Summer in Carbondale is guaranteed to bring community-fueled fun and creativity to all ages — thanks in large part to Carbondale Arts! Mountain Fair and First Friday continue to be at the core of their summer work, but this beloved organization is in motion and serving our community all summer long. Whether you’re looking for a night out, a creative kids summer camp or opportunities to get involved and flex your artistic muscles, Carbondale Arts has something to offer.
Carbondale Arts’ mission of building an inclusive and vibrant community through the arts is exemplified in one of their most popular offerings: First Fridays. Community Engagement Director Michael Stout shared that “First Fridays are designed to support the community social fabric and bring folks out into our public spaces to share time together.”
July’s First Friday will feature talented local musicians in the annual Sopris Music Fest at Chacos Park, curated by Steve’s Guitars. Other community activations include a Freedom Skate on Main Street hosted by KDNK, performances on VOICES’ ARTery stage and more.
Following Mountain Fair the last weekend in July, August’s First Friday is often more laid back, hence the theme: “Recess.”
“Community partners will offer fun games and schoolyard nostalgia for folks to take it easy,” says Stout.
Carbondale Arts also offers several camps, including Songwriting Camp (June 22-26), led by Natalie Spears, and Jam Camp (July 6-10), co-led by Spears and Gabriela Mejia, both for kids ages 10 to 12.
“We are excited to offer an acoustic Jam Camp to support kids in learning how to create music together and learn songs they love,” Spears says, in a positive, low pressure atmosphere. While Songwriting Camp registration has closed, Jam Camp’s is still open and musicians of all levels are welcome.
For those more theatrically inclined, Nikki Beinstein will host a Theater Camp based on her children’s book, “Breathe, Bison,” at the Carbondale Community School (July 20-24). Campers ages 5 to 10 will create an original short play around the main character’s journey, to be performed at Mountain Fair. The book centers themes of mindfulness, self-love and regenerative agriculture, and will also be the foundation of an Arts and Crafts Camp (Aug. 3-7).
Stout pointed out that despite timing and process remaining consistent, camp registration has been slow compared to previous years. The Mural Camp, which would have been in its fourth year, was cancelled due to this dilemma, likely caused by rising prices and families exercising more discernment with activities. Carbondale Arts does have scholarship funding available, but interest in that has been low, too.
Still, Stout mentioned that applying for a scholarship is easy.
“Just reach out,” he says. “We’re not scrutinizing people’s income; it’s just a matter of reaching out and requesting.”
Registration for all camps closes two weeks before their respective start dates.
In addition to these camps and events, Carbondale Arts presents gallery exhibitions at their homebase of the Launchpad. “Visceral Alchemy,” the current exhibition, runs through July 3 and focuses on fine art tattoo work, challenging perspectives on what belongs in a gallery.
“It’s been great to see reactions from questioning, and then really coming through with an appreciation for the level of talent and creativity that tattoo artists bring to both their tattoo art and their fine art,” comments Stout.
Artists from around Colorado can submit work for the next exhibit, “Tiny Print Showcase,” a juried group exhibition on display Aug 21 to Sept. 24. With special awards for categories like “Tiny Band Posters,” “Tiny National Park Posters” and “Tiny Protest Signs,” the exhibit will feature prints no more than six-square-inches small and celebrate how the tiny things in life can make a mighty impact. Submissions close on July 1.
Finally, local makers, vintage lovers and up-cyclers are invited to apply for a vendor slot at the third “Bonedale Flea,” comprising September’s First Friday celebration. This handmade and vintage market will also feature a vinyl sale. Applications open this June and close mid-July.
In addition to all of the above opportunities, volunteering is a welcome and necessary part of making many of these multi-faceted events happen. It’s a great way to support the arts, make new friends and enjoy being in community in this tiny but mighty town we call home. Visit carbondalearts.com for more details.