Search Results

Leadership Team The Vail Valley Art Guild leadership team is responsible for providing overall leadership, direction, and governance for the Guild. We are elected annually and we meet once a month to make decisions that impact our mission, goals, and operations. Some specific roles and responsibilities include: Setting the organization's mission and strategic direction Financial oversight Fundraising and resource development Governance and legal compliance Strategic planning for member and community services including workshops, exhibits, programming, and more Community, outreach, and stakeholder engagement Melissa Nelson President Treasurer & Grant Writer Learn More Rick Spitzer Chair Photography, Exhibits, & Technology Learn More Tara Novak Chair Community Events Learn More Ruth Stanley ​ Town of Avon, Town Council Member Learn More Lynn Feiger Vice-President Legal Compliance Learn More Joann Carhart Levy Chair Artists, Activities, & Workshops Learn More Soodi Kick ​ Workshops Learn More Christine Sena Secretary Avon Gallery & Exhibits Learn More Raymond Bleesz Historiographer ​ Learn More Danita Dempsey ​ Town of Avon, Cultural Arts and Special Events Manager Learn More

< Back Previous Ruth Stanley ​ ​ Next ​ ​ Ruth's new role on the Vail Valley Art Guild board represents a significant opportunity for both the Guild and the Town of Avon. Her deep ties to the community, established during her decades in the valley and particularly through her engagement in Avon's civic and cultural activities, equip her uniquely for this liaison role. Ruth's experience on the Cultural Arts Special Events Committee since its foundation demonstrates her commitment to the arts and community engagement, and her position as a Council Representative further solidifies her as a bridge between local government and cultural initiatives. Joining the Vail Valley Art Guild board, Ruth brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective that will be invaluable in crafting strategies to enhance the Guild’s visibility and impact within the community. Her goals include fostering stronger community connections and leveraging her understanding of public engagement to benefit the Guild. Her experience with CASE will allow her to introduce innovative event ideas and community-focused arts programming that could broaden the Guild's appeal and deepen its community ties. Ruth looks forward to assisting the Guild in building a robust relationship with the local community, which will not only enrich the cultural landscape of Avon but also reinforce the Guild as a pivotal player in the region's artistic community. Her vision includes creating collaborative opportunities that benefit both the Guild and the town, ultimately making art more accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike. < Back Previous Next

< Back Ruth Stanley Ruth's new role on the Vail Valley Art Guild board represents a significant opportunity for both the Guild and the Town of Avon. Her deep ties to the community, established during her decades in the valley and particularly through her engagement in Avon's civic and cultural activities, equip her uniquely for this liaison role. Ruth's experience on the Cultural Arts Special Events Committee since its foundation demonstrates her commitment to the arts and community engagement, and her position as a Council Representative further solidifies her as a bridge between local government and cultural initiatives. Joining the Vail Valley Art Guild board, Ruth brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective that will be invaluable in crafting strategies to enhance the Guild’s visibility and impact within the community. Her goals include fostering stronger community connections and leveraging her understanding of public engagement to benefit the Guild. Her experience with CASE will allow her to introduce innovative event ideas and community-focused arts programming that could broaden the Guild's appeal and deepen its community ties. Ruth looks forward to assisting the Guild in building a robust relationship with the local community, which will not only enrich the cultural landscape of Avon but also reinforce the Guild as a pivotal player in the region's artistic community. Her vision includes creating collaborative opportunities that benefit both the Guild and the town, ultimately making art more accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike. Previous Next

Member Showcase Melissa Nelson Painter Lynn Feiger Painter Christine Sena Painter Rick Spitzer Photographer Joann Carhart Levy Painter Raymond Bleesz Photographer Tara Novak Painter Soodi Kick Impressionist Painter

< Back Previous Soodi Kick Impressionist Painter In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.” ― Rumi As I find my thoughts floating in the space, creating perception of forms and make reality out of unreal, so does paint on the wet canvas, running around the edges of wetness finds its way to make patterns and shapes that look real. With my marking I start highlighting and bringing out these patterns into life and essence, making shapes to become familiar. Animals and figures arising to hold hand with angelsand trees become the antelopes and goats. Life can be chaotic at times and so is the artists canvas before it manifests into fusion of order among the emptiness. Next kickartdesigns@me.com http://www.soodikick.com ​ I am Soodi Kick, born in Iran, moved to United States, met and married my husband at Ohio University, became a US citizen, and started my early carriers in Architecture and then in Nutrition. I started painting in university and continued taking classes, part time. A couple of years ago we retired and since then I have been spending more of my time doing art. I am an impressionist painter, with emphasis in figurative arts. I have the intention to become a full time artist and a part of this commitment is how to dedicate more time, producing and developing my style. Using man made and recycled materials on canvas, to bring texture and unity in my art work, is one of the areas of interest and work plan. We moved to Raleigh several years ago and I have visited Art Space and have fallen in love with the concept and energy in the space given to artist. Now we are in the process of returning to Eagle County and I hope to bring some of my experiences from back east to the Guild and community to keep building an appreciation of the arts in the valley. Experience Vail Valley Art Guild (VVAG) - Eagle County, Colorado Co-President: Jan 2023-present Member: 2015-Present VVAG is composed of many talented artists, who paint together, run an existing gallery in Eagle, Colorado, and participate and manage continuing courses in art education. I have been a part time member of this group and participated in juried and non-juried art shows. I have sold many art pieces to individuals in the Vail Valley area. Dunwoody Fine Art Association (DFAA) - Dunwoody, Georgia Member: 2008-2015 DFAA is a very active membership of fine artists who show in the local areas of the city and have classes in art . I was an active part time member for many years, showing in juried art shows, and selling my art and taking classes. Spruil Art Center - Atlanta, Georgia Member: 2000-2015 I have been a member of Spruil Art Center, taking part in many advanced courses and worked in finding my style and techniques. Education Ohio University: Architecture Degree, with minor in Art, 1973 Spruill Art Center in Atlanta Georgia: classes in advanced composition, mixed media painting and drawing, Color Theory Colorado Mountain College: classes in mixed media, oil and watercolor < Back Previous Next

