ABOVE: Alexandra Hurney puts up a painting to display for the Red Rock Community Art and Photography Show, opening on August 3.

FAIRMONT – For its 20th anniversary, Red Rock Center for the Arts is taking the time to showcase what Fairmont-area artists have to offer with a Community Art and Photography Show.

While this event had been done before, the last time was before COVID. Executive Director Sonja Fortune said bringing it back now is tied to their anniversary.

“We decided to do it this year because we’re celebrating our 20 years since reopening our doors to the public as a community art center,” she said. “We want to showcase individuals within our community and build a connection. Not just view the art, but build the connection between people, the art and the people creating the art.”

Red Rock opened itself up to all kinds of art. Alongside the more common, traditional art forms, Fortune said there were several other types of creations submitted.

“We also have some entries in Rosemalling, which is a traditional Norwegian decorative painting technique,” she said. “We have another individual submitting American Indian beadwork. Cast iron, stained glass and Zentangle.”

The hope was getting at least 25 pieces, if not more by July 29. To reach and hopefully exceed their goal, Fortune said they sought to get the word out as much as possible.

“We put a call out on social media and through the newspapers,” she said. “We invited people to participate in the show, and people have been submitting their information. We want to make it easy for everyone to participate, and they can submit up to three pieces.”

As they have gotten the word out, Fortune said the word has gotten to them from the community, and they have all been positive.

“They’re very grateful we’re doing this,” she said. “They’re excited for us, that we have been in existence for the last 20 years and continue to be a hub for artists and creators.”

In addition to art, photography submissions are being highlighted as well in 5×7 format. By opening this up to all formats, Fortune said they get to meet plenty of people both in the artistic community and outside.

“We see a lot of people we didn’t know were creative,” she said. “It’s the people who are hobby artists, who enjoy doing arts and crafts at home. Then they’re brave enough to bring them in so the community can see what they’re doing.”

By being able to do this event on their 20th anniversary, Fortune said it is a way to celebrate and uplift the area and its art, as they have done throughout the years.

“We believe everyone is a creator of some sort,” she said. “There’s art all around us. Some of us look at art in different ways than others. Some people do art for healing, to express their emotion, and others for a hobby. We want people to feel comfortable and share what they’re doing to inspire others. Maybe others will pick up a new hobby or decide they want to give it a try.”

The grand opening will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 3. From then on, the show will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until Sept. 13.

For more information, call 507-235-9262 or visit https://www.redrockcenter.org/