From storytelling sculptures and textured landscapes to sustainable fashion and vibrant explorations of love, this month’s First Friday Artwalk is a testament to the creativity that thrives in and beyond the Yampa Valley.

Galleries in downtown Steamboat Springs will open their doors from 5-8 p.m. Friday evening in a collective showcase of diverse works from both local and visiting artists in a celebration of creativity, community and stunning landscapes.

Metal mentality

The Jace Romick/R-Diamond Gallery (833 Lincoln Ave.) is welcoming the return of Montana-based sculptor Tyrel Johnson, who will unveil two new bronze pieces. Known for his ability to convey powerful visual stories through his work, Johnson is widely recognized in Western art magazines for his depictions of the deep relationship that exists between humans and animals.

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Two featured sculptures, “The Huntress” and “Gratitude,” capture this bond in a raw and powerful way. Johnson, the youngest of 16 children, grew up working in his father’s foundry and spent years studying anatomy to refine his skills in crafting metal into realistic depictions of animals. His return to the FFAW is highly anticipated among collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

“The Huntress was originally a commission,” explained Johnson in a news release. “The client requested a whitetail, but with my creative touch. I knew immediately that I had to inject some humanity into the sculpture. This sculpture is about respect. As the viewer, you get to decide whether she will draw the bow or not, but either way she is admiring her prey.”

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Johnson’s sculptures will be joined by the debut of Romick’s new collection of hand-built mirrors. Romick’s custom-designed frames have long been synonymous with his photography, and these latest handcrafted mirrors are a natural extension of his artistic history in woodworking. To round out the evening, local favorites The Neighbors will be performing live in the upper level of the gallery.

Where art meets craft

The Depot Art Center (1001 13th St.) will host multiple exhibitions this month, offering something for everyone.

The main gallery will feature “Elements of Adventure,” an artist-member show connected to the Winter Carnival snow sculptures. The showcase of painting, sculpture and photography captures the heart and adventurous spirit of Steamboat Springs during the annual celebration of the community and the landscapes that surround it.

In Bliss Hall, the Riverwalk Collective will present “Red,” an exhibition that explores the themes of community, culture and the environment. With pieces that range from woodworking to painting and photography, the show promises to be a visually striking experience for visitors.

The Platform Gallery will feature “Act Two,” a showcase by local artist Emma Friedland that focuses on the sustainable concept of visible mending. The process, which transforms damaged clothing into wearable art, incorporates embroidery and patchwork techniques on materials like denim and corduroy. Celebrating the beauty in imperfection, it also encourages viewers to rethink their notions and concepts surrounding waste.

As part of the exhibition, Friedland will host a Visible Mending “Sew & Sip” workshop from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 where participants can bring their own denim, cotton or linen garments and learn creative and artistic repair techniques.

To register, visit steamboatcreates.org. 

Nature, naturally

The Schoonover Gallery (929 Lincoln Ave.) will present works by Garth Williams. Hailing from Burley, Idaho, Williams has a deep personal connection to the amazing landscapes of the American West, which is reflected in his stunning palette knife paintings of mountain landscapes.

Williams has painted for many years alongside impressionist Robert Moore, who has helped him capture the essence of vast and rugged Western landscapes. The selected works, which will be on display during FFAW, will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the rich textures and scenic depth of his paintings.

The exhibition will open Friday at Schoonover Gallery and online at SchoonoverGallery.com.

‘Love — It flows back to you’

For February, Pine Moon Fine Art (117 9th St.) presents “The Love Boat,” an all-gallery show inspired by the classic television series of the same name. As the title suggests, this exhibition is a playful and heartfelt homage to love for the community, as well as the art, of Steamboat Springs.

“All of the Pine Moon owners are residents of the immediate Steamboat Springs area. They draw an immense amount of inspiration from the local surroundings,” said Joanne Orce, one of the artist-owners of Pine Moon. “Our local client base is loyal, and tourists ‘love’ to remember their visit to Steamboat with a piece of local art from a local artist.”

Beyond the artwork itself, Pine Moon’s deep connection to the town and its art-loving residents makes this show a particularly meaningful one. 

“Our community is particularly supportive of the arts and creativity in general,” Orce added. “It’s a special community, and I don’t think we could replicate it anywhere else.”