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Come out for 2nd Friday for the always fun and interactive Murder on Broadway. The VVAG Gallery has been transformed into a hotel room - what alibi(s) might you hear here? Get your tickets and see if you can figure out "whodunit." Learn more about the event below. Murder on Broadway written by Tricia Swenson, Vail Daily News, Feb. 8, 2024 EagleARTS is bringing back its classic “whodunit” murder mystery game, and you can help in solving the mystery. “Can Cook Won’t Kill” is this year’s theme for Murder on Broadway, an award-winning murder mystery game that takes place on Friday. Get your tickets and head to the Second Street Tavern where the guests will be “deputized” between 4:45 and 6:15 p.m. From there, guests will visit various businesses in downtown Eagle between 5 and 8 p.m. to hear the suspects’ alibis, ask them questions and find clues. This is an interactive way to get to know Eagle and the area businesses while having fun during the game. There will be people posing as characters to fill out the plot line, and you can ask questions and see who has a good alibi. Host businesses include ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery, Mountain Lifestyle Properties, Foodsmith, Flower Hound, Hidden Table Games and the Vail Valley Art Guild. After getting the information, the guests will come back to the Second Street Tavern for the reveal party and will submit their guesses as to who killed Al Fresco, a fictitious character in this foodie-themed murder mystery game. Inspector Rita Cookbook will reveal the “killer” and award prizes for correct guesses. Food will be available and guests will receive one drink ticket with additional beverages available for purchase. Tickets are available for $55 in advance or $60 at the door. Space is limited, so don’t delay. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but nothing resembling a real weapon is allowed. Last year’s theme was Western and the year before the event had a James Bond theme. Murder on Broadway is a fundraiser supporting the EagleARTS programs, including public art installations and ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery. For more information and tickets visit EagleArts.org.

"Meet Your Artist" - by Tricia Swenson Vail Daily dated 01/26/2024 Meet Your Artist: Amy Dose Get to know your Vail Valley artists The Vail Daily is showcasing area artists in a series called “Meet Your Artist” so you can learn more about those who create and what inspires them. If you are an area artist and would like to be featured in the series, email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com). Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here? A: My journey to settle in the Vail area began on a rafting trip on the Bíobío River in Chile in the summer of 1998. In a whirlwind river romance story best told around a campfire, I met my husband. I soon learned that he had agreed to come work for Timberline Tours on a visa. We spent the next six summers here. Our schedule which allowed us to work in the whitewater rafting industry full time went like this: summers in Vail (Colorado and Arkansas River), falls in West Virginia (Gauley and New River), winters in Chile (Futaleufu River), and springs in Austria (Inn River). In 2004, when our daughter was four, we decided to settle down. Vail seemed the most viable location. Though the winters have always been a bit long for me, I am grateful for this community. We have built a beautiful life here with great friends, a lovely home and a thriving business. What more could one ask for? Q: Where did your passion for art come from? A: I have always made things. When my brother and I were kids, we often stayed long stints at my grandparent’s farm in Mississippi. Once while playing outside digging around in the dirt, we happened upon some red clay. We made candle holders and vases. No one told us that was possible, we just knew. We come from a long line of creators: carpenters, gardeners, tailors, builders, flower arrangers, quilt makers and tinkerers. Being a maker is something of a genetic trait in my family. It’s inescapable. So, it was natural that in honor of my sixteenth birthday, my mother and I traveled from my hometown of Memphis to Nashville, Tennessee to see an exhibition of impressionist paintings. I can remember with great vividness how I first felt standing in front of Renoir and Monet paintings. Everything around me disappeared. My chest tightened, my eyes welled up with tears … I couldn’t hear or speak. I was absolutely mesmerized. The power in those paintings was something that I couldn’t define. I have been chasing that experience in my own work ever since. Q: Describe your style of art. A: My painting technique is most influenced by my study of Japanese calligraphy as a college student. Japanese calligraphy requires mastering the brush-stroke characters as well as noticing oneself