Referred to as “One of the most distinctive galleries in the country,” the Gilpin County Arts Association (GCAA) is located inside historic Washington Hall. The hall was originally built in 1862 as the First District Courthouse in the Territory of Colorado.

The year was 1947 when the GCAA and galleries were established, hosting its first show in 1948. The first exhibit included work by Vance Kirkland and Frank “Poncho” Gates. Vance Kirkland, Director of the School of Art, University of Denver, did a painting demonstration on July 11.

August 8 - 28 was the first showing of the Gilpin County Artists. A 10 percent commission on sales went to GCAA.

The gallery’s stated goals were to provide “yearly exhibitions of the work of Colorado artists, Gilpin County artists, Gilpin County art students, and to provide weekly art discussions; and to purchase 2-3 paintings each year for a Central City permanent art collection.”

Since its inception, the GCAA’s mission hasn’t changed much except to include “expanding the appreciation and understanding for art and to provide Rocky Mountain artists with the opportunity to present, display and sell their works, and to provide financial assistance to the RE-1 Gilpin County School Art program.”

The GCAA serves the Rocky Mountain arts community through its 501 (c)(3) non-profit gallery, which is managed by a board of directors that make the decisions for the gallery. Colorado-based artists are always featured in the courthouse room while rotating exhibitions are displayed throughout the remainder of the gallery, year-round.

With roughly 130 active members, ranging from Colorado-local artists to supporters, the gallery boasts plenty of visual reasons to entice guests into spending a few hours heightening their senses.

The gallery displays all types of media, including paintings, pen & ink, charcoal, graphite, photography, pottery, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, fiber art, home goods, greeting cards, native art, handmade furniture, and more.

The GCAA’s 2023 Juried Show featured 93 different artists. But it also periodically hosts other organizations’ artists, including the Colorado Watercolor Society’s Annual Exhibition this fall.

The support GCAA offers to artists, local and beyond, also includes the Gilpin County School art program, which they support through cash donations and student art show exhibits. “We work with Harv Mastalir who curates the art shows at the public library - about five per year. So we work with the library to also showcase our talented artists,” says Vice President Michele Roussel.

Roussel also shares, “We feel all of our artists are worthy of showcasing. Those artists who are interested and involved or are great sellers get invited. First come, first serve. I usually book these a year in advance.”

Because the GCAA holds itself to high standards, it’s no surprise many have great things to say about the organization. One testimonial reads, “The Gilpin County Arts Association does its very best to accommodate artists, curate a great show, provide an unforgettable opening reception and a peaceful space a retreat for artists and visitors alike.”

The GCAA’s membership has grown considerably and continues to accept new members, leading to the welcomed challenge of “finding enough room to represent all of our artists in the member’s gallery year round.”

Joining the GCAA is easy via its website or you can attend its annual members show, when the organization showcases its membership during the holiday months.

Depending on grants and funding, Roussel states that the GCAA “would like to take on a large annual plein-air event as a Gilpin County Arts Association’s annual event. Any and all donations are accepted and can be easily made on our website.”

Roussel wants guests and artists to know, “We welcome people to attend a board meeting or join the board. We have meetings every second Monday of each month, in the gallery at 6 p.m. We also have an annual members meeting every fall. We encourage all to attend.”

Roussel continues, “This is a legacy that has been nurtured for 76 years by so many people throughout our timeline. We would like to reach out to some of the younger generations and invite them into this unique space as we go forward into the future to secure the success of Gilpin Arts for many more years to come.”

“Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. Once you walk up the wooden staircase into the old courthouse, you will be swept away into an architectural delight, stocked with handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind art.”

If you have not signed up for The Mountain-Ear’s September Studio Tour, the GCAA will offer you plenty of reasons to do so. It plans to provide refreshments and has already reached out to its membership to secure live demos for the weekend.

“The Colorado Watercolor Society’s state show will be on exhibit during this studio tour,” shares Roussel, extending a 20% off sale of all courtroom members’ gallery items for the studio tour weekend. Guests who attend and sign up for the GCAA’s mailing list during the studio tour will receive a free magnet.

Calendar of events

Saturday, August 12, 1-7 p.m. Gallery promotion and rock painting with Randi Randolph at the Black Hawk HARD District second Saturday.

Sunday, August 13, 2-5 p.m. Gilpin Arts Gallery will host the Gilpin County Democrats’ annual fundraiser.

Saturday, August 19, Annual Juried Art Show ends; art pickup begins August 19 through August 22.

Tuesday, September 5, is the cold open for the Colorado Watercolor Society annual state show.

Friday, September 8, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. is the opening reception for the Colorado Watercolor Society annual state show.

Friday, September 22, Saturday 23, and Sunday 24, Peak to Peak Studio Tour.

Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Painting Abstract workshop with Randi Randolph: $75 includes all supplies and a half-hour lunch. Registration is required due to limited space.

Saturday, October 21, annual members’ show opening.

November 2023, Annual fundraiser, date to be determined.

The Gilpin County Arts Association is located at 117 Eureka Street, Central City. To donate, sign up for an event, or submit art, please visit https://www.gilpinarts.org/. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilpinCountyArtsAssociation or you can give them a call at 303-582-5952.

Sign up as an artist or sponsor for The Mountain-Ear’s Studio Tour September 22-24, 2023, at www.themtnear.com/peak-to-peak-studio-tour-2023/.