Becky Lucas, Gilpin County.    The oldest continuously running annual juried art show in Colorado is right here in Gilpin County. Gilpin Arts in Central City began hosting this prestigious event in 1947 and this summer marks the 69th year.

The juried show is open daily from 10 to 6 and 10 to 8 on opera days through August 7. Paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass and  jewelry will be available for purchase.

Each year, distinguished artists are asked to jury and judge the show.  Jill Soukup is the juror for  painting, Marc Morris for photography and Phillip Mann for 3D work.  They will also judge the show for awards after it is hung and present the awards at the reception.

This year is the first for the $500 Elaine Schoelzel Memorial Award to be presented to the Best of Show artist. Ms Schoelzel  was a longtime Gilpin County resident and patron of the arts. This Memorial Award was created by her family and friends to remember and  honor Elaine for her many contributions to the arts and to Gilpin County. Contributions are still being accepted to continue this award for many more years. Contributions  in any amount are welcome and should be sent to  Gilpin Arts, PO Box 98, Central City, CO 80427. Put  “Elaine award”  on the check.

Some of the  artists represented this year will be Steve Griggs, a nationally known watercolor painter from Aurora, CO. Steve has been a frequent Best of Show winner in Gilpin Arts with his vibrant and unique watercolor paintings often depicting city scenes.

Forrest Anderson’s ceramics will be included in the 2016 exhibit. Forrest owns and operates Wabi Pottery on the main road through Russell Gulch. His pots are beautiful in addition to being sturdy and functional.

Roger Doak is an award-winning photographer from Denver who specializes in scenic shots of the Rocky Mountain Region. These artists join about 70 others who were selected for this year’s show.

Those who are sticklers about details will notice that this is the 2nd 69th annual Gilpin Arts show!

Volunteers who serve on the Board were beginning to gear up this past winter for the 70th year celebration . . .   and the math did not work out. Seems that a number of years back, a year was inadvertently skipped in the press releases and it took a while to catch it. So as Yogi Berra said, it is deja vu all over again.

More information about the gallery is at www.gilpinarts.org.