Steamboat community thrives on arts
Although Steamboat Springs is well known for its skiing and recreational activities, the fine arts community finds a home of inspiration and creation in this lush and beautiful valley. The area provides artists, dancers, musicians, writers and even opera performers the opportunity to express their skilled talents to an appreciative and waiting audience.
Much of the area's art and culture is centered at the Depot Art Center. Originally a train depot, local artists wanting to preserve the heritage of the building, converted it into an art gallery in 1972. The Steamboat Springs Arts Council maintains an administrative office in the historic train Depot. The Council was founded in 1972 to promote and support programs in the arts and humanities for enrichment and education, and promotes art as a fundamental resource of the community. Art show openings and workshops take place in the visual arts gallery in the Depot, as well as cultural fundraisers and performances.
The Strings in the Mountains concert series was formed in 1988, and hosts internationally talented classical musicians and various musical entertaining styles from exceptional performers, providing Steamboat with programs that are not only the finest in musical accomplishments to hear and experience, but provide continued education and free concert programs through lecture talks, special performances and family and youth enrichment performances. Strings in the Mountains is a collaborative effort and relies on the funds of private donor support to operate its magnificent programs. Strings in the Mountains has successfully grown each year because of the quality of musical experience it has provided to the community.
More recently organized is the Emerald City Opera, also bringing to Steamboat accomplished operatic voices for the enjoyment of the local residents as well as the visitors to this area. The Emerald City Opera is dedicated to producing professional and classical opera and traditional music theater. The mission of the Emerald City Opera is to promote the arts and humanities in specific aspects of music, opera and vocal arts by aiding local artists who are performing at a professional level in their respective fields to join with recognized professionals from outside the Steamboat Springs community. The result is excellence.
Long-standing and historical, the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp was established in 1913 by Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield. It is recognized as the oldest and most unique performing arts school in the nation, and boasts a recognizable list of alumni names to its credit.
Continuing the list of talent in this area, Steamboat Springs is the home to a number of artists and working studios, and to a number of fine art galleries. Theatrical productions and ballet and dance performances are also part of the Steamboat arts culture that is woven into the beautiful tapestry of this mountain setting, just waiting to be enjoyed by the locals and the visitors to the community.
Steamboat Pilot & Today Local Newspaper
Routt County & Steamboat Springs Community Center
Steamboat Springs Arts Council
ArtLink Steamboat
Strings in the Mountains
Emerald City Opera
Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School
Yampa River Botanic Park
Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation
Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
