Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Central City. The Gilpin County Arts Association (GCAA) celebrated its 73rd juried art show on August 1, 2020, Corona be damned. Guests in attendance included both local and travelling enthusiasts of the arts. All attendees were served wine and hors d’oeuvres by Central City Mayor, and GCAA board member, Jeremy Fey. 

Artist Virginia Unseld served as judge for this year’s show. Virginia, a local artist, has painted western landscapes for over 40 years. She has taught art in public schools, at Adams State University and in many art groups. She earned her Bachelors in Art Education in 1975 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Masters of Art Education at Rhode Island School of Design. Her work has earned numerous awards at various Colorado Art Shows from 2008 through 2019. Virginia says when judging exhibits she looks for, “pieces that have the ‘wow’ factor. That is something that stops me in my tracks to spend time with the piece. I like to be surprised by something; unusual subjects or perspectives or color choices or texture.” One of Virginia’s first jobs in Colorado in 1979 was with the Gilpin County Arts Association. 

Natasha Isenhour offered her skills as juror in the 2D and Mixed Media category. Natasha’s art is described as “her emotional response to landscapes with a contemporary expressionistic style in both oil and pastel.” Natasha’s degree in geology “affords her a deep understanding of the landforms and the bones of the earth that allow her to so effectively convey the depth and mass of her subjects.” Ms. Isenhour enjoys long standing representation with galleries in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. 

Rob Lantz, juror for photography, is the owner and curator or R. Gallery, a fine art gallery in downtown Boulder devoted to showcasing Colorado artists of all styles and medium. He currently works with over 400 artists, and showcases his own photography throughout the year at various locations. He describes his own work as “not as much about capturing a realistic image as it is about echoing the sensations nature evokes. I love creating images that tell the story of incredible places.” 

 Ira Sherman, juror for 3D and jewelry, has been working with metal fabrication and design since the early 1970’s, both as a highly successful custom goldsmith and jeweler, and as an internationally recognized sculpture. His sculptural work is “bio-engineered’ to interact with the audience or viewer in a uniquely human way. His traveling exhibits have been displayed in the U.S, Canada, Europe, Israel, and Japan. Sherman is a founding chairperson of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association and is a 25 year member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths. He has helped to develop programs for non-profit art organizations, and religious, educational, and community organizations. 

James Evanson’s Indian Head Pony 3D sculpture took best in show at this year’s event, which Virginia described as a piece that, “works on so many levels; a unique style and process, exquisite craftsmanship and presentation, a personal voice that has much to show and say. 

Betsy Johnson-Welty’s painting “Paris en-Blue-Notre Dame” placed first in 2D. Of this piece Virginia reported, “A painting should work from a distance and draw you closer. When you get closer you still need to be entertained and captivated. This painting does both extremely well.” 

Jeremy Janus’s “Explosion in the Ocean” placed first place in photos. Virginia’s comments included the praise, “You can hear this photograph.”  

Second place included photos “Family Bonds,” by Lars Gesing, and Walter Avramenko’s “Tenmile Range Sunset.” Randy Blunt’s beetle kill wood table called “Diamond and Small Knots” won second place 3D. Randy’s proud partner was available to give this writer a tour of all of Randy’s beautiful work throughout the gallery.

Third place 2D went to Scott Robert’s for his painting “After the Kids are Gone.” Third place photo was awarded to Amanda Constant for her photograph “Moonscape Sunrise.” Carol Cooper’s mixed media piece “Once Upon a Time,” was awarded Third Place 3D.

Honorable mentions were awarded to Andi Burnum’s “Two Ton Dance,” Darcy Dangremond’s “Into the Mist,” and Pen Volkmann’s “Boulder Panorama,” sculpture. 

Eric Miller, board president, encourages those who would browse the GCAA gallery to “take in the beautiful art before you, but also absorb the historic nature of the space surrounding the art, and you will see a combination of interior space and fine art like no other. GCAA is more than an arts association, more than an art gallery, it is more than a community; it is a legacy.” 

The body of work exhibited at Gilpin County Arts Association in Central City will remain through September 19, 2020.They are located at 117 Eureka Street in Central City. 

(Originally published in the August 6, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)