The Elementals

Ben Bentele • February 3, 2026

The Elementals

It’s Our National and State Anniversary

In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—our nation’s semiquincentennial. At the same time, Colorado will be marking the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union—our state’s sesquicentennial. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only one who will observe twin anniversaries.

Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) is commemorating this milestone with an exhibition focused on Colorado’s cultural heritage, highlighting the rich history of folk and traditional arts, as well as the contemporary implementation of these modes of community expression and cultural identity. Artists and arts organizations who have previously received CCI’s Folk and Traditional Arts grant funding are invited to submit work for inclusion in this exhibition.

The Build Guild submitted The Elementals, four collaborative works of Art for this exhibit. Special Thanks to Ira Houseweart, Juan Carlos Vazquez, Steve Ziemer, Isaiah Gargiulio, James Byram, Ellza Coyle, David Heskin and Joe Bob Merritt for braiding together these beautiful portals. These pieces are a true community collaboration.

Towaoc 4

Water Elemental:Forged and Fabricated Steel meadowlark, crafted by immigrant hands,  Hand Carved Colorado Yule Marble, hand woven fiber.

Joy of Spring image

Earth Elemental:Hand Woven Wool Fiber, Hand Carved Colorado Yule Marble, Forged Steel, Recycled Bullet Casings/Shells, Recycled Brass and Aluminum. Thanks to Mary Hockenberry and Ivy Hunter for their pieces crafted at the Build Guild Skill Share Sandcasting.

Towaoc 4
Air Elemental: Hand Woven Cotton and Wool Fiber, Leather, Recycled Bronze and Aluminum, Forged and Fabricated Steel. Special thanks to Faith Markell for her magical willow weaving, Summer Orr and Ivy Hunter for their sandcast pieces from the BG Skill Share.
Joy of Spring image
Fire Elemental:Hand Woven Wool Fiber, Wrought Iron, Leather, Hand Carved Yule Marble, Copper, Local Beeswax, Recycled Beer Cans. Thanks to Mike Cmzjla and Gio Sheppherd.

The Elements are currently on display at The Hearth.

The post The Elementals appeared first on The Learning Council.

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