and learning to be present. While practicing this, I began to notice the beauty that arrives when one is completely present. It is something more than simple visual beauty. It is more elusive. It is innate. I have continued to practice sitting meditation during my painting sessions. My style bounces around a bit. Sometimes I create pieces that can be described as contemporary naturalism. Think of a modern twist on landscapes and/or animal paintings. More recently, I’ve been creating abstract pieces influenced by my study of Japanese calligraphy. Q: Who are your favorite artists? A: Considering that I’m traveling to Paris to see the Mark Rothko exhibit and I’ve never even been to Paris, Rothko is a given. I am moved by his subtle color transitions and the size of his pieces. There is something deeper going on in his work. I love the women of abstract expressionism, particularly Helen Frankenthaler and Joan Mitchell. Within their balance and stunning compositions is clear emotion. The work of the quilters of Gee’s Bend is transformative. Their quilts are magical. There’s also Wolf Kahn (his use of color), Cy Towmbly (those lines), and Bernard (the textures and colors). My first true love was Marc Chagall. His work was a kind of portal for me to my own work when I was in college. I was able to experience what it felt like to really paint by exploring his work. Contemporary artists that I find moving and inspiring are Bisa Butler, India Flint, Louise Knowles, Shannon Knowlton, Squeak Carnwath and Patty Carroll. If you don’t know them, they are all worth looking up. Q: Tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you’ve worked on. A: Concocted as this may sound, whatever piece I’m working on is my favorite. The act of creating is the gift. I love being in my studio with my hands in paint. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. It’s just the bee’s knees. Q: Who has helped you along the way? Who/what inspires you? A: To be loved is to be seen. I am fortunate to have a family that values individuality. I have always been allowed the space to create. And by space, I mean, I have quite literally taken up space in our house. Before I built my studio, half of my bedroom was turned into a makeshift studio. There was hardly anywhere to walk, but my husband never complained (and before him, my parents) even when my projects would leak over into the rest of the house and we had no room at the kitchen table to eat dinner. By space, I also mean time. This gift allowed me the mental and emotional space needed for creativity. I was allowed the space for art school, the space for weekend workshops, the space on weekends and nights to disappear, the space to daydream. I would not be able to be an artist without the support of my entire immediate family. They continue to hold space for me allowing me to be myself and to create. I studied painting with Joan Anderson and Robert Spellman as a college student and I have continued to study with them throughout the years. They have become more than just mentors to me and I am grateful for our time cooking, telling jokes, meditating, gardening, philosophizing, resting and painting. If you are interested in a painting retreat, you can find them at MountainWater.space. Q: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing? A: I have always wanted to be a pilot. I even took flying lessons when I was 15. I may be one of the few people who still loves to fly: yes, even on commercial flights. All of the shoes on and off and the sitting in the terminal is still worth the climb to me. It’s always exciting. I love the feeling of being above the clouds. It still kind of blows my mind that it’s possible! Q: What do you hope people take away from your work? A: My true purpose is to inspire joy in others. I once had a famous European installation artist tell me that painters were self-centered because they worked in a solitary environment and that their work was completely self-aggrandizing. I was young at the time. It really made me question why I was a painter. I have thought long and hard about that statement over the years and realized how wrong he was. It is a gift to others to show up in the world as your true self. It allows others to be themselves as well, and isn’t that what true love is? More simply, I hope my paintings and the joy that I find in creating them bring some light into this world. Q: Where is your work shown (a local gallery) or how/where can people view it? A: You can find my work locally at Larissa Wild Fine Art, 150 Cooley Mesa Road units d/e in Gypsum. Additionally, I have pieces for sale on Artsy- Artsy.net/Artist/Amy-Dose and at AmyDose.com To see more of my process and my studio, follow me on Instagram at Instagram.com/Studio.A.Dose.  I have some new work hanging at Larissa Wild Fine Art in Gypsum and will be at the gallery this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. to chat about the work.

