Skip to content

Longmont’s canvas of creativity showed true colors in 2023

A glimpse of art in 2023
20230606_105820
agriCulture: Art Inspired by the Land begins June 9 at the Longmont Musuem

Longmont isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views that scream paint me. Its art scene, much like a masterful canvas, boasts strokes of creativity, color and quirkiness that would make even the Mona Lisa crack a smile. 

From experimental galleries to street murals that could make graffiti artists blush, Longmont’s artistic tapestry is as diverse as the Colorado weather — sometimes unpredictable, always captivating. From cherished photographer to farm art, let’s take an imaginative stroll through the kaleidoscope of creativity that defines this town.

Local artist unveils absorbing new artwork at Martinis Bistro

Local artist Amanda Maldonado’s commissioned watercolor at Martinis Bistro captured the bistro’s charm. Her technique, blending ink with watercolors, breathes life into the local scene, emphasizing warmth and familiarity. This collaboration exemplifies Longmont businesses’ support for local artistry.

Longmont Artists’ Guild honors students with awards

Longmont High School senior Michael Martines earned an award from the Longmont Artists’ Guild, a stepping stone toward his dream of becoming a professional artist. His painting stood out among 10,000 works in the St. Vrain Valley Schools’ “Unframed Student Art Show.” 

Longmont food art to appear in Times Square

From April 21 to 27, Jasmine “M.J.” Starr’s vibrant food-themed art graced The Evac gallery in NYC’s Times Square. Digitally displayed daily from 4 to 6 MST, her pieces celebrate Longmont’s local cuisine, each artwork intricately detailing the flavors and stories behind dishes and beverages. 

Local photographer cherished and seen at posthumous exhibition

Longmont mourned artist Tony Umile’s passing at the Firehouse Art Center’s poignant opening of his retrospective exhibition. Attendees transitioned from solemnity to joy viewing Umile’s captivating photography, revealing his depth, zest for life and community impact. 

Quilting fair tries to keep tradition alive

The Colorado Quilting Council’s Quilt-a-Fair drew 2,300 enthusiasts to the Boulder County fairgrounds. A vibrant tapestry of quilts showcased artistry and community. From intergenerational sewing to empowering initiatives, it stitched together stories of creativity and camaraderie.

Longmont artist weaves a colorful tapestry of art and education

Sara L. Broers Brown’s artistic odyssey, influenced by a rich familial legacy and nature, defies easy definition. Her diverse creations blend mediums and formats, inviting viewers to engage with personal narratives was seen at at the Firehouse Art Center exhibition.

Longmont bug collector to miniature taxidermy art at Firehouse Art Center

Shelby Walton’s childhood bug fascination evolved into the quirky artistry of Curioddities, blending insect taxidermy with miniature crafting to create humorous, relatable scenarios. Their exhibition at Longmont’s Firehouse Art Center offered a new appreciation for bugs.

New Firehouse exhibit “Emergency Blankets” reflects reality with charcoal

The Firehouse hosted “Emergency Blankets,” showcasing Shelby Shadwell’s hyper-realistic yet abstract charcoal and pastel drawings. Beyond the literal imagery, his work prompts reflection on themes of the Western landscape, perception, and societal introspection, inviting dialogue without dictating conclusions.

Celebrate local artistry in Boulder County with a fairground art show and sale

The Longmont Artists’ Guild and Boulder Art Association coalesce for a June Member Art Show and Sale at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, boasting over 200 diverse art pieces by 72 local artists, offering a vibrant cultural experience for all.

Farmers and artists prepare for museum opening of “agriCULTURE: Art Inspired by the Land”

The Longmont Museum installed “agriCULTURE: Art Inspired by the Land,” an ambitious exhibit, marrying 18 local artists with Boulder County farmers to explore our relationship with the land through vast installations and diverse mediums.

Tumbleweed Art Collective is gathering momentum in a stationary location

The Tumbleweed Art Collective offers more than an art gallery — it’s a versatile hub housing local artwork, studios for various artists and a learning center. Beyond selling art, it fosters connections and provides a constant space for creativity.

Obra Arts is a labor of love in the heart of Longmont

Obra Arts, nestled in Longmont’s Old Town Marketplace, embodies a vibrant, multifunctional space curated by Joyanna Rose Gittings. Her art mirrors human connections, resilience, and tranquility, nurturing community amidst seclusion.

Community mural project breathes life into 9th Avenue tunnel

Community members joined artist Pat Milbery to transform the 9th Avenue and Alpine Street tunnel with vibrant murals. This collaborative project showcased community unity, embraced mistakes, advanced connections and highlighted the power of shared artistry and engagement.

Local artist’s voice is in her sword as well as her paintbrush

Sydney Schwindt’s exhibition delved into personal experiences, societal dialogues and eco-consciousness with punk rock energy. Transitioning from theater to visual art, her collection fuses drama, floral symbolism, and tattoo artistry, reflecting her diverse influences.

Teens come together to create a mural with a message

Teens from BMoCA’s Studio Project, co-facilitated by The Firehouse Art Center, collaborated on the ‘Visions’ mural, addressing teen drug abuse. The abstract mural encourages discussions, advocating compassion and community support. The project’s reception raised funds for drug prevention programs.

Local artist’s exhibition drops and drags mental health across impermanent paper

Abstract-surrealist artist Sam Stiner presents “An Exploration of Impermanence: Works on Paper” at Inkberry Books in Niwot. His art reflects impermanence, drawing from personal experiences with mental health.

Firehouse college art exhibition shows strokes of growth

Front Range Community College showcased “Evidence of Erudition” at the Firehouse Art Center, spotlighting Longmont’s emerging artists. The exhibit nurtures growth, offering students professional exposure and challenging perceptions about community college art programs.

Longmont artist explores identity and femininity with “Con Flores”

Grace Gutierrez’s “Con Flores” exhibit at the Firehouse Art Center showcased portraits blending identity, femininity and Mexican heritage. Her journey reflects growth, discipline and a celebration of diversity, exploring themes of resilience and belonging.

Contemporary artists change perspective of Native American art

The Longmont Museum presented “Duality: Contemporary Works by Indigenous Artists,” curated by Gregg Deal. Challenging misconceptions, the exhibit featured diverse Native artists showcasing modern art rooted in identity and heritage, emphasizing the value of self-narrative.