Live Painting by Reindeer Age
Come see Wood’s High Mountain Distillery’s resident artist live and in action! Reindeer Age Art, or Alex Taormina, is an acrylic painter with a love for bright colors and silly characters.
Tag: Salida
Proof: An Award-Winning Drama from Salida Theater Project
Salida Theatre Project presents Proof, an award-winning drama about trust, doubt, and the need to be believed. A young woman living in the shadow of her father, a renowned mathematician, says she wrote a groundbreaking mathematical proof connected to his work. When others question her claim, relationships are strained and assumptions are challenged. Smart, emotionally charged, and deeply human, Proof draws audiences into a story where credibility matters and belief is never simple.
The play is written by David Auburn and directed by Susan McQuade.
Performance Dates & Times:
February 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 p.m.
February 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Location:
A Church, Salida
Proof: An Award-Winning Drama from Salida Theater Project
Salida Theatre Project presents Proof, an award-winning drama about trust, doubt, and the need to be believed. A young woman living in the shadow of her father, a renowned mathematician, says she wrote a groundbreaking mathematical proof connected to his work. When others question her claim, relationships are strained and assumptions are challenged. Smart, emotionally charged, and deeply human, Proof draws audiences into a story where credibility matters and belief is never simple.
The play is written by David Auburn and directed by Susan McQuade.
Performance Dates & Times:
February 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 p.m.
February 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Location:
A Church, Salida
Proof: An Award-Winning Drama from Salida Theater Project
Salida Theatre Project presents Proof, an award-winning drama about trust, doubt, and the need to be believed. A young woman living in the shadow of her father, a renowned mathematician, says she wrote a groundbreaking mathematical proof connected to his work. When others question her claim, relationships are strained and assumptions are challenged. Smart, emotionally charged, and deeply human, Proof draws audiences into a story where credibility matters and belief is never simple.
The play is written by David Auburn and directed by Susan McQuade.
Performance Dates & Times:
February 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 p.m.
February 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Location:
A Church, Salida
A Merry Little Christmas Carol presented by Salida Theater Project
A live script-in-hand performance adapted from Charles Dickens classic tale. This 75-minute contemporary adaptation, complete with Scrooge, the Spirits, the Cratchits and all of your favorites plus a few new ones, brings this story to life.
Following the 2PM matinee, stay for the holiday party and have hot cocoa and cookies with Tiny Tim and the rest of the cast. If you are able, bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to our Share the Joy drive for local children.
A Merry Little Christmas Carol – Produced by Salida Theater Project
A live script-in-hand performance adapted from Charles Dickens classic tale. This 75-minute contemporary adaptation, complete with Scrooge, the Spirits, the Cratchits and all of your favorites plus a few new ones, brings this story to life.
After the 7PM performance, audience members are invited to take part in Salida Theater Project/ A Church’s First Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest for prizes in fun categories.
Salida Arts & Culture presents Printmaking Artists in November
Creative Mixer and Artist Reception
Thursday November 13 | 5:00 – 6:30pm
Salida SteamPlant Paquette Gallery
Salida Arts & Culture presents the November art exhibition: PRINT MAKING and artist reception Thursday November 7 in conjunction with the Creative Mixer with Salida Council for the Arts. The exhibit features print making work by local and regional artists Sybil Teague, Ken Brandon, Merry Cox, Thordis Simonsen, Brink Messick, Ryan O’Brien, Chris Beedy, and Dolan Potts. See relief, intaglio, lithography, serigraph printing and more. Talk with the artists and participate in the Soapbox tradition- where artists and organizations can make announcements about upcoming events, shows, and programs. From visual art, dance, music, theatre, and more, discover ways to get involved in Salida’s vibrant arts scene! Enjoy live music and light refreshments. A cash bar is available. The Mixer is free and open to the public.
A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends return Dec 3 at 7pm to SteamPlant Salida
Five-time GRAMMY® nominated recording artist David Arkenstone returns to Salida this holiday season with A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends, his ever-popular concerts that fill audiences with joy and the holiday spirit. On stage, David and his talented ensemble ignite the season with beloved holiday classics reimagined, lively seasonal originals, and surprises that get audiences clapping and celebrating together. Join for a vibrant holiday musical blend of neo-classical crossover, pop, new age, Celtic, orchestral, and world music. David Arkenstone’s performances feature a wide array of instruments—guitars, keyboards, flutes, violin, cello, mandolin, bass, viola, drums, and percussion—brought to life by his band of virtuoso musicians, who infuse every candlelit stage with spirited, festive energy.
