, joyous celebration of everything that makes Carbondale the special place it is. Art, dance, music, theatre, and martial arts come together for an amazing night of entertainment. The show will feature dance performances by the Youth Dance Lab, aerial silks by the students of Sopris Soarers, martial arts by the students of Rising Crane, and fashion designs by the Sol Theatre/Carbondale Arts Youth Sewing Class. This year's theme is "Spread Your Wings and Fly".
40th Annual Valley Visual Arts Show
Winner will be announced February 28th
Since the show’s opening reception on January 17th, visitors to the gallery have been invited to vote for their favorite artwork (one vote per person). The People’s Choice Award winner will take home a cash prize as well as a ticket to the Green Is the New Black Fashion Show, happening March 13-14th.
The Valley Visual Art Show will be up through February 28th and is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information, visit carbondalearts.com or call (970) 963-1680.
Aspen CORE Climate Billboard Project
February 25th through March 18th
CORE and AIR-Ink co-present the Climate Billboard Project; a collaborative public art project that uses carbon emissions to make art, bringing together creativity, community and technology in the name of climate action. The project showcases four original billboards designed, created and displayed in the Roaring Fork Valley starting February 25th: artist Kate Howe at the Skye Gallery building in Aspen; artist Chris Erickson at Lion’s Park Bandstand in Basalt; artist Kelly Peters at The Collective building in Snowmass; and artist Brian Colley at The Launchpad in Carbondale. The Climate Billboard Project will host two launch parties featuring AIR-Ink founder/innovator Anirudh Sharma, billboard artists, live carbon labs, music and refreshments. The kickoffs take place from 6 to 7:30pm on February 25th at The Launchpad and February 26th at The Collective. Collaborating art centers include: Red Brick Center for the Arts, The Art Base, and Carbondale Arts. All Climate Billboard Project events are free and open to the public.
The Climate Billboard Project is a centerpiece of CORE’s 2nd annual Imagine Climate, a month long exploration of climate art and innovation in the Roaring Fork Valley. From February 25th to March 18th, leading artists, inventors and change makers will offer creative perspectives and solutions to the climate crisis through a program of events by the valley nonprofit that helps locals save energy and cut carbon emissions. More at www.aspencore.org
Clay Hawkins at Bonfire
Now through the end of February
Born and raised in Colorado, Clay finds joy in capturing moments from his various travels. After graduating from Colorado State University, he has spent time in Vietnam, Portugal and the Czech Republic. By digitally retouching his original photos he has given these simple scenes added texture and color.
Anderson Ranch’s Artists-in-Residence Program
Applications due February 14th by 5:00pm MST
Anderson Ranch’s Artists-in-Residence Program fosters creative, intellectual and professional growth for emerging and established visual artists. Residents have access to world-class facilities and studio time, free from everyday pressures. Residencies are offered in ceramics, new media, photography, furniture design, woodworking, painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture.
New City Market Mural Opportunity
Submissions due February 25th
Carbondale Arts, in partnership with City Market a division of the Kroger Company, will commission a professional artist to create indoor artwork for the new City Market in Carbondale. The artwork will be prominently displayed on an interior wall of store as part of the Kroger Company’s commitment to involving artists in beautifying new stores throughout the nation. This RFQ is open to any artist in the Roaring Fork Valley. Visit carbondalearts.com for full details. Email [email protected] with questions.
2020 Carbondale Mountain Fair
Vendor Applications Applications due March 2nd
The Mountain Fair is a great microcosm of the creativity that we honor all year long. Celebrating art in all its forms, the fair is known for its diverse range of art, non-stop entertainment, great food, and amazing spirit. We continually look for the best through our juried art show. The Carbondale Mountain Fair attracts visitors from all over Colorado and is free to the public. Apply here. For any additional questions please email [email protected].
Envision 2020: Waldorf School Fundraiser
Artwork due March 13th
We ask the artists to envision 100 years into the future and come up with a conceptual piece to depict the possibilities in the most inspiring light possible. This year's event will be held at James Surls' studio in Carbondale on April 18th with live music and local biodynamic food and drink! Contact [email protected] or call 970-963-1960 to participate.
