Yampa Valley Arts & Culture Guide. Volume 19, edition 1.

Page 1


VOL. 19, ED. 1 2025-26

elcome to Volume 19, Edition 1, of the Yampa Valley Arts & Culture Guide. For 19 years, this guide has showcased the

arts community of Steamboat Springs and the surrounding valley. These pages celebrate our local artists and explore the

woven together from our rich and diverse arts scene in Routt County.

Sophie Dingle | Kenny McCarthy | Deborah Olsen

John Sherwood | Haley Watkins | Melissa VanArsdale

The Yampa Valley Arts & Culture Guide is published twice a year by Ski Town Media, Inc. Volume 19, Edition 2 will be published in February 2026. For advertising rates, write: Ski Town Media, Inc., P.O. Box 770456, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477. Phone: 970-871-9413. Website: www.yampavalleyarts.com.

Single copy mailed first class: $6.50. No portion of the contents of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. © 2025 Ski Town Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

SAM Plein Air 2025

Event: September 19-26,

Exhibition & Sale: Sept. 26 - Nov. 1

The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion

May 31 - August 31, 2025

Lighting the Way: Robert Lougheed and his Legacy

December 5, 2025 – April 18, 2026

About the Cover

›› Fields of vibrant blue columbines dot the hillsides of North Routt County in early summer. Their breathtaking beauty captivates artist Shirley Stocks, who has portrayed Colorado’s official wildflower in oil, watercolor, pastel and etchings.

“Columbine,” Shirley’s 10”x10” etching on paper, graces the cover of this edition of the Yampa Valley Arts & Culture Guide. It was also selected for inclusion in “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion,” the summer exhibit at Steamboat Art Museum.

“It’s one of my favorite prints,” Shirley says. “I’m kind of known for my columbines. It’s my favorite flower.” They grow prolifically around her home in Hahns Peak Village, across from Steamboat Lake.

“Columbine” may eventually become a page in a limited-edition book of Shirley’s etchings of Colorado wildflowers. Each piece in the series

is designed to have a vintage flavor, almost reminiscent of botanic illustrations.

Shirley took a book-making class for the project, which is ongoing. “It could be a good project for this winter,” she says.

The first step in the etching process is drawing the flower, which involves studying it from multiple angles to ensure that the various parts of the plant are given their due.

After reversing the image and transferring it to a plate, the drawing is ready for printing on the press in her studio. The final step is to handcolor the piece with watercolors. “That’s what gives it those vivid purple hues,” she says. ■

Shirley Stocks, etching on paper, 10" x 10"

4 • Volume 19, Edition 1, 2025-26

Shirley’s work can be seen at Wildhorse Gallery downtown, by appointment at her North Routt studio or online at www.shirleystocks.com.

Welcome Letter

›› Steamboat Springs is more than just a scenic destination – it’s a vibrant, creative community where culture and connection thrive. Here, the adventurous vibe of the Rockies blends seamlessly with a love for the arts, storytelling and shared experiences. Whether you're here for a long weekend or an extended stay, you will discover countless ways to explore our town through its rich and colorful creative scene.

This Arts & Culture Guide is your curated companion to the people, places and events that define the artistic spirit of Steamboat. From visual and literary arts to live performances and public art, you’ll find something that speaks to your heart.

Seek out hidden gems and beloved institutions alike. Piknik Theatre has an enchanting new amphitheater in Strawberry Park and Wildhorse Cinema + Arts is a fresh venue for indie films, performances and creative happenings. Visit Off the Beaten Path, our beloved independent bookstore, or dive into the literary world at

Bud Werner Memorial Library. Step back in time on Tread of Pioneers Museum’s walking tours that share the town’s Olympic legacy and local lore.

If public art is what you love, take yourself on a mural tour with Steamboat Creates, or wander the whimsical paths of the Yampa River Botanic Park, where flowers, fountains and sculpture create a living art experience.

In Steamboat, we believe that art is more than expression – it’s how we connect, human to human. We invite you to immerse yourself, be inspired, and create your own unforgettable journey through our cultural landscape.

Welcome. Let the creativity begin. ■

Keith, Executive Director Steamboat Creates, Colorado Certified Creative District

The Nozcaboose sits outside the Depot Art Center, home of Steamboat Creates. The caboose is used to house an artist-in-residence during the summer months.

“Mystic,” Bronze, 6” tall x 6”x 2.5"

Neighborhood Taverns Tunes and Tales from North to South

›› Steamboat Springs boasts a vibrant live music scene but it's not just contained to city limits. The mountains are alive with the sound of music – from local acts to touring bluegrass bands, one of the best things about Routt County is that you can find live music everywhere – from North Routt to Oak Creek. Check out these off-the-beaten-path spots for great tunes, views and brews.

