A new group exhibition at The Collective Community Arts Center in Lafayette asks Boulder County artists a simple question: what do you gather? Gathered, a show of work by members of the nonprofit Open Studios, opened with a reception on Friday, November 13, and runs through January 10, 2027.

The idea behind the show

The City of Lafayette's Arts and Cultural Resources Department, which runs The Collective, describes the theme as broad on purpose. Artists were invited to interpret gathering literally or abstractly: objects, ideas, memories, people, places, colors, patterns and experiences, and the influences that pile up over a creative life. The exhibition applies the idea to itself, bringing work by many Open Studios artists together in one room.

Who Open Studios is

Open Studios is a Boulder County nonprofit that has connected local visual artists with the public since its first Studio Tour in 1995. It still runs the annual Open Studios Tour, when artists open their workspaces to visitors. It also runs exhibitions, classes and community programs, and operates Gallery Boulder Junction, a gallery of members' fine art and gifts at 3075 Pearl Parkway in Boulder, open Friday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Free programs during the exhibit

Open Studios and the city are pairing the show with a run of free events:

  • Behind the Music with Njioma Grevious, presented by Cultural Caravan: Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. Free registration at CulturalCaravan.org.
  • Macrame Lamp Workshop with Yelitza Barrios: Saturday, December 5, 1 to 3 p.m. Free registration at engage.lafayetteco.gov.
  • Open Studios Artists Talk: A Gathering of Mediums and Inspirations: Saturday, December 12, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Assemblage Workshop with Joy Redstone: Friday, January 8, 4 to 6 p.m. Free registration at engage.lafayetteco.gov.

The workshops require registration, and space in hands-on sessions is usually limited, so sign up early.

More from the city's arts department

The same department posted a call for artists on November 13 for a group exhibit about the Great Bark Dog Park and the trails around it. Submissions close January 7, 2027. Details are on the city's News Flash page.

Visit

The Collective Community Arts Center is at 201 N. Public Road in Lafayette. The city lists its hours as Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., closed Mondays and on Thanksgiving. The phone number is 303-661-1261. Gathered is on view through January 10.

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