Dandelion Day T-shirt Contest
Artwork due March 20th
Dandelion Day 2020 needs a T-shirt design. "Show us what celebrating community, sustainability and spring mean to you." Winner will receive 5 free shirts. Please send a vector file [email protected]
R2 Gallery 2021 Proposals Now Online
Due May 1st, 2020
Carbondale Arts is seeking proposals for gallery exhibitions for the 2021 calendar year. Proposals may be for an exhibition of your own work or a group show (juried or invitational) you would like to curate. Deadline for receipt of 2021 calendar year proposals is May 1, 2020. Apply here.
Our Sponsors
Community Sustainers
Addy Foundation
Alchemy Audio-Visual
Alpine Bank
Boettcher Foundation
Colorado Creative Industries
Embrey Family Foundation
FirstBank
Forum Phi
Jim & Mary Griffith
KPCO
Marlane Miller Fund
Rose Community Foundation
Susan Gurrentz Fund for the Arts
Thrift Shop of Aspen
Town of Carbondale
True Nature Healing Arts
Umbrella Roofing
Grand Curators
Arches Foundation
DeVos Foundation
Dru Handy Custom Painting
High Q
Kristen & Wallace Graham
Pajwell Foundation
RCG Fund
Roaring Fork Beer Company
Scofield Family Fund
Thendara Foundation
Art Lovers
13 Moons
2757 Design
Amy & John Charters
Aspen Community Foundation
Aspen Real Life
Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund
Cool Brick Studios
David and Louise Gitlitz
Dos Gringos
Gallery Maximillian
Jane and Dick Hart
John Hoffman
Karl Lauby
KPCO
Larry Cohen
Laurie Bernhard
Loren Wilder
Marble Distillery & Inn
Martens Foundation
Neurospa
The Pittsburgh Foundation
The Shapiro Family
The Vickers Collection
Sopris Liquor and Wine
Musical Notes
20/20 Eye Care
777 Investment Corp.
Colorado Mountain Graphics
Cocoa Tree Chocolates
Dance Initiative
Drinker Durrance Graphics
Downriver Divas
Evergreen Events
Faboo Boutique
Gina Cucina
Isa Catto Studios
John + Ruth Ward
Jill Soffer Family Foundation
Lee Beck & John Stickney
Liz & Michael Thele
Mark Taylor
Osmia Organics
Peppinos Pizza
Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence
Two Leaves Tea
Wise Bar
Business Partners
A4 Architects, Ackerman Log & Timber, Carbondale Clay Center, Carbondale Light & Power, Crystal Glass Studio, Dave Durrance, Genius I.A.V, Granetta Panini, Land + Shelter, Harmony Scott, Main Street Gallery & The Framer, Mark Harris, Modern West Floral, Ragged Mountain Sports, Redstone Art Center, Robert Schultz Consulting, Solar Flair Thermal Systems, Sopris Marketing Group, Sue Eldelstein, Terralink Structures
2020 R2 Gallery Sponsors
Forum Phi
Kat & Pete Rich
SAW (Studio for Arts and Works)
Carbondale Arts
Board of Directors
Seth Goddard - Chair
Joe Scofield - Vice Chair
Janice Barker - Finance Chair
Brian Golden
Brooke Bockleman
Elizabeth Hanke
Katy Parr
Leah Swan
Nic DeGross
Nicholas DiFrank
Raychl Keeling
Sarah Murray
Carbondale Arts is a non-profit organization that relies on memberships and donations from people like you to continue these exciting programs and events. Please help us reach our goal, by joining or renewing your membershipand signing up your friends and family. Every membership counts.
Backcountry Film Festival at the Third Street Center Community Hall 7:00pm
History & Geology Converge in Marble at The Marble Museum 1-8pm
Love Me Some Lip Sync at Batch 7:30-10:30pm Register here
Monday, February 10th
Changemakers Unpacking Power and Privilege (CUPP) Series. A 6-week training series by Colorado Trust You must pre-register by Feb 10th to be eligible for the course.More details here. Más informacion áqui.