Hope that everyone has had a good start to 2024! February is just around the corner and we have a few more things happening then we did in January. You can always check out Upcoming Events on the VVAG website to see individual events or go to the Event Calendar to get an overview of the month. If you have any questions please reach out at service@vvagco.org "Big Three" Summer Workshops We are excited to share our "Big Three" workshops for Summer 2024 brought to you in part by a generous donation from the Arkay Foundation! The following three renowned and nationally known instructors/artists will be teaching 2 to 3 day workshops: Joan Fullerton, Kim Casebeer and Lorenzo Chavez. For information on the individual instructors and workshops visit www.vvagco.org/artists-workshops Workshop tickets will be available for purchase February 1st after 10:30am VVAG Members receive special pricing on workshops - if you are a member be sure to pick the VVAG Member ticket when purchasing. We will also have other summer workshops available, so be on the look out for more information later this Spring. Avon Public Library Exhibit All month during normal library operating hours Location: Avon Public Library 200 Mikaela Way Avon, CO 81620 In collaboration with the Avon Public Library, Guild member Tara Novak will present her work in an exhibit called "Bigger Than Us" Please join Tara for a reception from 4pm to 6pm on February 7, 2024 at the Avon Library. To learn more about the exhibit, please click here VVAG Member Meeting Cocktails & Street Art February 5, 2024 4pm to 6pm Come see a truly unique, private collection of Street Art, including works by Banksy. Cocktails and light appetizers will be provided by the host! For more information and to reserve a spot by Feb. 1st @ 6pm, go to https://www.vvagco.org/event-details/member-meeting 2nd Friday - February 9, 2024 The annual EagleARTS Murder on Broadway event will take place on Friday, February 9th and the VVAG Eagle Gallery will be hosting one of the "Whodunnit" scenes for participants. Visit eaglearts.org to order your tickets today! Park Hall Restaurant is relaunching after an extensive rebrand. With a new head chef leading an entirely new catering team, all head hunted from other Michelin starred establishments across the continent, the restaurant has high hopes of redefining excellence and securing the highly coveted Three Michelin Stars. However when Al Fresco the new Restaurant Manager is found dead mid-way through the first sitting, all hopes of a good review fall flat and the hunt for a Michelin inspector turns into a hunt for a murderer. Who killed the gourmet and why? Whodunnit guesses will be submitted at the end of the evening and winning guesses will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Ticketed guests will attend an after-party where they will enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment, and hear the solution. Photography Group Meeting February 29, 2024 In general, the Photography Group meets the last Thursday of every month discussing various topics and sharing images. Meetings are free for members. Fellowship - 6:30 pm Meeting - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Location to be determined March Call for Submissions Thursday - February 29th from 1pm to 5pm Friday - March 1st from 1pm to 5pm Monday - March 4th from 10am to 4pm (These dates are tentative due to the ECSD Winter Break being at the end of February- a confirmation email will be sent mid-February verify all dates and times). Drop off Location: Eagle Gallery 108 W. 2nd Street Eagle, CO 81631 We are not certain yet if there is a theme or no theme for March so please look out for an email in early/mid February with more information. We hope to have a schedule worked out for the year by then so members can plan. Thank you for your patience!

"Meet Your Artist" - by Tricia Swenson Vail Daily dated 01/06/2024 Meet Your Artist: Christine Sena Get to know your Vail Valley artists The Vail Daily is showcasing area artists in a series called “Meet Your Artist” so you can learn more about those who create and what inspires them. If you are an area artist and would like to be featured in the series, email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com). Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here? A: I have lived here for 20 plus years. I was living in Northern Virginia and had just retired and was finishing up a graduate degree when my daughter, who was living out here, suggested I give living here a try. Q: Where did your passion for art come from? A: My mother was an artist and as a child I attended classes at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. My aunt lived on Cape Ann, north of Boston, and we would visit her and go to the beaches and also visit art galleries in Rockport, Rocky Neck and Gloucester, Massachusetts. A number of famous artists including Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper painted the scenery on Cape Ann. Q: Describe your style of art? A: Well, I’m pretty much all over the place. I think the choice of medium defines what I am working on. I started out as a landscape architect with the U.S. Forest Service in California using graphite pencil and pen and ink to make plans, illustrations and maps. Later, after moving through many various careers, I decided to take up watercolors because I thought the materials were the least expensive. I took weekend workshops and after about ten years I felt comfortable with the medium. Most of my watercolors