CENTRAL CITY - Located in Central City, the Gilpin Arts Association offers a refreshing cultural experience for families and art lovers. 

Housed in Washington Hall, Colorado’s oldest continuously used building, this historic space serves as a creative retreat, showcasing art and fostering community. For those seeking something beyond the hustle of the busy days, Gilpin Arts provides a chance to explore a vibrant world of talent and imagination.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the Gilpin Arts Association held a special reception to celebrate its 137 members and the Annual Members’ Show. The exhibition showcased a wide range of artistic mediums, from watercolors and oil paintings to sculptures, jewelry, and photography. 

Open to artists from across the globe, the show gives members the opportunity to display and sell their work in one of the most distinctive gallery spaces in the state.

The Annual Members’ Exhibition, which began on August 19, will run through the end of the year, offering visitors a chance to experience the diverse creativity on display at Washington Hall, Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Trustee Mike Zecchino expressed his admiration for the variety of styles featured in this year’s show, saying, “Every room you go into has such different extremes,” showing the exhibition’s eclectic nature.

One of the artists, Micki Moss, explained her unique “cold wax” painting method, a technique related to encaustic painting but requiring less heat. Cold wax, mixed with oil paint, allows Moss to create textured matte finishes using tools like sponges, knives, and bubble wrap instead of traditional brushes. 

“It mattifies the oil and extends the amount of paint you can use, allowing for all sorts of textural effects,” Moss explained.

The reception also revealed exciting historical connections between the association and Central City’s rich artistic past. 

Association President Eric Miller shared news of a recent trip to Pagosa Springs, where he met with an 84-year-old gentleman who owned early artwork from Central City, dating from the mid-1930s to the late 1940s. 

Among these works were watercolors by Margaret Kerfoot Jennison, one of the founding members of the association. 

Jennison, who studied under “American Gothic” painter Grant Wood, captured local scenes of Black Hawk and Central City, and Miller was able to acquire six or seven of her original pieces.

Additionally, Miller brought back works by Frank “Pancho” Gates, the first artist and set designer for the Central City Opera. These rare pieces will be revealed in the spring of 2025, offering a glimpse into the town’s early artistic heritage.

Since its founding in 1947, the Gilpin Arts Association has been dedicated to providing a platform for artists to share their work and a creative space for the community to enjoy. 

Their mission, “To expand the appreciation and understanding for art and to provide Rocky Mountain artists with the opportunity to present, display, and sell their works,” remains central to their efforts. The association also supports the RE-1 Gilpin County School art program, ensuring that young artists have the resources they need to grow and thrive.

To support Gilpin Arts, consider becoming a member, making a donation, or stopping by the gallery to purchase a piece of art. 

With the Members’ Show running through the end of 2024, now is the perfect time to visit Washington Hall and immerse yourself in the art and history that define this unique Central City institution.

For more information, visit https://www.gilpinarts.org/donate.