Each winter I try to paint the season in sound,” says Arkenstone. “These concerts are joyful gatherings—familiar carols and festive new pieces that bring people together to share the excitement and wonder of the holidays.”
Tickets are on sale now at davidarkenstone.com and the SteamPlant website for this unforgettable concert experience.
Rethinking Drawing
Resurrect your interest in drawing with a fresh approach. If you carry discouraging or prohibitive ideas about drawing, this course is designed for you. Using modern neuroscience as our basis, we’ll pull your interest in drawing back into focus. Our purpose will be to clear the obstacles that prevent you from drawing, and open you to a regular and non-judgmental practice. We’ll explore methods, principles, and habits that shift your perspective on how drawing can improve your life. This course consists of four two-hour sessions.
“Mountain Waves” a short film brought to you by BadFish Surf Shop
Saturday, August 9, 2025
5:30pm-7:00pm
A Church 419 D Street Salida CO
Doors 5:30
FREE
Mountain Waves is a river surfing short film that celebrates the excitement, community, and impact of river surfing in the Arkansas River Valley.
River surfing has found a foothold in the Arkansas River Valley. River stewards Mike Harvey, Zach Hughes, Earl Richmond, and others strive to cultivate the once neglected riverbanks into highlights of the community through improved infrastructure and cultural development. The Badfish team have poured their lives into building surf waves, surf boards, and the community that surrounds this life giving pursuit. Join us in following the evolution of Badfish and the sport of river surfing in the Arkansas River Valley.
Production Company: Hozho Productions
Director: Colton Barden
Film Sponsors: Billy Quantro & Moonlight Pizza
Salida Songbirds: A Divas and Dreams Cabaret
Five powerhouse performers pay tribute to their favorite Broadway divas in this 75-minute showcase of unforgettable songs, backstage stories, and bold personalities. From iconic ballads to high-energy numbers, Divas and Dreams blends music, laughter, and a dash of diva drama as The Songbirds share what it means to dream big—and sing even bigger.
Directed by Allen Lane
Still Alice – Presented by Salida Theater Project
Alice Howland has a thriving career, a loving family—and a life that suddenly begins to shift.
As memory fades and the ground moves beneath her, Alice and her inner voice, Herself, hold on to what matters most. While those around her struggle to understand, she meets each change with resilience, flashes of humor, and resolute strength.
Still Alice is a powerful story about identity, change, and connection in the face of Alzheimer’s. It asks: how long are we still ourselves—and who decides? In the end, as the past and future grow dim, Alice and Herself turn fully to the present—because in the end, it’s very simple: this moment—right here—is enough.
Directed by Jan Justis and featuring a cast of actors from Salida and BV.
After the Sunday matinee performance, join us for a community conversation about Alzheimer’s, caregiving, and the themes explored in the play. Sunday attendees are welcome to stay for the panel, and those who attended on Friday or Saturday are invited to return and take part in the discussion.
Our panel includes:
• Samar Fay – Salida resident whose spouse is living with Alzheimer’s
• Mary McConathy, RN – whose late husband lived with Alzheimer’s
• Dr. Yvonne Rollins, MD – Board Certified Neurologist, Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center
• Kirsten Wulfsberg, LPC – Behavioral Health Regional Specialist
6th Annual Salida Jazz Fest
Join us on Saturday, August 9 for another festive celebration of live jazz as the City of Salida Arts & Culture Department presents the 6th annual Salida Jazz Fest!
Enjoy an inspired evening of jazz, funk and fusion under the stars as local, regional, and national musicians perform for you in beautiful Riverside Park. Bring your picnic blanket, relax, and groove along to this year’s lineup of fresh and eclectic sounds alongside the banks of the Arkansas River.
Enjoy Focus Group, Salida locals who create fresh hand-crafted horn lines to level up their deep mix of Funk, Rock, Afro-pop, and Jazz music featuring Mike Pollock on trumpet/trombone with Rob Teegarden on guitar, Kent Davidson on bass, Michael Haynes on drums, and Eric Tauer on tenor & bari sax.
