The Gilpin Arts Association is once again sponsoring the Annual Juried Show, the 76th, at the Washington Hall gallery, 117 Eureka Street, Central City. The exhibit will run from June 10 to August 9, 2023.

The Gilpin County Arts Association (GCAA), formed in 1947, held its first art show opening July 4, 1948. Their 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.”

The opening of the 76th show on June 10, 2023, starting at 5 p.m. featured a long table loaded with food, beer, and wine. The judge for the show was Carol Newsom. Her art career began in 1972, and since then she has illustrated more than 150 children’s books. Her watercolors are exhibited in galleries and shows across the United States.

Organizing the event were Jules Korman, who also organizes the Levit Street Market in Central City; Eric Miller, president of the Association; and Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey.

Miller said he has been involved with the GCAA for about five years. He has lived in Central City for 27 years. Mayor Fey said this was the first organization he joined when he came to Central City. “I came here for the arts,” he said.

In a booklet about the show, Eric Miller wrote: “It has been my privilege and honor to lead Gilpin County Arts Association into the near future and to continue a 76-year tradition of bringing the arts to Central City.

“The body of work before you as selected by our esteemed jurors shows a variety of subject matter, mediums, and approaches that reflect the art of today but also captures the classic sense of the mastery of each artist and their medium “

For more information about the Gilpin Arts Association, go to www.GilpinArts.org.