We love our local arts scene here in Boulder County — but with so much going on, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why Boulder Weekly is bringing you our regular round-up of goings-on in the world of performing and visual arts, film, music and more. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening locally, so you don’t have to miss a beat.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS: Apply now for Open Studios tour and membership
The nonprofit artist advocacy organization Open Studios invites Boulder County artists ages 18 and up to apply for membership and participation in the next iteration of its county-wide studio tour program scheduled for October 2023. The annual three-weekend Open Studios Tour opens creative workspaces to the public for a mutually beneficial exchange of inspiration and ideas.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for artists to develop their collectors and get exposure,” Open Studios Executive Director Mary Horrocks told Boulder Weeklyin the run-up to last year’s studio tour. “In the last few years, we have seen approximately 8,000 patrons at locations on the tour. We do post-tour surveys, and the average patron tells us they visit, on average, six different studios.”
Applications are open here through May 14.
POP OF COLOR: Local artist completes new mural at George Reynolds Branch Library
In our Feb. 16 edition of Sightlines, we shared news of an in-progress mural by Boulder-area artist Marco Antonio Garcia at George Reynolds Branch Library (3595 Table Mesa Drive)in South Boulder. As of March 31, the eye-popping work in the children’s reading area is now complete and on view to the general public.
“Marco is a self-taught artist who is rooted in his Mexican Culture and inspired by the detailed paintings of the Alebrije wooden mythical animals that were popularized in Mexico in the ’70s and ’80s, Ancient Mayan Art, and famous Mexican artists including Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo and Diego Rivera among many others,” according to the artist’s website.
RAIN ON ME: Share your thoughts on Valmont Rain Garden public art project
The City of Boulder Stormwater Quality Program — stick with us here — is soliciting input from the community regarding a new public arts project at the Valmont Rain Garden within the parking lot for the Valmont Bike and Skate Park at Valmont Road and Sterling Circle in northeast Boulder.
To that end, the Boulder Office of Arts and Culture is hosting an in-person feedback session on April 15. Drop by the event at 3160 Airport Road from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share your ideas and learn more about stormwater and its impact on water quality, or provide your thoughts online by scanning the QR code above.
EXIT STAGE LEFT: Leadership changes at Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado
After nearly two decades at the helm of Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado (BETC), formerly known as Boulder Ensemble Theater, co-founders Rebecca Remaly and Stephen Weitz will step down as the company’s artistic and managing directors beginning July 1. The husband-and-wife team will be replaced by artists Jessica Robblee and Mark Ragan, per a unanimous vote by the company’s board of directors.
“We are so proud of everything that BETC has become and couldn’t be more pleased than to see it continue its journey as an important part of the local arts ecosystem,” Weitz said in a March 30 press release.
Grab next week’s edition of Boulder Weekly for a preview of Eden Prairie, 1971, the final BETC production under the leadership of Remaly and Weitz running through April 29.
SHOW YOUR STUFF: BMoCA’s annual community art showcase returns
Whether you’re fresh out of the gate or a seasoned professional artist, you can display and sell your work during BMoCA’s annual Open Wall event on Friday, April 7. The annual self-curated exhibition and sale kicking off Boulder Arts Week (schedule on pgs. 19-22) features work from local painters, potters, photographers, weavers, woodworkers and more. Just show up to the museum at 1750 13th St. in downtown Boulder with your install-ready work between 4 and 6 p.m.
Participation is free, all mediums are welcome, and gallery space is first-come, first-served. Visit bmoca.org to learn more.
Got local art news? Email BW culture editor Jezy J. Gray at jgray@boulderweekly.com.