In addition, Salida will be treated to former Salida High School, RokSkool and Berklee School of Music graduate Alex Maes, now a professional musician in Los Angeles. Alex Maes is a multifaceted musician, songwriter, performer, and producer. Alex has graced stages worldwide, captivating audiences with her unparalleled versatility across genres such as jazz, blues, RnB, pop, funk, and rock. Her journey into production and recording earned her national acclaim and prestigious awards, showcasing her prowess and innovation within the studio.
And as the stars come out, The Black Hole Boogie Band, a Colorado Springs and Denver based, five-piece jazz/funk fusion force with cosmic grooves will entertain. With Nate McMahon on tenor saxophone and electronic wind instruments, Braden Barrentine on trombone and keyboards, plus electric bassist Jordan Lovinger, electric guitarist Wagner Sanchez, and Dillon Defelice on drums.
Food trucks, concessions, and cash bar available.
Come out and enjoy an evening of Jazz in Salida, Colorado
Saturday, August 9, 5:30pm-9:30pm Riverside Park
Admission is Free!
32nd Annual SALIDA ARTWALK
Save the Dates for the 32nd annual Salida ArtWalk! From the beloved Paint & Sip Kickoff to art demos, the Mini Masters, and the new tradition of the ArtWalk Parade featuring local performances followed by a giant dance party in Riverside Park, get ready for the 2025 Salida ArtWalk! New events this year featuring inspiring demos, lectures, and film. Watch for Community Art Making events as well as events for children and families. Come and get inspired, find a new piece of art, savor special menus at Dine Out with ArtWalk as you discover Salida’s unique arts community at the 2025 Salida ArtWalk this Fall!
Visual Art
Gallery Receptions
Artist Demos
Workshops
Lectures, Film,
Live Music
Paint & Sips
Community Art Making
Mini Masters
ArtWalk Festival
Parade & Party
Dining Out w ArtWalk
& much more…
Stay tuned. To find out more or to volunteer, reach out to info@salidasteamplant.com
First Friday: Rodeo RoundUp Aug 1
Dust off your boots and come join us after the rodeo for August First Friday: RODEO ROUNDUP
August 1 at 5pm in historic downtown Salida Creative District! Dress the theme, let’s see those Western ‘fits Salida!
August 1 at 5pm in historic downtown Salida Creative District! Dress the theme, let’s see those Western ‘fits Salida!
The galleries and creative businesses are ready to welcome you for an inspired evening!
From painting to sculpture, ceramics, photography, plein air, jewelry, culinary arts, brewers, makers and more, drop into one of Salida’s twenty+ art galleries and creative industies. Interact with the artist or business owner, ask questions, watch a demo and discover something new! Enjoy art & industry, live music, and light refreshments.Catch live music by the Sad Hands at Rocky Mountain Mercantile & Guitar Co. And David Tipton at Brodeur Art!
Stop in at local businesses Well Rooted, Howl Mercantile & Coffee, Sage Mountain Gallery, Arts Collective Salida, Four Winds Gallery.Salida.CO, BrodeurArt, The Michael Clark Gallery and Studio, Oveja Negra, Eye Candy Art and Treasure, Lindsay Sutton-Stephens – HomeSmart Preferred Realty, Museum of Authenticity Annex on 1st, Kaleidoscope Toys, The Maverick Potter, Carl Bork and Karen Watkins Studio Gallery and more! Plus end your evening with events at The Vic Salida and Tres Litros Beer Company! It’s going to be a fun night, yee-haw!
Brought to you by the City of Salida, Colorado Creative District program and local businesses.
SLACKERS AT THE STEAMPLANT PARTY featuring PAVEMENTS!
SLACKERS AT THE STEAMPLANT PARTY featuring PAVEMENTS!
Friday, July 25 at 6:30pm
Save the date and join us at the SteamPlant as Salida Arts and Culture presents a SLACKERS AT THE STEAMPLANT evening as we screen the revolutionary biopic PAVEMENTS about “the American indie band Pavement, which combines scripts with documentary images of the band and a musical mise-en-scene composed of songs from their discography.” Written and directed by Alex Ross Parry.
