Crested Butte, CO
Downtown Crested Butte, August 1-3
Yoram Gal, Seattle 3, acrylic, 58 x 46.
This story was featured in the July 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!
Nestled within the picturesque Rocky Mountains, the 42nd Crested Butte Arts Festival brings art, food, and music to the mountain town August 1-3. Considered by many to be the last great Colorado ski town, Crested Butte hosts up to 12,000 visitors—nearly six times its population—during the art-filled weekend. “We have art and culinary demonstrations and live music all weekend in addition to having 175 juried artists in 13 different mediums,” says executive director Juliette Eymere.
The festival has grown significantly from its humble beginnings decades ago when just 10 local artisans brought their work to show. By providing a plethora of entertainment for the whole family, organizers hope to inspire a local love of art. A children’s art tent is available where parents can let their kids discover their artistic talents. Artists’ demonstrations take place throughout each day so that visitors can watch and ask questions of artists, and culinary demonstrations add a delightful twist to the weekend, with a schedule of events available online. “The whole culinary aspect came out of trying to create a festival that had a little something for everyone,” Eymere says. “So even if you weren’t interested in purchasing art, you could still come to the festival and there are things for you to do.”
An art auction takes place on Sunday, and visitors may place bids on works throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the auction benefit the festival’s ArtReach programs, designed to foster a love of art in the community and to inspire budding artists. “Every year we do different programs,” Eymere says. “We had a mobile art gallery that came to our community school last year, and this year we are doing an emerging artist program.” This year’s emerging artist is Silas McDonough, an art student from Western State Colorado University. McDonough plans to create an entrance piece for this year’s festival depicting a panoramic view of Crested Butte that stands 8 feet tall and 15 feet wide. He’ll be painting and recording his progress throughout the weekend—showing visitors the festival’s ArtReach program at work. —Joe Kovack
contact information
970.349.1184
www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com
Featured in the July 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art July 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!
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