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 both preserve Crested Butte’s social and architectural history, while nurturing the artistic energy flourishing in the late 60’s.

With this vision, the Society organized the inaugural 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 community. 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

Our board is a "working board”, actively involved in the planning and execution of the annual festival. You'll board members fulfilling various leadership roles during the event. This encompasses - welcoming patrons, selling merchandise, providing artist hospitality, facilitating Art Alley craft projects, and assisting patrons 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.