Synopsis:
An examination of the iconic 90s indie band, “Pavements” appears to be just another music documentary, until it doesn’t. A prismatic, narrative, scripted, documentary, musical, metatextual hybrid, the film intimately shows the band preparing for their sold-out 2022 reunion tour while simultaneously tracking the preparations for a musical based on their songs, a museum devoted to their history and a big-budget Hollywood biopic inspired by their saga as the most important band of a generation. Anchored by Pavement’s slacker-sage-sphinx Stephen Malkmus, the film features performances by Joe Keery, Jason Schwartzman, Tim Heidecker, Kathryn Gallagher, Michael Esper, and Zoe Lister-Jones, as well as editing by nonfiction innovator Robert Greene (Procession). Unrated. 128 minutes.
“I think they (Pavement) are the most fascinating text you can study if you want to study every single question about music in the 1990s,” Alex Ross Parry, New York Times article with David Renard, May 18, 2025
SLACKERS AT THE STEAMPLANT:
Dress like a forgotten generation. 90’s fits like underground T’s and punk encouraged, grunge tolerated. Take your shot at 90’s indie rock music trivia as you find your spot. Sit back in cushy seats like you just turned 50 and enjoy the screening. Then after the film, stay for the Slacker Party on the SteamPlant Plaza with 90’s underground mixes by DJ Mike the Science Guy, a Teenage Dirtbag slideshow featuring cameos by willing Salida Gen Xers, and cynical snacks for all you latch key kids. Cash bar and realistic expectations available.
Event: PAVEMENTS Documentary + Slackers at the SteamPlant Party
Date: Friday, July 25
Doors at 6:00pm
90’s indie Trivia at 6:30pm
Film at 7:00pm- 9:08pm
Slacker Party after film on the Plaza until 10:15pm.
Tickets| $15 on Eventbrite or at the SteamPlant Box Office 719-530-0933
Salida Jazz Fest
Join us on Saturday, August 9 for another festive celebration of live jazz as the City of Salida Arts & Culture Department presents the 6th annual Salida Jazz Fest! Enjoy an inspired evening of jazz, funk and fusion under the stars as local, regional, and national musicians perform for you in beautiful Riverside Park. Bring your picnic blanket, relax, and groove along to this year’s lineup of fresh and eclectic sounds alongside the banks of the Arkansas River.
Enjoy Focus Group, Salida locals who create fresh hand-crafted horn lines to level up their deep mix of Funk, Rock, Afro-pop, and Jazz music featuring Mike Pollock on trumpet/trombone with Rob Teegarden on guitar, Kent Davidson on bass, Michael Haynes on drums, and Eric Tauer on tenor & bari sax.
In addition, Salida will be treated to former Salida High School, RokSkool and Berklee School of Music graduate Alex Maes, now pursuing a professional career in Los Angeles. Alex Maes is a multifaceted musician, songwriter, performer, and producer. Alex has graced stages worldwide, captivating audiences with her unparalleled versatility across genres such as jazz, blues, RnB, pop, funk, and rock. Her journey into production and recording earned her national acclaim and prestigious awards, showcasing her prowess and innovation within the studio.
And as the stars come out, The Black Hole Boogie Band, a Colorado Springs and Denver based, five-piece jazz/funk fusion force with cosmic grooves will entertain. With Nate McMahon on tenor saxophone and electronic wind instruments, Braden Barrentine on trombone and keyboards, plus electric bassist Jordan Lovinger, electric guitarist Wagner Sanchez, and Dillon Defelice on drums.
Food trucks, concessions, and cash bar available. Come out and enjoy an evening of Jazz in Salida, Colorado! Saturday, August 9, 5pm-10pm Riverside Park, Salida. Free!
Oscar Shorts: Animation & Guest Artist Talk
2025 Oscar Nominated Shorts: ANIMATION with preshow talk by Naters Calderone and Kat Been
Join us at the SteamPlant for Oscar Nominated Shorts: Animation and enjoy a preshow talk by local illustrators Ryan O’Brien, Naters Calderone and Kat Been who will share images of work and talk about their illustration and animation projects!
Date: Thursday, April 24
Doors: 6:00pm
Showtime: 6:30pm | Preshow talk by local illustrators at 6:30pm, movie begins immediately after, approx 7pm
Run time: 88 minutes
Ticket price: $10 | Purchase online or at the Box Office
“This special release features the year’s most spectacular short films and is available to watch on the big screen for a limited time shortly after nominations are announced.” The 2025 Oscar nominated Animation Shorts are:
BEAUTIFUL MEN
Synopsis- Three balding brothers travel to Istanbul to get a hair transplant. Stuck with each other in a hotel far from home, their insecurities grow faster than their hair.
