Nothing beats coming to the end of a challenge, a challenge that called upon everyone’s patience, resolve and ingenuity. There was no interruption of classes in the aftermath of the June flood but we were a theater without a stage. Beginning Sept. 2, the installation of the new gallery and gift shop floor will begin, and upon completion, we will be inviting you to one terrific grand opening where we can share the exciting future and hear your ideas for the next chapter of your Art Center.

The Winner & Still Champion

It may have been a summer of surprises, but out of that came a rekindled spirit to bring the community our best effort, and our biggest fundraiser of the year, the 17th annual Culinary Art, Wine and Brewfest, is just that.

The setting for success has to be the historic Hotel Colorado, and we have grown this crowd-pleaser to encompass and transform the Taft, Devereux and Colorado rooms plus most of the lobby. Culinary and beverage stars from last year’s event will be returning with new hospitality pros joining them. Then there is our Silent Auction. Each year, this is a standout. We reach out to retailers, artists, jewelers, hotels, restaurants and our nationally recognized tourist adventure pros and they never disappoint. Just like last year, Denver hotels and museums will join in, plus original art from nationally and internationally known artists.

Proceeds from this exciting evening help us serve over 28,000 people annually, delivering public events, cultural, artistic and educational programming at the Center for the Arts, and to our outreach partners: Two Rivers Community School, Glenwood Springs Elementary, Sopris Elementary, Glenwood Springs Middle and the Glenwood Springs Library.

Think about enhancing your experience at this amazing event by becoming a sponsor, silent auction participant or an Art Center member. Contact me at 945-2414 or christina@glenwoodarts.org for details on the free tickets and advertising as a sponsor, your silent auction contribution or the membership levels that give you discounts to this event and any Art Center classes. It all adds up to the vital support of the essential creative opportunities we provide for every member of the community. All contributions are tax deductible so call me and mark your calendars for 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15th, for one exciting evening.

The Shared Experience

After a wonderful summer of classes and camps, we present our Fall/Spring semester that was designed with emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. We will celebrate the uniqueness of each student while finding common ground for them to create a community of new friends and new ideas. Our Fall/Spring curriculum begins on Aug. 19 with our one-of-a kind 5th Day program for kids 6-12. This amazing full day of art, dance, pottery and music has developed a big reputation in the valley.

Next up, the complete Fall/Spring/2016-2017 semester begins Tuesday, Sept. 6. We’ve added new art, music, dance and pottery classes to our highly successful curriculum that will be taught by the best artists, dancers, potters and musicians in the valley.

When children discover the arts early, the world of learning will always be theirs. We have a deal to make that happen that you won’t believe. Tuition for Monday’s Pre-Ballet & Tap, Mudpuppies and Art Start for 3-to 5-year-olds has been reduced from $67/month to $35/month per class when you sign up for the block of classes. This is for the entire year! Classes are filling up fast so go online to glenwoodarts.org and register now.

“We need to remember across generations that there is as much to learn as there is to teach.”

— Gloria Steinem

Christina Brusig is the executive director of the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts. She can be reached at christina@glenwoodarts.org.