The Remedy, featuring Tom Wood, Roy Powell and Lee Parker, play numerous rural venues, from Hahns Peak Café to Oak Creek Tavern.

Tavern at the Glen

Fridays | 6-9 p.m. | Elk Lounge

Saddle up and settle in – Tavern at the Glen is where Old West charm meets modern flavor. Whether you’re a dust-covered ranch hand or a weekend wanderer, you’re welcome 'round this fire. Grab a seat in the cozy Elk Lounge and order a local brew. Then dig into Colorado native Chef Pete’s grilled elk sausage or a grass-fed American Wagyu burger from their neighbors at The Home Ranch. It’s the kind of place where stories are swapped and strangers become friends – all to a live soundtrack every Friday night.

TavernAtTheGlen.com

Hahns Peak Café

With cold beers, homemade eats and music echoing off the mountains, Hahns Peak Café is the heartbeat of North Routt. On warm summer evenings, grab a spot on the patio, catch local favorites like Paul Geppert or Carol ‘N’ Kat and soak in those sweeping views of Steamboat Lake. Friendly folks, mountain air and a cold one in hand – this is as close to heaven as a rancher gets.

Yampa
Local band Constant Change plays in the Elk Lounge during "S'more Music Nights" last May.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

DAWES DUO

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

VIEW THE FULL WINTER CONCERT SCHEDULE

PAVILION CONCERTS ARE AT 7:00PM

Steamboat Lake Outpost

Live music with a mountain backdrop? Yes, please. From open mic nights to foot-stomping monthly performances, Steamboat Lake Outpost isn’t just a stop – it’s a full-blown Rocky Mountain experience. Whether you’re trail-weary from a horseback ride, fresh off the lake or sipping a drink on the porch of your cabin, the Outpost offers a slice of authentic Colorado living. Music here is just the icing on the (locally baked) cake.

SteamboatLakeOutpost.com

Oak Creek Tavern

Since 1908, Oak Creek Tavern has been slingin’ drinks and serving as South Routt’s unofficial town hall. Hunters, hippies, cowboys, coal miners and ski bums have all bellied up to the bar here – and you can too. From top-shelf cocktails to no-fuss beers and shots, this joint has something for everyone. Live music fills the saloon most weekends, featuring bands like Apple Pie and a Guy or the foot-tappin’ sounds of Jay Roemer. If you’re looking for the kind of place where the beer is cold and the locals are warmer, this is it.

OakCreekTavern.com

The Swinging Lights, a band from Utah, performs at

Franciosi Brothers Thursdays | 6-8 p.m. | Live Music

Tucked into the heart of Oak Creek, Franciosi Brothers is where Italian roots meet small-town soul. Known for their dang good pizza and neighborly vibes, this is your Thursday night go-to for local music. Tyree Woods, Eric Delaney and others fill the air with mountain-grown jams under the summer sky. Whether you’re sitting inside or spread out under the stars, this is where community and melody meet.

Lupita’s Cantina Sundays | 2-5 p.m. | Live Music

Family-owned and lovingly named after their daughter, Lupita’s Cantina is a cozy little spot in downtown Oak Creek where tacos, burritos and good times come together. Tucked on the corner with sunny outdoor seating and a margarita always within reach, it’s the kind of place where locals gather and live music fills the air every Sunday. Stop by – you’ll feel right at home.

LupitasCantina.com ■

COURTESY OF PAULA JO JACONETTA/LUPITA'S CANTINA
Lupita's Cantina as part of the restaurant's live music series.

Inside the Etching Studio:

Where Gears, Copper and Creativity Converge

›› Up Elk River Road, near Hahns Peak Village, sits a beautiful barn built as an artists' studio haven. Filled with collections of art, and studios for both Shirley Stocks and her husband, Rich Galusha, the two have created something wonderful that embodies the past, present and future of their art.

The studio houses a 1904 Sturgis press with thick, cast-iron gears and a surprising grace. “It is so much fun to work on,” Shirley says, beaming as she gestures to the big black machine that anchors the space. “The big gears work like a charm. There is nothing fancy about it but it is incredible because it is so well built.” After searching for nearly a year for the right press to fit her vision, she found one that was restored with care. It now lives in a dedicated etching studio, complete with running water and all of the amenities needed for production of a variety of printing techniques.

While her painting studio remains at her historic log cabin, this new space is designed specifically for printmaking – something Shirley first fell in love with during her time at Riverhouse Editions in the ’90s. Riverhouse was a collaborative hub where artists could gather, learn and create under the guidance of master printers. It was there where Shirley worked on massive copper plates and a variety of techniques honing her printmaking craft. Now, she prefers smaller pieces. The spirit of collaboration continues at Sue Oehme’s own studio today, even though the original Riverhouse no longer exists.

One gets an idea of her process glancing around the sunlit room.

