Z Group Joins The Art Base’s 10×10 Gala in Support of Local Artists and Community Creativity

As the longest-standing architecture firm in Aspen, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design has always believed that great design begins with connection—connection to place, to people, and to story. That belief came to life once again this August, as members of our team gathered with neighbors, artists, and friends at The Art Base’s 10×10 Name Unseen pARTy—an annual celebration of creativity, community, and cultural stewardship.

Held under the late-summer sky at Lions Park in Basalt, the event marked the 10th anniversary of the 10×10 exhibition and brought together over 140 original works by regional artists. The evening gala was a vibrant, shared moment with the people who shape this valley. From casual conversations to thoughtful bidding and shared laughter, the event reminded us why we do what we do: to build spaces and relationships that endure.

Through its youth programs, teen mentorship, and rotating exhibitions, The Art Base continues to elevate creative placemaking in the Roaring Fork Valley. We were proud to be part of the evening—not just as designers, but as participants in the community we’re privileged to serve.

Where Architecture Meets Art: An Evening to Remember

One of the things that makes The Art Base’s 10×10 Name Unseen exhibition so special is its simplicity. Each piece—just 10×10 inches—is displayed anonymously, inviting people to engage with the art itself, not the name behind it. It’s an approach that resonated deeply with us at Z Group, where we believe good design should speak for itself, with story and feeling at the center.

“Just like in our architecture, the essence here lies in the story and spirit of the piece,” said Scott McHale, Principal and Director of Design.

Principals Seth Hmielowski and Scott McHale attended the evening with their wives, Ashley and Conchita, to share in the community moment. From reconnecting with familiar faces to discovering new artists, it was an opportunity to be present, to listen, and to celebrate the creative energy that makes this valley feel like home.

“The Art Base reminds us why we build—every space, like every piece of art, should move people, hold stories that last.”— Seth Hmielowski, Senior Principal

Creating and Contributing: Melissa and Amy in the Spotlight

At the end of the evening, while guests picked up their newly acquired artwork, Melissa Dunfee, Z Group’s Director of Marketing, was behind the scenes—quietly helping things run smoothly. Alongside her husband Paul, Gallery Manager Mike De La Rosa, and other volunteers, they carefully packed and organized the 10×10 pieces, so patrons could head home with their new treasures safely in hand.

But Melissa’s contribution didn’t stop there. She also donated a piece to the show, a vibrant mixed media acrylic titled "Still Axolotl", her latest addition to a tradition she’s been part of for years.

“It’s been an honor to support The Art Base for years, and creating work for the 10×10 exhibition since 2019 has been a personal highlight. It’s a privilege to give back through both art and action.”— Melissa Dunfee, Director of Marketing

This year, she was joined by Amy Coy, Z Group Interior Designer, who contributed her own original work: an acrylic painting titled "Red Cliff," inspired by the layered textures and rich tones of Colorado’s landscape.

“As an avid art enthusiast and someone with a background in Art History, it was an honor to participate in the 10×10 for the second year in a row. I look forward to being part of it every year moving forward.”— Amy Coy, Interior Designer

For both Melissa and Amy, the evening was about more than volunteering or donating—it was about showing up fully, as artists, designers, and community members. As a firm and team, we believe that art, architecture, and community aren’t separate endeavors—they’re part of the same story.

Continuing the Conversation: Sponsoring Jude Barton’s Exhibition

The 10×10 wasn’t Z Group’s only connection to The Art Base this year. Earlier this summer, we had the privilege of co-sponsoring an exhibition by artist Jude Barton. Her work—rooted in rhythm, restraint, and quiet material expression—spoke to us in a familiar way. Like the projects we design, her pieces balance form with feeling, always in conversation with their surroundings.

🔗 Read about our sponsorship of Jude Barton’s exhibition

For us, supporting cultural institutions like The Art Base isn’t just about underwriting a show—it’s about deepening our ties to the creative community we call home. These exhibitions invite new perspectives, spark dialogue, and ensure that future generations see art not as a luxury but as an essential part of placemaking.

🎨 Want to be part of that legacy? Donate to The Art Base

Why It Matters: Building Legacy Through Cultural Engagement

At Z Group, we’ve always believed that architecture and the arts live side by side. Both are built from story, memory, and emotion—both shape the way people feel in a place. That’s why evenings like the 10×10 Name Unseen hold so much meaning for us. They’re not about being seen; they’re about showing up, sharing the moment, and standing alongside the community we’re part of.

The night was a reminder that:

• Legacy takes root in presence. The architecture we create is strongest when it grows out of long-term commitment to people and place.

• Supporting the arts sustains identity. Organizations like The Art Base give voice to the culture of the Roaring Fork Valley, and that work deserves to be uplifted.

• Design is about relationships. Buildings may last for decades, but it’s the connections they hold—the stories, the gatherings, the moments—that make them truly timeless.

Let’s Keep Building Culture, Together

We’re grateful to be part of the creative rhythm of the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether it’s through sponsorships, volunteering, or simply showing up, these experiences remind us why we do what we do. The stories we share at events like the 10×10 Name Unseen pARTy are the same ones that guide our work—shaping the homes we design, the mixed-use buildings we imagine, and the gathering places where community life unfolds.

Take the Next Step

If this story resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected:

• 🎨 Support the creative heart of Basalt – Donate to The Art Base

• 🖼️ See more of our community partnerships – Read the Jude Barton post

• 🏔️ Explore our work rooted in story and legacy – Browse the Portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions: Z Group, Community, and the Arts

What is The Art Base’s 10×10 Name Unseen pARTy?

The 10×10 pARTy is The Art Base’s annual silent auction and gala in Basalt, Colorado. Over 140 Roaring Fork Valley artists donate original 10×10 artworks, which are displayed anonymously until bidding closes. The event fosters community creativity, supports art education, and showcases diverse artistic talent in a uniquely democratic format.

How is Z Group involved with The Art Base?

As business neighbors on Midland Ave. in downtown Basalt, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design has partnered with The Art Base through cultural sponsorships and direct participation. In 2025, Z Group co-sponsored artist Jude Barton’s summer exhibition and attended the 10×10 gala. Members of our team, including Director of Marketing Melissa Dunfee, volunteered to support the event.

Why do architecture firms support local art institutions?

At Z Group, we believe architecture and the arts share a common foundation—both tell stories, shape emotion, and reflect community identity. Supporting local art institutions like The Art Base strengthens the creative fabric of the Roaring Fork Valley and reinforces our values of legacy, collaboration, and site-sensitive design.

What is cultural placemaking in architecture?

Cultural placemaking refers to the process of designing spaces that reflect, uplift, and integrate the culture of the community they serve. Z Group practices cultural placemaking by engaging with local institutions, supporting artists, and designing buildings that live in harmony with the landscape and the people who inhabit it.

How can I support The Art Base or attend future events?

You can support The Art Base by donating directly through their website at https://theartbase.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation-00. To attend future events, including exhibitions and creative workshops, visit theartbase.org for details and schedules.