With the goal of encouraging creativity and bringing art closer to the local community, The Art Base in Basalt recently announced the opening of a new space called the Art Commons.
Located in the front window of The Art Base’s main building and highly visible from Basalt’s main street, this space has been designed as a public, open-access area where a variety of artistic and cultural expressions can take place. Activities may include community art exchanges, interactive talks and small exhibitions.
In an interview with Annie Henninger, executive director at The Art Base, she explained the vision and benefits behind this new space.
What is the Art Commons?
It is an informal gathering space within The Art Base where everyone is welcome to express themselves, create art and connect with others. I see it as a low-pressure space, open for the community to use freely. Anyone can bring a group and work collaboratively with others in the community.
Who is invited to use it?
It is a free, public space. We believe art is for everyone. It’s an invitation to the community to come in, enjoy and be in a creative environment.
Is registration required to enter the space?
It is an open-access space. No registration is required. It has been open to the public since Jan. 16 of this year.
What else can people do in this space?
People can read, create art and participate in our art exchange. If someone creates a piece, they can trade it for another, bring a piece of art or take one home. We also have a station with art supplies so visitors can create on-site. We want the space to feel relaxed and casual.
Many people don’t fully understand what The Art Base is, partly because it’s located on the second floor and isn’t always visible from the street. With the Art Commons, we want to better communicate that we are a community art center, that people are welcome, and that this is a space to learn and connect.
What do you consider another strength of this space?
We are presenting everything in both English and Spanish. We’re excited to see the results and to remain flexible, adaptable and responsive to the community. This space is an experiment that will allow us to listen and evolve alongside the people we serve. We care deeply about the community and want to embrace and support everyone who is part of it.
The Art Commons is designed to lower creative barriers. This means encouraging people to engage with art, discover their artistic and literary potential and feel comfortable developing their creativity.
The Art Base invites the entire community to visit this creative and symbolic space, as well as to come in and ask about the various programs they offer. No restrictions apply, scholarships are available and everyone is welcome.
The Art Base is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm. To learn more about their programs, visit www.theartbase.org/calendar
The community is invited to the closing celebration for the Laura Thorne Sculpture Program on Friday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 7pm, with an artist talk beginning at 5:30 p.m.