OUR HISTORY

From humble beginnings, the Crested Butte Arts Festival emerged from the vision of a small but passionate group of locals identifying themselves as the Crested Butte Society. In the late 1960s, these founding members were driven by a shared desire to preserve town’s architectural heritage, while also nurturing the vibrant artistic spirit taking root in the valley.

Guided by this vision, the Society organized the first Crested Butte Arts Fair in 1971. The event created an annual platform for local artists to share their work, earn income, and connect with the broader community, enriching cultural life in an otherwise rural setting. What began as an informal gathering of mostly local artisans selling handmade crafts has since evolved into one of the most respected and competitive juried fine art shows in the Western United States.

- 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 find 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.