are landscapes. I moved on to oils, pastels and some printmaking. I think my style of art leans more toward realism versus abstract. Q. Who are your favorite artists? A. Too many to mention but include John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Richard Estes, Wayne Thiebaud, Chuck Close, Berthe Morisot, Lauren Harris (and the Canadian Group of Seven). Q. Tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you’ve worked on. A. A few years ago, my brother’s neighbor gave him a photo of my dad sitting at the counter at Dunkin’ Donuts with his buddies. I decided to paint this small piece and went on to paint a series of images from my hometown. This led to an exhibit at the newly opened library where I and a longtime friend displayed over 30 images from our hometown. Q. Who has helped you along the way? A. My mother was very encouraging and I miss her insight. She would always want to know what I was working on. I think you learn something new from every class and workshop. Most of all, I think you learn by observing other artists and discussing art with fellow artists, which is one of the main advantages of being a part of the Vail Valley Art Guild. Q. If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing? A. I used to love taking photos with my old Canon AE1 camera. I had it repaired numerous times, then switched to one of the first Canon digital cameras. My cameras became smaller and now my only camera is my iPhone. Most of my paintings are from photographs I have taken. There is a personal connection to place and activity that I feel is important in a painting. Q. What do you hope people take away from your work? A. First off, I hope they enjoy what they are seeing. There is no deep meaning in my work, just a sense of place and a little bit of humor at times. I paint scenes that I find interesting with, hopefully, a great composition. I finished a small series of people in art museums which included a guy on his cell phone and woman asleep in front of an impressionist painting. A few years ago I attended an exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, which was displaying works from the Musee d’Orsay. The place was crowded and I felt like I was at a large boisterous cocktail party. It was fun and lively and I think maybe this is how art exhibits should be viewed. Q. Where is your work shown (a local gallery) or how/where can people view it? A. Right now I have a few paintings at the Vail Valley Art Guild Gallery in Eagle and at the Charter in Beaver Creek. Throughout the year, I have shown works at the libraries and at the yearly Colorado Mountain College and Vail Valley Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibit. Q. Anything else we should have asked, anything else you would like to share? A. Thank you for the opportunity to highlight the local art scene. We have many talented artists and photographers in the valley, and this goes a long way in highlighting what we do.

Opinion Valley Voices - by Andrew Pranger Vail Daily dated 01/02/2024 Pranger: Harmonizing winter splendor The vital role arts and culture play alongside outdoor activities in the Vail Valley Our valley epitomizes the term “winter wonderland” with its breathtaking mountain vistas and myriad outdoor activities that beckon adventurers from around the world. Yet, nestled amongst the snow-laden slopes and ski runs, lies a vibrant cultural scene that plays an equally significant role in shaping our communities’ allure during both winter and summer months alike. Our community has done an excellent job juxtaposing world-class fine arts, theatre, dance, and music events with its legendary Back Bowls, Nordic trails, and freestyle courses. At the center of this cultural amalgamation are the numerous community events and festivals that dot the winter calendar. What organizations like EagleArts, Vail Valley Art Guild, and the town of Eagle have accomplished with their Second Friday Artwalks is a perfect example. It’s not just an art event — it’s a celebration of the soul of our community and an opportunity to be exposed to local creatives and foster connections with fellow art lovers. The Vail Valley should be proud that we offer an array of other cultural celebrations, from the Vail Film Festival and Vail Dance Festival to cultural staples like the Vail Valley Fine Art Show held at Colorado Mountain College each year. While winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing form the backbone of our community’s allure for our many visitors, the presence of these cultural events acts as a supplementary sweetener, ensuring to attract a diverse set of visitors and maybe even future locals. I am sure we have all heard someone ask the question: What’s there to do after we’re done skiing for the day? Visitors should have an easy time immersing themselves in memorable cultural experiences — many of which are free to participate in. To selfishly put on my local artist hat for a moment … These events also serve as platforms for local artists to showcase their talents. Events like the Vail Valley Fine Art show, Eagle’s Second Friday Artwalks, and the town of Avon’s efforts to bring public sculptures and installations to our sidewalks provide a much-needed stage for emerging artists and makers to exhibit their work, massively contributing to our community’s cultural tapestry. It’s vital to show our far-flung visitors that we have some pretty talented creatives living and working here too! The symbiosis between arts and outdoor sports in our valley extends far