Director- Nicolas Keppens, BELGIUM, FRANCE, NETHERLANDS/18 MINS/2023
IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS
Synopsis- Living in a house by the sea with his daughter, a former captain who has post-traumatic stress disorder leads a tough and secluded life.
Director- Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani; IRAN/20 MINS/2023
MAGIC CANDIES
Synopsis- The other kids at the park never ask Dong-Dong to play. But he’s fine just playing marbles on his own. One day he goes out in search of new marbles, but ends up buying a bag of colorful, marble-shaped candies instead. But the first time he pops one of them into his mouth, he’s astonished to hear his old sofa start talking to him! For the next few minutes, until the candy melts away, he has the most unexpected and amazing conversation of his life. Realizing that these are no ordinary candies, Dong- Dong looks at the rest of colorful sweets. Who else will he be able to talk to, and what else will he learn, through these magic candies?
Director- Daisuke Nishio; JAPAN/21 MINS/2024
WANDER TO WONDER
Synopsis- Mary, Billybud, and Fumbleton are three tiny humans who star in a kids’ TV Series called “Wander to Wonder”. After the creator dies, they are left alone in the studio. Struggling to find enough to eat, they continue to make increasingly strange episodes for their fans.
Director- Nina Gantz; NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, FRANCE, UK/13 MINS/2023
YUCK!
Synopsis- Yuck! Adults kiss each other on the mouth, and children find it disgusting! What’s more, you can see it from afar: when people are about to kiss, their lips become all pink and shiny. Little Léo makes jokes about it, as do the other kids at the summer camp. But he has a secret he won’t tell his friends: his own mouth has actually begun glistening. And, in reality, Léo desperately wants to give kissing a try.
Director- Loïc Espuche; FRANCE/13 MINS/2024
Cash bar and limited concessions available.
Shards & Chardonnay Mosaic Making Night
Artist Anne Walker and the Salida Community Mosaic are getting close to the finish line! After numerous workshops and thousands of hand laid tiles by community members and the artist, the 60′ long mosaic can see the light at the end of the tunnel! We can’t wait to share the work at the installation at Chisholm Park later this summer!
Join Anne for a fun Sip & Mosaic SHARDS & CHARDONNAY Night on Friday, May 9 from 5-7pm at the Scout Hut. Then just a few more workshops are available in April and May.
Last call, come help Anne bring it home, and help create the Salida Community Mosaic!Participants must sign up using the link below and sign a waiver:
This project brought to you in part by the City of Salida, Salida Creative District program and the Public Art Commission.
2nd Annual Salida Chalk Festival
Save the Date for the 2nd annual Salida Chalk Festival Saturday June 28! Artists transform downtown Salida into a giant outdoor gallery of colorful murals as artists create 6’ x 6’ temporary art works of chalk and pastel live during the festival. Apply as a Chalk artist! Selected artists receive stipend, lunch, artist T-shirt, 24 set of pastels. Presented by City of Salida, Arts & Culture Department Salida Creative District program and the Public Art Commission. Applications due May 2nd. See artist application and details on CaFÉ:
CaFÉ –
Artist Reception- Andrew Dengate
Please join us at the Salida SteamPlant as Arts & Culture hosts the March artist reception featuring the work of Andrew Dengate, painter and designer. Stop in to view the work and talk with the artist. Light refreshments and cash bar available.
The Wizard of OZ at the Salida SteamPlant
Join the Salida Arts & Culture Department for a magical evening of singalongs, photo booths, and enchanting pre-show entertainment, all inspired by Wizard of Oz! Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character from the Land of Oz – we highly encourage it!
A young farm girl and her little dog are magically transported into the enchanted land of Oz via a Kansas tornado. As they travel down Oz’s Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard and ask him to send them home, they encounter a wonderful, funny, terrifying and, ultimately, enlightening group of characters, human and otherwise. This 1939 award-winning film classic (Best Score and Best Song Academy Awards) is a perennial favorite that has recently been meticulously restored. (This film is rated G with a run time of 101 minutes)
Friday March 28th at 6:00pm | Doors open at 5:30pm
Adults Admission – $8
Adults Admission – $8
12 and under – $5
The screening event is open to the public.
