Estes Arts District

I got involved with this organization to try and develop a more prominent presence for the visual arts in Estes Park. I am a working professional artist/photographer and feel we have a long way to go in doing this. I went to a meeting of this organization last night and was heartened by the positive energy on display among the participants and decided to get involved. There is a lot of talent in this town in a lot of disciplines, but you would not know it by walking the main streets, which at present are dominated by "T-shirt and taffy tourism" We must band together and add a more progressive and culturally rich presence to this town. I have many ideas to contribute to this group and am happy to have become involved.

I was involved from the beginning in the formation of this organization and served on the first board of directors for a year. I rejoined the Board this past year and now serve as Vice President. I worked in collaboration with others to organize what became the Estes Arts District to create an umbrella organization for all of the arts in Estes Park. We have now reached a period when the focus on the arts has become vital with the need to develop a comprehensive plan for the arts as well as working to gain the designation of a Creative Arts District, through the efforts of the EAD. I look to be an active participant in these endeavors.

While Estes Arts District strives to support all aspects of the arts, it has been thrilling to watch how they have developed live music for the community. From creating great venues at pubs, breweries and restaurants to offering summer concerts and music festivals, Estes Arts District has developed a music community that has engaged locals and visitors alike. Our local talent shines and amazing bands and artists are now much easier to draw to Estes Park. It's a job well done and I am very proud of the Estes Arts District.

I first got involved with this organization as a volunteer when I first moved to Estes and they were so welcoming. Now I serve on the board and get to be apart of the energy through providing resources to local artists and creating intentional programming for the community.

Estes Arts District does some special things for the community that earn them a 5-star rating in my view. My personal favorite is the mural painted on the side of the NAPA Auto Parts store on South St Vrain. A close second is the annual Friends of Folk Festival. The festival attracts musical performers that are highly entertaining but not yet household names. The show is free of charge and open to the public - how great is that?

The Arts District of Estes Park is essential to the joys people of the community and visitors enjoy. We sure need these joys at this time! The arts are a far reaching movement for mental health. A resting spot for our minds! Promoting the art only improves the flavor of our community. Scholarships are an important part of this non profit, allowing people to further their knowledge and share back to the community.

The Estes Arts District is working to unite a fragmented, atomistic collection of arts organizations in the Estes Valley of Colorado. Herding cats. But accomplishing that slippery task will benefit each and every group in the Valley. Thanks EAD for taking this on.

The Estes Arts District is an amazing organization that strives to bring culture, arts and the Estes Valley community together in creative and fun ways. They enhance our community by hosting regular events that span our creative community from First Fridays, the Art Studio Tours and presenting the annual Friends of Fold Festival. The scholarships offered to support local artists are a much needed resource for those who have talents but not the funds to explore and enhance them.

The Estes Valley is extremely fortunate to have an organization keeping the arts alive and well.

These guys do public murals (engaging community members to contribute) related to the history of our town. They put on very well-produced concerts, one being a baby Red Rocks music festival in our local amphitheater. They put some of the culture back in a town that is overrun with tourists, which can sometimes skew the culture to dumbed-down commerce, not creativity.

i was a recipient of a generous scholarship from the estes arts district & used the funds to get some vocal coaching to further my interest & ability in performing jazz publicly. they were extremely supportive of my efforts & gave me the opportunity to perform at a festival they produce every year in estes park--my jazz debut!
i have also volunteered at several music events, serving alongside other ead board members and other volunteers and have had a lot of fun helping the ead raise funds for future events/needs. they always seek to bring quality to whatever they do.