Ah Haa School for the Arts

Located in the old train station on Townsend Street in Telluride, the Ah Haa School for the Arts is a hub for all things artistic in the box canyon. With children’s programs and adult classes, the Ah Haa School is all things for art loving people. The gallery offers a celebration of artists, some local and some visiting, in a rotation depending on the current exhibit. Beautiful wood floors, sunlight, and windows provide an elegant setting for viewers.

With a successful and busy ceramics program, the Ah Haa School offers classes for working with pottery and also firing and painting. Other categories of art classes include cooking and wine; jewelry and metal arts; mixed media, printmaking, and fabric; music, dance, and spirit; painting and drawing; photography and design and writing.

Drop in classes also exist, specifically Open Figure Studio, Zumba, Viniyoga, Canvas, and Cocktails, Painting from Within and Clay Thursdays. Prices, times and dates vary, but the Ah Haa online calendar clearly communicates all events. See http://www.ahhaa.org/adult/drop-in-classes/for more details. Many well-known artists are employed as instructors at the Ah Haa School to bring creativity and inspiration to those seeking to expand their artistic talents.

Susan Billings, Cody Borden, Gregory Botts, Sara Chaffin, Rhiannon Chandler, Ann Cheeks, John Clark, Barclay Daranyi, Jennifer Dewey, Hilary Douglas, Cindy Farny. Bunny Friedus, Carly Frounfelker and Bruce Gomez are only some of the incredible talent that is brought in by the Ah Haa School to share their gifts.

For children, a variety of workshops and ongoing classes are available. The Ah Haa School makes sure their summer calendar offers experiences for local kids and visiting children to express themselves creatively. In addition to the many summer camps, Ah Haa plans No School Art Days, fall and winter classes, art and skate P.E., and “artrageous” birthday events.

Tuition assistance is available for those with financial hardship and a true desire to participate in the arts. All local and regional Telluride children and adults are eligible. A work-study option is also possible for those who want to volunteer for part of their tuition costs. Memberships are available, and the Ah Haa School does accept donations for its supplies as it strives to offer the best materials in its programming.

One of the most exciting events in Telluride is the Ah Haa School art auction. Every summer, many regional artists come together to donate their creations for bidding. Over 160 pieces are created specifically for the auction and sold to benefit the Ah Haa School. One of the best fundraisers in the San Juans, the Ah Haa School enjoys this annual event. With a beautiful interior situated in the heart of Telluride, those interested in renting the facility of the Ah Haa School can do so. In the past, space has been rented for weddings, meetings and conferences, and a plethora of parties.

For more information, to volunteer, or to inquire about teaching at the Ah Haa School, please call 970-728-3886.