A drafting table near the window holds watercolored prints and works-in-progress. To one side sits a polished black stainless steel sink. Next to that, a row of small

"Autumn Blaze", Shirley Stocks oil on canvas, 40" x 22"

acid baths. Shelves hold rollers, inks and tubes of “BIG” – a safer, less toxic alternative to traditional asphaltum. She keeps three separate cloths for the wiping process, each with a different level of cleanliness, and her work surface bears the satisfying marks of many prints.

When she begins a new etching, it usually starts with a photograph or her drawing. She’ll edit it on her computer – turning it to black and white to better see the values, then flipping it so the final print will read correctly. From there, she draws the image by hand and prepares the copper plate with care: beveling the sharp edges, painting the back to prevent acid from eating through and applying her ground.

The techniques vary. She might use a hard ground, which requires baking, or experiment with soft ground drawing. “I’ve recently been exploring alternatives to powdered rosin for aquatinting – like pressing sandpaper onto the plate to create texture,” she says. “It’s way less toxic and I like how it prints.”

Her voice speeds up when she talks about the process. There’s a rhythm to it now: draw, etch, block out, scratch in. She shows a print made with layers of aquatint, areas blocked out with paint markers, and subtle drypoint details added at the end for sharpness. “I wanted just a little more detail, so I went in and scratched,” she explains.

Shirley Stocks in her North Routt studio with her 1904 Sturgis press.

Some prints are rich in color, others in texture. One piece – nothing but controlled scribbles – demonstrates how little precision is actually required to evoke emotion. Another, with deep, rich hues and exact registration, involved printing from two plates: yellow, green and red. “You have to line it up exactly,” she says. “It’s a challenge, which is probably why I like it. I don’t have as much control as I do when I’m painting with oils.”

This winter, she gave herself permission to experiment – to try different methods, tools and styles. The studio became a place of play and precision, memory and motion. She credits Sue Oehme, a renowned local master printer, for helping her get back into it. A few days working in Sue’s studio, and then together in Shirley’s studio, brought clarity and momentum. Sue is praised as a master printer – technically skilled, creatively bold and patient as a teacher. “‘You need to feel a little more soft with that,’ she might say, guiding with a firm but kind hand,” Shirley says. “She is an outstanding teacher and the best master printer I have ever worked with.”

A glance around the room reveals that everything in this space has a story. The press has history. The prints have layers. Even the furniture has character. There is no question: This is a working studio. But more than that, it’s a space where decades of skill, experimentation and passion come together, etched into every plate and pressed into every print. ■

DEBORAH OLSEN/SKI TOWN MEDIA

Steamboat Dances to the Beat of the African Drum

›› Fara Tolno – although a Guinea native – is no stranger to Steamboat Springs. That’s because Steamboat’s roots with African dance and drum run deep. They can be traced back to when Robin Getter introduced the craft to the community in the '80s. In the decades that followed, Steamboat has embraced African dance and drums, creating a community of people who have choreographed dances for Steamboat Dance Theatre, attended workshops across the country (and the world, even) and hosted events that bring master drummers to Steamboat because, as they point out, you can’t have African dance without African drums.

Early in August, Fara returned to Steamboat once again, taking up residency to teach a children’s camp at the Depot Art Center, an adult dance class and also a musicians' class. The week culminates in a showcase on Friday evening, which is also a fundraiser for Fara’s nonprofit, the Kissidugu Foundation.

The August residency was special to the Steamboat community, points out Jennie Lay, who has long been a part of the African dance and drum community here. “It's a chance for people to dive in again, reigniting both the vibe and volunteerism that goes into putting on an event like this,” she says. Jennie, along with Angie Carroll, has taken classes with Fara for nearly three decades. Angie, who is the executive director of Fara’s foundation, helped him lead the camp and workshops in August.

“When Fara came to the States – in 1998, from Guinea – he eventually moved to Durango,” Angie explains. “He’s been this hub in Colorado for a

Fara Tolno plays a gig at the New West Fest with Otis Taylor. Since he moved to the United States, he has toured many mountain towns teaching dancing and drumming to locals.

long time so a lot of Colorado dancers know him and have studied with him. We’ve built this community by going to the annual camps and conferences together. It really started from a small community of people who connected with the dance and drum aspect. Once we found it, we all started building community and friendship that has grown.”

Bringing Fara to Steamboat creates an opportunity for a new generation to get involved in what is often described as a “big, enthusiastic” dance and drum community. “When we go to camps in other communities, they all know us,” Jennie says.“People just really love and appreciate it here.” With several sold-out shows at Strings over the years and a handful of old timers who know him and love him well, Fara has deep ties to Steamboat. “He’s truly a master and he’s truly a friend to Steamboat," Jennie says. ■

JENNIFER BAKER

MOUNTAIN INSET

Mt. Werner Rd.
Mt. Werner Cir.
Ski Time Square Dr.

