about us
The Art Center of Estes Park was established in 1987 and offers an extensive collection of fine art including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, and woodworking. In addition, we present opportunities for education in the visual arts, and act as an advocate and partner for community arts development.
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This was the vision of several local artists, many of whom are still participating members. We are dedicated to education and excellence in the visual arts, and is operated through artist and community volunteers, membership, sales, and donations. Our mission is to provide a facility that supports and promotes regional artists; to present opportunities for education in the visual arts, and to act as an advocate and partner for community arts development.
The Center now represents local and regional artists from across the Rocky Mountain area. We feature the high-quality artwork of 40 local Colorado artists in a broad selection of media. Whether you’re searching for a large piece of fine art or photography to enhance your home, or the perfect gift of jewelry, fiber, pottery, or a notecard for a friend, we have it.
We feature a new exhibit approximately every six weeks, opened by a public reception featuring refreshments and entertainment. We invite you to come and view these fine artists' work and to shop for additions to your home or business collections.
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Estes Valley Plein Air 2024
"Rediscovering the Art of Plein Air in the Rockies"
Every August, well-known artists from all over the country converge on Estes Park for this event. These juried and invited artists have a limited amount of time to paint "en plein air," a French term meaning "in open air." They paint on location in Rocky Mountain National Park and within 50 miles of the Estes Valley. Special events in conjunction with EVPA include a poster/postcard and wine label contest, a nocturne paint out opportunity, a miniature contest, a group paint out, an educational program, and a Quick Paint at Riverside Plaza in which artists have a limited amount of time to complete paintings that are then auctioned to the public.
The paintings completed during EVPA are revealed at a gala opening and awards ceremony at the Art Center of Estes Park and will be for sale for a month, attracting many art collectors and plein air aficionados. The 2024 event will take place August 22-28, with the show opening August 30 and running through September 29.
Approximately $11,000 in cash and gift certificates will be awarded, with Southwest Art and Plein Air magazines providing the top three awards, in addition to the cash awards to be offered.
This juried show is open to any artist using oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or gouache. If you are interested in participating in the show, click here to apply. For more information about the show, email pleinair@artcenterofestes.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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August 22 – 28 Estes Valley Plein Air Paint Out
EVPA artists paint on location within a 50-mile radius of Estes Park, including Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Thursday, August 22 - Friday, August 23 Estes Valley Plein Air Registration
EVPA participants will need to register between 9–5 and get panels stamped.
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Saturday, August 24 Estes Valley Quick Paint & Auction
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Riverside Plaza, downtown Estes Park. Artist registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. EVPA artists are invited to attend a Get Together Luncheon at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Ave. Artists are encouraged to do a nocturne painting afterwards.
Sunday, August 25-Wednesday, August 28 Paint Out
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Tuesday, August 27 Group Paint Out – 7 a.m -4 p.m. MacGregor Ranch
7:00 a.m. Meet at the Ranch
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Wednesday, August 28 Art Turn In Day
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. EVPA artists are to turn in their three main entries and may include 1 nocturne painting plus 1 miniature and one reserve for a total of 6 paintings.
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Thursday, August 29 Exhibit Hanging
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Thursday, August 29 – Friday, August 30 Free Days
Join other artist to paint at your favorite locations for fun.
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Friday, August 30 Estes Valley Plein Air Gala Opening Day
Gala Reception 5–7 p.m. Awards at 6:00 p.m. All artwork is for sale.
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August 30 – September 29 Estes Valley Plein Air Sale and Exhibition
Art Center 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. All artwork is for sale.
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September 30 EVPA artists pick up unsold artwork
Art Center – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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October 1 Art Center delivers artwork to shipper to return to artists
"Chapel on the Rocks" by Krystal Brown
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