On Tuesday, June 23, the museum's galleries will become a performance space for "An Evening with Friends," a fundraiser that combines exceptional music, visual art and community connection. Guests will enjoy an evening of performance, conversation and dining while surrounded by the works featured in the Oil Painters of America 35th National Exhibition, one of the nation's premier showcases of representational art. Proceeds from the evening will support the museum's exhibitions, educational programs and outreach efforts.

For executive director Betse Grassby, the event represents more than a fundraiser. It is an opportunity to celebrate the role that the arts plays in enriching the community while bringing together artists, patrons and supporters in a uniquely inspiring setting.

“An Evening with Friends embodies everything Steamboat Art Museum strives to be – a place where exceptional artistic achievement, meaningful relationships and community come together,” Betse says. “Welcoming internationally acclaimed artists Mark Nuccio and Ana María Martínez, both now part of the Steamboat community, while surrounded by the remarkable work of the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition, followed by an intimate gourmet dinner creates a convergence of artistic excellence and a treat for the senses. It is an evening that reminds us that the arts transcends disciplines and brings people together in powerful and lasting ways.”

Among those musicians is Grammy Award-winning soprano Ana María Martínez, whose distinguished career has made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of her generation. A native of Puerto Rico and graduate of The Juilliard School, Ana María has performed leading roles with many of the world's most prestigious opera companies and symphony orchestras. Known for her expressive artistry and dramatic depth, she has captivated audiences on some of the world's most renowned stages while remaining committed to mentoring the next generation of performers through her work as a professor of voice at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music.

“I love Steamboat, and as I spend more time here and learn more about this vibrant community, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to a place that is quickly becoming a very important part of my life,” Ana María says. “Presenting an evening of beautiful music along with dear friends is an added joy that makes the experience so much more meaningful.”

Joining her is clarinetist Mark Nuccio, whose career spans some of America's most respected orchestras. Mark currently serves as Principal Clarinet of the Houston Symphony and previously spent 17 years with the New York Philharmonic, including four seasons as Acting Principal Clarinet. Recognized for his warm tone, expressive musicianship and technical mastery, he has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and educator throughout the United States and abroad. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to music and a belief in its ability to create meaningful connections between artists and audiences.

“I have known and have been working with Betse Grassby for 30 years and now, as a second homeowner in Steamboat, I love to give back to Steamboat and support Betse in any way possible. It is a wonderful evening we have planned in support of this latest exhibit. We hope this is an extra-special evening and hopefully one to remember for many years to come! It is also my real gift to work with Ana María. We have done so in the past and we enjoy every minute of this collaboration,” Mark says.

At the piano is Wesley Ducote, an accomplished performer whose career encompasses solo, chamber and collaborative work. A former Piano Fellow of the New World Symphony, Wesley is admired for his stylistic versatility and sensitivity as a musical partner. His repertoire spans centuries of music, from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, making him a sought-after collaborator for both instrumentalists and vocalists.

Together, the three musicians represent a remarkable breadth of experience and accomplishment. Yet despite careers that have taken them to some of the world's most celebrated concert halls, opera houses and performance venues, they will gather in Steamboat Springs for an evening defined less by grandeur than by intimacy.

As Steamboat continues to cultivate a vibrant cultural identity, the event serves as a reminder that extraordinary artistic experiences do not need to be confined to major metropolitan centers. On this evening, internationally acclaimed musicians and nationally recognized artists will share the same space, creating a celebration of creativity that benefits both the museum and the community it serves.

“An Evening with Friends,” a benefit concert supporting Steamboat Art Museum, will take place on Tuesday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit https://givebutter.com/an-evening-with-friends-copy-pziefz.