Golden watercolor show reflects Foothills Art Center’s place in art world

When Foothills Art Center took over the little church at the top of the hill on Washington Avenue, they had one goal in mind: To bring a place for fine art to the little western town of Golden.From its humble beginnings as a place for local artists to display their works, the center has always had an eye towards bringing the best of the best to our town. Back in 1974, organizers initiated their first national watercolor show and since that time it has evolved into a major event attracting some of the top artists from coast to coast.The 42nd annual Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Show is happening now through Oct. 25. Rather than simply a pure watercolor show, it recognizes all forms of water media and embraces innovation in water-based media that now includes acrylic, casein, gouache, egg tempura and mixed media.The exhibition will feature about 70 works of art from recognized artists across the country as well as several from Colorado. This year’s juror is international artist and teacher Mark Mehaffey. He has won major awards for his work, including honors from the National Watercolor Society and the American Watercolor Society.The Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Show is held in the Foothills Art Center Main Gallery and the hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The center is closed Mondays.Admission is $ 8 for adults, $ 5 for seniors and students (with valid ID) and youth 10 and under, as well as members being admitted free.But there is a way to get free tickets to this show.The FAC is going to be holding its own version of a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. and would like the public to attend. Center organizers want to hear your opinions on their exhibits and educational programs so they can deepen ties to the Golden community. To show their appreciation for your time, anyone attending will receive two free tickets to the watermedia show.Working with water-based media is a lot of fun and easier to get started in than oil painting and working with more complicated and expensive materials. If you are interested in learning, then you might want to attend one of theses classes being held in October.The Acrylic Painting Class is a six-week session for beginners through intermediate students and runs on all five Saturdays beginning on Oct. 3, as well as Nov. 7. The class is 9-11 a.m. and will focus on visual content, color mixing, expressive brushwork and the development of your personal painting style.Cost is $ 120 for the public and $ 108 for members; the instructor is T’Alyne.The Watercolor Class is also a six-session class on Tuesday and Thursday nights starting Oct. 13 and running through Oct. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m. This class is filled with a broad range of watercolor painting techniques and is taught by Janet Nunn. Each week, participants will complete an entire piece utilizing those techniques.Cost is $ 150 for nonmembers and $ 135 for members.The Foothills Art Center is at 809 15th St. in Golden. For more information, go to www.foothillsartcenter.org. Who knows? Next year we might see your work in this show.

John Akal is a well-known jazz artist/drummer and leader of the 20-piece Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra. He also is president of John Akal Imaging, professional commercial photography and multi-media production. He can be reached at jaimaging@aol.com