A&E Agenda: Jan. 17-23
Carbondale Arts/Courtesy photo
Valley Visual Show opens
Carbondale Arts presents the 46th Annual Valley Visual Art Show (VVAS), opening from 5-7 p.m., Jan. 17. The exhibition runs each weekday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 20, at The Launchpad, at 76 S. 4th St.
The show is one of the longest-standing community art shows committed to featuring the work of local artists. VVAS began in 1980 as a venue for local artists to share their artwork with the public. It continues to provide this opportunity, especially for artists new to the area and budding artists, but the show also has become a salute to the wide variety of artistic talents in our area, as well as a time to bring the artist community together. It highlights more than 60 artists.
Visitors can vote once for their favorite artworks from Jan. 17 to Feb. 14. For more information, visit carbondalearts.com
Aspen Gay Ski Week Après-Ski
Step into the lively atmosphere of The Wine Bar, the site of the official Aspen Gay Ski Week après-ski celebration from 4-7 p.m., Jan. 17. Immerse yourself in the sounds of vintage vinyl as the DJ spins a curated selection of classic tracks. Continue to celebrate throughout the weekend by visiting GaySkiWeek.com for the full schedule of events.
Chef Egon Heiss’ Italian Dinner
Michelin-starred Chef Egon Heiss brings the flavors of South Tyrol from Italy’s Castel Fragsburg to Element 47 from 6-9 p.m., Jan. 17-18. Experience his refined Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine showcasing traditional recipes and pristine regional ingredients in an intimate five-course dinner for $195. More info: dine@thelittlenell.com or 970-920-6331
Award-winning National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry comes to the Wheeler Opera House
The Wheeler Opera House presents “Brian Skerry: Ocean Soul” at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 17 as the inaugural event in its Changemaker Speaker Series.
For 40 years, Brian Skerry has documented nearly every underwater ecosystem across all seven continents. Weaving together extraordinary visual stories as a photojournalist and film producer, he reveals a portrait of the ocean’s beauty and mystery. He also shares videos showing how he captured the photos.
“Earth is an ocean world,” he said. “Through the lives of marine animals and ecosystems, we see global threats and find hope in solutions that nurture the sea’s resiliency.”
He has spent more than 12,000 hours underwater and has photographed more than 30 stories for National Geographic, including seven cover stories. His powerful images have influenced policymakers to establish marine protected areas and pass legislation with lasting positive impacts on ocean conservation. He has won 11 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards and was named a National Geographic Society Photography Fellow in 2014 and a Storytelling Fellow in 2017. His Disney+ series “Secrets of the Whales” earned the 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary.
After the show, audience members can meet Skerry in The Vault lobby, where his books will be available for purchase and signing. Reserved tickets are $45; $23 for children. More info: wheeleroperahouse.com
Late Night Radio comes to TACAW
As a consistent force in the evolving electronic music landscape, Alex Medellin (Late Night Radio) consistently crafts authentic sounds brought to life through his deep-rooted passion and diverse musical explorations. He performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 17 at TACAW. Tickets are $40. Tacaw.org
The Art Base Unveils Student Sculptures in Laura Thorne Sculpture Program Exhibition 2025
Six Basalt High School students unveil their sculptural works as part of the inaugural Laura Thorne Sculpture Program at The Art Base. The exhibition, which celebrates the artistic legacy of local sculptor Laura Thorne, opened to the public Jan. 13 and runs through Jan. 31, with a reception from 3-5 p.m., Jan. 19.
Students created works during a free, three-month mentorship program with guidance from local sculptor Andrea Wendel. The program challenges students to think metaphorically and explore complex concepts through sculpture.
“The students explored similar themes in their work, incorporating found objects and materials to express personal stories. The students explored the concept of ‘columns’ or vessels as both containing and transcending boundaries. They were encouraged to use these forms as storytelling, expressing their narratives and interests through spatial relationships. This exercise challenged them to think, understanding that boundaries or limits can be explored in different ways,” she said. “Having the students tell their own stories through this particular form, while making thoughtful creative decisions, served as an ideal way to honor Laura’s legacy.”
More info: theartbase.org
Colorado Mountain College presents ‘A Legacy of Courage’
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) hosts “A Legacy of Courage: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” from 11-12:30 p.m., Jan. 20. This free presentation, open to the public, will be streamed live.
Colorado native and legal leader Judge Gary M. Jackson will present the keynote speech, which will stream at 11:20 a.m. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Jackson obtained his law degree in 1970. He has served at the Denver District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney District Office of Colorado and received numerous honors and judicial awards. He played a key role in the development of Coors Field in downtown Denver and has worked to expand judicial diversity in Colorado.
He will discuss Lincoln Hills, a mountain resort community located about 40 miles west of Denver in Coal Creek Canyon. Created by and for Black Americans in 1922 partially in reaction to the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 and amidst segregation battles, at one time it was the only Black resort in the Mountain West, according to History Colorado.
At 11:45 a.m., CMC President Matt Gianneschi hosts a fireside chat, followed by an open Q&A at 12:05 p.m. To register for the Zoom presentation and for more information, visit coloradomtn.edu/event/mlk-day-2025 or contact Kari Brown, CMC special projects coordinator, at 970-384-8519 or kebrown@coloradomtn.edu.
Aspen Film Presents ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘The Diamond’
Aspen Film presents Science on Screen®, a film series that blends film and science on the big screen. In its next installment of the series,” Happy Accidents, or True Crime Solving,” the 1963 classic “The Pink Panther” is paired with “The Diamond,” the latter of which was an audience favorite from Shortsfest 2022. The screening takes place at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 22 at Aspen Film Isis Theatre.
Guest speaker Alexandra Tarika, education manager at the Aspen Science Center, explores scientific thinking in solving crime and new technology compared with time-honored investigative methods in a short talk prior to the screening. After graduating from Colorado College in 2012 with a bachelor’s in environmental science, she explored education in a variety of settings, including teaching English in Vietnam and guiding naturalist tours with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. She received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver, then returned to the Roaring Fork Valley to teach science at Aspen Middle School and later at the Carbondale Community School.
Film synopsis: The bumbling Inspector Clouseau travels to Rome to catch a notorious jewel thief known as “The Phantom” before he conducts his most daring heist yet: A princess’ priceless diamond with one slight imperfection, known as “The Pink Panther.”
Short film synopsis: Stefan is lonely, with a blinding ambition to make friends. One day, he stumbles upon a diamond in the woods. Unable to reach it, a solution presents itself in the form of an even smaller man.
General admission is $15 and free for Aspen Film members, teachers, and students. More info: aspenfilm.org
Illenium at Belly Up
From humble bass beginnings to chart-topping crossover success, the Illenium sound is an adrenaline-rush style that fits heartfelt ballads, emotional acoustic moments, and ecstatic explosions alike. Illenium performs at 10 p.m. Jan. 23 at Belly Up. Tickets: $198 + $39.60 fee. Bellyupaspen.com
Pitkin County sees first wolf depredation since reintroduction
A yearling on a cattle ranch up Pitkin County’s Capitol Creek died to wolf depredation, according to a regional cattlemen’s association official. Another yearling is missing from the ranch, but the reason is unconfirmed.