beyond just these events. Our galleries, like Vail International Gallery and Claggett Rey Gallery, and venues like the Vilar Performing Arts Center, are cultural institutions that stand as year-round repositories of creativity and expression. They provide a respite from an exhausting day carving powder and offer a place for quiet contemplation and cultural appreciation. As our community continues to change, the seamless integration of arts and cultural events with winter outdoor activities remains integral to our identity — both current and future. These events and destinations not only diversify our valley’s offerings but also contribute significantly to our economic vitality by attracting tourists, supporting local artists, and fostering a diverse, multifaceted community. Basically, what I am saying is this: come for the snow — stay for the culture. To view the original article, click on the link https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/pranger-harmonizing-winter-splendor/

The New Year is almost here! We will be taking it a little bit slower in January, but we still have some important dates and events that we would like you to know about for the first two months of the year. (A more complete February Guild Guide will be published in January) You can also check out Upcoming Events on the VVAG website any time with our new easy tab under Events. We will be sending out reminders a few days before each event. If you have any questions please reach out at service@vvagco.org We wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! We would like to thank all of our supporters, partners and sponsors who help us with our mission of "...enriching lives by fostering and promoting artistic growth and building awareness of the visual arts in Eagle County." We couldn't do it without you! Thank you to the following: All our awesome volunteers; Eagle Valley Library District; Vail Public Library; Colorado Mountain College in Edwards; EagleARTS; Vail Valley Jet Center; Town of Eagle; Town of Avon; Vail Valley Cares; Eagle County School District; Eagle County Veterans Services; Slifer, Smith and Frampton; The Arkay Foundation; El Pomar Foundation; The Charter at Beaver Creek; The National Endowment for the Arts; and Colorado Creative Industries. January/February Call for Submissions January 4th from 1pm to 5pm January 5th from 1pm to 5pm January 11th from 1pm to 5pm Drop off Location: Eagle Gallery 108 W. 2nd Street Eagle, CO 81631 Our January and February will look a little bit different this year. All work will be up for the months of January and February. There is no theme, so please drop off up to three (3) works that you are excited to have on exhibit. There will be no 2nd Friday in January - it is dark and cold, so we will only be open during our normal Thursday and Friday, 1pm to 5pm hours. February will not be a traditional 2nd Friday. The annual EagleARTS Murder on Broadway event will take place on Friday, February 9th and the VVAG Eagle Gallery will be hosting one of the "Whodunnit" scenes for participants. Visit eaglearts.org to order your tickets today! Park Hall Restaurant is relaunching after an extensive rebrand. With a new head chef leading an entirely new catering team, all head hunted from other Michelin starred establishments across the continent, the restaurant has high hopes of redefining excellence and securing the highly coveted Three Michelin Stars. However when Al Fresco the new Restaurant Manager is found dead mid-way through the first sitting, all hopes of a good review fall flat and the hunt for a Michelin inspector turns into a hunt for a murderer. Who killed the gourmet and why? Whodunnit guesses will be submitted at the end of the evening and winning guesses will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Ticketed guests will attend an after-party where they will enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment, and hear the solution.

"Meet Your Artist" - by Tricia Swenson Vail Daily dated 12/15/2023 Meet Your Artist: Margo Thomas Get to know your Vail Valley artists The Vail Daily is showcasing area artists in a series called “Meet Your Artist” so you can learn more about those who create and what inspires them. If you are an area artist and would like to be featured in the series, email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com). Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here? A: I originally moved to the valley in 1982, then spent several years split between Denver and Vail. Now I’ve been here again full time for the past 11 years. The crisp blue skies and the fresh mountain air brought me here from Detroit, Michigan. Q: Where did your passion for art come from? A: I started taking art classes just after 9/11. I suppose that was my way of coping. It turns out I was pretty good at drawing and painting. I discovered how to communicate through art. Q: Describe your style of art. A: Lately I’ve been focusing on abstract mountain landscapes, inspired by the mountains right here in our valley. Mediums of choice include oil, alcohol ink and acrylics. Some pieces have been digitized for large scale printing and embellishment to fit taste and room space. Q: Who are your favorite artists? A: Of the masters, it would be Pablo Picasso because his works have taught me how to look at subjects through a different lens. One of my art teachers from Denver, Tony Ortega, taught me these key skills: stop before you’re finished; paint using your entire arm; paint what you think you see (not what