By Gene Davis, DENVER DAILY NEWS
Escape to the mountains this weekend for an affordable art show benefiting a good cause.
The Mountain Art Gathering is entering its 11th year in Keystone. The art show includes works from 13 professional artists and three Summit High School students.
“We bill this as a classic art show and sale, even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s a lot of fun to peruse and check it out,” said Michael Langlois, director of events for the Summit Foundation.
Anyone who buys art will be helping out the Summit Foundation, the largest nonprofit in Summit County. Over the first 10 years, the Mountain Art Gathering has raised over $500,000 for the foundation, which then puts that money back into the community.

Family friendly
The Mountain Art Gathering is again billing itself as a family-friendly affair. Throughout the weekend, the art show will offer children’s art activities as well as plenty of events to keep the adults occupied.
“The kids could do something while the parents go in and check out the artwork and talk with the artists,” said Langlois.
This year marks the second time the Mountain Art Gathering is working with select high school artists. The professional artists leading up to the event have mentored three Summit High School students this year.
The mentorship gives the high school students an opportunity to see what the industry is about — from the creation to the sale of the artwork, said Langlois. In fact, Langlois said he recently saw that one high school student who participated last year had a professional art showing at a local gallery.
“Involving the high school students has really added to our event greatly,” he said.
For anyone looking to make a weekend getaway out of the art show, the Summit Foundation is running discounted rooms through ResortQuest.com. Lodging through the Web site starts at $68 per night.
“It’s a great way for folks in Denver to be able to take a little time out of this busy summer, get up in the mountains and enjoy some free and fun activities,” said Langlois.

Where: The Pavilion at Keystone in River Run
When: Friday-Sunday
Information: SummitFoundation.org

Distributed by Colorado Capitol Reporters