Steamboat Springs — Tuesday afternoon wasn’t an average art show hanging at the Depot Art Center.

It was the artists themselves, carefully placing their own works, or those of their peers, on the carpet walls of the Steamboat Springs Arts Council’s home.

“It’s an opportunity to learn,” said show chairwoman Dona Steele as she adjusted a few crooked pictures. “I never knew how to hang, and it’s fun to be a part of the whole process.”

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Steele, an Arts Council member, is showing three pieces, variations on a poppy flower in three artistic mediums, as part of the Summer Art at the Depot show, which debuts from 5 to 9 p.m. today at First Friday Artwalk. The show runs through Sept. 22.

The show features about 80 pieces representing more than 30 local artists, from photography and woodworking to oil and water-based paints.

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Thirty percent of sales this evening go toward the Arts Council, which helps support education and outreach in the Steamboat artistic community.

The show also offers good exposure for artists such as photographer Jeff Hall, a shuttle driver who takes a camera with him on hikes across Routt County.

His fluid, vibrant style was first displayed on these walls about 10 years ago.

“It’s a great place for local artists, and you get a lot of variety,” he said.

Other local scenes are depicted in many of the works, such as Linda Hamlet’s “Morning on the Yampa” oil painting.

“It’s hard to put art up for sale,” she said, admiring the piece from a few steps back. “You want to keep what you make. They become your friends; you remember the time that you were there making it. But you can always go back.”

Mary Levingston, Arts Council board visual arts representative, said the Summer Art show is unique in that it allows the artists to influence not only their work but how it is displayed to the public.

“I like it because the artists get to put in what they love, and not what someone else judges is good,” Levingston said.

Galleries and museums

❱❱ Artists’ Gallery of Steamboat will offer three gallery artists presenting “Exploring Elements,” Judy Jones’ digitally altered photos of horses, cowboys and Steamboat barns; Denise Bohart Brown’s fused glass work inspired by air, fire, earth and water and Mary Levingston’s exploration of elements of watercolor. Call 970-879-4744 or visit http://www.steamboatgallery.com. 1009 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Steamboat Springs Center for Visual Arts is showing a summer array of new work by more than 80 local artists and features Steve Bolander oil paintings of landscapes of the West. Complimentary wine and appetizers. Visit http://www.steamboatartcenter.com. Call 970-846-5970. 906 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ The Depot Art Center offers Summer Art at the Depot. The Steamboat Springs Arts Council’s annual members group exhibit is a mix of artwork from all disciplines. The reception will include complimentary wine and refreshments. Visit http://www.steamboatspringsarts.com. Call 879-9008. 1001 13th St.

❱❱ Howelsen Place Gallery features the work of European metal sculptor David Marshall, who will be present for this month’s Artwalk. He has brought with him new creations and designs from Spain. Complimentary refreshments. Visit http://www.david-marshall.com. Call 846-0659. 703 Lincoln Ave., B104.

❱❱ Images of Nature features nature photography of Thomas D. Mangelsen. New releases are there, including Steamboat and our Giclee Canvas and Museum Mount offerings. Call 970-871-1822.730 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Jim Steinberg Photography/Portfolio Collections will host a garden party to reveal The Secret Life of Flowers, dramatic floral photography. Wear your best garden party hat for a contest. Visit http://www.coloradoscenicbyways.com. Call 970-879-3718. 1016 Oak St.

❱❱ K. Saari Gallery announces its reopening downtown on Lincoln Avenue with a gallery group show featuring new work by gallery artists. Call 970-870-0188. 1025 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Sleeping Giant Gallery shows “Capturing Steamboat” with the local art of Cully Kistler, Don Tudor Photography and Raku stoneware by Brown Cannon. Visit http://www.dontudorphotography.com. Call 970-879-7143. 601 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Steamboat Art Museum hosts its summer exhibit, “David Taylor Quilts.” David is a nationally recognized artist whose quilts are included in the Denver Art Museum’s permanent collection. The Museum Shop is open with items made by Colorado artisans. Refreshments. Call 970-870-1755. 807 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Tread of Pioneers Museum displays some of the best images from its historical archive. Call 970-879-2214. 800 Oak St.

