Where Artists & Lovers of Art Come Together
Articles - Life In BV

by: Allison AbdelnourAVACcard

The Arkansas Valley Art Center gallery is a well-illumined, clean, beautiful space. Juxtapose that to the objects the room currently contains - rusted brambly old coiled metal, shards of colorful glass, cds, bottle tops and old ties, broken tea cups, rickety chairs with their peeling paint, and practically anything you can imagine finding contained in an old tin can on a shelf in your neighbor’s garage. I found myself both impressed and amused by the individuality and talent expressed in the many pieces hanging from the walls and displayed on pedestals throughout the room. The current show entitled, “Second Time Around” is open from now until March 24 and displays works of art that contain at least 75% recycled materials.  Even more impressive to me than the artwork itself was the fact that everything on display in the room was created by artists who call the Arkansas Valley home.AVAC2

Arkansas Valley Art Center is a Chaffee County-wide non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the love of and participation in the visual arts. AVAC provides opportunities for both accomplished and aspiring artists in the valley to learn new skills and techniques in a variety of media as well as many opportunities to display their work. Annually AVAC holds about 10 shows per year, many of which consist entirely of work created by some of its 200 plus members. AVAC also brings in two shows each year of other Colorado artists not local to the valley.AVAC4

A quick visit to the AVAC website member portfolio page gives an impressive view of the caliber of artists that live and create here locally, some of whom are recognized nationally for their work. Members work in a variety of mediums such as pastel, oil, watercolor, multi-media, pottery, carving, photography, printmaking, textiles… you name it.

In addition to the art shows held at the gallery, AVAC regularly hosts workshops and also holds an open awards show for all of its members each summer. This year the show will be held August 22 - September 29.AVAC1 Upcoming workshops this spring include a silk painting class by Dee Sapper on March 8 and a marketing workshop for artists presented by Alyson B. Stanfield on May 10-11. AVAC is also planning to hold children’s workshops this summer and is currently in the process of looking for grants to supply art materials.

The Arkansas Valley Art Center actively works to bring artists and art lovers together in the Arkansas Valley and to help both adults and children find enjoyment and confidence through art. Membership opportunities are available to individuals, businesses, and organizations. The AVAC gallery is located at the Art Center at the Colorado Mountain College Buena Vista campus. Hours are Monday through Friday 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. The gallery is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and between shows. Please visit the AVAC website at www.arkansasvalleyartcenter.org for more information.

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep. – Scott Adams


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