you actually see). Q: Tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you’ve worked on. A: “Fire Mountain” is a piece that was originally an alcohol ink. I transformed it into a high-resolution digital art piece that can be printed on any surface in any size. It won an award at the 2021 Vail Valley Fine Art Show and is one of the first large-scale pieces I’ve sold to private collectors. Q: Who has helped you along the way? Who/what inspires you? A: The Art Students League of Denver Palette and Chisel Academy, Chicago Vail Valley Art Guild – Melissa Nelson Eagle Arts and ARTSPaCE – Tara Novak Alpine Arts Center – Lauren Merrill My lovely assistant and husband – Greg Thomas My biggest fan and father – Edgar Williams My greatest inspiration comes from hiking and camping right here at home. From sunsets in Edwards to standing at the summit of Vail Mountain. There is always a mountain ridge or a stand of trees to admire. Q: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing? A: Recently, I took on the role of art curator. I managed the entire curation project for the newly renovated Charter at Beaver Creek. The homeowner’s association collection is entirely from local artists and photographers. Several pieces are on display as consignments. This was a tremendous opportunity for local artists thanks to East West Properties and The Charter homeowner’s association. I will probably continue in an art curation role for local projects. Check out our first Charter Artwalk on Dec 20. Q: What do you hope people take away from your work? A: My goal is to communicate harmony through visual experiences. Visual art should always tell a story. Many artists make a social or political statement or go for “shock art” to change norms. That is not my goal. I simply hope to provide joy and calm to all. Q: Where is your work shown (a local gallery) or how/where can people view it? A: My work is at the following and you can check out my website: MargoThomas.art Vail Valley Art Guild – Eagle Gallery Eagle Arts and ARTSPaCE – various events Alpine Arts Center Second Street Tavern (formerly Bonfire) – Eagle

We are pleased to announce our partnership with The Charter at Beaver Creek The Charter at Beaver Creek offers a complete retreat for ski enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike.  Experience ski-in access, skier shuttle, access on-site winter sports rentals at Charter Sports, experience an alpine haven at the Spa & Nail Salon, and sit down to contemporary cuisine at the new Charter Steakhouse. The Charter is conveniently located steps from village amenities, shops, restaurants, and the ski slopes at Beaver Creek Resort. It all started last year when the Charter Homeowners Association president met Guild member Margo Thomas at a local summer art show. They hoped to include local artists as part of their campus renovation. Of course we lept to action with such an exciting opportunity. The renovation is complete and the artwork makes the architecture shine!! Our collaborative programs are now ready for the world to love!! Scroll or click to learn more: ART GALLERY ARTWALKS DONATION ART GALLERY As part of the remarkable renovation, the homeowners were very generous in awarding purchased and consigned artwork to Vail Valley Art Guild local members. Works from the following Guild members adorn the walls: Allan Finney Amy Dose Beth Levine Chris Sena Elke Wells Jennifer Hammond Jessica Wright Josh Stevenson Neil and Caroline Stewart Raj Manickam Soodi Kick Tara Novak Artwork can be seen in these areas of the campus: Main Lobby Steakhouse Restaurant Lower Lobby Ceremony Lobby Spa and Pool Area Please know several pieces are for sale. And many artists have additional works for sale if you happen to love what you see. Check out our online gallery site. Please text or call our curator, Margo Thomas, with inquiries at 303-324-9278. ARTWALKS In collaboration with the brand new Charter Steakhouse, we are hosting four artwalks this ski season. We will host a complimentary wine & cheese happy hour. Each Artwalk will be attended by featured artists. Our first Artwalk is part of the Dec 20 5-8pm Steakhouse Grand Re-Opening celebration. There will be complimentary wine, beer, and charcuterie located throughout the common areas of the hotel and restaurant. Our featured artists will be wearing Vail Valley Art Guild badges. Make sure to stop by and congratulate them! Please know that at least 10% of art sales at The Charter are donated to our non-profit supporting outreach and scholarship programs. DONATION Thank you to The Charter at Beaver Creek, their homeowners association, and East West Hospitality for their generous donation toward our 2024 programming. The donation will support The Vail Valley Art Guild's art outreach programs and artist workshop scholarships, directly investing in the growth and development of the arts within our community. Through these programs, we aim to provide youth with access to art education, creative expression, and the opportunity to explore their artistic talents. The donation will also directly contribute to artist scholarships for workshops. These scholarships provide aspiring artists with the financial means to participate in our workshops where they can enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and gain valuable insights from experienced instructors. By supporting these scholarships, we are fostering the growth and success of emerging artists, helping them to pursue their artistic passions and further their artistic careers.

