The Art Base

Art Lunch with Also Known As (Lindsay Jones & Michael Stout)
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Join us for Art Lunch with our exhibiting artists, Also Known As (Lindsay Jones & Michael Stout) as we dine and discuss art and anything else! This is a great chance to walk through their current exhibition Creative Destruction, and ask questions or connect.
Art Lunch is our routine excuse to gather around the table. Bring a bagged lunch and let conversation roam. Some weeks we’ll toss in a discussion prompt to get things rolling, but mostly it’s about food, company, and a potluck of ideas.
Art Tour:
Thursday, February 19
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Followed by Art Lunch:
Thursday, February 19
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Working under a shared pseudonym, Lindsay and Michael create collaborative works rooted in the theme of Creative Destruction, the generative power that follows upheaval. Blending cut-paper, digital processes, and mixed media, they merge their practices into a unified exploration of nature’s shifting cycles. Through mixed media works—including, but not limited to, screen printing and collage—Also Known As investigates unpredictable natural phenomena, destructive forces, and how these energies manifest through play, intuition, and experimentation within their shared artistic practice.
On view: February 6 to March 6, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 7, from 5 PM- 7 PM
Artist Talk: Saturday, February 7 at 5:30 PM

Art After School (Tuesdays - February)
2026-02-24 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
After-school classes are a a fun and welcoming space where elementary students can explore their creativity and imagination. Students will experiment with drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media while learning basic art skills through hands-on projects and playful exploration. Emphasis is placed on creativity, curiosity, and self-expression rather than perfection, helping young artists build confidence and enjoy the process of making art. In a supportive and encouraging environment, students will make new friends, try new materials, and discover the joy of creating something uniquely their own.Please email holly@theartbase.org
with any questions.

with Sophie Catto
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00 PM
Grades 1 – 4
Free
Register Here

Art After School (Wednesdays - February)
2026-02-25 14:30 - 16:00 | CO
After-school classes are a fun and welcoming space where elementary students can explore their creativity and imagination. Students will experiment with drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media while learning basic art skills through hands-on projects and playful exploration. Emphasis is placed on creativity, curiosity, and self-expression rather than perfection, helping young artists build confidence and enjoy the process of making art. In a supportive and encouraging environment, students will make new friends, try new materials, and discover the joy of creating something uniquely their own.
Please email holly@theartbase.org with any questions.

Register Here

Art After School (Wednesdays - March)
2026-03-04 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-11 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-18 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States

Mondays - Youth Art Academy (Mosaics)
2026-03-09 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-16 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-23 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
(3-Part Series)
Mondays, March 9, 16, 23
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
3rd Grade +

Young artists will design and create their very own colorful mosaic tray in this fun, hands-on three-part series! This class is specifically designed for older students to stretch their art skills. Using pre-cut glass and ceramic tiles (no glass cutting required), students will explore pattern, color, and texture while learning the fundamentals of mosaic art.
Over three sessions, kids will:

Plan and sketch their tray design
Arrange and glue pre-cut tiles onto a wooden tray base
Learn how to safely apply grout and polish their finished piece

With step-by-step guidance and plenty of creative freedom, each student will build a vibrant, functional mosaic tray to take home and use or gift. This class encourages patience, creativity, and craftsmanship in a supportive studio environment.
All materials are provided. No prior experience needed.