Click HERE to purchase, or stop by the SteamPlant box office.
Cash bar and limited concessions are available.
Salida Creative District First Fridays!
Mark your calendars to visit Salida, Colorado, the state’s first designated Creative District, during FIRST FRIDAYS held every month of the year! Galleries and creative businesses in downtown Salida’s Creative District will stay open late every first Friday of the month. From painting to sculpture, ceramics, photography, plein air, jewelry, fiber arts, and more, drop into one of Salida’s twenty+ art galleries and creative businesses where you can interact with the artist, ask questions, watch a demo and build your unique collection. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and a festive evening. See individual galleries and businesses for their schedule of events including demos, lectures, live music, and more.
Salida Steam Plant’s Annual Holiday Pop Up Art Market
It’s time for the annual Holiday Pop Up Art Market brought to you by Salida Arts & Culture and the Creative District. Join us Saturday, December 14 as local and regional artists and makers bring their hand made art, jewelry, prints, note cards, fiber art, ornaments, sculptures, ceramics and more for a fun holiday art market at the Salida Steam Plant. Find that perfect gift and enjoy music, cocktails, hot cocoa, sweets, a photo booth and more while you shop this fun market experience! Artists interested in participating as a vendor, please see the information and application here. Applications are due November 18.
TRI: A staged reading by Kelly Walters
What happens when three old friends who typically sit around eating sweeties at the local coffee shop complaining about life get their habit thrown off course when one of them suggests they train for a triathlon together. Directed by Susan Dawn Carson and starring Kelly Walters, Allen Lane and Bill Rogers. A Salida Theater Project Production.
On The Edge
On the Edge, presented by Grounded Dance Company, showcases a wide variety of choreography embracing the concept of war. Whether you interpret war at a global level or at an individual level, every moment of our existence there is constant push and pull, visible or hidden struggles and internal battles. Where will your thoughts and emotions take you over the course of the show?
An Evening with Pam Houston
Mark your calendar for an engaging evening with Pam Houston, featuring a presentation and reading from her newest book, Without Exception: Reclaiming Abortion, Personhood and Freedom, on Saturday, October 5th at 6:00 pm at A Church. Books will be available for sale and signing, and donations will be accepted to benefit a nonprofit organization dedicated to this cause.
Shards & Chardonnay Mosaics Night
Sign up to help create the 60′ long Salida Community Mosaic wall at the SHARDS & CHARDONNAY 🥂 night, a Sip & Paint style workshop presented by the Salida Creative District and Salida Arts & Culture. Bring your friends and learn bow to mosaic led by artist Anne Walker. Join us for mosaic making, snacks, cash bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available. Friday, September 13 at 5pm at the Salida Scout Hut Free but space limited so please rsvp at the link for SHARDS & CHARDONNAY and/or other mosaic workdays here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DAEAC2EA1F9C61-50445723-salida
Salida ArtWalk
Follow your hearts to Salida and join us in Colorado’s largest National historic district and one of the state’s first Creative Districts for an art filled weekend at the 31st annual Salida ArtWalk October 10-13 featuring numerous activities for art enthusiasts and collectors! The arts and artists have long been an integral part of Salida, and the downtown district features a highly concentrated number of artist-owned and operated galleries featuring regional, national, and award-winning fine artists showcasing paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, fiber art, metal and glass work, mosaics, printmaking, salvaged art and more! Many artists can be found in various pop-up venues throughout downtown as well as literary artists, creative industries, live music, and a fine art museum. In addition to being a beautiful Fall weekend to visit, Salida ArtWalk presents gallery receptions on Friday night and curated exhibits, performances, and specialty menu items at the many restaurants, distilleries, and breweries throughout the weekend. Join us for the Art on the Rocks Sip & Paint Kick Off event presented by High Country Bank; the Invitational Ceramics Show at the Maverick Potter featuring internationally acclaimed ceramic artists; a demo of the 60’ long Salida Community Mosaic public art project; the exciting “Mini Masterpieces” exhibit and auction featuring over 70 miniature pieces by local artists presented by Salida Council for the Arts; as well as artist demos, pop-up venues, and hands on art activities for all ages. Then on Saturday evening October 12, join us as Salida’s performing artists throw a giant ArtWalk pARTy featuring a Parade of the Arts with giant puppets, strolling musicians, street performers, live music, and dancing in Riverside Park- a true celebration of the arts in Salida! Stay for the patron brunch Sunday morning at the Salida Steam Plant and revisit your favorite galleries and pop-up venues and find that perfect piece of art to take home from Salida ArtWalk 2024. See www.SalidaArtWalk.org or follow Salida Art Walk on social media for more information.
