TELLURIDE – The First Thursday Telluride Art Walk continues today, Dec. 4, with venues in downtown Telluride joining together for a cultural celebration. The public is invited to come and enjoy amazing artwork with refreshments served at many of the establishments.

Sponsored by the Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities, the Art Walk is a day-long showcase of the fine arts scene, with galleries, studios and arts organizations staying open “late ’til 8” the first Thursday of every month. The event, which kicked off two years ago, takes place on the first Thursday of each month and includes galleries located in and around Colorado Avenue, all within walking distance of one another.

Many venues hold their own artists' opening receptions from 5-8 p.m., where participants may meet the artist and snack on complimentary food and beverages. So stop by après ski or on the way to dinner for a little warm up.

The free Art Walk brochures, available at any participating venue (and hotels and coffee shops), offer a self-guided map of the participating establishments.

The December event will showcase artists at Stronghouse Studios, 283 South Fir. Featuring the work of painters, photographers, textile artists, and sculptors, the studios’ Group Art Show is an eclectic exhibit of local artists.

Lyceum Arts Gallery and the studio of Kathryn Vinson Tatum has art for the holidays, including affordable oil paintings, giclee prints and note cards featuring spiritually uplifting landscape images of the Southwest. Tatum will be at the gallery, 430 W. Colorado Ave., between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. to discuss creativity and art while guests enjoy a snack and beverages. 

Telluride Gallery of Fine Art is currently exhibiting works by 11 of Telluride’s best photographers. This must-see display of small-format black-and-white photography can be viewed at 130 E. Colorado.

East Meets West will highlight Mike Simpson, an American painter. Take in his “western-lifestyle” influenced work at 240 E. Pacific, kitty-corner from the Post Office.

Other participants included in the Art Walk are: Dolce’s fine jewelry and artwork, 226 W. Colorado; Shilling Studios Gallery’s local paintings, 151 S. Pine; Wilderness Wonders’ wildlife photography, 126 W. Colorado; Elinoff’s eclectic collection of fine art, 204 W. Colorado; and CoHo’s abstract artwork, 317 E. Colorado.

For more information about the Art Walk, pick up a free brochure at any participating venue, or visit the TCAH website at www.telluridearts.org.