Steamboat Creates at the Depot Art Center

1001 13th St., 970-879-9008

Riverwalk Collective at the Depot Art Center

1001 13th St., 970-879-9008

Roots & Roost, Co.

1015 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-4990

Schoonover Gallery Fine Art

929 Lincoln Ave., 817-891-0200

The Westerly

907 Lincoln Ave., 970-761-2644

Slifer, Smith & Frampton

56 Ninth St., 970-870-8885

Ohana

843 Lincoln Ave., 970-367-3008

Jace Romick Gallery

837 Lincoln Ave., 970-819-9384

Steamboat Art Museum

807 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-1755

West Lyfe

729 Lincoln Ave., 720-625-1101

The Alley Gallery & Art Studio

729 Lincoln Ave., 970-819-1360

Zandee Gallery

703 Lincoln Ave., 720-470-1610

Wild Horse Gallery

802 Lincoln Ave.

970-879-5515, 970-819-2850

Brinkman Collaborative Space

111 8th St., 970-819-3682

Tread of Pioneers Museum

800 Oak St., 970-879-221

Pine Moon Fine Art

117 Ninth St., 970-879-2787

Rumor Design & Redesign

912 Lincoln Ave., 970-819-9721

Strings Music Festival

900 Strings Rd.

970-879-5056 ext. 105

Map Key: Museums and galleries

Other First Friday/art venues

Decorating Steamboat

Where to view the newest pieces of public art in Steamboat Springs

Artist Melanie Damore puts the finishing touches on her mural at the Old Town Hot Springs.

›› Bask in the alpenglow at the Old Town Hot Springs

A few of the things you will see as you enter downtown Steamboat Springs: an elk bugling, cranes on takeoff, a handful of vibrant Indian paintbrushes. This is what adorns Steamboat’s newest downtown mural, "Vibrant Valley, Heart of the Springs,” painted by Denver-based artists Melanie Damore and Catie Michel. To gather inspiration for the mural – which adorns an outside wall at the Old Town Hot Springs – Melanie interviewed locals to ask what parts of Steamboat make them feel at home. The answers ranged from the hippie hot springs and wildflowers to the Yampa River and Howelsen Hill, all of which are incorporated in the mural. Cranes flying through the picture signify the migration that happens each year and of course, Melanie says, they had to add in some aspens. The elk is a reminder of a morning in 1956 when an elk took a swim in the Heart Spring. It’s a little bit of everything Steamboat.

Head to the lawn at the library for a whimsical tribute

The statue of the bear adorned with a crown and wings that you’ll find on the lawn at the library isn’t just a whimsical sculpture – it’s a memorial to one of Steamboat’s great artists who died in 2020. As fellow local artists searched for a way to honor the memory and legacy of Susan Schiesser, they wondered, ‘what would Susan want?’ The answer lies in this piece, by local sculptor Sandy Graves. Titled “Walks on Water,” it was inspired by a piece of Susan’s with a similar name, “She Walks on Water.” “Her words were about ecology,” Sandy explains. “The bear is the protector of the Yampa Valley, and the crown and the wings have to do with the spiritual element. There is also a regal element –nature is something to be revered, and what was here before we were here.” An influential force in the Steamboat art world, Susan’s memory now lives on through this sculpture. “She was that necessary outside influence that brought in a more modern approach, a more varied approach to what art – public art – could be in our community,” Sandy says. “I think she really broke us out of this sense that all we were was ‘old West’; we could be more than just that. And we can show the vitality and the youthfulness of our community and the creativity of our community by breaking that mold.”

Yampa Valley Arts & Culture Guide • 21

Sandy Graves' sculpture, "Walks on Water," which sits outside of the library, honors local artist Susan Schiesser.

It’s not your first rodeo

Feel the love at the One Love Steamboat mural

Several years ago, there was a string of hate graffiti that appeared around Steamboat Springs. One target was the wall at the entrance to the tunnel under U.S. 40 from Starbucks to Walgreens. Community leaders planned to paint something to cover it up but didn’t know how to begin. That’s when local teacher Garret Bock stepped in. “I heard about it through the grapevine and said I can do it, and fast,” Garret says. He rallied his students, gathered design input from the school and the students and when they showed up to paint, it was done in two hours. “‘One Love’ felt like an all-encompassing phrase to combat the hate we were seeing,” Garret says. It was a win-win: the hate was erased and the community can enjoy the mural and its message.