< Back Soodi Kick I am Soodi Kick, born in Iran, moved to United States, met and married my husband at Ohio University, became a US citizen, and started my early carriers in Architecture and then in Nutrition. I started painting in university and continued taking classes, part time. A couple of years ago we retired and since then I have been spending more of my time doing art. I am an impressionist painter, with emphasis in figurative arts. I have the intention to become a full time artist and a part of this commitment is how to dedicate more time, producing and developing my style. Using man made and recycled materials on canvas, to bring texture and unity in my art work, is one of the areas of interest and work plan. We moved to Raleigh several years ago and I have visited Art Space and have fallen in love with the concept and energy in the space given to artist. Now we are in the process of returning to Eagle County and I hope to bring some of my experiences from back east to the Guild and community to keep building an appreciation of the arts in the valley. Experience Vail Valley Art Guild (VVAG) - Eagle County, Colorado Co-President: Jan 2023-present Member: 2015-Present VVAG is composed of many talented artists, who paint together, run an existing gallery in Eagle, Colorado, and participate and manage continuing courses in art education. I have been a part time member of this group and participated in juried and non-juried art shows. I have sold many art pieces to individuals in the Vail Valley area. Dunwoody Fine Art Association (DFAA) - Dunwoody, Georgia Member: 2008-2015 DFAA is a very active membership of fine artists who show in the local areas of the city and have classes in art . I was an active part time member for many years, showing in juried art shows, and selling my art and taking classes. Spruil Art Center - Atlanta, Georgia Member: 2000-2015 I have been a member of Spruil Art Center, taking part in many advanced courses and worked in finding my style and techniques. Education Ohio University: Architecture Degree, with minor in Art, 1973 Spruill Art Center in Atlanta Georgia: classes in advanced composition, mixed media painting and drawing, Color Theory Colorado Mountain College: classes in mixed media, oil and watercolor Previous Next

< Back Joann Carhart Levy Joann is primarily a plein air with oils and pastel being her preferred mediums. She is influenced by nature, the environment and the magnificent scenery Colorado has to offer with its changing seasons. Abstract brush strokes and impasto techniques utilizing texture and color are evident in her work. Largely self -taught yet from a musical and photographic background she started painting what was in front of her, hence the easy transition to plein air. Her favorite mentors came through a(ending workshops with Don Sahli, Mio Cirkovic and Greg Barnes who provided inspiration and guidance. Joann was instrumental in starting The Vail Valley Art Guild with Lynn Feiger and Karen Kalfas and has been involved in almost all aspects of the organization. Currently she chairs the Program Committee that helps organizes workshops for visiting artists, classes ,member meetings, demonstrations and special events as well as providing content and photos for the guild’s newsletter. Joann believes that the guild’s programs are a way to connect members with each other and experience the word of art. She spearheaded “ The Ranch Project”, a two- year effort by VVAG artists and photographers that documented sixteen area ranches in the Vail Valley culminating with a special presentation and exhibit with the Vail Symposium. Previous Next

< Back Previous Joann Carhart Levy Painter ​ Next ​ ​ Joann is primarily a plein air with oils and pastel being her preferred mediums. She is influenced by nature, the environment and the magnificent scenery Colorado has to offer with its changing seasons. Abstract brush strokes and impasto techniques utilizing texture and color are evident in her work. Largely self -taught yet from a musical and photographic background she started painting what was in front of her, hence the easy transition to plein air. Her favorite mentors came through a(ending workshops with Don Sahli, Mio Cirkovic and Greg Barnes who provided inspiration and guidance. Joann was instrumental in starting The Vail Valley Art Guild with Lynn Feiger and Karen Kalfas and has been involved in almost all aspects of the organization. Currently she chairs the Program Committee that helps organizes workshops for visiting artists, classes ,member meetings, demonstrations and special events as well as providing content and photos for the guild’s newsletter. Joann believes that the guild’s programs are a way to connect members with each other and experience the word of art. She spearheaded “ The Ranch Project”, a two- year effort by VVAG artists and photographers that documented sixteen area ranches in the Vail Valley culminating with a special presentation and exhibit with the Vail Symposium. < Back Previous Next

Events and Exhibits Our Events and Exhibits provide opportunities for our members to connect with local photographers and visual artists. We provide numerous opportunities that provide education and awareness of the artistic talent in the Vail Valley. Through our programming, members have an opportunity to show and sell their works. Take a look at all we have to offer! Join today to take advantage of so many member benefits! Artist Workshops Photography Group Fine Art Shows Receptions Free for Members Library Exhibits April 2024 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5:00 PM Second Friday Gallery Night +1 more 13 10:00 AM Watercolors 102 with Elaine Kuntz +1 more 14 15 5:00 PM FREE! Intro to Soft Pastels with Joann Carhart Levy +1 more 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 10:00 AM Landscape Painting 101 with Mio Cirkovic +1 more 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11