❱❱ Wild Horse Gallery will feature the oil paintings of Richard Galusha. Call 970-879-5515. Eighth Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Alternative venues

❱❱ Azteca Tacqueria features the work of Maggie Smith. She has spent the past five years working in printmaking with an emphasis on monotypes and monoprints. Call 970-870-9980. 116 9th St.

❱❱ Chocolate Soup shows Andy Morgan: Prison Art. Incarcerated by the Florida Department of Corrections in 1994 at the age of 19, Andy has discovered a talent and passion for complex pencil drawings to help sustain him through double life sentences. Call 970-870-0225. 737 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Colorado Group Realty shows birdhouses by Steve Cobb, a fine furniture builder. His birdhouses are constructed of recycled wood. Refreshments will be served. Call 970-870-8800. 509 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ The Comb Goddess shows new work by Leslie Lovejoy. Many of her pieces are “plein art” style, painted while on her frequent hikes, canoe trips and skiing in the backcountry. Wine and light appetizers will be served. Call 970-871-0606. 1104 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Creekside Cafe will feature “Forbidden Paradise” by Steamboat Pilot & Today photojournalist Matt Stensland. The collection of images was taken in March 2009 in Havana and nearby Guanabo Beach. Complimentary wine and light appetizers will complement this showing. Call 970-879-4925. 131 11th St.

❱❱ East West Frame Shop shows work by Michelle Ideus and Cherie Duty. Ideus brings to life horses, flowers and Steamboat scenes with bold colors. Duty creates funky gemstone and wire-wrapped jewelry. Join us for refreshments and visit with the artists. Call 970-879-5225. Located in the alley between Eighth and Oak streets.

❱❱ Epicurean Cafe shows “Through the Garden Gate,” floral photographs, oil paintings and watercolors by Rebecca Pauvert. Refreshments will be served. Call 970-875-0997. 825 Oak St.

❱❱ Harwig’s/L’Apogee shows photography by Kim Keith, whose new collage art includes local women turning into aspen trees, submerged in water and dancing with butterflies. Refreshments. Call 970-879-1919. 911 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ High Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty will show the work of local black and white photographer Lois Kruse, who will show her fascinating take on western icons in hand colored infrared photography. Call 970-879-8101. 708 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Mac Ranch will show the photography of Fran Carlisle. Focusing on macro photography, her images inspire the viewer examine everyday objects and pursue their inner beauty. Call 970-879-1270. 117 Eighth St.

❱❱ Off the Beaten Path Bookstore shows the art of Steamboat local Warren Drahota, who is currently attending the University of Northern Colorado and studying graphic design. His show is a collection of pieces from his entire art career. Call 970-879-6830. 68 9th St.

❱❱ The Real Estate Office shows Burlesque in the 21st Century, a documentary exploration of the women who reveal their sensuality through the art form of dance, flirtation and creativity. Jessica Maynard is the photographer. At the Olympian; 35 Fifth St., No. 101 on Yampa Street facing Howelsen Hill.

❱❱ Rustique Steamboat will show the bronze sculptures of Western lifestyles made by Don Beeler. Call 970-870-2980. 624 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ The Spa/Salon is hosting Olympians Caroline Lalive and Nelson Carmichael, who not only shine on the ski slopes but also in the photography world. With live music from a local band and drinks and appetizers. Call 970-871-0202. 25 Fifth St.

❱❱ Spill the Beans will feature John Poplin’s photography. View his inspiring natural landscapes displayed in frames crafted by hand from beetle-killed wood. Enjoy live acoustic music by Jim Walters and complimentary refreshments. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Call 970-879-7846. 1051 13th St.

❱❱ Urbane presents the works of Laura Refka and Jarrett Quint. Refka is a Steamboat local showing photography in a different perspective. Jarrett, a.k.a. C.O.L.E., is a contemporary pop and graffiti artist. The show is from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit http://www.urbanesteamboat.com. Call 970-879-9169. 703 Lincoln Ave., Suite B101.