Arts & Entertainment

Cimarron Art Glass – Elizabeth Riley

In Ridgway, our built and curated landscapes reflect the respect we have for our history and beautiful natural scenery. To further enhance our business districts and parks, a variety of artistic installations are strategically placed, creating fun routes of discovery. Colorful blooming flowers in containers around the downtown area are overseen by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to beautifying our public spaces.

Our Creative District status, re-certified in 2018, recognizes our thriving artistic and maker community. Ridgway has flourished as a statedesignated Creative District since 2013, recognized for the high percentage of talented artisans and creators who make their homes, studios, and businesses here. Galleries feature an eye-popping

Art Bar – Weehawken Creative Arts array of ceramics, metalwork, photography, mixedmedia works, pottery, paintings, sculptures, art glass, and authentic Native American crafts, with works by national and regional artists as well. Even the Ridgway Library and Town Hall display fantastic art exhibitions.

Ridgway is part of the Colorado Creative Corridor, a 331-mile route through a handful of state-certified Creative District destinations, connecting Ridgway to four towns for a collective cultural experience. Our unique event programming and activities are featured alongside mountain town eclecticism, majestic vistas, outdoor recreation, and authentic Colorado mountain culture.

Galleries, studios and shops throughout Ridgway specialize in truly unique gifts. Everyone in the family can score just the right souvenir or present to bring to friends and relatives — from African artwork to collectible rocks, children’s toys, chic clothing, jewelry, home décor with a mountain-town twist, and more. Plus, a diverse set of craftspeople are known for metal sculptures and utensils, beeswax candles, custom guitars and jewelry, handmade furniture, blown glass, and eco-friendly instrument cases.

Monthly on the First Friday every summer, the Creative District invites the community and visitors to special open house evenings featuring entertainment, refreshments, product discounts, and opportunities to meet artists. These First Friday events are a great time to visit our diverse galleries, stores and other businesses and enjoy a festive atmosphere as the long days of sunshine transition to beautiful alpenglow and amazing sunsets.