The Gilpin County Arts Association (GCAA) is currently hosting its 74th Annual Show at the Washington Hall Gallery, 117 Eureka Street, in Central City. The show runs from June 5 through August 14, 2021. It officially opened on June 5 at 5 p.m.

The CCAA hosted its first juried show in 1948. It is the longest continuously running juried show in Colorado. Michele Roussel, GCAA vice president and gallery manager, said the show has been in the same location for 74 years.

Roussel has been on the board for four years and hung all the art for the show. It is a national show, and entries come from all 50 states, but the majority are Colorado residents.

The 2020-2021 show accepted entries from 90 artists. Since each artist can submit up to three works, 145 pieces were entered into the show. Last year, because of Covid-19, the categories of Mixed Media, Jewelry, and Fiber were combined into one category due to lack of entries. At next year’s show, the 75th, the categories will be separated again.

CGAA President Eric Miller has been with the Association for six years. In Show catalog he wrote, “The incredible amount of skill, talent, and craftsmanship exhibited by the artists in this year’s show is second to none. As you browse the galleries, do take in the beautiful art before you, but also absorb the historic nature of the space that surrounds the art, and you will see a combination of interior space and fine art like no other.”

At the end of the evening on June 5, winners were presented their ribbons and checks, which included more than $3,000 in cash awards. Best of Show won $500. Awards for 2D, 3D, and Photography had three first-place winners for $400, three second-place awards for $300, three third-place awards for $200, and three honorable mentions for $100 each.

Jurors were for 2D: Jean-Pierre Jacquet, French-American painter; 3D: Kim Harrell Silversmith, a jewelry designer; Photography: Teri Metallo, a Gilpin County photographer; Judge for Awards: Jared Hankins, fine art painter.

74th Annual Juried Show Judges’ Winners:

2D Category

Honorable Mention: Liftoff – Virginia Unseld

3rd Place: Salt Shaker – Carol Foerster

2nd Place: Morning in the Aspen Glade – Walter Avramenko

1st Place: Silverton Stage – Marc Jones

Photography Category

Honorable Mention: Lightning on the Eastern Plains – Jeremy Janus

3rd Place: Time’s Arrow – Michael Potts

2nd Place: Fall Wonder Tree – Bob Coorsen

1st Place: Standing Watch – Mount Evans – Robin Keys

3D Category/Mixed Media/Jewelry/ Fiber

Honorable Mention: Fox Haven – Amy Love

3rd Place: The World is Watching #2 – Mary Ellen Latino

2nd Place: Swirls of Copper – Eileen Leland

1st Place: Teton Range Panorama – Lynne Buss

Best in Show

Building or Art? Yes. – Steve Sorensen (Photography)

Miller wrote, “Many thanks go out to so many of our volunteers, our staff and the City of Central for their efforts in continuing the ongoing mission of the GCAA. I would be remiss to not give a personal thank you to each of our board members, past and present, for all of their efforts in preparing for this year’s show; it has been a pleasure to work beside you.”