Aspen ArtWeek might be over, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t great art to be had in the Roaring Fork Valley in the coming weeks. Case in point: Art Base Basalt’s ninth annual 10×10 Name Unseen silent auction is underway, with the closing party on Saturday, Aug. 19.
“I always refer to it as a ‘Basalt style gala,’ which means that it’s meant to be fun and community-focused. It’s not super fancy, but if you want to get dressed up and make it a night out on the town, we won’t stop you either,” said Executive Director Lisa DeLosso.
She noted that Art Base will be honoring long-time local gallerist and supporter David Floria at the party, and that there will also be a theme, “neon.”
The choice of “neon” was meant to encourage the community to celebrate and enjoy being “bright, fun, silly, and joyful.” For those who don’t have a closet full of neon, no need to fret — there will be some neon accessory making on-site, so everyone can partake in the fun.
This year’s Name Unseen auction includes pieces by 136 local artists. As in years past, each artist was provided with a 10×10 panel to create on with only one rule: Do not sign your work. Art lovers have until the party to bid on the works. Winning bidders claim their prizes and learn which artist created the pieces at the gala.
“We have a lot of diverse artworks this year and multiple types of mediums,” said DeLosso. “When you give an artist free rein to do something, they have a lot of fun with it. It’s been exciting to see all the creativity. It’s mostly local artists or artists that have had a connection here to the valley. I guess I’ll leave a little Easter egg in that we have some fantastic artworks this year from Bariloche, our sister city in Argentina, as well.”
For “mystery artist number one,” participating in 10×10 has been a given since 2016. The artist said one of the most important things about the annual event is that it shows how much artistic work is going on in the valley. The event removes any “hierarchy or prejudice in the valuation of the work.”
The mystery artist said the anonymity is a great way to formulate and test new visions and ideas, but mostly it’s important for this person to support The Art Base in the way the organization has supported local artists throughout the years.
“The Art Base has proven over years of operation that it can reach a wide and diverse population of art makers, enthusiasts, and those looking to increase their aesthetic knowledge,” Mystery Artist One said. “They have also shown a bold desire to give opportunities to those just beginning their artistic journey of production and exhibition and to support the vision of veteran artists such as myself.”
“Mystery artist number two” is participating for the first time in this year’s Name Unseen silent auction. Artist Two said that art was something the individual was drawn to at a young age studying art in middle school, high school, and college. After a decade long career as a graphic artist, followed by another decade as a professional photographer, Artist Number Two decided to pursue his or her dream of being a studio artist.
“My subjects tend to center around the natural world trees, flowers, landscapes,” Artist Two said. “I also occasionally do cityscapes. I’m a big traveler.”
Number Two said it was important to participate and support the Art Base, for all it had provided him or her in pursuit of his or her dream and the larger community.
“I just love The Art Base,” Two said. “I really appreciate the work they do in the valley. I’ve taken a class there. I love that they provide opportunities for people to learn, both professionals and novice artists. So I applaud Art Base for their outreach in the community with young people. It’s my goal to be a mentor next year with their mentorship program. The 10×10 was a way that I could continue my relationship with them and show my support for everything they do.”
For more information on auction and tickets for party: artbase.com.