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Art in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Art in Crested Butte and Gunnison can be found in galleries, at event venues and out on the street. Two arts centers and two certified Colorado Creative Districts weave art into everyday life through live music, events and public art displays. This guide to the Gunnison Valley’s arts scene contains everything you want to know about local art, music and festivals.

Top photo by Eric Phillips / Phillips Photo

Arts centers in the Gunnison Valley

The Gunnison Valley is home to two arts centers, one in Gunnison and one in Crested Butte. The arts centers act as the hubs of the local arts community and support the Creative District designations (more on that below).

Center for the Arts Crested Butte

The Center for the Arts is Crested Butte’s largest music and event venue. The state-of-the-art building was completed in 2019. It features a 350-seat theater and 28,000 square feet of multi-use space. Check their calendar for upcoming music shows and performances. Every Monday in summer, the Center for the Arts hosts the Alpenglow concert series, featuring free outdoor shows by musicians from all over the world.

Situated just steps from downtown Crested Butte, the Center is also the perfect venue for a private group event or wedding.

Visit the Center for the Arts website
Gunnison Arts Center stone storefront in spring.

Gunnison Arts Center

Housed in a historic building in the heart of downtown Gunnison, the Gunnison Arts Center offers art classes and events. The space features three galleries with rotating exhibitions.

Visit the Arts Center website

Photo: John Fellows creates art at his studio in Crested Butte

The Gunnison & Crested Butte Creative Directory

The Gunnison Valley’s Creative Districts curate an artist directory featuring creatives of all stripes, from musicians to ceramicists. Browse the directory to support the valley’s artists and shop local. Whether you’re looking to hire a muralist or buy locally made earrings, the creative directory will guide you in the right direction.

Find a local artist

Shop for local art

Art galleries in Crested Butte and Gunnison

The local scenery has a strong influence on Gunnison Valley artists, with many pieces featuring mountain imagery and Colorado wildlife. The art galleries in Crested Butte and Gunnison showcase unique pieces to display in your home as a souvenir of your trip. Art also makes a perfect gift to friends and family. Browse business listings below to find a gallery that suits your taste.

FIND AN ART GALLERY IN CRESTED BUTTE AND GUNNISON

Annual art events

Crested Butte Arts Festival

Every August, hundreds of booths fill Elk Avenue during the Crested Butte Arts Festival. Browse art in many forms, from landscape photography to handcrafted jewelry. The Arts Festival is one of the town’s most beloved and longest-running events.

Crested Butte Film Festival

The Crested Butte Film Festival brings an eclectic selection of films from around the world to screens in Crested Butte every September.

Mountain Words Festival

The Mountain Words Festival celebrates literature through readings, workshops and panels featuring world-class writers. The event is held annually in May.

More art events in the Gunnison Valley

Check our events calendar for more art-related events.

Colorado Creative Districts

The Gunnison Valley is home to two of Colorado’s 30 designated Creative Districts. The Creative District certification recognizes communities that celebrate an area’s unique art and culture. Colorado Creative Districts invigorate the economy while enriching the experiences of locals and visitors alike.

Gunnison Creative District

The Gunnison Creative District hosts events and highlights local artists in the south end of the Gunnison Valley. On the first Friday of every month, join the Gunnison art community in an art walk through downtown. See what’s new at the Gunnison Arts Center and at galleries around town. The event often features live music.

Crested Butte Creative District

The Crested Butte Creative District supports the north valley’s creative community by providing resources, opportunities and education to artists. The Crested Butte Creative District also administers grant funds to local artists and organizations through the Artist Enrichment Grant.

More things to do in Crested Butte and Gunnison

For more activities in the Gunnison Valley, check out our guide of things to do here. 

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