Art on a Whim hosting reception to benefit wilderness protection

“Starting the Trail” by Lelija Roy

Art on a Whim Gallery will host “Fine Art and Fine Wild Lands” on Friday from 6-9 at its Vail gallery, 227 Bridge St.

The wine and apps reception is free and public,  featuring artists who draw their inspiration from wild nature, as well as citizens who are working to protect wild lands in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with wilderness designation.

Enjoy hearing from artists Lelija Roy, Kristof Kosmowski, Ellen Woodbury and others.

Roy’s richly textured, mixed-media renderings of Colorado’s iconic aspen trees invite you to explore our beautiful wilderness.

Kosmowski’s modern, expressionistic approach to the challenging Venetian Plaster medium features his love for the landscape as his muse, as he loosely portrays Colorado’s mountainous landscapes, aspen groves and bodies of water.

Woodbury’s career as a Directing Animator for Disney translates perfectly to her storied career as a stone sculptor, and is evident in both her stylized renderings of wildlife and her care for the well being of every species she sculpts.

Art on a Whim has been a long-time business supporter of the Continental Divide Wilderness & Recreation Protection Act that is being considered in Congress. The legislation would protect some 58,000 acres of wild lands in Eagle and Summit County with Wilderness and Special Management designation.

Art on a Whim has galleries in both counties, featuring many artists who are inspired by nature. This reception is in support of the proposed legislation and will offer information about the wilderness effort and how to get involved.

Hike into proposed wilderness near Vail on Saturday.

The public is invited to join Conservation Colorado to hike into Spraddle Creek, one of the proposed additions to the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness Area, on Saturday at 9 am, meeting in the North Trail parking lot just north of the main Vail exit.

This will be a 5 mile moderate hike. Registration is required and will be accepted at the Art on a Whim reception, or by calling 970-328-5472.