Kentucky-based artist Brandon Owen was invited into the Steamboat Springs community through his friends at The Westerly in downtown Steamboat. “We connected through the contemporary Western art scene and over time, built a real bond,” Brandon says. “I’ve made a few trips to Steamboat now, and each time I visit, the crew grows and I always leave with more friends than I came with.” So when Westerly owner Ryan Scheer pitched the mural idea to him, he was intrigued. “At the time, I was on the road from Kentucky, delivering artwork to Telluride,” he recalls. “During the evenings, when I wasn’t driving, I started developing ideas for the mural. By the time I arrived in Steamboat, I was ready to dive into the project.” The image features a strong, fierce woman (“with all that emotion captured in her eyes,” Brandon says). It’s in line with the Western figures he often

The "One Love Steamboat" mural, created by local students, lines the entrance to the tunnel under U.S. 40 from Starbucks to Walgreens.

depicts and has become known for. The saying – “It Never Has To Feel Like Your First Rodeo” (and following in smaller letters, “even if it is”) – adds an extra boost of confidence for anyone heading out into the mountains.

The gates to the Yampa River Botanic Park

The Yampa River Botanic Park is filled with floral artistry and pieces of public art – but it all starts at the front gate. Aspens weave their way up the metal, giving an illusion of a river winding through the trunks. It’s an upgrade from the chain link fence that used to be in its place. Impractical for wheelchairs and strollers, not to mention unsightly, in the winter of 2021, a committee made up of Botanic Park board members decided to change that. The committee researched and reviewed gate designs from all over the world and decided that hiring a local artist was important to the project. After several metal workers were interviewed, it was ultimately Mountain

Tap Metals that won the selection process. Primary artist Tim Wilson and his team created the individual pieces of the gate, which came together after several months of work, creating a stunning entranceway to the gardens.

Jennifer MacNeil, the park’s executive director, has often been told that it could be a contender for the best piece of public art in Steamboat Springs. ■

Yampa Valley Arts & Culture Guide • 23
The entry gates to the Yampa River Botanic Park are often considered one of the best pieces of public art in Steamboat.
COURTESY OF YAMPA RIVER BOTANIC PARK/SANDI MOLEN

Free Flow By

›› Artist Chris Ruff grew up with his very own gallery. It was housed prominently in his family home in Steamboat Springs – on the refrigerator. “Mom hung all my artwork,” he says with a huge grin.

Today the Routt County native is packing his paints and heading to Portland, Oregon, where he plans to turn his hobby and longtime daily habit into a profession. “After the pandemic when things got slower, I really started to evaluate how much time I spent painting and realized I needed and wanted to do more with my art,” he says.

Home in recent years has been Bend, Oregon, where until now, he was a high school teacher. A graduate of the University of Denver, his chosen field was geography, a decision inspired by a childhood spent with hands in the dirt and his feet in streams. Those sensory-driven memories translate visually in his artwork. “My paintings are very autobiographical,” he says, attributing his subject matter – often of fish, rivers and mountains, to his childhood.

Chris Ruff, oil on canvas, 15" x 30"

“Some of my earliest memories are being in a dory boat or a raft on the river,” he continues.

Chris’s parents, Jeff and Lisa, are qualified fishing guides and would take Chris and his brother, Drew, on countless excursions, instilling an appreciation for waterways and open spaces.

“I first rode the White Rim in a baby seat on my mom’s bike,” he says with more laughter. The family often features in his work. “He painted an incredible piece for Mother’s Day of a person on a horse set in a spectacular Southwest backdrop,” Lisa says. “You can literally feel the awe from the rider emanating right out of the painting.”

Another favorite piece depicts his brother casting in a river standing in an inch of water.

“To me, Drew walks on water and it looks like he is doing just that in the painting,” Chris says.

His artistic drive started at an early age in art class at Strawberry Park Elementary, where he’d fill page after page of creations in pencil and crayon. In middle school he morphed into acrylics painting favorite sports personalities.

In high school he found his favorite medium and adopted his own style. His teacher, local artist Rich Galusha, remembers him as a prolific student. “He produced more artwork than any student and was very adaptable working with many mediums,” Rich says.

Chris focused on what he saw in his subject matter rather than what he thought he saw. “I paint from my subconscious in a flow state,” he says. He wants those viewing his work to sense an otherworldly perspective.

“Chris sees things most people don’t, with an insight to capture alternative points of view,” Lisa says. “He will anthropomorphize

subjects, something I feel is deeply unique about his work.”

The overarching sensory aspect in his art speaks to his choice of oil for its ability to change and mold strokes. There is a parallel in his creative process with the rhythms he witnesses in nature, whether from striations in a landscape to the movement of a fish.

