BY:  NICOLE WOLF

You may know Boulder’s Jewish Community Center (Boulder JCC) as a community events space, as the producer of a world-class Jewish Film Festival, and as a nationally-recognized Early Childhood Center, but you may not yet associate it with year-round arts programming. That will soon change with the JCC’s new focus on increasing artist workshops and exhibitions in the spacious Messinger Art Gallery.

“In this fast-paced, technological era, there is an ever-greater desire to connect authentically with community and to work with real tactile materials. The Boulder JCC’s arts programs aim to fulfill these needs as well as develop practical knowledge, and foster creative expression,” says Joy Alice Eisenhauer, the new Director of ACE: Arts, Culture, and Education at the J.

The expansion includes such diverse and unique art classes as “Life Hack Your Wardrobe,” a hands-on mending course readying you to be your own tailor; “Spring Japanese Brush Lettering and Floral Image” taught by accomplished Japanese artist, calligrapher, and tea practitioner Yutaka Ai, and “Wearable Art: Fused Glass Pendants” enjoyably combining science and art to create pendant-sized glass jewelry.

The Boulder JCC’s mission lays this very groundwork: “to provide programs and services based in Jewish values and traditions in a place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to connect, exchange ideas, learn, and grow together.” 

And this has now come to include creating a vibrant, eclectic arts program for the community at large. 

Art Gallery

The lobby of the Boulder JCC serves as the Messinger Art Gallery. Every year they host several art exhibition evenings, highlighting local artists and Boulder’s accomplished art community.

Currently on Exhibit: Maryanne Quinn

Maryanne Quinn is a Boulder-based textile artist whose hand-felted paintings exploit a sense of childhood wonder. Bringing textile to life through bold colors and pattern, Quinn builds imagined landscapes and expressive compositions from layers of naturally-dyed Merino wool cut, shaped, and then laboriously felted. Using her hands, she manipulates and massages the fibers, fusing the individual layers into tight units.

The exhibit will be available for viewing through February 25 during regular JCC hours.

On February 27, artists Angela Beloian and Cara Enteles will be featured. Angela is known for elaborate mixed-media paintings exploding with color and overlaid with delicate line work. National artist Cara offers nature, landscape paintings on media such as aluminum, plexiglass panels, and silkscreen. The Art Exhibit Opening will be on March 2 at 5:30 pm, featuring a conversation with the artists, live music, and wine tasting.

Looking Ahead

As the programs expand and diversify, Boulder can look forward to a wide array of art. Here’s a peek at some upcoming offerings: A fused glass program with more advanced classes that are all project-based. A clay program with a series of hand-building clay classes featuring many of our best known local ceramic artists. A new weaving program with looms donated by the local manufacturer and leader in the craft resurgence movement, the Schacht Spindle Company.

Let your creativity flow! Visit the Boulder JCC’s website (www.boulderjcc.org) and create your JConnect account to sign up for an art class today.

For any additional assistance, questions, or to register over the phone, call 303-998-1900.