The fledgling initiative is a series meant to showcase locals’ talent in the Roaring Fork Valley — especially during Aspen’s off season.

The mural is the first of three that will highlight young immigrants’ memories and creative expression in Carbondale. The art project is part of a program supported by Carbondale-based nonprofit VOICES.

Carbondale-based nonprofit Youthentity hosted its first civics bee this week for middle school students on the Western Slope. Similar competitions — like the spelling bees — have helped schools reach certain learning benchmarks. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series, which highlights solutions to local and global issues from Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley organizations.

The Aspen Institute awarded Maria Reva with its Aspen Words Literary Prize on Thursday. She won the prize for her novel, “Endling,” which focuses on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War.

In some parts of the Mountain West, residents are reviving these gathering places, which have long been a staple for westerners living in isolated places.

Dance Initiative brought back Folklórico dance classes to the Roaring Fork Valley this month after the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet ended the longstanding program. Now, some of its old students are stepping up as the next generation of teachers.

A new exhibit of Colorado legislator pictures hangs in the former U.S. presidential portrait gallery at the state Capitol. Organizers say the new exhibit celebrates Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood.

Artnauts is an artist collective that works to draw attention to global issues through the visual arts. Despite originating in Colorado, the group usually shows internationally, and making a stateside appearance is rare.

The Carbondale-based nonprofit offers free screenprinting on most Saturdays and at some community events. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series, which highlights solutions to local and global issues from Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley organizations.

People come to the Roaring Fork Valley from all over the world; some stay and decide to make it home. A handful of these immigrants shared stories of success, adventure, growth and validation in Basalt earlier this month as part of English in Action’s 9th annual Immigrant Voices event.