The close of 2023 marked the end of an incredible year for the artists and galleries that are part of the Yampa Valley community. The energy of individuals, paired with the collective dedication and collaboration of a wide range of galleries, brought forth wonderful talent, mediums and subjects throughout the year.

2024 promises to provide a deep awakening and inspiration of mind through the continuation and expansion of the talent that is part of the First Friday Artwalk series. 

The Art Depot at Steamboat Creates will be featuring the show “Handweaving Elements” by local textile designer and artist Jillian Tomlinson. This show, which features Tomlinson’s handwoven textiles, is unique in the fact that the tools that were used to create each textile piece will be on display next to the art itself. 

According to Tomlinson, this is “the perfect opportunity for visitors and collectors to learn more about this ancient yet newfound world of weaving.” Tomlinson uses a loom and handspun wool from various sources in her Steamboat Springs studio to create her beautiful textile creations.

The Depot will also be welcoming Wulf Wilhelm and Paula Jo Jaconetta to the Riverwalk Collective. They will be joining the local talent of David Winters, Glenna Olmsted, Erin Branscum and Leslie Bell as part of the 2024 Steamboat Creates family. 

There will be an opening reception for Tomlinson’s work, and for the work of other artists, on Jan. 5 from 5-8 p.m. at the Steamboat Creates Depot Art Center (1001 13th St.). Light refreshments will be served and artists will be available to answer questions.

More information on the Riverwalk Collective can be found on the Steamboat Creates website at https://www.steamboatcreates.org/depot-art-center/riverwalk-collective/. 

For January’s First Friday Artwalk, The Jace Romick/R-Diamond Gallery will be presenting the work of legendary photographer Norm Clasen. Clasen, who is a Colorado resident, is known for his work as one of the primary photographers for the “Marlboro Man” of the 1980s and 1990s. Clasen’s work focuses on capturing the spirit and energy of the American west through the lens of the camera.

This show is exclusive in its nature, as the only other venue that currently shows Clasen’s work in the United States is in Los Angeles. 

“Norm has been an inspiration and a mentor, so to have his work in the gallery is a tremendous privilege,” said gallery owner Jace Romick, whose hand-built frames hold Clasen’s iconic imagery 

Additionally, local sculptor Sandy Graves and painter Brian Bonebrake will have their artwork displayed at the R-Diamond as well.

More information on the Jace Romick/R-Diamond Gallery, which is located at 833 Lincoln Ave., can be found on their webpage at https://www.jaceromickgallery.com/. 

At the Schoonover Gallery, the art of Colorado resident Kathy Beekman will be the feature of First Friday Artwalk. Beekman, who is new to the gallery, is a veteran and a master finger painter who also works with pastels. Beekman’s work is, according to gallery owner Patie Schoonover, “a nod to her unique style of pastel artwork.”

Beekman is also an art career coach and author of several art-based instructional books. 

“Her work is comprised of subject matter that reflects a feeling of her environment,” Schoonover said. “Her style has a simplified graphic quality with a quiet reflective mood.” 

The Schoonover Gallery, located at 929 Lincoln Ave., is operated by Ray and Patie Schoonover. More information on the gallery and the artists who are hosted there can be found at https://schoonovergallery.com/.

At Pine Moon Fine Art, the First Friday Artwalk exhibition of talent is entitled “New Beginnings: A Collection of Work by Pine Moon Artists.” The gallery is also continuing the Artist Talk Series as well, featuring Jill Bergman and Dedi Knox on Jan. 11. 

“Each new year brings feelings of hope about the possibilities for the future,” said Amy Minotto, who is part of the Pine Moon collective. “This is an opportunity to celebrate love, beauty, and our efforts to bring about a brighter 2024.” 

In order to bring in the new year with joy, the artists of Pine Moon have been reflecting on what “new beginnings” mean to them. This has resulted in various topics, from wolf reintroduction to spring migrations, being explored with new mediums and techniques. 

The opening for “New Beginnings” will be hosted at the Pine Moon Gallery (117 9th St.) from 5-8 p.m. on Friday. 

The gallery’s Artist Talk Series will continue on Jan. 11 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This month’s featured artists will be printmaker Jill Bergman and painter Dedi Knox. Both will provide background on themselves and the process that is part of the art that they create. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to learn about these local artists, ask questions and get inspired by their work,” Minotto said. 

More information on the First Friday Artwalk, and the galleries and the artists that participate, can be found at SteamboatCreates.org.