Arapahoe Libraries proudly hosts rotating art exhibits each month at Eloise May, Koelbel, and Smoky Hill libraries, with quarterly exhibits at The Space. Our galleries offer the community a place to view a variety of art at no cost while also providing visibility to local artists. A volunteer art selection committee selects exhibits based on artistic quality, variety of exhibits, and the suitability of format for each exhibit space.
Have a question about the galleries or interested in showcasing your art? Visit the Art Galleries page for more information.
Samira Khan
Art exploration has always been an important part of my life, whether it is painting, drawing or trying a new craft or art form. Over the last few years watercolor has become the medium that I lean towards because of its versatility and ease of use. This collection was created in the process of experimenting and playing with color and texture.
What is your favorite piece in the show, and why?
It’s very hard to pick a favorite as there are different parts of each painting that I love. These were so much fun to create and allowed me to let go of control and let the colors and textures do the work for me.
What motivates you to create?
Painting and creating art are a means of self-care for me and help me destress.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
Art doesn’t have to be complicated. Any type of art that brings joy is valid.
Jay Wortham
Show name: It’s powerful and sometimes scary to feel deeply, but being human is about embracing the full spectrum of sensations.”
Website: dasworthamart.com, opens a new window
Instagram: @daswortham, opens a new window
Contact info: email jay@dasworthamart.com For sale inquiries, text or call 719-501-3376
I create multimedia expressions of the fantastical imagery, that can induce very contrasting interpretations, with an occasional ‘real world’ portrait that captures my attention. I love bringing music into and out of images, and reimagining the ordinary as something unworldly. I morph color, contrast and shapes into thought-provoking instances of worlds yet to be seen and yet familiar enough to be understood and welcomed.
What is your favorite piece in the show, and why?
SunFlowers is the largest canvas I’ve ever hand painted. It’s based on an original multimedia piece I created back in 2018 and it helped me find my way to my own unique voice back then and again this year with this new rendition of it.
What motivates you to create?
I’m always hearing music in my head based on what emotions I’m feeling which gives me the impetus to translate that into images that inspire an emotional response from others. The sounds I hear are driven by diverse musical muses such as the funky sounds of Prince to the Punk grind of Living Colour and Fishbone. My imaginary catalysts are equally as diverse including the comic books from the 80s, sci-fi novel covers from the 70s, and things like travel posters from the 50s and 60s.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
I want my art to say “It’s powerful and sometimes scary to feel deeply, but being human is about embracing the full spectrum of sensations.”
I’m always hearing music in my head based on what emotions I’m feeling which gives me the impetus to translate that into images that inspire an emotional response from others. The sounds I hear are driven by diverse musical muses such as the funky sounds of Prince to the Punk grind of Living Colour and Fishbone. My imaginary catalysts are equally as diverse including the comic books from the 80s, sci-fi novel covers from the 70s, and things like travel posters from the 50s and 60s. Let the pictures sing a song in your heart and help you feel the power of being human.
Kristin Anahit Cass
Website: kristincass.com, opens a new window
Instagram: @kristinanahitcassprojects, opens a new window
I’m a multidisciplinary artist and writer telling stories that connect with ancestors, imagine the future, and envision a better world. Transmissions from the Ancestors is a series of portraits of people who've been on a journey to explore their ancestral roots. Each portrait becomes a new memory, encapsulating both past and present as the sitters take inspiration from the wisdom and experience their ancestors have shared.
What is your favorite piece in the show, and why?
Tatik yev Papik is a diptych that embodies a profound connection to ancestry. The woman in the portrait was deeply influenced by her grandparents’ stories of perseverance and survival, a legacy that continues to impact her present and future. These ancestral narratives instilled a powerful drive in her to face the world with love while fighting for justice and freedom for all.
What motivates you to create?
A photograph can create a sense of place where none existed, a connection to who we are and where we came from, holding space for us no matter who we are. I create images of identity, connection, healing and hope to inspire a desire to envision and create a compassionate future with room for all.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
I hope folks will feel the love and joy of connection to their ancestors that the people in these portraits experienced. The gifts of our ancestors remain throughout time, continuing to provide direction and embodying culture and homeland for us today. No matter where they were from, our ancestors sacrificed and paved the way for our future and we honor them when we work towards a better future for everyone.
C. Scott DeWeese
Website: csdeweesewoodworking.com, opens a new window
Instagram: @c.scott.deweese.98, opens a new window
Born in Grand Junction, Colorado, I grew up watching and helping my father in his garage wood shop, where I fell in love with woodworking. I relish the touch, smell, and excitement of creating finished pieces.
Over time, I’ve created custom furniture, cabinetry, toys, heirloom pieces, and lathe‑turned bowls and vessels. My Basket of Illusions works are embellished pattern pieces inspired by nature, architecture, texture, and Native American design. I enjoy experimenting with different woods, styles, and techniques, and I am always learning and evolving my work.