“I want my paintings to emulate the beauty and grandeur of the natural world,” says the man who can attribute his deep-set love of the outdoors to his Yampa Valley roots. ■

"Looking Upstream," Chris Ruff, oil on canvas, 10" x 20"
Yampa Valley Arts

2025-26 Arts & Culture Calendar

Ongoing

"Triumph and Perseverance: The Olympic Legacy in Steamboat Springs"

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday

Tread of Pioneers Museum, www.treadofpioneers.org

Music on the Green

10-10:45 a.m., Wednesdays through Aug. 20

Yampa River Botanic Park, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

Yoga on the Green

9-10 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Aug. 30

Yampa River Botanic Park, www.yampariverbotanicpark.org

Sound Meditation

7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays though Aug. 30

Yampa River Botanic Park, www.yampariverbotanicpark.com

"The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion"

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday through Aug. 31

Steamboat Art Museum, steamboatartmuseum.org

Yoga on the Mountain

10:30-11:30 a.m., Sundays through Sept. 7, Thunderhead Lawn outside Thunderhead Lodge, www.steamboat.com

Guided Walking Tours

10-11:30 a.m., Fridays and Sundays through Sept. 14

Yampa River Botanic Park, www.yampariverbotanicpark.org

Steamboat Springs Farmers Market

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays through Sept. 20, Yampa Street between Fifth and Eighth streets, www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

Sunset Happy Hour

Most Thursdays and Sundays through Sept. 28

Thunderhead Lodge, Steamboat Ski Area www.steamboat.com

Brown Bag Storytelling Series

12-1 p.m., Fridays through Aug. 29, Tread of Pioneers Museum www.treadofpioneers.org

Social Gardening

9 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesdays through Oct. 1

Yampa River Botanic Park, www.yampariverbotanicpark.org

"Lighting the Way: Robert Lougheed and his Legacy"

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 5 through April 16

Steamboat Art Museum, steamboatartmuseum.org

"Foundations of Steamboat: The Heid Family"

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday through December 2025 www.treadofpioneers.org

Live Music Saturdays

8-10 p.m., Saturdays, The Corner Slice www.thecornersliceco.com

August

1 First Friday ArtWalk

5-8 p.m., downtown, Steamboat Springs www.steamboatcreates.org

1 Jarabe Mexicano

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

2025-26 Arts & Culture Calendar

1 Joslyn & The Sweet Compression

6-9 p.m., Steamboat Square www.steamboat.com

1 Mihali: Before the Dream Tour

9:30 p.m., Old Town Pub www.otpsteamboat.com

1, 2 Summer Stand-up Series with Aaron Naylor

7:30-9 p.m., Schmiggity’s www.steamboatcomedy.com

2 SAM Printmaking Workshop with Jill Bergman

12-4 p.m., Steamboat Art Museum www.steamboatartmuseum.org

2 Coca Cola Movies on the Mountain

9 p.m., Steamboat Square www.steamboat.com

2 Czech Mates

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

3 Mountain Grass Unit

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

5 Erinys Quartet

6 p.m., Hayden Granary www.stringsmusicfestival.com

5 Lulie Crawford’s Wildflowers and Watercolors

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Yampa River Botanic Park www.treadofpioneers.org

5 Guided Meditation

12-1 p.m., Yampa River Botanic Park www.yampariverbotanicpark.org

6 Colony Funk

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

6 Music on the Green: Suzy & Andy Pratt

10 a.m., Yampa River Botanic Park www.stringsmusicfestival.com

6 Twilight Yoga

7 p.m., Festival Park www.stringsmusicfestival.com

6 Strings Unbound

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

7 TopHouse

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

7 Summer Concert: Neon Nostalgia

7 p.m., Steamboat Square steamboatsymphony.org

8 Open Rehearsal for Families & Friends

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

8, 9 SAM Workshop:

"Introducing Moku Hanga: Japanese Woodblock Printing with Leon Loughridge" 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Steamboat Art Museum steamboatartmuseum.org

