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Joining the ranks of artsy locales that include Salida, Telluride, and the RiNo Arts District, Silverthorne, north of Breckenridge, was named among seven new Certified Colorado Creative Districts last month.
Colorado Creative Industries—the Office of Economic Development and International Trade division committed to strengthening the arts—certified every community that applied this year: Estes Park, Evergreen, Ignacio, Lyons, North Boulder (NoBo) Art District, Silverton, and, of course, Silverthorne, bringing the state’s total to 37.
“Silverthorne’s walkable district, vibrant maker space, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center and thoughtful Arts and Culture Plan drive a thriving, inclusive creative hub that stands out across Colorado,” says Colorado Creative Industries director Josh Blanchard.
To be considered, Town of Silverthorne officials proved its support of the arts and creative jobs and highlighted its long-term plan to anchor a new downtown core to the arts. For the past decade, staff has worked on a strategic plan to add public murals and sculptures, promote Theatre SilCo (formerly Lake Dillon Theatre Company) and Silverthorne Performing Arts Center offerings, and link Silverthorne’s walkability to public arts.
In 2016, a group of creatives, historians, arts administrators, nonprofit managers, business owners, and community advocates came together to form the volunteer-based Town of Silverthorne Art Board. Most recently, the town repurposed an old fire station into the Art Spot Makerspace, opening up classes for all ages ranging from 3D printing and earring making to sewing and outdoor mural painting.
“Being a creative district in Silverthorne is just a little bit different from other communities in this program,” says Silverthorne assistant town manager Joanne Cook. “Everything we’ve built over the last 10 years we’ve done on our own with our community and local businesses. It’s all very authentic and grassroots. We always focus on our community first.”
Cook cites the creative district designation as a call to magnify Silverthorne’s art presence, giving local artists greater impact. As part of the Colorado Creative Districts program, the town is eligible to receive financial and marketing support, signage, and leadership training.
“It’s an exciting time to elevate our arts, bring them to the next level, and make them stick,” Cook says.
Here’s where to dig into the town’s current creative vibe.
5 Ways to Check Out Silverthorne’s Arts Scene
1. Take an Art Spot class.
Drop in or sign up ahead of time and get hands-on inside this colorful makerspace. Monthly calendars are chock full of novice-friendly Glowforge laser cutting, printmaking, jewelry-making, oil painting, and pottery classes.
2. Buy local art.
Shop original locally made artwork in the Art Spot’s retail space. Goods are changed out several times a year, so there are always fresh mugs, magnets, woodworkings, greeting cards, and bird feeders to browse. On December 5, visit the elaborate Art Market First Friday event at the Silverthorne Pavilion.
3. Hit First Friday.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town on the first Friday of the month, rub elbows with locals at the Town of Silverthorne’s free, well-attended community parties. Monthly themes include gallery walks, rail jams, cultural dances, a December holiday artisan market, and January North Pond polar plunge.
4. Catch a Theatre SilCo show.
Kick back and take in a comedy, musical, or emotional narrative with this year-round professional theatre company and Silverthorne Arts District centerpiece.
5. Stroll public art.
Commissioned art is sprinkled all over town. Take a walking art tour and peep the Blue River Trail and 4th Street Crossing murals, the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center sculptures, and rotating rec center and town hall exhibits.
Read More: 12 Easy Ways To Support the Local Arts Scene
