Photo by Adam Rinehart

Carbondale is home to upward of 200 creative organizations, businesses, artists and artisans. Authenticity, heritage, creativity and collaboration dominate the Carbondale Creative District vision of nurturing a vibrant economy and community through the arts, and supporting Carbondale’s identity as a place that fosters creativity, collaboration, and artistic exploration. In addition to its plethora of creative organizations, artists and artisans, Carbondale boasts many annual arts and cultural events.

There is so much to explore in the Carbondale Creative District from craft breweries, farm to table food and healing gardens to artist collectives, a world class museum and unusual music venues, we have a little something for everyone!

In 2016 Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the state Office of Economic Development and International Trade, designated Carbondale as a Creative District, which is managed by Carbondale Arts. To learn more about the vision and mission of the Carbondale Creative District, read the 2023 Strategic Plan.

 

Featured Creatives

We’re regularly humbled by the abundance of creativity within our small community. Learn more about these amazing people and their offerings. Sign up for our newsletter and be sure to follow us on social media for all things Creative in Carbondale.

Featured
Reina Katzenberger: An Artist in Process
Reina Katzenberger: An Artist in Process

Local artist Reina Katzenberger is a busy woman, with several irons in the fire. She lives and breathes collaboration and creativity. We were delighted to get a glimpse of what generates her artistic momentum.

Get Wrapped Up in Powers Art Center
Get Wrapped Up in Powers Art Center

Powers Art Center just opened a new exhibition; Wrapped featuring works by Issey Miyake and Christo and Jean-Claude, on display through November 2024. We chat with director Sonya Taylor Moore about the exciting things happening just up the hill.

Clay: A Carbondale Staple
Clay: A Carbondale Staple

Locals can't deny or avoid Carbondale's Clay scene; it's so prevalent it's represented in retail, restaurants, and galleries. The hub for all things ceramics in the valley can be found at the east end of Main Street– you know the colorful buildings with the ArtStream out front? This is where you'll find those most committed to "Keeping Carbonde Dirty." Support our friends at Carbondale Clay Center at their annual fundraiser Settings: The Potter’s Table, September 23 4:30-8:30pm

 
 

Colorado Creative Corridor

Carbondale is one of five towns throughout rural Colorado that comprises The Colorado Creative Corridor, traveling some 331 miles through a handful of state certified Creative District destinations including Carbondale, Crested Butte, Paonia, Ridgway and Salida. These five towns offer a collective experience of unique event programming and activities, alongside mountain town eclecticism, majestic vistas and outdoor recreation, and authentic Colorado mountain culture.

Interested in taking a trip? Learn more at coloradocreativecorridor.com