The Crested Butte Arts Festival in Colorado offers a perfect blend of breathtaking mountain landscapes, a dynamic cultural scene, and a flourishing arts community.
This premier high-country arts event has attracted talented artists worldwide for over 50 years. With approximately 165 juried artists showcasing their work, this festival offers a competitive platform to exhibit and sell your art to a diverse and enthusiastic audience of over 10,000 patrons.
Not only will you have the opportunity to connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts, but the festival’s proceeds will support sustainable outreach programs for the arts in the Gunnison Valley.
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Contact Information
| Website: | crestedbutteartsfestival.com |
| When: | Yearly in August |
| email: | info@crestedbutteartsfestival.com |
| Facebook: | CBArtsFestival |
| Instagram: | cbartsfest |
About the Festival
The Crested Butte Arts Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind event that stands out in the crowded landscape of art festivals. Its unique location in the picturesque mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado, adds a touch of magic to the experience.
Artists and visitors alike are captivated by the breathtaking panoramic vistas and charming downtown setting, creating a truly inspiring backdrop for the festival.
With a rich history dating back to 1971, the Crested Butte Arts Festival has established itself as a premier cultural attraction in the region. What began as a modest gathering of local artisans has evolved into a highly competitive, juried art show featuring over 165 artists worldwide.
The festival’s popularity grows yearly, attracting over 10,000 patrons who flock to Crested Butte to immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene. The diverse range of art mediums and the high quality of the exhibited works contribute to the festival’s appeal.
Venue Information
Crested Butte, a charming mountain town tucked away in the heart of Colorado, captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural scenery and artistic flair. The town’s stunning mountain vistas, quaint downtown area, and vibrant arts scene have made it a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and adventure seekers worldwide.
The Crested Butte Arts Festival takes place in the town’s historic downtown area. This central location allows festival-goers to explore the town’s unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, immersing themselves in the local culture.
The festival’s outdoor venue spans four blocks of Elk Avenue and adjoining side streets, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere for artists and visitors alike.
Beyond the festival, Crested Butte offers many activities and attractions to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and skiing during winter. The town’s vibrant arts community is reflected in its various galleries, live performances, and cultural events throughout the year.
Opportunity for Artists
With an estimated attendance of 10,000-12,000 patrons over three days, the festival offers artists significant exposure to a large and diverse audience of art enthusiasts and potential buyers. This high level of attendance translates into a promising sales potential for artists.
Furthermore, the festival’s reputation as one of the West’s most competitive juried art shows ensures that artists showcase their work alongside other high-caliber talents, attracting serious art collectors and buyers.
The limited number of approximately 165 booth spots available adds to the exclusivity and desirability of participating in the festival, making it a highly sought-after opportunity for artists.
In addition to the sales aspect, the Crested Butte Arts Festival also offers artists a platform to network with fellow artists, engage with art enthusiasts, and potentially gain recognition for their work. The festival’s extensive PR and marketing efforts, combined with the inclusion of artists’ galleries on the festival website, contribute to increased visibility and exposure for participating artists.
How to Participate
The Crested Butte Arts Festival welcomes artists from various mediums to apply and participate. The festival requires that all artwork exhibited be original in concept, design, and execution.
Artists are expected to provide a complete body of professional work and are encouraged to showcase the most original and one-of-a-kind pieces. Reproductions are permitted but should not overshadow the artist’s original works.
To apply, artists must submit five images for each medium category they wish to enter. This should include four images of their artwork and one booth shot. The booth shot, or a grouping of the artist’s work, helps the jury understand the scale and professionalism of the artist’s presentation.
The festival’s application process is typically done through the ZAPP Application platform. The specific timescale for the application process may vary and is subject to the festival’s announcement. Artists should review the festival’s website or application platform for detailed instructions and deadlines.
Fees and Costs
The festival requires an application fee of $45, which is non-refundable. Artists are also responsible for booth fees, which vary depending on booth size and location. The standard booth fee is $600 (2024) for a 10×10 space, while a corner booth costs $850 (2024). Artists desiring a larger 10×20 double corner booth can expect a fee of $1,250.
It is worth noting that the festival does not provide tents or display materials, so artists should budget accordingly for these supplies. Additionally, artists are required to collect and remit sales tax on all sales made during the festival.
The available information does not provide specific details regarding permits and insurance. Artists are encouraged to contact the festival organizers directly or review the festival’s website for any additional requirements or costs associated with permits or insurance coverage.
Parking and Setup Logistics
Booth setup typically takes place on the festival day, allowing artists to prepare their displays and arrange artwork before the event begins. The festival provides access to the venue for artists to unload their supplies and artwork, facilitating the setup process.
Artists can expect the festival organizers to provide information and guidance on parking options near the venue. Artists are encouraged to plan and consider any parking requirements or restrictions that may be in place during the festival.
Overall, the Crested Butte Arts Festival aims to provide artists with easy access and ample time for booth setup, ensuring a seamless start to the event. Artists can expect assistance and guidance from the festival organizers to navigate parking arrangements and make the most of their participation in the festival.