Don't forget to come out tonight for the last 2nd Friday ARTwalk of 2023, presented by EagleARTS. The Gallery has the wonderful smell of Wassail, thanks to Elaine Kuntz! It is her super, secret recipe and it is amazing! It is especially good with a splash of rum! We also have a lot of holiday items for sale, such as ceramic mugs, ceramic Christmas trees, paper ornaments and beautiful artwork/photography that is sure to please anyone on your list. For more on tonight's ARTwalk, read the excerpt from Tricia's Weekend Picks article below to see what you have to look forward to tonight in Eagle. Can't wait to see y'all there!!! What to do in and around Vail this weekend: ice skating shows, markets, film fest and more (Tricia's Weekend Picks by Tricia Swenson, Vail Daily. 12/8/2023) 2nd Friday ARTwalk EagleARTS presents the 2nd Friday ARTwalk with a holiday twist. Head to downtown Eagle this Friday between 5 and 8 p.m. to view the works of featured artists and pop-up shops. Music will be provided by local favorites, Brent Gordon and Peter Fontanese and will help you get into the holiday spirit. Speaking of holiday spirit, the Eagle Chamber of Commerce is hosting Wassail Fest once again this year. Area businesses have been perfecting their recipes of this winter drink and invite you to stop by their place of business and try it and cast your vote for your favorite. The Vail Valley Art Guild will be participating in the event as well and will be showcasing their Winter Solstice-themed works on Friday night at its gallery on Second Street in Eagle. In addition to the artists who are participating, there will be several local brick-and-mortar shops worthy of a visit to see what they have for those on your holiday shopping list. Hats, games, floral designs and more will be featured. Don’t forget to check out the colorful benches and piano that will be on display on Broadway as well. Make a night of it and stick around for dinner or grab an appetizer and a drink and soak in the season. To learn more, go to EagleOutside.com and 2nd Friday ARTwalk on Facebook.

"Meet Your Artist" - by Tricia Swenson Vail Daily dated 12/06/2023 Meet Your Artist: Rick Spitzer Get to know your Vail Valley artists The Vail Daily is showcasing area artists in a series called “Meet Your Artist” so you can learn more about those who create and what inspires them. If you are an area artist and would like to be featured in the series, email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com). Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here? A: As a Colorado native, I moved to the valley in 2001 and was the technology director for Eagle County Schools. I retired from education in 2006. Q: Where did your passion for art come from? A: National Geographic and Audubon magazine were my primary influences. Q: Describe your style of art. A: My main passion is wildlife photography, but I also enjoy astrophotography. Q: Who are your favorite artists? A: Franz Lanting, Joel Sartore, Amy Gulick, Melissa Groo and others. Q: Tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you’ve worked on. A: My favorite photos were also one of my favorite experiences that involved a mountain lion west of Edwards. Q: Who has helped you along the way? Who/what inspires you? A: I really enjoyed the work I saw in National Geographic. The effort they put into their work has inspired me to try all kinds of photography and equipment. I have made some equipment to meet my needs as well. Q: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing? A: My other passion is technology. The technology used to create and edit photographs is really incredible. Q: What do you hope people take away from your work? A: I would hope that people would look at my wildlife photos and be challenged to help save the environment and the animals that are in it. Q: Where is your work shown (a local gallery) or how/where can people view it? A: I have displayed my work at the Vail Valley Art Guild Gallery, all the county libraries and have had many Vail Daily covers and articles. Q: Anything else we should have asked, anything else you’d like to share? A: I do have a concern about where Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take us with fake photos in the future. I frequently see poorly modified photos pass off as real photos, but AI is making it easier to create work. Some photos I have seen that were competition winners were manufactured and not the “real deal.” It is getting more difficult to identify those fakes.