9 Rhapsody In Blue with Orchestra

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

9 New Orleans Suspects 5:30 p.m., Howelsen Hill www.keepinitfree.com

9 Coca Cola Movies on the Mountain

9 p.m., Steamboat Square www.steamboat.com

9 The Mammoths

9 p.m., Schmiggity’s schmiggitys.com

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

13 Lowdown Brass Band

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

13 Music on the Green: Kolby Morris-Dahary

10 a.m., Yampa River Botanic Park www.stringsmusicfestival.com 13 Twilight Yoga

7 p.m., Festival Park www.stringsmusicfestival.com

13 Cliburn Gold Medalist

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com 14 Boombox

9 p.m., Schmiggity’s schmiggitys.com

14 Atlanta Rhythm Section

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

15 Jon Muq House Party

5:30 p.m., Alpine Mountain Ranch www.stringsmusicfestival.com

15, 16 Summer Stand-up

Series with Ben Frank

7:30 p.m., Schmiggity’s www.steamboatcomedy.com

16 The Vegabonds

9:30 p.m., Schmiggity’s schmiggitys.com

16 Jon Muq

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

19 Crystal Gayle

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

20 The Burroughs

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

20 Music on the Green: Chantil Dukart

10 a.m., Yampa River Botanic Park www.stringsmusicfestival.com

22 Comedy on the Mountain with Pat Treuer

7:30 p.m., Thunderhead Lodge www.steamboatcomedy.com

22 Giant Walking Robots

9:30 p.m., Schmiggity’s schmiggitys.com

24 Wish You Were Pink

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

24 Allen Stone

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

27 Selasee & The Fafa Family

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

28 SAM Workshop: "Paint a Crane with Sumi Ink"

5:30-6:30 p.m., Steamboat Art Museum steamboatartmuseum.org

28-31 Yampa Valley Crane Festival

Various locations throughout Routt County, www.coloradocranes.org

29, 30 Summer Stand-up

Series with Shanel Hughes

7:30 p.m., Schmiggity’s www.steamboatcomedy.com

30 Magoo

6 p.m., Steamboat Square www.steamboat.com

Janet Panebaker is "Sandy" the crane at the Yampa Valley Crane Festival, which occurs each summer throughout Routt County.

2025-26 Arts & Culture Calendar

31 The Brothers Comatos

5:30 p.m., Howelsen Hill www.keepinitfree.com

September

3 The Fretliners

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

5 First Friday ArtWalk

5-8 p.m., downtown Steamboat Springs www.steamboatcreates.org

10 Runaway Grooms

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

12, 13 Summer Stand-up

Series with Lisa Curry

7:30, Schmiggity’s www.steamboatcomedy.com

17 Magic Beans

6:30 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

19 Hot Tuna

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

"Rabbit Ears Nocturn"

Rose daRosa, oil on linen, 9" x 15"

19 Desert Child

9:30 p.m., Schmiggity’s schmiggitys.com

19-26 SAM Plein Air 2025

Various locations in Steamboat Springs steamboatartmuseum.org

26 Falling in Love with Cree Carrico

6:30 p.m., Bud Werner Memorial Library www.operasteamboat.org

26, 27 Fall Concert: "And a River Runs Through It"

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion steamboatsymphony.org

27, 29 SAM Plein Air Workshop with Gail Denton

9 a.m.-4 p.m.,Steamboat Art Museum steamboatartmuseum.org

28 Putting the Giant to Sleep

2 p.m., Snow Bowl www.snowbowlsteamboat.com

October

2 2025 Manhattan Short Film Festival

6:30 p.m., Bud Werner Memorial Library steamboatlibrary.org

3 First Friday ArtWalk

5-8 p.m., downtown Steamboat Springs www.steamboatcreates.org

4 Dawes Duo

7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

4-11 Restaurant Week

Various locations www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

10 Musical Stargazing: Jay Roemer

6 p.m., Lake Catamount www.stringsmusicfestival.org

11 Musical Stargazing: Chamberlain Birch

6 p.m., Lake Catamount www.stringsmusicfestival.org

31 Halloween Stroll

5-7 p.m., downtown Lincoln Avenue www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

November

7 First Friday ArtWalk

5-8 p.m., downtown Steamboat Springs www.steamboatcreates.org

7 BUGS

5:30 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

27 Community Thanksgiving Dinner Routt County United Way unitedwayoftheyampavalley.org

29 Light Up the Night

6-6:30 p.m., Courthouse Lawn in downtown Steamboat Springs www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

29 Small Business Saturday Various locations www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

December

5 First Friday ArtWalk

5-8 p.m., downtown Steamboat Springs www.steamboatcreates.org

5, 6 Finding Christmas: Home for the Holidays

Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 7 p.m., Strings Music Pavilion steamboatsymphony.org

6, 13, 20 Holidays in the Rockies

Depot Art Center www.steamboatcreates.org

11, 12 All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

6:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church www.oprasteamboat.org

12, 13 The Nutcracker Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. Strings Music Pavilion www.stringsmusicfestival.com

January

2 First Friday ArtWalk

5-8 p.m., downtown Steamboat Springs www.steamboatcreates.org

5-10 The Music Fest

Steamboat Ski Area www.themusicfest.com

• 31

YAMPA VALLEY ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE DIRECTORY

artists

Jennifer Baker

Pine Moon Fine Art

970-819-7879

www.jenniferbakerglassart.com

Glassworks introducing vibrant colors and depth from landscapes to sculpture. Art for special spaces. Contact for commission requests. Private showings by appointment.

Denise Bohart

970-819-1362

www.denisebohart.com

Kiln-fired glass in two and three dimensions; contemporary design and abstract imagery inspired by the world around us and within us.

Gabbi DelBello

914-954-1381 gd287@cornell.edu

Custom portraits of pets, people and homes. Styles include watercolor, acrylic, ink and charcoal. Available to contact by email for commission requests.

Sandy P. Graves

970-846-0201

www.sandygravesart.com

Original, energetic, equine, wildlife and other. Sandy’s whimsical, hand-colored bronze maintains a levity rarely found in sculpture. Hours by appointment, Mondays and Fridays.

