The Art Base

Art After School (Wednesdays - April)
2026-04-01 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-15 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-22 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-29 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | 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.
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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.
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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, 2026-04-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-21 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-28 15:30 - 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States

Watercolor Techniques, Methods & Creative Exploration Series: with Rebecca Stirling
2026-04-08 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-15 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-22 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

Mend + Embellish + Stitch
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-15 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.
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Thursdays - Youth Art Academy (Printmaking)
2026-04-09 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-16 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-30 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.
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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!

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Journaling with Watercolor: with Missy Prudden
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 11, 2026
Saturday, 10:00AM – 3:00PM
All Levels Welcome
Supplies including journal are provided
Capture journeys near and far with watercolor journaling. Combine your love of the outdoors with a creative practice as you write, sketch, and paint both indoors and out. Learn simple watercolor techniques, quick drawing tips, and ways to add words to your pages—turning everyday moments and adventures into a personal, portable record.
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Sunday, April 12 - Crafternoon
2026-04-12 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!

Exhibition: Claudette Carter ARTMentors
2026-04-17 11:00 - 2026-05-02 17:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
On view: April 17 to May 2, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, April 17 from 5 PM- 7 PM
Artist Talk: Friday, April 17 at 5:30 PM

The Claudette Carter ARTMentorship (CCAM) is a free five-month program that connects aspiring young artists with experienced local mentors to explore the value of the artistic process. The program culminates in a group exhibition at the Art Base.
CCAM is open to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and homeschool students. Each mentor-mentee pair works together to build strong communication skills, solve creative challenges, and, most importantly, make art!
We would like to thank Richard Carter and Laura Donnelley for proudly sponsoring this program.
Thank you to our generous 2026 Annual Exhibition Sponsor, Alpine Bank

Opening Reception: Claudette Carter ARTMentors Exhibition 2026
2026-04-17 17:00 - 19:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Opening Reception: Friday, April 17 from 5 PM- 7 PM
Artist Talk: Friday, April 17 at 5:30 PM
On view: April 17 to May 2, 2026

The Claudette Carter ARTMentorship (CCAM) is a free five-month program that connects aspiring young artists with experienced local mentors to explore the value of the artistic process. The program culminates in a group exhibition at The Art Base.
CCAM is open to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and homeschool students. Each mentor-mentee pair works together to build strong communication skills, solve creative challenges, andÑmost importantly—make art!
We would like to thank Richard Carter and Laura Donnelley for proudly sponsoring this program.
Thank you to our generous 2026 Annual Exhibition Sponsor, Alpine Bank

Hues + Brews - Spring Linocut Printmaking: with Maya Abraham
2026-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
All levels welcome
Supplies included
Linocut Printmaking back by popular demand! Learn the basics of linoleum carving and block printing—safe tool use, simple carving techniques, inking, and printing—to create your own cards or prints. Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike.
4th Tuesday LGBTQIA+ Art & Social Night On the 4th Tuesday of each month, local LGBTQIA+ community and allies gather to socialize, make art, network, and have fun—optionally with an adult beverage. Enjoy a rotating mix of creative projects in a variety of media; no art experience needed. Come as you are, meet new friends, and explore creativity in a welcoming, low-pressure space.

Register

Sponsored by ASPEN OUT

Collage Project, A Creative Workshop for Moms: with Angilina Taylor
2026-04-30 17:30 - 20:00 | The Art Base, 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO, 81621, United States
April 30, 2026
Thursday, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Open to all skill levels
Supplies provided
Turn your kids’ art into a modern collage you’ll be proud to hang. As mothers, we save these little masterpieces to honor creativity and hold onto milestones—yet they often end up tucked in boxes or binders. Let’s slow down together. Join other mothers for an afternoon of reflection, mental fitness, and creativity as we explore the intersection of motherhood and well-being, then transform 20–30 saved pieces into meaningful new artwork. Bring: 20–30 pieces of your kids’ art.
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