Register Here

Exhibition: Marcia Weese "5 DECADES"
2026-03-13 11:00 - 2026-04-10 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Opening Reception: Friday, March 13 from 5 PM- 7 PM
Artist Talk: Friday, March 13 at 5:30 PM
On view: March 13 to April 10, 2026
5 DECADES, a retrospective exhibition of work by Marcia Weese, on view March 13 through April 15, 2026. Spanning more than fifty years of studio practice, the exhibition traces a throughline that has long guided Weese’s work: the belief that beauty does not rise above the muck but depends on it. Echoing the Buddhist refrain “no mud, no lotus,” Weese’s work explores what she calls raw beauty—an interconnected framework where structure and entropy, control and surrender, exist in dynamic balance.
Beginning her career as a sculptor with an interest in site-specific installation, Weese now works primarily in printmaking, with a recent return to ceramics loosely inspired by ancient Egyptian canopic jars. The exhibition moves from early paintings on wood panels to works on paper—including monoprints, solar etchings, and woodcuts—revealing not stylistic departures but a sustained investigation into material integrity and process. Her surfaces, built through transparent layering and subtractive wiping, carry a rugged luminosity that records touch, time, and collaboration with the medium itself.
Throughout the exhibition, recurring motifs from the natural world—trees, whales, birds, dragonflies, mycelial networks, and Fibonacci spirals—reflect Weese’s ongoing fascination with ecological systems and Mother Nature’s capacity to balance ferocity and harmony. Whether cerebral or intuitive, each work embodies a quiet inquiry into interdependence, resilience, and the generative potential of what lies beneath the surface.
The gallery unfolds the story of Marcia Weese’s career, guiding visitors through the many transitions and transformations in her work over five decades. Enter the space and experience the breadth of her artistic journey.

This exhibition is generously sponsored by Aspen Painting Inc., and Dede Reed & Harry Teague.

Thank you to our generous 2026 Annual Exhibition Sponsor, Alpine Bank

Opening Reception: Marcia Weese "5 DECADES"
2026-03-13 17:00 - 19:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States

Sunday, March 15 - Crafternoon
2026-03-15 10:00 - 12:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Free family Crafternoons at the Art Base

This monthly arts and crafts program is designed for the whole family. Each session features a new theme inspired by the calendar and seasonal holidays. Bring your children and join in on the fun!
No need to register.
Questions? Please email info@theartbase.org.
Upcoming 2026 Crafternoon dates:

Sunday, March 15, 10 AM — 12 PM Theme: Rainbows & Raindrops (and whispers on kittens)
Sunday, April 12, 10 AM — 12 PM Theme: Butterflies & Bugs
Sunday, May 3, 10 AM — 12 PM Theme: Spring flowers & Frogs (Mother’s Day cards) Open House at the Art Base!

June – September every Sunday at the Basalt Sunday Market, 10 am – 2 pm!

Color Reduction Linocut Printmaking: with Curt Carpenter
2026-03-21 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-22 09:00 - 15:00 | CO
March 21 & 22, 2026
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Supplies Provided
Open to all skill levels
This intermediate, relief printmaking class focuses on reduction linocuts. In this process, progressive layers of carving and color printing result in rich, vibrant prints. By cutting away more and more of the block in between colors, the previous colors are revealed in the prints. Participants design their images, carve their linoleum blocks using a variety of tools, and print a limited-edition series using non-toxic inks on paper. A small class size (limited to 6) will allow for individualized attention. Some art-making experience is recommended.

Register

Art Lunch with Marcia Weese
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Thursday, March 26
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Join us for Art Lunch with our exhibiting artist, Marcia Weese, as we dine and discuss art and anything else! This is a great chance to walk through their current exhibition, 5 Decades, and ask questions or connect.
Art Lunch is our routine excuse to gather around the table. Bring a bagged lunch and let conversation roam. Some weeks we’ll toss in a discussion prompt to get things rolling, but mostly it’s about food, company, and a potluck of ideas.
5 DECADES, a retrospective exhibition of work by Marcia Weese, on view March 13 through April 15, 2026. Spanning more than fifty years of studio practice, the exhibition traces a throughline that has long guided Weese’s work: the belief that beauty does not rise above the muck but depends on it. Echoing the Buddhist refrain “no mud, no lotus,” Weese’s work explores what she calls raw beauty—an interconnected framework where structure and entropy, control and surrender, exist in dynamic balance.
Beginning her career as a sculptor with an interest in site-specific installation, Weese now works primarily in printmaking, with a recent return to ceramics loosely inspired by ancient Egyptian canopic jars. The exhibition moves from early paintings on wood panels to works on paper—including monoprints, solar etchings, and woodcuts—revealing not stylistic departures but a sustained investigation into material integrity and process. Her surfaces, built through transparent layering and subtractive wiping, carry a rugged luminosity that records touch, time, and collaboration with the medium itself.
Throughout the exhibition, recurring motifs from the natural world—trees, whales, birds, dragonflies, mycelial networks, and Fibonacci spirals—reflect Weese’s ongoing fascination with ecological systems and Mother Nature’s capacity to balance ferocity and harmony. Whether cerebral or intuitive, each work embodies a quiet inquiry into interdependence, resilience, and the generative potential of what lies beneath the surface.
The gallery unfolds the story of Marcia Weese’s career, guiding visitors through the many transitions and transformations in her work over five decades. Enter the space and experience the breadth of her artistic journey.
On view: February 6 to March 6, 2026

