Laura Thorne Sculpture Program
Research shows that mentorship has a profound impact on young people, fostering growth in social, academic, and professional spheres. Mentorship provides invaluable opportunities for personal, emotional, and creative development.
The Laura Thorne Sculpture Program is a free mentorship initiative made possible by our generous sponsors. Designed for young, aspiring artists, this program offers hands-on experience, expert guidance, and the chance to create their own sculptures, while honoring the legacy of celebrated sculptor and local arts advocate, Laura Thorne.
The program culminates in an exhibition on January 19, 2025, where participants will showcase their sculptures in a professional gallery setting, sharing their artistic journeys with family, friends, and the public.
Laura Thorne was a transformative figure in the Roaring Fork Valley arts community. As a renowned sculptor and co-founder of the Aspen Art Museum, Thorne dedicated her life to advancing the arts and mentoring emerging artists. Known for her monumental steel sculptures and innovative print media, her work explored the complex interplay between nature, industry, and form.
Program Dates: November 2024 – January 2025
Exhibition: January 19, 2025, 3-5 PM at The Art Base, Basalt, CO
We would like to thank our generous sponsors, Loren Jenkins, Wink Thorne, Melanie Thorne, and Laura Donnelley for their incredible support in making this program come to life.
2025 Mentees
Duke Kottyan +
Basalt High School
My name is Duke Kottyan, and I have been creating art since preschool, where I drew silly monsters and superheroes. However, my real journey in art began in elementary school. I often felt frustrated when my art teacher assigned specific prompts for projects and would get upset when I tried to express my own ideas. During this time, I started making art that showed who I was. I would go home and paint, draw, and sculpt things that I loved at the time. I continue to do this today, but I try to add more meaning to my work. But, I still have not determined my favorite medium—I will leave that discovery for my future self!
James Opp +
Basalt High School Sophomore
James is a 16-year-old sophomore from Basalt High School. James strives to become a skilled musician in his career as a drummer. He is a talented artist, particularly in mediums of drawing, though he is a good artist he has yet to build the contemporary aspect of his art and his skills in new mediums. This opportunity has allowed James to work out of his comfort zone and develop new artistic horizons. His goal is to create art that has variety and deeper abstract meanings that help bring certain emotions and feelings from the viewers.
Alma Leder +
Basalt High School Junior
Alma Leder is a current junior exchange student from Germany at Basalt High School who has loved art since she was little. She specializes in realistic pencil drawings that bring life and detail to, especially human drawings. Recently, Alma has begun exploring pottery and sculpture, discovering new ways to shape and express creativity. She loves bright colors and music, which often inspires her art. She is excited to keep learning and trying new things in her art journey.
Xavier Plowman +
Basalt High School
Xavier is an artist attending Basalt High School. He works mainly with 2D mediums, a favorite is realism with graphite, but thought that working with a 3D artist; Andrea Wendel; would be a fun opportunity to expand his horizons. He is thoroughly enjoying this opportunity and is excited to continue working with more 3D mediums.
Micah Moreny +
Basalt High School
