In 2008, a small group of Grand County artists gathered around a table with the thought of forming a coalition of like-minded folks interested in the arts, whether practicing artists, beginner to professional, and art aficionados.

Today, the success of Art Out of Thin Air (AOTA) is exemplified by their wildly popular annual member exhibition, previously on display at Pole Creek Golf Course Clubhouse/ Bistro 28. The exhibit features work by over 25 artists working in a variety of media including visual arts, painting, textiles, mixed media, photography, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, glass, mono prints and more. Most art is for sale. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

This year, in honor of its 25th anniversary, Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser is hosting the 8th annual AOTA Member Show, from July 1 – August 1, 2016. Everyone is invited to the free Opening Reception from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, July 1. As part of the celebration, the museum is presenting art activities, including Art Splash – a free hands-on art day for kids and adults from noon -4 p.m. Saturday, July 30. Everyone is welcome and it is free to the public.

Cozens Ranch Museum is part of Grand County Historical Association (GCHA) and is located at 77849 US Highwya 40, Fraser, across from the Grand Park Rec Center.

Call for Artists:

The AOTA show is open to artists living and/or connected to Grand County. A wide variety of original art is accepted in this non-juried show. AOTA encourages new work, one or two of your best pieces, within the size and other guidelines outlined in the Entry Form.

To learn about the exhibit and to download the Entry Form please visit the AOTA or GCHA websites, at http://www.artoutofthinair.com or http://www.grandcountyhistory.org. Entry Forms are also available at the Kremmling Chamber, Grand Lake Art Gallery, Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser or Pioneer Village in Hot Sulphur Springs.

Thanks to museum sponsorships, this year the entry fee amount is reduced for everyone to $20 for one piece, and $25 for two. Scholarships to enter the show for free are available, please call Kristi at 970-726-5488 for information.

AOTA invites all artists practicing in all media to be part of this important community art exhibit. Deadline for submitting the Entry Form is June 15, and artworks are due at Cozens Ranch Museum by Saturday, June 25, 2016.