Paula Jo Jaconetta Fine Art

970-846-5940

www.paulajojaconetta.com

Rooted in the striking landscapes of the Yampa Valley, Paula Jo’s work is an ongoing dialogue between memory, meaning and the creative spark.

Marion Kahn Fine Art

501-680-1565 www.marionkahnfineart.com

American oil painter capturing moments of exceptional beauty and sometimes humor. Marion's work includes abstracts, landscapes, skyscapes and wildlife. Commissions welcome.

artist and galleries

Dedi Knox Pine Moon Fine Art

117 Ninth St. 970-819-9707, 970-879-2787

Dedi’s watercolors reflect her belief that life’s experiences carry you deeper into self-discovery, only if you are willing to be patient and to risk time and effort.

Sarah Newman

1001 13th Street 970-879-9008 etsy.com/shop/xroadsclothing

Drawn to capturing fragility, presevation, fleeting moments and timelessness. Stop in or call for more information, hours at the Caboose vary in the summer.

Smeeny Made Wild

SmeenyMadeWild.com hello@smeenymadewild.com

Handmade knitwear for outdoor adventures. Mentorships and retreats for purpose-driven creatives. Let’s rewild life and business.

Glenna Olmsted

GlennaO Fine Arts glenna@zirkel.us www.glennao.com

Brilliantly colored oil paintings shown exclusively in Steamboat. Plein air landscapes and whimsical pieces with impressionistic flare. Email for more information.

JRsDesignsDen

201-780-1006

Facebook @jrsdesignsden

Unique ski and snowboard furniture, games, art and more – handcrafted here in Steamboat. Shop online or visit me at the Steamboat Farmers Market this summer. Custom orders available!

Undiscovered Earth

970-846-6768 www.undiscoveredearth.org

Undiscovered Earth is pioneering new approaches to arts as a tool for mental health, a vehicle to build community and creativity as a way of life.

galleries

The Alley Gallery & Art Studios

729 Lincoln Ave.

(In the alley between seventh and eighth Streets.) www.alleygallerysteamboat.com

Ann: 970-761-3102

Jill: 970-819-2400

Jace Romick Gallery

Painter Ann Feldman and printmaker Jill Bergman work and exhibit in the back of a charming brick building downtown. SEE AD PAGE 2

833 Lincoln Ave.

970-819-9384 www.jaceromickgallery.com

Jace Romick's photography alongside a collection of fine art and sculpture, bespoke home furnishings and the photographic art studies of Roland Reed (1864-1934).

Pine Moon Fine Art

117 Ninth St.

970-879-2787 www.pinemoonfineart.com

SEE AD PAGE 14

A distinctly unique gallery, Pine Moon Fine Art curates a new exhibition every month with both traditional and contemporary works for every taste.

Steamboat Art Museum and Store

807 Lincoln Ave. 970-870-1755

www.steamboatartmuseum.org

Seasonal exhibitions celebrating the work of past and living masters relevant to the culture of the West, and educational opportunities for all ages.

Steamboat Creates

Depot Art Center | 1001 13th St. 970-879-9008 www.steamboatcreates.org

The foundational organization for arts and culture. Galleries, classes, events, advocacy and opprotunities. Certified Colorado Creative District.

Tread of Pioneers Museum

800 Oak St.

970-879-2214 www.treadofpioneers.org

The museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits featuring regional history for everyone of all ages. See website for listing of exhibits, events, programs and tours.

gallery, preformaning arts and garden

Wild Horse Gallery

802 Lincoln Ave. 970-879-5515 www.wildhorsegallery.com

Fine contemporary realism by local, regional and nationally known artists for the discriminating collector. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., or call for appointment, 970-819-2850. SEE AD BACK COVER

Zandee Gallery

703 Lincoln Ave.

720-470-1610 www.tzimages.com

SEE AD PAGE 31

Explore the world of Tim Zandee's landscape photography. Private appointments available.

Steamboat Dance Theatre

steamboatdancetheatre.org

Enriching the Yampa Valley through events, scholarships and programs. Donate or join today at steamboatdancetheatre.org.

Steamboat Symphony Orchestra

www.steamboatsymphony.org

SEE AD PAGE 13

Intergrating the experience of orchestral music into the heart of our community through outstanding performances and accessible music education. Visit website for upcoming events.

Strings Music Pavilion

950 Strings Rd.

970-879-5056, ext. 105 (box office) www.stringsmusicfestival.com

Strings offers year-round music for all tastes from classical to contemporary. Exceptional performances in an intimate setting.

10

Yampa River Botanic Park

1000 Pamela Lane

970-846-5172 www.yrbp.org

Six-acre botanical garden along the Yampa River blooms from spring to fall. Enjoy 27 sculptures and performing arts programs throughout the summer. Free.

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