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ART CENTER OF ESTES PARK
NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2026 EDITION
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MESSAGE FROM THE
BOARD PRESIDENT
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I would like to recapture that freshness of vision
which is characteristic of extreme youth
when all the world is new to it.”
-Henri Matisse
Right now, the Featured Artist portion of our gallery and Sunroom are filled to the brim with wonderful examples of that freshness of vision. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it a “feel good” show. There’s lots of color and energy and whimsy... and beauty, so much beauty.
The opening for this year’s Mentor/Student Show was on Valentine’s Day afternoon, and it was so much fun. There were little girls wearing floor length dresses and tiaras; little boys with their hair slicked back and starched dress shirts; and parents and grandparents oohing and aahing over their kiddoes’ work. Red dots appeared on so many of the title cards, indicating the work had been sold but would remain in the gallery until the close of the show. Pauline Bustamante introduced show participants and gently passed the microphone back and forth to teachers/mentors describing the nature of their classes and to students/mentees extolling their favorite thing about the experience.
Do make it a point to come see this show before it closes on March 16th. We’re open Fridays through Mondays, 11 to 5. And special arrangements can always be made with Lars to see the show on “off days” as well.
Next up... Cheryl Gratias, a spectacular watercolorist, will open her Featured Artist Show “Reflections on Light and Color” on March 20th, 5 to 7pm.
Stay well and stay creative!
Diana
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On Exhibit "Mentor/Student Show" featuring art created by elementary school students mentored in our after-school mentoring program; fiber artistry created by a young man mentored traditionally by an art center artist; work done by adult students in classes taught at the Art Center this past year; and an exhibit of art created by local high school students. Closing March 16.
New Exhibit Opening "Reflections on Light and Color" featuring Cheryl Gratias, Watercolor March 20 - April 27.
Opening Reception March 20 5 - 7
| | .............GARDEN RETREAT................... | |  | ...............CONTEMPLATION............. | | | OPENING WEEKEND DOOR PRIZE | | |
"The Sunflower & the Bee - 8x8 print matted to fit a 12 x 12 frame donated by Cheryl Gratias
The Public is invited to enter their name for this door prize, between 11 Friday to 5 Monday. A name will be selected and the winner notified at the end of the business Monday.
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Beginning Zentangle®101 with Deb Coombs
March 8 1 to 3:30
Did you miss last years beginning Zentangle® classes? Do you need a refresher? Have you been curious and always wanted to learn? Then join me and learn the joys of Zentangling in this beginner’s class.
No need to be able to draw – if you can write your name, you can Zentangle®! You will learn the basics of the Zentangle® philosophy and draw a simple beginner “tile” (square). A pen, a tile, and a pencil (all provided) are all you need to experience the meditative journey that is part of the Zentangle® practice of mindful drawing.
Deb Coombs is a certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), long time member of The Art Center and long-time resident of Estes Park.
Materials/Supply List: Note: There is not a materials/supply list for this class.
Art Center Members: $36.00 Non Members: $40.00
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"Why does color get all the glory when value is often ignored?" with Cathy Goodale
March 18, 10 to 4
Look at a group of flowers. Are you drawn to the subject because of color or the lighting? Can a value study improve your painting? Maybe a black and white study? Value can be the power and a great way to get color changes from the color in the light as it changes in the shadows.
Art Center Members: $72 Non Members: $80
To register: online: artcenterofestes.com, under classes or call the gallery 11 - 5 Friday - Monday
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COMMENTS FROM THE
GALLERY MANAGER
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I have been surprised and grateful that our present exhibit is receiving some additional recognition as I was interviewed for an article published recently in the Estes Valley Voice. In addition, arrangements are being made to have a video presentation filmed to promote our Mentor/Student show as well, which will be posted on social media. I also recently hosted the Sunrise Rotary Club who requested a social gathering to view this exhibit.
I have always been a supporter of showing kid's art in a real gallery starting back in my days with the Cultural Arts Council which sponsored "Student Expressions" each year dedicating the whole gallery for the art by all three schools. The excitement shown by both the kid's and their families was a special experience.
With our mentoring program, the experience of pairing our artists with the kids adds an extra layer of opportunity to learn from an adult sharing their talents in addition to learning something about the “art biz” (appropriate framing, pricing, greeting the public, etc.) along the way. The results are now on display.