The New Year is almost here! We will be starting off 2024 a little bit slower to give everyone a much needed break! There are still things that we would like you to know about so you can mark your calendars. You can also check out Upcoming Events on the VVAG website any time with our new easy tab under Events. We will be sending out reminders a few days before each event. If you have any questions please reach out at service@vvagco.org First and foremost, we would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who supports the VVAG and our mission of "enriching lives by fostering and promoting artistic growth and building awareness of the visual arts in Eagle County." We could not do it without all our supporters, partners and sponsors! January/February Call for Submissions January 4th from 1pm to 5pm January 5th from 1pm to 5 pm January 11th from 1pm to 5pm Drop off Location: Eagle Gallery 108 W. 2nd Street Eagle, CO 81631 Our January/February schedule is a little different this year. All work submitted will be on display for the months of January and February. It is Open Theme so please drop off up to three (3) that you would like to have on display. There will be NO 2nd Friday in January. 2nd Friday in February, will not be a traditional 2nd Friday, because it is the annual Murder on Broadway, presented by EagleARTS. See more details about this event below. Vail Public Library Exhibit All month during normal library hours Location: Vail Public Library 292 West Meadows Drive Vail, CO 81657 In collaboration with the Vail Public Library, Guild member Traci O'Connor will present her exhibit called “Views from the Ascent” - a contemporary view of Colorado Wildflowers. Avon Public Library Exhibit All month during normal library hours Location: Avon Public Library 200 Mikaela Way Avon, CO 81620 In collaboration with the Avon Public Library, Guild member Raymond Bleesz will present his photography in an exhibit called "Portraits—Eagle County & Beyond". Christmas on Broadway December 2nd from 3pm to 8pm Location: Eagle Gallery 108 W. 2nd Street Eagle, CO 81631 Join us in the VVAG gallery for an assortment of yummy holiday cookies and sweets while you peruse the gallery for unique, one of a kind gifts. The EagleARTS Christmas Market begins at 3 pm on 2nd Street, the Annual Christmas Parade on Broadway begins at 5 pm and will end at 2nd Street where Second Street Tavern will be hosting a live band. It is going to be a great afternoon and evening so be sure to come out and get into your holiday spirit! We will be providing holiday cookies and sweet treats for the Christmas on Broadway Event on December 2nd. We would love for members to sign up to drop off cookies and sweets, such as brownies or other treats, on December 1st from 12pm to 5pm. Wassailfest December 7th from 12pm to 5pm December 8th from 2pm to 8pm Location: Eagle Gallery 108 W. 2nd Street Eagle, CO 81631 The annual Eagle Chamber of Commerce Wassailfest is happening again this year. Lots of Eagle and Gypsum businesses will have Wassail for people to taste so come on in and taste our delicious spiced cider. The business that wins the most votes gets a trophy, so please come out and help us win for the first year ever! We are also offering 25% off all treasure chest items in the gallery during Wassailfest only. 2nd Friday ARTwalk presented by EagleARTS December 8th from 2pm to 8pm Location: Eagle Gallery 108 W. 2nd Street Eagle, CO 81631 The last ARTwalk of the year is upon us. Help us celebrate the visual arts with local artist/photographer interpretations of White & Winter Solstice. Find unique gifts for family and loved ones! We also have gift certificates available for the art lover in your life that may (or may not) be difficult to shop for! We will also have warm spiced cider as part of Wassailfest, so please stop by to have a taste! We would love to have members bring small bites/appetizers and wine to the 2nd Friday celebration. We also need a few volunteers to help with serving cups of our delicious spiced cider for the Wassailfest celebration. The Annual VVAG Holiday Party & Potluck December 15th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm Location: Lynn Feiger & Woody Woodruff 344 Eagle River Street Minturn, CO 81645 Our annual festive potluck holiday party is December 11th from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Break out your Christmas sweaters or your best party clothes! Spouses and significant others are welcome! Please RSVP and tell us what you will be bringing - appetizer, salad, dessert or wine to share would be appreciated. Lynn and Woody will be providing a salmon. This is also the VVAG Board annual meeting. Officers are elected and business is ratified by a majority in attendance. Photography Group Member Meeting There is no meeting for the Photography Group in December

Thank you to our members and subscribers who took the time to fill out the survey we sent out in November! The goal of the 2023 survey was to provide the Board Members with feedback from our members and subscribers in order to inform decisions about programming for 2024 in regard to workshops, gallery use, member satisfaction, etc. The survey provided information about areas needing further survey questioning in 2024. There will be more opportunities to give us feedback in 2024 as the VVAG plans to send out targeted surveys to the Artist and Photographer Groups. Key Observations VVAG membership has increased from 89 members to 124 members in the past year, with an increase in membership from the Down Valley area. The Eagle Gallery is an integral part of downtown Eagle and is currently under-utilized. VVAG members would like opportunities to improve their skills, learn new skills and keep making connections with other members in the fine arts community. Members would like more exposure for themselves and their work through featured member months, solo exhibit opportunities and less restrictive themes. Need clarity and execution for membership tiers, donations, and benefits. Members showed interest in potentially having tiered membership with varying benefits. Find ways to communicate more transparently on how donations and funding are used for different programming. The attached report highlights the results of the survey. Note: Not all questions in the survey are presented in the report for clarity and brevity. Some items have been reserved for discussion at a later time.