Art show winners: Jeremy Janus’ “Breakthrough” depicts a powerful moment of light piercing through darkness, symbolizing hope and resilience. It won third place in Photography. [/caption]

The historic Washington Hall, located in the cultural district of Central City, played host to an unforgettable evening on June 8, as the Gilpin County Arts Association celebrated its 77th Annual Juried Art Show.

The event, held at 117 Eureka Street, drew a lively crowd of locals, members, artists, and collectors, all eager to witness the finest artistic talents on display.

Washington Hall has a rich history dating back to its construction in the mid-19th century. It is the oldest continuously-used public building in the state. The Association was established in 1947.

In the past few years, the Association opened the juried show nationwide to applicants, in a move to increase participation and interest.

As attendees entered the hall, they were greeted by a stunning array of artwork spanning various mediums. The anticipation was palpable as the winners were announced, each piece reflecting the talent of its creator. The winners took home varying cash prizes, totaling $3,500 in all, budgeted from the submission fees.

“Put Together” by Tim Brenner won second place in 2D Art. Brenner describes watercolor as an “unforgiving art.”[/caption]

Prizes included:

• Best of Show $500, one prize

• First place $400, one each in three categories

• Second place $300, one each in three categories

• Third place $200, one each in three categories

• Honorable mentions $100, one each in three categories

2D Art Winners:

First Place: “On the Trail” (oil) by Tate Hamilton

Tate Hamilton’s “On the Trail” captivated the jurors with its masterful use of color and texture, bringing the rugged beauty of the trail to life. Hamilton, known for his evocative landscapes, once again proved his prowess in capturing the essence of nature.

Second Place: “Put Together” (watercolor) by Tim Brenner

Tim Brenner described watercolor as an unforgiving art. He stressed that it takes a lot of practice. He has entered his paintings in the last four juried shows and this was his first time winning. His favorite aspect of watercolor is how the paint reflects the light.

Robert Smith’s “Lidded Globe” wins first place in 3D Art. This piece stands out for its unique design and impeccable craftsmanship.[/caption]

Third Place: “Rio Taos” (oil) by Sheila Marie

Sheila Marie’s “Rio Taos” transported viewers to the serene landscape of Taos, New Mexico. Her delicate brushwork and vivid colors created a mesmerizing scene that left a lasting impression.

Honorable Mention: “Central Park West” (oil) by Tate Hamilton

3D Art Winners:

First Place: “Lidded Globe” (clay) by Robert Smith

Robert Smith’s “Lidded Globe” stood out with its unique design and impeccable craftsmanship. The piece, a testament to Smith’s skill in clay work, combined functionality with artistic elegance.

Second Place: “Labradorite Pearl Pendant Necklace” (jewelry) by Pat Lord

Pat Lord’s “Labradorite Pearl Pendant Necklace” dazzled with its exquisite combination of labradorite and pearl. The piece showcased Lord’s talent in creating wearable art that exudes sophistication.

Third Place: “Jewel” (ceramics) by Judi Mitchell

Judi Mitchell’s “Jewel” showed the versatility of ceramics as an art form. Her innovative approach and attention to detail earned her a well-deserved place among the winners.

Honorable Mention: “High Grade III” by Sebnem Dustin

Photography Winners:

First Place: “To the Other Side” by Steve Sorensen

Steve Sorensen’s “To the Other Side” captured a moment of breathtaking beauty, transporting viewers to another world through his lens.

Second Place: “Aspens Central Colorado” by Ian Lipton

Ian Lipton’s “Aspens Central Colorado” showcased the ethereal beauty of Colorado's aspen trees in black and white. His keen eye for composition and lighting made this piece a standout.

Third Place: “Breakthrough” by Jeremy Janus

Jeremy Janus’ “Breakthrough” depicted a powerful moment of light piercing through darkness, symbolizing hope and resilience. Janus explained that the 30-second exposure photo required over eight hours of storm chasing and the highest aperture setting to allow the most light. He said the spiritual aspect of his work includes battling depression and anxiety with the art of nature photography.

Honorable Mention: “The Baptism” by Michael Potts

President’s Award: “Forest Guardian” by Ted Garcia. The President of the Association, Eric Miller, said, “This is always a difficult decision for me but this year I picked an artist that’s been a friend of the gallery and a guy I know personally. I just love the way this painting is so hyper-focused and detailed.”

Best of Show:

“Monochrome Gateway” (photograph) by David Thoutt

With four decades of experience in the field, Thoutt has honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for the art of photography. His work spans a diverse range of subjects, including landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and abstract compositions.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Miller encouraged the audience to support the Association, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, through donation or membership. Attendees mingled, discussed their favorite pieces, and celebrated the remarkable talents that make the gallery a beacon of creativity. There was also action at the cash register.

The Gilpin Arts Association continues to foster a love for the arts, offering a platform for artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with and appreciate the beauty of artistic expression.

For more information about the Gilpin Arts Association, to become a member, or to find out about upcoming events, visit their website at www.gilpinarts.org or call 303-582-5952.