17 Jul Ah Haa: Annual Fundraiser, HAHA, Features 17 Artists, 7/17 -7/19!
IMMERSIVE ART TAKES OVER AH HAA SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS WITH 17 ARTISTS
Ah Haa School for the Arts presents its annual fundraiser art experience the HAHA, July 17-19.
Adult participants can join in the fun on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 from 7:00pm-11:00 pm with General Admission tickets. The Chuckle Head Pass includes general admission HAHA event entry until 11:00 PM, a special HAHA hat, and exclusive one-time access to the Hideaway Experience It provides a new way for folks to support HAHA and exclusive merchandise or try the VIP Silver Jack Pass which includes unlimited entry for two all weekend, a private walkthrough with the HAHA artists and an artist print. Kids ages 3-17 (accompanied by a ticketed adult) and families can explore HAHA too, at Little Giggles on Sunday, July 19 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm sponsored by Alpine Bank.
Participation supports Ah Haa’s ability to provide high-quality, affordable art classes and experiences for people of all ages, year-round.
Tickets for the HAHA events are on sale at ahhaa.org
Go here for more about featured artists.
Go here for more about Ah Haa.
Note: All images are courtesy of Ah Haa.
Ah Haa School for the Arts’ HAHA is the most exciting community art event andfundraiser of the summer! Returning in its fifth year, for a three-day run, the one-of-a-kind immersive artist takeover and art experience transforms all three floors of Ah Haa’s Silver Jack Building into multiple interactive environments and participatory realms. Participation supports Ah Haa’s ability to provide high-quality, affordable art experiences and tuition assistance for people of all ages, year-round.
The HAHA curatorial team was thrilled to have over60 project applications this year, of which 17 artists were selected and funded, the largest number in HAHA’s history. Artists are given logistical parameters, material stipends and creative carte blanche to design and implement their proposed immersive experiences. This year attendees can look forward to transformations in every room of the 10,000-square-foot Silver Jack Building; from a completely hand drawn Trompe-l’œil masterpiece, kinetic sound sculptures, giant folded friends, a secret desert, pinata playplace,expansive light and sound experiences, a curated gift shop, one-of-a-kind installation artworks for sale, generative art making everywhere and so much more to discover; the HAHA offers an unmatched arts experience that draws 2,000 participants each year.
Of the 2026 cohort of artists, six are from Ah Haa’s own backyard: Cathy Barber, Tim Barber, Brooke Smith, Michael Fortenberry, Chanelle Hicks and Wendy Roloson. Five artists are traveling from around the Southwest: Aileen Martinez and Jef Caine from Phoenix, Arizona, Kerry Cesen from Denver, Kiki Miklavcic from Park City, Utah, Lexi Richey Westminster, Colorado and Kyle Singer from Denver.
Artists Liza Paige and Michael Simonelli bring their creative talents from New York and Wil Natzel from Minnesota, while Paola Ibarra travels from Mexico City. Claudio Acuna will be HAHA’s furthest flung artist, as he shares his art in the US for the first time from Puerto Montt, Chile.
HAHA selected artists have been featured by Art in America, PBS, NPR, The Los AngelesTimes, TEDx, New York Times, SXSW, Wired and in locations like The White House, Victoria& Albert Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Meow Wolf, community art centers, and subject of national and international exhibitions.
Additionally, guests will experience NYC’s Chef Perse Vordokas incredible food and local mixologist Lindsey Mills expertise at the different bars stationed throughout the event. The HAHA’s fantastic ambiance and mystery will be expertly enhanced by the talented Tree Dawn of Tree Dawn Lighting based in Telluride.
Get lost in whimsical alien worlds, solve playful puzzles to reveal color and sound, leave your mark on the installations, visit the FAUXTO Booth and discover everything HAHA while supporting Ah Haa’s mission!
Watch out for artist pop-ups around Telluride, HAHA Special Edition of 20xTelluride at the Alibi, Koto features and more, the week leading up to HAHA.
About Ah Haa School for the Arts
Ah Haa’s “tentacles” reach far and wide.
For 30 years, Ah Haa School for the Arts has become the community center for arts and culture in Telluride and Southwest Colorado communities. Ah Haa is delighted to bring truly innovative art to the Southwest.
Its mission is to create joy and community through art.
For more information, please visit https://ahhaa.org/
No Comments