EagleARTS

Supporting local art is not a new concept, but doing so in a collective way, while providing a platform for artists through unique events and programs, is innovative. This approach is the essence of EagleARTS and the story behind how the organization began.

It all started with a Second Friday ARTwalk in 2018 — the brainchild of longtime local artist Tara Novak who came up with the idea to create monthly experiences that would build cultural and economic vitality in Eagle’s Historic Downtown. Because those initial ARTwalks were so successful, and to provide a foundation for future events, Novak officially established EagleARTS as a nonprofit organization in 2019.

“We knew there were lots of talented people in this town who needed to be heard, seen and celebrated, and we continue to do our best to ensure they are recognized,” says Novak, who is also the president and chair of EagleARTS.

Photos courtesy of Tara Novak

Over the last six years, EagleARTS has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Eagle County through the development of arts and culture by hosting various events throughout the year with ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery functioning as its hub. Featuring the work of a variety of local artists specializing in jewelry, ceramics, fine art and books, ARTSPaCE is a place to gather, browse and create. Currently, Novak, Elke Wells (who is an EagleARTS board member) and Gay Gardner rent workspace and have designated studio access, which means that patrons who walk in might see these artists actively working on their next masterpiece. “ARTSPaCE provides a venue to show and talk about my work while feeling supported and seen,” Wells says.

Located at 120 Broadway in downtown Eagle, ARTSPaCE hosts frequent Second Friday Gallery Nights, annual events like Mystery on Broadway, fundraisers that support other nonprofits and a variety of workshops. The organization also spearheads programs like the 2023 Bench Project (a collaboration with the Eagle Public Library, three local artists and the Town of Eagle), the 2023 Community Piano Project (the piano was painted by Wells and donated by Nicky Asselin) and the Community Mural, which was designed by Novak and Carrie Calvin and collectively painted by 98 individual artists during the June 2022 ARTwalk.

Over the last year, EagleARTS has grown into a five-person board comprised of members who bring different skillsets but all prioritize fostering growth and stability by highlighting local talent. When asked why EagleARTS is essential to the Vail Valley, program director and treasurer Jennifer Filipowski says that art introduces people to what’s going on downtown. “I joined the board because I wanted Eagle to be a place that people wanted to visit,” she adds.

Photos courtesy of Tara Novak

This summer, EagleARTS will host three Gallery Nights on the second Fridays of June, July and August. On the second Friday of September, Vail Valley locals and visitors can look forward to the ARTwalk Street Festival which will close Broadway and feature artists, food trucks and entertainers. Later in the year, art enthusiasts can look forward to the ARTwalk Holiday Market which is scheduled for the second Friday in December.