Acting Workshops
The Salida Creative District presents workshops during the Salida Theater Festival for actors, directors, and those interested in learning more about performing and developing your skills! This fun and inspiring series of classes taught by experienced theater artists provides essential skills you need as an actor including voice, movement of the body, acting, stage combat, and skills for trusting your instincts such as improvisation and clowning workshops. For ages teen to adult. All levels, beginners and especially actors and directors with experience are invited to come and learn! Participants will get up on their feet as you explore new skills so dress comfortably in clothes that allow for movement and bring a water bottle. Each workshop is an hour long with a short break in between, so you can plan to attend one or more! Free! See individual links for each class below to reserve your spot for one or more workshops! Follow Salida Creative District on social media and the Salida Theater Festival website for more information and updates!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT THE STEAM PLANT
VOICE FOR THE ACTOR led by Creede Repertory Theatre. Friday Sept 27 at 1:00pm- 2:00pm at the Salida Steam Plant Theater. THEATER WORKSHOP: Voice for the Actor Tickets, Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Explore the care and use of this most valuable tool to convey emotion. Breath work, annunciation, exercises, and care. ABOUT CREEDE REPERTORY THEATER: Founded in 1966, Creede Repertory Theater (CRT) is now in their 58th season. A nationally recognized theatre serving over 20,000 patrons during the summer and over 37,000 youth through their educational outreach programs. They are an artistic home to their rural community and beyond, through the creation of repertory seasons, dynamic educational programs, and compelling new works. CRT Education programs offer residencies, intensives, and workshops bringing hands on learning directly to students of all ages.
STAGE COMBAT led by Tina Gramann. Friday, Sept 27 at 2:15-3:15pm at the Steam Plant Theater.
THEATER WORKSHOP: Stage Combat Tickets, Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 2:15 PM | Eventbrite
What to do when your play has a fight scene. Actors and directors learn and discuss safety, fight styles, the rehearsal process, and overview of stage combat disciplines such as unarmed fighting and sword techniques. Tina Gramann is a professional fight choreographer and has staged over 100 fight scenes for the stage. During her tenure in Austin, Texas, she served as resident fight choreographer for Austin Shakespeare Company, and fight choreographer for professional regional theater Zachary Scott Theatre Center (ZACH Theatre) staging numerous fights, notably for Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Suzan- Lori Parks’ world premiere of The Book of Grace; and ZACH Theater’s innovative production of Porgy and Bess which was featured in the New York Times. She served as the Department Director for ZACH’s Performing Arts School and Education Departments for 10 years, overseeing 25 staff and teaching artists and providing theater education and youth productions to 50,000 students a year. She is certified by the Society of American Fight Directors in the stage combat disciplines of Unarmed, Rapier & Dager, Broadsword, and Single Sword, and she holds an MFA in Theater from the University of Houston School of Theater where she served as the Fight Choreographer for Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Edward Albee New Play Workshops. Tina is the Artistic Director and founder of Salida Creativity Lab since 2016, providing art, theater, and diverse cultural events for the community such as Asia Fest, Dia de los Muertos Salida, and Filipino Modern coming in 2025.
THEATER WORKSHOP: Viewpoints Acting Techniques Tickets, Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite
Viewpoints is an acting technique that relies less on the written language of a script and more on how time, space, and vocality can inform the story you are trying to tell. Rather than diving into a character’s backstory, Viewpoints allow you to more holistically embody a character to evoke certain emotions from your audience. This style of acting is highly collaborative and is best used in ensemble pieces. In our Viewpoints workshop we’ll spend some time getting into our bodies and exploring some of the basic viewpoints. We will then work together to craft some improvised stories as an ensemble. Please come dressed to move! Stretchy pants and bare feet are highly encouraged. Please note that the nature of Viewpoints exercises incorporates some physical contact, and participants should be comfortable with appropriate physical touch. Liz Dunn is thrilled to be a part of the second annual Salida Theater Festival! She received her BFA, in Theater Performing and Directing, from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and has worked with several companies throughout the state. Previous credits include Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and June in Chicago at the Pagos Center for the Arts, Kenni in Bas Blue’s production of Becky’s New Car, Mattie Silks in TINTS various productions, and Pip in Love…Really and chorus in Rocky Mountain Horror Picture Show with Salida Theater Project. She recently joined the Salida Theater Project’s board and is thrilled to be expanding her impact in a company that she holds near and dear to her heart.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 WORKSHOPS AT THE SCOUT HUT
CLOWNING led by Jennifer Dempsey. Saturday, September 28,1:00pm- 2:00pm at the Salida Scout Hut.
