The 45th annual Valley Visual Art Show (VVAS), one of the longest-standing community art shows, will have its opening reception with the artists from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, according to a Carbondale Arts news release.
The VVAS, which exhibits the work of local artists, will be on display through Feb. 23 at the Carbondale Arts Gallery.
The art show began in 1980, providing an opportunity for both budding and established artists — as well as those new to the area — to share their artwork with the public. It features two- and three-dimensional works, created in a wide variety of media, according to the release.
Gallery guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite piece. Artists who receive the most votes will be awarded first, second, and third-place prizes for People’s Choice. The first-place artist will win $250; second- and third-place prizes are for $100 and $50, respectively.
“The Valley Visual Art Show is always one of my favorite shows each year,” Carbondale Arts Gallery Manager Brian Colley said in the release. “It’s like an art party with all local creatives for five weeks, plus 75% of all sales go back to support the artists; so plenty of reasons to buy some art during this special show, now celebrating 45 years.”
Megan George, the 2023 recipient of the People’s Choice Award, will have another piece in this year’s show.
“I love the Valley Visual Art Show because it is truly a showcase of the amazing artistic talent we have here in the Roaring Fork Valley,” she said in the release. “The artists you meet and make connections with are so genuine and down-to-earth. These aren’t people that you won’t ever see again; they’re people you’ll see on your weekend hike or at the grocery store. Carbondale Arts does a spectacular job of fostering the artist community here, and I am so grateful for the amazing minds behind it all.”
