We like to take every opportunity to promote creativity within our community, but especially from within our office. Our beloved gallery manager and local celebrity, (especially after his performance in the fashion show as the Emperor) Brian Colley has made an artistic contribution to a new film coming out this spring, Paint featuring Owen Wilson. Some of Brian’s paintings will be in the movie! So we’re partnering with the Crystal Theatre for a special showing. This one-night-only event is SOLD OUT.

Friday, May 12 | 6pm & 9pm (Sold out)

Carbondale Arts is in search of someone invested in the diversity of our community. The purpose is to take a look at all of the ways we reach out to the community, identify challenges and opportunities in reaching certain populations. Our focus undoubtedly includes the Latinx community, but we're trying to make sure everyone in the community join in our programs and events. With the money we've received from Manaus, we'll be focusing on Mountain Fair, and we are seeking additional funding to look at other programs and at our facilities at greater depth, and really make sure we're including the whole community in what we do, ensuring Carbondale is a place that continues to be a wonderful home for us all.

The booth allows local artists to exhibit and sell their artwork in a cooperative, inexpensive way. Gallery space is very limited, and artwork is juried. Accepted artisans must be current members of Carbondale Arts and reside in an "816" ZIP code area. Submissions must be your own handmade (not manufactured, not imported) work. Criteria for judging include quality and uniqueness of items.

Apply here by May 15

Carbondale Arts partners with FirstBank in Carbondale to showcase new artists twice a year. April through September of 2023, enjoy works by Jennifer Bencomo and Tess the Mess!

You can now plan for summertime creativity for the kiddos. Our camps range from half-day to full day camps that are a few days to a few weeks long and are available to students from 7-14 years old. We offer camps in the visual and performing arts that range from painting, songwriting, hip-hop dance and music production and more.

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Join us for the opening of “What Is This Gold Toothed Beast?” by mixed media artist Kia Neill as well as a group exhibition by the artists of Studio Arts+Works (SAW).

An opening reception is open to the public, First Friday March 3rd from 5-7:00pm with an artist talk at 5:30pm. A closing reception and artist talk with the SAW artists is scheduled for Thursday, April 6, from 5-7pm.

The 52nd Annual Carbondale Mountain Fair Poster Design contest is ready to roll. Our theme this year, Where The Wild Things Grow, is a celebration of the flora and fauna (and possibly fairies!) that inhabit our greater mountain community. Snowy peaks, rocky crags, lodgepole forests, rivers and streams; we share our backyard with wild neighbors who know every nook and cranny of our home through paw, hoof, root, mycorrhiza, feather and fin! ⁠Join in the fun July 28-30, 2023.

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The Valley Visual Art Show is the longest-standing local’s art show in the Roaring Fork Valley, which began in 1980. This year 60 artists (within an “816” zip code) are featured in a wide variety of media.

The show is on display through February 23. Be sure to vote for People’s Choice, cash prizes for the top three winners, announced on Friday, February 17th.

Green Is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza returns with the never-seen and highly coveted 2020 show, Mirror Mirror. This dynamic production of shadowy fairytales will bring back its most alluring attributes; local and regional designers and models, live performances and dance with multimedia storytelling.

This crowning event rings in the spring March 9-11th, transforming the Carbondale Rec Center into a glitzy fashion house. It’s not to be missed!

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We're delighted to share the collective success of the 2022 Deck the Walls Holiday Market. In just 5 weeks time, those of you who shopped local and small were able to generate nearly $128k for our local artists – people right here in our community. No shipping costs or middle men, just direct support of our local entrepreneurs and creatives. ⁠Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We really do believe it’s the most wonderful time of the year when our holiday market opens for the season! Deck the Walls features 60+ local and regional artists, selling unique and high-quality, handmade items. There are several special events throughout, including live music and caroling performances, a visit from Santa, and a pop-up Farmer’s Market!

Thursday 11/17: CA Member’s Only Preview and Mingle
Friday 11/18: Deck the Walls opens to the public. Check special events and holiday hours here.

We’re accepting applications for the longest-standing visual art show in the Roaring Fork Valley. All mediums accepted (within sizing requirements), for anyone residing in the “816” area codes. This show serves as a nod to our abundant creative talent, and a venue for both budding and established artists.

Applications close December 5.

Carbondale Arts seeks a new Operations Manager to continue the organization’s thriving legacy and ensure a secure future for creativity, inclusion, and artistic expression in Carbondale, Colorado. The ideal candidate is someone vibrant, someone who understands and values the power of community, and someone who deeply believes that art and expression can move mountains. Is this person you?

We simply cannot wait for the return of our beloved Fashion Extravaganza this spring, mark your calendars for March 9-11, 2023! We will bring back the postponed 2020 storyline, Mirror Mirror; as it has so much magic that has yet to be witnessed!

Designer applications now open, with a deadline of November 28.

Carbondale Arts has partnered with Aspen Art Museum for their Art in the Field Teen Program, a series of visits to arts organizations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and consists of tours, workshops, discussions, and experiences. The opportunity offers teens a chance to experience the living history of art and artists in our community. Visits will encourage students to participate in inquiry and evaluation through discussion, art-making, writing, and other dynamic modes.

The Carbondale Arts session is November 2 at 4:00pm

Carbondale Arts, Thunder River Theatre Company, Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Folklórico and the Carbondale Chamber come together to honor Día de Los Muertos as well as Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueno for twenty years of teaching with Ballet Folkórico. The celebration starts on Tuesday, November 1st with the creation of a community ofrenda in front of The Launchpad.

The festivities continue on First Friday, November 4th where we will also collectively celebrate Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueno for twenty years of teaching with Ballet Folklórico with a procession through the heart of downtown, ending back at 4th and Main Streets for wonderful performances and holiday goodies.

Applications now open for the 2022 Deck the Walls Holiday Market! Deadline to apply is October 10. Every holiday season, Carbondale Arts’ gallery space is transformed into a magical holiday market featuring 50+ local and regional artisans and artists. The market will open November 17 through Christmas Eve.

Carbondale Arts partners with Bonfire Coffee in Carbondale to feature new artists every 2 months. On display now through October 2022 is Roaring Fork Valley artist Sally Nicholson.

We are happy to welcome Jamie Abbott as the organization’s new Executive Director. Abbott, a longtime local, is no stranger to working in arts, leadership, and organizational development positions in the Roaring Fork Valley. “I have spent my career working to support my community – in creative, environmental and educational fields – always with an eye toward innovation, problem-solving and impact.”

Abbott, who will begin her new role on October 1st, enters the position of Executive Director on the heels of Amy Kimberly’s eighteen-year tenure with the organization. Kimberly’s departure from the Director position coincides with the turn of the calendar year, so Abbott and Kimberly will have a few months of overlap together at the helm.

Join Carbondale Arts for a celebratory gala and fashion pop up to honor the creative endeavors and re”wire”ment of our favorite blue-haired boss lady, and Executive Director, Amy Kimberly. This fun filled evening will showcase 19 designers, performance activations and includes appetizers, cocktails, and a DJ after party. You don’t want to miss this!

September 10, 6-11:00pm