The New Local, an artisan collective and creative space in Boulder, is set to host its Third Annual International Women’s Day Celebration on March 8, showcasing local women and nonbinary artists and their handcrafted creations. The event, held at The New Local’s historic Montgomery House at 741 Pearl Street, will feature a mix of pottery, jewelry, textiles, and more, with opportunities for the community to connect directly with the artists.The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“A lot of our artists are pioneers in their own field, doing traditional art mediums in a new and creative way,” said Lynette Errante, a co-director at The New Local. “This event is really about making a community-centered space where these artists can share their expertise, their knowledge, their craft with the public in an accessible way.”
In addition to the art showcase, the event will include interactive workshops, artist-led demonstrations, and community activities. The New Local works with a roster of 90 local women artists and invites gallery artists and beloved teachers from the community to participate. “It really speaks to the folks who love that community interaction and who love teaching,” Errante said.
Bridget Dorr, a ceramic artist and photographer, will offer botanical film portraits using a Polaroid setup. “I want [people] to walk away with a portrait that makes them feel really beautiful and confident,” Dorr said. She also emphasized the power of art as a communication and confidence-building tool. “It's a really powerful tool to speak up for yourself and represent yourself,” she said.
Anne Rowe, a senior artist and instructor who will be leading a Gelli Plate printmaking workshop, emphasized the inclusive and creative atmosphere of The New Local. “I think it's very empowering for women, any age, to realize that they can come and experience what it feels like to be creative, to feel that joy of creating without any kind of art background at all,” Rowe said. “It's a celebration, an honoring of women everywhere... we can stand together and celebrate who we are.”
Rowe also said that while the workshops are free, The New Local appreciates any donations to help cover material costs.
As a nonprofit organization, The New Local aims to provide accessible arts education while uplifting its artists. The event also welcomes community partners such as New Horizons Preschool, El Centro Amistad, Community Roots, and Rocky Mountain Equality, encouraging a broader community connection. “It's a nice way for our community members to realize that there are so many opportunities for exploration through The New Local,” Errante said.
A special aspect of this year’s event is the inclusion of a local Girl Scout troop, members of which will be selling cookies on the lawn. The event also aligns with a field trip day for second graders from a Title I school, offering them a full day of creative activities. This partnership marks a milestone for The New Local’s ongoing mission to support educational equity.
On a personal level, Errante shared how meaningful it is to support other women through this event. “Women are always just giving and giving, and to be able to celebrate them for that feels really important as a woman myself,” she said. “There’s that phrase, ‘empowered women empower women,’ and being able to uplift other women in our community feels so wonderful.”
For more information about the event and The New Local, visit their website or stop by their location in the heart of Boulder’s Pearl Street district.