This exhibition is generously sponsored by Aspen Painting Inc., and Dede Reed & Harry Teague.
Thank you to our generous 2026 Annual Exhibition Sponsor, Alpine Bank

Caption This! with Larry Day
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Thursday, March 26
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us for a night of quick wit, community laughter, and live drawing at CAPTION THIS!, a one-of-a-kind interactive event celebrating humor, art, and imagination. Acclaimed cartoonist Larry Day will draw a series of brand-new cartoons live for the audience to caption in real time.
Each round, participants will have 5 minutes to come up with their best caption. A panel of judges: Raleigh Burleigh (Editor, The Sopris Sun), James Steindler (Contributing Editor, The Sopris Sun), Mike de la Rosa (Gallery Manager, The Art Base) and Alyssa Bozekowski (Senior Communications Associate, The Art Base) will provide commentary and allot points. Extremely modest prizes and ample bragging rights await our local humorists.
This event isn’t about being a professional comedian, everyone’s quips are appreciated as we parse how words and images work together. Beyond participants, guests are also welcome to write, draw along with Larry, or simply enjoy the show.
Come ready to laugh, think, and celebrate the cartoonist’s art form in real time.
Accessibility
The Art Base is wheelchair accessible, along with ground-floor restroom. Seating will be arranged for clear sightlines and easy movement. Amplified sound and projected drawings ensure visibility and audibility for all guests. Participants who need assistance writing or submitting captions please reach out to mike@theartbase.org.
Register Here

Ukrainian Egg Decorating for Adults: with Alison Viola
2026-03-28 14:00 - 16:30 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
March 28, 2026
Saturday, 2:00PM – 4:30PM
All Skill Levels Welcome
Supplies Provided
Pysanky are traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs decorated with intricate designs using a wax-resist (batik-style) technique. The word pysanky means “to write,” reflecting the process of “writing” patterns onto the eggshell with melted beeswax before dyeing. Create a one-of-a-kind design—no two eggs ever turn out the same.
Register

Watercolor Techniques, Methods & Creative Exploration Series: with Rebecca Stirling
2026-04-01 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-08 10:00 - 12:30 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026 (4 classes)
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
All Skill Levels Welcome
Supplies Provided
Discover watercolor’s versatility in a skill-building, creatively rich course. Learn wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, salt texture, and wax resist, plus paint handling, layering, and composition. Build confidence with guided exercises, then create finished pieces: a landscape, floral portrait, and expressive watercolor collage. All levels welcome—experiment, refine your style, and deepen your understanding of watercolor as a medium of personal expression.
Register

Art After School (Wednesdays - April)
2026-04-01 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
This after-school art class is a creative playground for middle school students who love to make, experiment, and try new things.

