Gallery at the Windsor: Del Norte, CO - Located in the newly restored Historic Windsor Hotel

Article courtesy of 2010 Summer on the Rio Grande Official Visitors Guide

The San Luis Valley is home to many unique and fascinating art organizations and artists. One of the best ways to experience art in the Valley is by visiting the local galleries.

Creede, winner of this year's Governor's Art Award, is home to many galleries and artists.

Quiller Gallery features paintings by Stephen Quiller and other works by local artists Mary Lavey, Cloyde Snook and Jocelyn Lillpop Russell. Also in Creede are the Abbey Lane Gallery featuring paintings and ceramics, Ed Knight Photo gallery featuring landscape and nature works, J Thompson Gallery and Lovering's Loft featuring vivid pastel paintings, prints, cards and silver jewelry, Bristol Yarnworks featuring hand-woven designer originals, cashmere, silk and fine wools and Rare Things featuring jewelry, antiques, decorative arts and Inge Horsehair Jewelry.

Del Norte's Gallery at the Windsor is not to be missed. With traditional western fine art located in the historic Windsor Hotel, visitors will experience the "Old West" through artistic expression.

With the emergence of the Monte Arts Council (M.A.C.), the town of Monte Vista is taking off as an arts community, One of M.A.C.'s top supporters, Wildethyme Arts, is a mixed media gallery with works ranging from ceramics to fibers. Inside the restored historic home, you'll also find artisan goods and fiber supplies.

In downtown Monte Vista, All Good Things Gallery and Gift Boutique features original artwork, along with fun and eclectic gift items.

Firedworks Gallery in downtown Alamosa features ceramics, pottery, furniture and jewelry.

Then on the opposite sides of the Valley, art lovers also will find Crestone Artisan's Gallery, located in downtown Crestone and Huberto Sculpture Studio and Gallery located on Main St. in San Luis.

For a unique weekend celebration of the arts, crisscross the New Mexico-Colorado border while attending the 12th Annual Rio Costilla Studio Tour. On Sept. 11 and 12 artists in the historic towns of Amalia, Costilla, Garcia and Jaroso, will open their homes, studios and galleries to the public for the two-day tour.

Works include paintings, print-making, photography, bronze sculptures, wood and stone carvings, fine and rustic furniture, ceramics, Aftican drums, artisan bread-baking and a tour of spectacular wild flower fields in full bloom. For more information, call 575.586.2143 or visit www.riocostillastudiotour.org.

The Creede Arts Council hosts the International Small Print Show, which is now celebrating its 11th year in Creede. Larry Basky is the artist who founded the show in Creede. It started as a regional juried printmakers show and has grown into an annual exhibit and sale of print works from artists all around the world. The show is in the art gallery lobby of the Creede Repertory Theatre. This year the show runs from May 28th to June 28th. All prints are on display and available for purchase.

The Creede Mountain Shootout, for professional and amateur photographers alike, is a fantastic way to have photos judged by award-winning members of the photo world. Photos are entered into the show (by Aug. 2nd) and ten displayed for public viewing on August 20th in the gallery space of the Chamber of Commerce building.

The Creede Arts Council sponsors a series of art walks throughout the summer. The walks tour the galleries from 6-8pm in the evening. Many galleries participating in the walks will host "Open Houses" to feature specific artists on those nights.

Have you ever wondered what an artist thinks when creating a painting? Or how they get their inspiration? The Silver Thread Artists' Studio Tours are a wonderful way for you to get an insider's perspective into the minds of Creede artists. 2010 Studio Tours will be on September 11. Be sure to pick up a map so that you can be sure to hit all of the stops on the tour. Maps can be picked up at the Chamber by calling The Creede Arts Council at 719-658-0312.