Show Preview | Crested Butte Arts Festival

Crested Butte, CO
Downtown Crested Butte, August 5-7

Timothy White, American Prosperity “Salida del Sol,” mixed media, 42 x 42.

This story was featured in the July 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Tucked away in the East River Valley of Gunnison County, CO, Crested Butte offers an idyllic respite. Surrounded by nearly 2 million acres of national forest and mountain vistas, the once-booming coal-mining town has since become celebrated for its ski terrain and other outdoor recreational offerings. But this Rocky Mountain sanctuary offers something else worth exploring: The 44th annual Crested Butte Arts Festival beckons art enthusiasts to discover new fine-art treasures off the beaten path.

Featuring work by 175 juried artists from near and far, the festival comprises five blocks of art clustered along Elk Avenue in the town’s National Historic District. “The combination of the majestic scenery, amazing artists, and local community creates an energy you just can’t put your finger on,” says Juliette Eymere, executive director of CBAF, the nonprofit organization that hosts the festival and works year-round to support art in the valley. “Patrons plan their vacations, weddings, and family reunions around the festival dates, adding to the special feel of the weekend.”

Amid colorful 19th-century storefronts, visitors can expect to see an eclectic mix of photography, sculptures, and paintings, including western-themed oils by Utah-based artist Chung Choi, skyscapes by southwestern oil painter Charles Thomas, and mixed-media works by local artist Timothy White. “There is definitely something for every art lover,” says Eymere, noting that visitors can also find fiber arts, glass, woodwork, jewelry, ceramics, and wearables.

This quintessential summer arts festival includes live music and entertainment, children’s art activities, and an assortment of culinary treats. There’s also an art-auction tent that features original works across a variety of media donated by participating artists. The silent auction takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m., with final bids at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Proceeds from the auction benefit the CBAF’s art education and outreach programs in the community.

The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 5, and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday. —Kim Agricola

contact information
970.349.1184
www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com