ArtAffair

Alpine ArtAffair president and event coordinator Cheryl Day usually manages the helm, where guests can purchase one of the autographed commemorative prints — these three are by local Elizabeth Kurtak.

The annual Alpine ArtAffair in Winter Park returns for its 44th year this weekend, the second year at its new location nestled in Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park. Admission is free.

This is the eighth year at the Alpine ArtAffair for Cathy Rapp, photographer, Red Fleece Studios. She recently was named co-director of the board (to work alongside President Cheryl Day) and designed this year’s collectible poster.  It’s considered an honor, and many fair guests get an autographed keepsake. Previous artists have included Karen Vance, and Elizabeth Kurtak.

Rapp said “the angle of the warm, late afternoon sun” in the fall meadow grasses was the inspiration for the photograph featured, titled “Fall Sunshine”. She selected the image thinking the photograph looked as if it might be a painting. This is the first time a photograph has been selected for the commemorative work. Previous posters, including 2016’s Byers Peak by local artist Laura Veenstra, are also set to be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the $20 autographed works provide scholarships for local students pursuing the arts, as well as special funding for schools and arts in the county. The Winter Park ArtAffair, Inc. funds gave away more than $12,000 last  year.   Scholarship recipients for 2017-2018 include Christopher Cox, Linneya Gardner, Theo Loo, Ashley Trotter, and Amelia Matteson.

The not-for-profit juried show features more than 70 artists from around the United States. They work in the fields of fine art, jewelry, photography, metal work, mixed media, pottery, painting, glass, wood, fiber and fine crafts. “The show is juried to ensure overall quality and balance, with preference given to work reflecting the greatest degree of originality, creativity, and craftsmanship.” One of the Founders of the event, Annie VonDracek had a passion for the arts and “set the stage for this long standing tradition.” according to Cheryl Day President of the Alpine ArtAffair

ArtAffair2017This year’s palette highlights a diverse group of creative talents.  Day, who has been leading the event for nearly a decade said, “It is a lot of work but, I look forward to the event itself” everyone comes together to socialize and enjoy the arts.

Several vendors will be providing treats, snacks and there are children’s activities planned throughout the weekend.  The Fraser Valley Lions Club will be flipping pancakes both mornings (7:30 a.m.), Grand County Advocates and the Grand County Historical Association will be there, and HawkQuest will be doing birds of prey demonstrations. The new Hideaway Park stage is also set to be the perfect frame for live music by Gary Key Saturday and Red Dirt Hill Sunday at 10:00am.

“Did you Know?” – Scholarships are available for local students pursuing the arts… Last year the Winter Park ArtAffair Board gave out $12,000 is scholarship grants.  The grant money came from fund raising efforts of the event.  


Fraser River Valley Lions Club
The Fraser River Valley Lions Club’s began serving the best all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts in all of Grand County over 30 years ago Renovating this newest trailer into a rolling restaurant on wheels took some innovation and teamwork. Th e 1989 travel trailer was converted with over 2600 hours of volunteer work by numerous Lions Club members. A $9,500 grant from the Grand Foundation off set about half the cost of the renovation.

The past 4 years the club has served over 10,000 pancake breakfasts – not including those famous seconds. All this is due to 600 volunteers working 2000 hours. The income from the sales has raised approximately $36,000. These profits are given in grants to many Grand County non-profit groups through the Lions Club Foundation.

The Fraser Valley Lions Club breakfast team serves pancake breakfasts at many local events all summer long wherever the action is. Look for the yellow and blue trailer at the ArtAffair this weekend. Complete Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 11:00 AM. 100% of our profits go to the community.


Local Artist Honored
Karen Vance’s “Hi Country Autumn” an original oil painting is part of Governors Collection. Th e oil painting was purchased by The Governors Residence Preservation Fund for the Mansions Art Collection. Vance painted this specifically for the Governor’s mansion. Vance is offering a limited number of signed and numbered Giclees of her original painting. Pre Release Sale through August 1st, 2017.


HawkQuest
Kin Quitugua, a master falconer and long time environmental educator, founded HawkQuest in 1986. He has trained, handled and fl own birds of prey as diverse as the Bald and Golden eagles and the Saw-whet owl. For more than 25 years, Kin has dedicated himself to educating the public about the place of raptors in our ecology.

Kin created HawkQuest believing environmental awareness is a key to the survival of the world as we know it, and education – of our nation’s youth in particular – is paramount to this process. He has developed many educational programs such as HawkQuest’s unique Classroom-in-the-Wild. Kin has received national recognition for his work combining educational and ecological concerns, having appeared on both local and national television programs. Kin also serves as a consultant to organizations which promote the welfare of birds of prey. Read more about HawkQuest >>


Cathy Rapp: An ArtAffair, or an Affair with Art
For many locals in Grand County, art is a love affair. They brush against their canvases, develop relationships with their camera(s), and adore their subjects.  They cannot resist the urge to create, and through fairs many share that which impassions them. One of the best times to see an eclectic group is at the annual Alpine Art Affair in Winter Park, which returns this weekend for its 44th year.

This will be the eighth year at the Alpine Art Affair for Rapp, of Red Fleece Studios. Since age eight she “found every excuse she could find to come up” to her maternal grandparent’s 100-year-old cabin and enjoy the mountain lifestyle. Her first camera was an Instamatic, and in her early years she mowed yards for the money to develop the film.

Today, Rapp has developed a love for digital photography and how the technology has pushed the medium to new heights. “I love the fact that color is so vibrant and you have this palette of tools to use once you take a great photo and turn it into a work art”   expressed Rapp.  Ansel Adams was one of the first photographers to experiment in the darkroom to enhance and alter his images. Rapp jokingly added, “My challenge is setting up a shot that somebody can’t get with there phone!”  

Stop by and check out the 2017 Official Poster Art at Red Fleece Studios Photography Booth #20.. www.Redfleecestudios.com