CENTRAL CITY – Beneath golden-hour skies and the gentle hum of summer chatter, Washington Hall opened its doors on June 7 for the 78th Annual Juried Show hosted by the Gilpin County Arts Association. 

It was also a potluck, and guests made merry while nibbling on cheese, chocolate, and a crowd favorite: crockpot chili. 

With walls brimming with imagination and floors dotted with sculpture, the historic venue glowed with creative energy as locals, artists, and visitors milled through rooms of striking color, delicate detail, and bold vision.

The show, which runs through August 8, features work in 2D, 3D, and photography by regional artists, all carefully selected by jurors and hung with care. Nearly every piece is for sale, allowing art lovers to take a little beauty home with them.

And then came the awards, always the heart-thumper moment of any opening night.

President of the Gilpin Art Association board, Eric Miller, made the grand announcements and handed out the winning ribbons after thanking the artists for their outstanding entries.

Miller shared that donations to GAA are split annually with the Gilpin RE-1 school to enhance its arts program. Additionally, the Association hosts student art shows. 

He announced that fundraising for GAA this year will include the “Taste of Gilpin,” in its second year, at the Teller House on November 13. 

In photography, Michael Potts picked up first place with his captivating image “Gazelle.” 

Paul Brokering took second with his vibrant Tokyo-inspired photo, “Harajuku Mirrors,” while Ellen Nelson’s “Descending Storm” earned third place.

Dave Hanson received an Honorable Mention for his evocative “Vision.”

The 3D category showed off a variety of textures and forms. Robert Smith’s ceramic “Ghost Ranch #1” took the top spot. Steve Briggs’ “Pitcher” and Kristin Bernhardt’s earthy “Green Bowl with Leaf Motif” earned second and third. 

Hector Sector’s piece “Blocked” earned an Honorable Mention with its intriguing mixed media presentation.

In the world of 2D, Carol Newsom’s watercolor “Arches National Park” took first prize, evoking the natural grandeur of the Southwest. 

Bud Heiss’ “Sunrise” and Buffalo Kaplinski’s “Pines and Needles” followed with strong second and third place finishes. Britney Gibson received Honorable Mention for her detailed stipple piece “Joy Ride.”

Special honors were also announced: Haley Nielsen’s “9,371 Feet” won the President’s Award for its quiet elegance in watercolor.

Miller, who has served as president for the past seven years, said the tradition started when he personally gave a $100 award to an artist of his choice. With a lighthearted sigh, he added that the tradition is still going strong.

The night’s highest honor, Best in Show, went to Nick Barstad for his striking marble sculpture “Mourning Wind." It is a hauntingly beautiful piece that seems to hold both weight and motion.

If you missed the opening, don’t worry! The show is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., through August 8. 

Washington Hall is located at 117 Eureka Street in Central City. For inquiries, including purchases, call 303-582-5952.

With nearly eight decades of tradition behind it, this rich exhibit is more than just an art show—it’s about coming together, celebrating creativity, and keeping the local arts spirit alive.