Ink + Drink: with Marcia Weese
2026-04-01 18:00 - 20:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 1, 2026
Wednesday, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Supplies Provided
No experience necessary
Ink + Drink is a fun, social intro to printmaking using plexiglass plates and a sharp tool to create your design. You’ll learn how to safely carve lines into plexi, roll on ink, and print your image by hand—then experiment with layering, texture, and color. Leave with a small edition of prints (great for cards or gifts) and the know-how to keep printing at home. Snacks and beverages included.
Register

Oil Painting: with Matt Hays (Session I)
2026-04-02 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-04-09 13:00 - 15:30 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 2 – 23, 2026
Thursdays, 1:00PM – 3:30PM
All Skill Levels
Supplies Provided
Explore the full painting process from start to finish, with an emphasis on using light to create depth, atmosphere, and life. Learn surface prep and why it matters, then dive into underpainting, grisaille, and the slow build of color through glazing and finishing. With demos, guided practice, and individual feedback, you’ll strengthen values, form, and luminosity at every stage—great for oil beginners or painters refining their process.
Register

Exhibition: The Beauty of Water: A Watercolor Exhibition
2026-04-03 10:00 - 2026-04-04 17:00 | Basalt Regional Library, 4 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Exhibition: The Beauty of Water: A Watercolor Exhibition
Location: Basalt Regional Library
Dates: Friday, April 3 – Saturday, April 4 (during library hours)
Opening Reception: Friday, April 3, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

The Beauty of Water: A Watercolor Exhibition will open on Friday, April 3, with a public reception from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Basalt Regional Library.
The exhibition features watercolor work by Sarah Peterson and her students from the Art Base. Sarah has taught classes at the Art Base for the past 15 years, and many of her students have returned to study with her again and again over the years. This exhibition celebrates both her work as an artist and teacher, along with the creativity of the students she has inspired.
The show will be on view Friday, April 3, through Saturday, April 4, during regular library hours.
Watercolor’s fluid, luminous nature is at the heart of The Beauty of Water, a show that highlights the expressive possibilities of the medium while showcasing the growth and dedication of local artists. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience a range of styles and subjects united by a shared love of watercolor.
The community is warmly invited to attend the opening reception on April 3 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and meet the artists.

Opening Reception: The Beauty of Water: A Watercolor Exhibition
2026-04-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Basalt Regional Library, 4 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO, 81621, United States

Art After School (Tuesdays - April)
2026-04-07 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States

Mend + Embellish + Stitch
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 8 and 15, 2026
Wednesdays, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
No experience necessary
Bring textile items you wish to decorate or repair
Learn the art of visible mending and hand stitching. Repurpose your well-loved clothing and textiles by repairing and reimagining. Using simple hand-sewing techniques, you’ll explore both practical and creative ways to mend holes, reinforce worn areas, or simply to add personal style through stitch. Learn Sashiko Basics – a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique using strong thread and small running stitches (“little stabs”) in geometric or freeform patterns to repair, patch, and strengthen fabric. Darning Basics – an introduction to darning, a woven repair technique used to rebuild worn or missing areas in garments. Embroidery Basics – basic hand stitching, pattern transfer methods, and decorative techniques to create the look you want while adding beauty and durability.This workshop is ideal for beginners as well as anyone interested in sustainable fashion, textile arts, or giving favorite pieces new life. You’ll leave with practical skills, creative inspiration, and more confidence in hand mending.
Register

Thursdays - Youth Art Academy (Printmaking)
2026-04-09 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Printmaking: with Sarah McMahon (4 Classes)
Thursdays, April 9-30
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Ages 9+

This is a beginner friendly printmaking class designed just for kids – no experience needed! Young artist will design, carve, ink and create their own original prints in a fun hands on environment. All materials are provided, and kids will get to take home their own unique prints.
Register

Art, Healing + Hope: with Sheri Gaynor
2026-04-11 09:30 - 11:30 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 11, 2026
Saturday, 9:30AM / 11:30AM
Open to all skill levels
Bring your own journal, all other supplies provided
Experience the power of visual journaling at The Art Base—an uplifting, FUN process for healing, stress relief, and decompression. Explore your inner world through paint, color, and images, making connections and drawing insight from within. All levels welcome; the focus is on process, not the end result. Bring a sketchbook/journal (or purchase one for $20). Supplies included. We can’t wait to see your creativity come to life!

Register
