GILPIN COUNTY — One of Colorado’s longest-running art traditions returns next month. The Gilpin County Arts Association is preparing for its 79th annual juried art show on Saturday, June 6, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The opening reception will feature free admission, a community potluck, and hundreds of pieces of original artwork displayed throughout the historic arts center in Central City. Guests 21 and older can enjoy drinks with a valid ID.

Organizers say the exhibition is believed to be the oldest continuously-running juried art show west of the Mississippi. Come be a part of history in a historical building in a historical town.

This year’s show will feature 184 pieces of artwork spanning photography, painting, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media. The entries were selected by a panel of jurors with backgrounds in professional art, photography, ceramics, and gallery curation.

Steve Briggs served as the juror for the 3D category. Briggs has spent decades working in pottery, ceramics, and art education. Organizers said he selected a wide range of jewelry, ceramics, and sculptural work for the exhibition.

Photography entries were juried by Roger Doak, a longtime photographer known for his landscape and wildlife imagery. Mason Hayutin, who has extensive experience in fine art and gallery management, selected the 2D works.

“All three jurors have selected beautiful, interesting and unique artwork,” organizers said while preparing the show installation.

The overall judge of the show this year will be artist David Sherwin Parker of Parker Fine Art Studios. Parker is known for his bold use of color and pointillist-inspired painting techniques.

The show will fill the historic Washington Hall in Central City, a building that feels like part of the town’s heartbeat. 

Washington Hall is one of the oldest continuously-used public buildings in Colorado, dating back to the early 1860s during Central City’s mining era. Over the years, the building has served many purposes, including as a courthouse, meeting hall, theater, and community gathering space. 

During the juried show, the historic space becomes packed with artwork, conversation, and community members from across the Peak to Peak region.

Visitors can park either along Eureka Street or in the parking lot across from the Old Gilpin County courthouse before making their way into Washington Hall for the show. 

Along with the juried exhibit, guests can check out the Gilpin Arts gift shop, which sells locally made artwork and handmade items including jewelry, prints, greeting cards, pottery, and sculpture.

The Gilpin Arts Association is located at the Gilpin Arts Center in Central City. The opening reception will run from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.