what's up in the west
ART IN THE PARK CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN STEAMBOAT Words by Kimberly Nicoletti | Photo courtesy of Steamboat Creates
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WWn July 8-9, 2023, 150 juried artists from across the country gather for Art in
the Park, the largest arts festival in Northwest Colorado. Art in the Park celebrates 50 years this summer with a wide range of artistic mediums, including clay, fiber, glass and metal sculptures, jewelry, paper, wood and two-dimensional fine art, such as paintings and photography. The free, family-friendly festival also offers small-batch retail food items, cottage items and books (with visiting authors) in addition to live entertainment and interactive creative stations. Kids will also love the face painting, balloon animals and henna tattoos. Steamboat Creates, a community-oriented nonprofit with a deep history of supporting artists and cultural activities in the region, manages and produces the event. Located in the grassy West Lincoln Park, which features
12
naturally-occurring
hot
springs
along
the
mighty Yampa River, vendors showcase their unique, handcrafted goods. The event draws approximately 10,000 attendees throughout the weekend. “We are continually looking for ways to innovate and entertain our festival-goers. There is something special for everyone,” says Kim Keith, executive director of Steamboat Creates. About 250 artists submit applications, and Steamboat Creates chooses only the top 150. Judging criteria includes artistic merit, professionalism, quality, innovation and uniqueness of work. All artists are encouraged to demonstrate their craft during the festival. “It is fun and colorful,” Keith adds. “Expect to be greeted with our famous Western hospitality. We like to say a ‘warm welcome’ and a ‘fond farewell.’” : steamboatcreates.org
