OUR HISTORY

From modest beginnings the Crested Butte Arts Festival was born out of an upstart group of locals dubbing themselves - The Crested Butte Society. The Society’s founding members were motivated to preserve the social and architectural history of Crested Butte, while nurturing the artistic energy that was flourishing within the community.

With this vision, the Society organized the first Crested Butte Arts Fair in 1971. The event provided local artists with a platform to showcase their work and earn some income, while also enriching the cultural life of the rural area. What started as an informal gathering of mainly local artisans selling handmade crafts has since grown into one of the most competitive juried fine art shows in the Western U.S.

- Mission -

The Crested Butte Society awakens and nurtures artistic enrichment throughout the Gunnison Valley.
We present the annual Crested Butte Arts Festival to sustain cultural vibrancy, advocate for a thriving creative community, and financially support local artistic programs.

- Vision -

The Crested Butte Society unites the Gunnison Valley through the transformative power of the arts.

BOARD & STAFF

The Crested Butte Society's Board of Directors consists of individuals who are deeply committed to promoting arts and culture within the community. With a wide range of professional backgrounds, we value the diverse expertise that each member brings.

Our board is a "working board," actively involved in the planning and execution of the annual festival. You'll find them in various leadership roles during the event, whether welcoming guests, selling merchandise, hosting the artist VIP House, facilitating craft projects in the Art Alley tent, or assisting patrons with bidding in the Auction tent. We are a dedicated team that works hard while staying focused on our mission to support and grow the arts in the Gunnison Valley.