The additional exhibiting of the high school students' artwork is another opportunity to support our local schools and their arts programs. As in all things, the kids are our future.
Lars
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ATTENTION
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS
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Entries for the Art Center's 8th Annual Estes Valley Plein Air will be closing April 5. Go to www.onlinedjuriedshows.com to enter.
| | SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF ARTIST MEMBERS | |
Connie Schmidt
Connie Schmidt's watercolor "Nymph Lake Stop" has been accepted in the Webster Arts Small Works XXIII exhibit opening March 1 at the Webster Groves (Missouri) Public Library. This semi-annual show features paintings of all mediums that are smaller than 11 x 14, including frame. Connie's watercolor fits the bill at 6 x 8 inches. The exhibit will run through the month of March.
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John Shelton
Portland's Black Box Gallery will feature "Duo Trees at Old Homestead" in its gallery space for the exhibition, "Field Work: Trees and Water "-- a look at both subjects and the powerful visual language of contemporary photographers who are exploring and documenting these exciting subjects. The show runs from March 1 to March 25, 2026.
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John Shelton
The 24th Annual Exploring the Light Photo Show will be from March 26 – June 21, 2026. The show is presented by the Lone Tree Arts Commission and the Lone Tree Photo Club, with support from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). See the world through a different lens with the Exploring the Light Photo Exhibit at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Local photographers come together to create a visual collage of different styles, subjects and sentiments. Shelton's image, "Antelope X" was selected as one of 44 images out of hundreds submitted for inclusion in the show.
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Mary Benke
Mary Benke's pastel painting "Fishercub" was juried into the Pastel Society of Colorado's 22nd Annual Mile High International Exhibition. The show runs from March 20-April 25 at the Center for the Arts Evergreen with an Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony Friday, March 20, from 6-8
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FESTIVE..FRIDAY! ART GROOVE MARCH 6 5 - 8
The Estes Arts District presents...FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove The Estes Arts District presents...FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove Check our Facebook posts and website FIRST FRIDAY! event page for the most current list of participating galleries. most current list of participating galleries. https://www.estesartsdistrict.org/first friday.html https://www.facebook.com/estesartsdistrict/
Come on out and do the tour – see what’s happening in the art world here in Estes Park. Visit and see great new artwork.
Some galleries are hosting local musicians, doing Art Demonstrations . It promises to be a fun evening!! Most galleries are open until 8pm. The First Friday! Art Groove celebrates the art related businesses in Estes Park. Park.
Grab a friend or go and meet a new one—the Art Groove is a fun evening!!
The Art Center will be open for the Art Groove 5 - 7
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The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies presents
Little Shop of Horrors
March 20, 21, 27, 28th 7pm March 29 2pm
Estes Park High School Auditorium
Tickets: $20 Adults, $18 Seniors, $15 Kids 18 -6, free 5 and under
The Kahuna Project Update
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Exhibits are on display at Bank of
Estes Park, VERT, EP Health, Snowy Peaks Winery and US Bank. The Public is invited to visit and view these exhibits.
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President, Education Committee Chair & Special Projects Chair - Diana Wade
Vice President & Exhibit Schedule Committee Chair -
Cynthia Price Reedy
Treasurer - Alice League
Marketing Committee Chair - Mary Benke
Jury Committee Chair - Susan Anderson
Exhibit Committee Co-Chair - Jim Sneary
Exhibits Committee Co-Chair - Anne Sneary
Secretary & Satellite Exhibits Committee Chair- Sally Richmond
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Need a space for your workshop, studio, or creative obsession?
~600 sq ft commercial unit just outside downtown Estes Park. Private, quiet, and off the beaten path — no storefront, no foot traffic, just a solid space to spread out and do your thing.
Parking for 3–4 cars. Half bathroom on site. Most utilities included, you pay for electricity. $1,000/month.
Great for woodworkers, artists, photographers, or anyone whose hobby has outgrown the garage.
The unit is at 220 Virgina Dr:
The unit is open and ready to show. Anyone interested can reach us using the info below
Chris Ricciardi .
1751 North Lake Ave #104
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
(970)-586-6500
www.ponderosainc.com
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ART CENTER HOURS
11 - 5
FRIDAY - MONDAY
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