As the newly named executive director of The Art Base, Annie Henninger is set to carry on the rich history established by the Basalt-based nonprofit community arts center.

Founded in 1996 by artist and teacher Deborah Jones, The Art Base, previously known as the Wyly Community Art Center, originated as a project of Compass, one of the many philanthropic initiatives of the late George Stranahan. Initially located in Woody Creek, The Art Base moved to Basalt in 2005 and has been at its current location in the Three Bears Building since 2021.

Born and raised in eastern Pennsylvania, Henninger holds degrees in art history and psychology from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as well as a degree in K-12 art education from Colorado State University. After she graduated from college, she moved to Colorado and worked as a public school fine arts teacher for eight years.

In 2011, she moved to the Roaring Fork Valley for a position at the Aspen Art Museum (AAM) as its director of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. She remained at AAM until 2022, when she became the art supervisor for the City of Glenwood Springs.

Working at AAM, Henninger delved deep into art museum education programming and “the transformative power of looking at and responding to art and how that can bring people together,” she stated.

Art education programming has consistently formed the foundation of Henninger’s professional endeavors, where she has derived personal satisfaction from bringing the community together to foster meaningful experiences and lifelong learning through art and culture. Henninger, who lives in Basalt, has taken classes and attended art openings at The Art Base, “so I consider it my community art space,” she said.

She and partner Keith Berglund, the housing access manager for West Mountain Regional Health Alliance, share a home with Banjo, their beloved Bluetick coonhound.When asked by The Sopris Sun about the appeal of the executive director position, she explained, “The Art Base is so community-centric and resonates with my values and what I care about most, which is art education for the community and access to art education through the generous use of our space, time and resources,” she said.

The Art Base, Henninger said, provides a platform for Colorado artists to nurture their personal growth. “Creativity, of course, is at the core of our mission. So, by fostering and encouraging creative expression through inspirational programming and providing space for Colorado artists to show their work, it inspires community and allows for dialogue and learning,” she continued. “It’s one of the things The Art Base does really well.”

While The Art Base gallery is free and open to the public, Henninger emphasizes that accessibility involves creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. “Even though there isn’t a charge to walk in, I still feel that the invitation and attitude of ‘You are welcome here’ is important,” she said.

Henninger believes we can benefit from approaching art with a beginner’s mind that is receptive and curious. 

“You don’t need to know anything about art to have an experience. Art can illuminate who we are, what we think and feel, and perhaps encourage questioning,” she continued. “We can do that alone, with a friend or group of people. I believe in the power of art to bring us together and create a more open-minded, tolerant and empathetic society.”

The Art Base’s continued support of learning through its educational programming, outreach to public schools, and exhibition opportunities for local and Colorado-based artists factor heavily in Henninger’s outlook as a leader.

“I care that we’re a community-based place, and the community helps to shape who we are and what we become. As a public figure, I can’t make any promises, but I can stay open-minded and shed positive light on The Art Base because this is a very exciting time,” she continued. “We are all responsible [for] and a part of this organization. I see it as “we” — we will continue to support and grow The Art Base into the treasured gathering place we envision,” Henninger concluded.

For more information about The Art Base, visit www.theartbase.org