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A monthly Craig Chamber of Commerce event will feature an artistic twist this week. Colorado Northwestern Community College, 2801 W. Ninth St., will host a Chamber Ambassadors Business After-Hours Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will showcase the college’s new art collection, which represents work from artists in and around the region.

Mixers are designed to offer a “networking opportunity for the business owners,” or in this case, “the college and the artists, as well as the people that come,” said Shannon Russell, Chamber ambassador liaison and membership director.

Maximum Commitment to Excellence, a group designed to augment local education, is participating in the event at the college’s invitation, said Audrey Danner, Moffat County Commissioner and Commitment to Excellence member.

“I think we would certainly be part of the conversation, that we’re supporting education and (CNCC is) one of many providers of education,” she said.

Kellie Dippel, CNCC extended learning and concurrent enrollment director, is helping organize the event.

The college’s art collection includes ceramics, textiles and kinetic sculptures.

Installments are scattered throughout the college’s new campus and range in style from landscape drawings to more abstract pieces.

At a ceremony at 6 p.m., college officials will dedicate the artwork to Moffat County residents.

Moffat County School District principals are encouraged to attend the event, although a school board workshop and meeting Thursday night will prevent administrators and board members from attending the mixer, Superintendent Joe Petrone said.

However, the school district stands in support of CNCC’s effort to showcase its new collection.

“We’re just delighted that they’re hosting this sort of an activity at the college,” he said.

Russell believes residents who drop by for the mixer won’t be disappointed.

“I just think it will be a good time,” she said.

For more information or to RSVP, call 824-5689 or email office@craig-chamber.com.

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