You will find a thriving artistic community in the Ridgway Creative District, housed in Old West-style storefronts. With more than 20 percent of the town’s 1,000 residents working as artists, producers or creative professionals, the innovative spirit is evident as you stroll the galleries, shops and museums throughout this quirky, off-the-beaten-path gem on the southwestern tail of the Colorado Creative Corridor.
Meet Artists and Makers
Peek into the galleries and workshops of local artisans. At Kane Scheidegger Fine Art Photography, marvel at breathtaking landscape photographs of Colorado and the American Southwest. Mountain Girl Gallery is a women-owned shop showcasing locally made ceramics, metalwork, photography and mixed-media works.
Two of Ridgway's newest shops featuring local art are 610 Arts Collective, next to the Sherbino Theater, and Amulet Arts, featuring J Dewey Designs and Fine Metalsmithing — also on Clinton Street. For truly unique gifts, score some funky finds — from African artwork to handmade furniture to children’s toys (you never know what you’ll find) — at Lupita’s Bizarre Bazaar.
Pop into Cimarron Art Glass, a working glass forge with a retail section that feels like an art gallery. At Bluecorn Naturals, pick up a few pure beeswax candles in all shapes and sizes. For musicians looking to take their instruments on adventures, Panji Bags creates eco-friendly hard cases specifically for handpan drums and other instruments, as well as cases for other uses.
Think Outside the Gallery
Beyond the workshops and art galleries, Ridgway’s creativity and heritage can be found all around. Feel like part of the community at The Sherbino Theater, where music, movies, lectures and performing arts have been bringing together locals and visitors alike for more than a century. Delve into the local history at the Ouray County Ranch History Museum and Ridgway Railroad Museum.
Shop handcrafted goods while talking to local makers at the weekly Ridgway Farmers Market in Hartwell Park from May to October. Snap photographs of some of the spectacular vistas all around Ridgway, including one of the best views of Mount Sneffels from the Divide Ranch & Golf Club. Along the way, keep an eye out for poems and artwork displayed in alleyways, as well as public sculptures and murals in the parks and along trails around town. Dennis Weaver Memorial Park is a magical place to relax, stroll and picnic, with wildlife, a poem rock, a medicine wheel and a 2,800-pound eagle monument with a 20-foot wingspan.
Celebrate Art
Creativity is celebrated in its many forms with vibrant festivals and events throughout the year. Experience the local arts scene at Ridgway RiverFest, held the last Saturday of June, featuring the “Junk of the Unc” homemade watercraft race, as well as live music and youth art activities. Every Thursday evening in July, bring a picnic to Hartwell Park and enjoy a free line-up of live music in all genres during the Ridgway Concert Series. Enjoy art demos, deals, treats and fun around town at Ridgway First Fridays during the summer months. In mid-August, experience individuality and quality craftsmanship at the Ridgway Rendezvous Art and Crafts Festival, a juried arts-and-crafts festival. The last weekend of September, explore the unique Sneffels Fiber Arts Festival, which showcases quality fiber arts and clothing made by local and regional artists, as well as classes and demonstrations. Winter months bring more opportunities to experience art with the Independent Film Fest at the Sherbino Theater in November and Noel Night around town in December.
Discover Healing Arts
The best way to start your next day is with a rejuvenating massage, a refreshing fitness class or a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Stop in for a couple hours at Ridgway Yoga Shala to practice one of many yoga styles offered or purchase a healthy drink, tea or resource for healing. Feeling like a massage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy or other therapeutic work? Call to make an appointment at Wholeness Massage & Bodywork, Balance Natural Medicine or one of Ridgway's other health and wellness services. And don’t forget to stop by Orvis Hot Springs & Spa to enjoy a soak in the outdoor clothing-optional pools, the swimsuit-only indoor pool or private hot tubs (they also offer massage).
