Soak up Vail’s art scene with the new Third Thursdays: Art Around the Block
Travel to the eight galleries listed for a chance to win some art
J. Cotter Gallery/Courtesy photo
Several Vail Village art galleries are giving you a new fun way to see art, meet artists and gather for some cheer. Get ready for Third Thursdays: Art on the Block, an evening where the streets of Vail Village come alive with art, music and community. From 5-9 p.m. every third Thursday, June through September, guests are invited to explore the village’s vibrant creative scene through an immersive, walkable celebration.
Ramsey Cotter grew up in Vail and in her father’s gallery, J. Cotter Gallery, and is excited to bring this event to life.
“Art events like these are important because they foster social interaction, boost local economies and enrich the cultural landscape,” Ramsey said. “They encourage diversity and acceptance and it’s important for our community to feel comfortable with the access they have to this creative and critical thinking opportunity, during the Third Thursday events as well as whenever they feel called.”
Throughout the evening, you can pick up an Art Passport and make your way through eight participating galleries:
- J. Cotter Gallery
- Piece Art Gallery
- Raitman Galleries
- Relevant Galleries
- Gib Singleton Gallery
- Squash Blossom
- Vail Village Arts
- Vail International Gallery
At each stop, collect a stamp and completed passports earn a raffle ticket to win a unique piece of art created live during the event. The party spills onto Wall Street with live music and drink specials at Two Arrows and an extended outdoor space. Wall Street transforms into an open space for creative community and art enthusiasts to discuss inspiring works or even do a little dancing.
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“Everyone wants to be outside during our glorious summer nights, so offering a free and engaging arts event is perfect for the summer months,” Cotter said. “Our event is all inclusive and we hope to see any and all patrons visiting or living here.”
“We are excited about the first art walk. We will be hosting a designer for each of these monthly events and in addition to that, we’ll be showcasing vintage jewelry and highlighting the history of our different pieces,” said Hilary Magner, who owns Squash Blossom with her husband, Kevin. “Stop by, we will be serving rosé and give you some education on how to treat your jewelry in the summertime with things like sunscreen application, swimming pool use and what’s best for your jewelry.” Squash Blossom will also be doing free jewelry cleaning.
“We’re excited to welcome guests during the Third Thursdays event and we’ll have landscape painter Don Sahli in attendance from 5-9 p.m. at the gallery. He is bringing new, large scale works and a range of mid-sized paintings as well,” said Marc LeVarn of Vail International Gallery. Sahli is a plein air painter and teacher who uses color and temperature as tools to express form and emotion in his work.
The J. Cotter Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of its summer exhibition, Jim Cotter in Dialogue with FRANK + HANK, featuring the work of renowned local artist and mental health advocate Frank Carfaro. The exhibition showcases Carfaro’s compelling work both inside the gallery and in two public art installations in Vail Village. Carfaro will be at the event on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Carfaro recently donated a large work, “Inside Out,” to the new Vail Health Precourt Healing Center in Edwards.
“Whether you’re a longtime local or first-time visitor, Art on the Block offers a chance to connect with Vail’s creative community and discover the town through the lens of its galleries and artists,” Cotter said.
Cotter mentioned that Vail’s Cultural Heritage Committee was instrumental in bringing a monthly art event back to Vail.
“The Cultural Heritage Committee is such an incredible branch of our government that has been a massive support in several of the creative endeavors I have been lucky enough to be a part of,” Cotter said. “Their mission is to preserve, enrich and sustain the cultural and historic legacy of Vail and we’re excited to invite people into the welcoming atmosphere of the galleries.”
Future Third Thursdays: Art on the Block event dates:
- July 17
- Aug. 21
- Sept. 18
For more information about the Third Thursdays: Art Around the Block contact Ramsey Cotter at ramsey@jcottergallery.com.
