STEAMBOAT SPRINGS —  It’s about time for the “Snowball: YBC Birthday Bash” — inspired by childhood nostalgia and a celebration of ambitious achievements. A time to revel in the memories, the creative successes, and to offer gratitude and to celebrate how the group has come.

“Growing up here in the early ’90s, my parents would attend ‘Snowball,’ this fancy charity event that took place on the mountain,”said Brie Kole, co-founder and president of YBC. “They’d get all gussied up and rent a limo, and I would pore over the photos when they were developed, vowing when I was an adult I’d go to ‘Snowball.'”

Celebrating YBC’s one-year anniversary, the inaugural Snowball Bash will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Library Hall at the Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Featuring libations, dancing, live music, a Haunted Deep photo booth and make-and-take crafts, this style of event is a first for the nonprofit, but Kole said the group hopes it becomes an annual affair, which grows each year.

“There’s a huge learning curve to starting a nonprofit. For the most part, we all came into being on a board as never-evers,” Kole said. “Just figuring it all out and making it work for us at times got really hard, but luckily, we had a lot of supportive resources and asked for help.”

YBC’s purpose is to generate accessible arts and culture opportunities for the next generation of creatives living and working in Routt County by hosting exhibits, events and workshops, in addition to engaging with local businesses and organizations through collaborative partnerships.

Ambitious and tenacious, YBC has had a successful first year.

“People have really stepped up, becoming members, creating new work, volunteering time and helping us to grow,” Kole said. “Businesses and other organizations that have become affiliates are understanding the value of a partnership with YBC, and we in turn are learning more about what our community wants and needs from us.”

The organization has grown from 15 people attending two “meet-ups” in 2016 to its current 50 members and 12 affiliates. YBC has also hosted a string of events including: SPEAK — Performances from Women in the Yampa Valley; monthly Cocktails and Crit(que); “The Haunted Deep: Monster Mermaids” interactive haunted house and performance; and a YBC Holiday Market at Townies.

The group of creatives also held numerous group shows at galleries like the “Breaking Boxes” exhibit at the Center for Visual Arts, the Cranefest show and Sarah Valentino’s Miniature Wizardry at YBC’s home-base gallery space, the Steamboat Smokehouse.

“I am most proud of the group of people this organization has attracted,” said Danielle Zimmerer, local photographer and Young Bloods Collective board member. “We have been able to come together and create a reputable organization that adds immense value and serves a beautiful, underserved demographic in town,”

“When I look back on this first year of Young Bloods, my favorite moments are those when a member found a new medium they love, when someone showed their work for the first time in one of our group shows, and when the community engaged with a creative experience such as SPEAK or Haunted Deep,” said Sista Luna, YBC board vice president. “I’m always so grateful when those moments come together.”

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@steamboattoday.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1.