THEATER WORKSHOP: Clowning Tickets, Sat, Sep 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Jenn will show how “clown” is a verb and will take you through exercises to show the simplicity and endless possibilities of clowning! Jennifer Dempsey founded the Salida Circus in 2007. She has been a circus performer for 35 years, as an acrobat, stilt walker, unicyclist, juggler, comedy actor. Jennifer trained in clowning with Angela De Castro, Peta Lilly and Circo Rum Baba. In this workshop, Jennifer will show how “clown” is a verb and will take participants through simple exercises to show the simplicity and endless possibilities of clowning. No experience required, just an openness and willingness to try!
“YES, AND… “ An INTRODUCTION to IMPROV COMEDY led by Garrison Garcia. Saturday, September 28, 2:15pm- 3:15pm at the Salida Scout Hut. THEATER WORKSHOP: Intro to Improv Comedy Tickets, Sat, Sep 28, 2024 at 2:15 PM | Eventbrite
In this class, participants can expect to learn and practice three foundational principles of improv comedy: agreement, supporting your scene partner, and free association. Highly engaging and participatory, students will be immersed in exercises and games aimed at learning these concepts. After 60 minutes, participants will leave with a greater understanding of key tenets of improv and will have several games they can continue to practice. Please come in comfortable shoes and be ready to move! According to his mother, Garrison Garcia is “very funny” and has been leveraging that trait through improv comedy since 2013. The founder of two headlining Arizona improv troupes (Tiny Punches and Chomsky School of Business), Garrison loves to make people laugh and discover the joys of improv. While making things up on the fly is his primary interest, Garrison has also acted and directed for Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, the Flagstaff Foundry, and Northern Arizona Playmakers. A student of the Tucson Improv Movement, Northern Arizona University, Kevin Macdonald, and Emily Holland, Garrison brings a diversity of knowledge and perspectives to his teaching.
ACTING & AUDITIONING, AN INTRO led by Jan Justis. Saturday, September 28, 3:30pm- 4:30pm at the Salida Scout Hut. THEATER WORKSHOP: Intro to Acting & Auditioning Tickets, Sat, Sep 28, 2024 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite
Actors become used to transforming into someone different than themselves. This is the essence of Acting. There are also techniques for actors to learn and use to audition for Theater Projects. In this Workshop we will explore the ‘how-to’s of transformation: vocal, physical, and emotional. We will also explore several different audition styles used by Theater Directors today. Jan Justis has spent most of her life and career creating dance and theater in New York, Chicago, and Colorado. After training in classical ballet at the Cincinnati Conservatory and performing internationally with the Nikolais Dance Theater, she co-founded and directed the Denver-based Jan Justis Dance Company. She has a large repertory of original choreographic work spanning over 4 decades that includes six full-evening Dance/Theater works. She directed and choreographed over 30 plays and musicals. She holds a Masters in Humanities from the University of Colorado at Denver. Also, a dance and theater educator in Universities, Schools, Festivals and Conferences across the U.S., she received the Richard L. Knaub Award for Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year and in 2020 was recognized as one of Colorado’s Legends of Dance from The Dance Archive at the University of Denver. In July 2020 she opened in TINTS’ one-woman play MOTHER! The Life of Mother Jones in Salida. In 2022 she founded Justis Theater Works. She currently teaches Dance for people living with Parkinson’s and other mobility issues and is happy to return to the stage via Salida Theater Project.
Salida Creative District First Fridays
The Salida Creative District, local galleries, artists and creative businesses present 2024 First Fridays!
Mark your calendars to visit Salida, Colorado, the state’s first designated Creative District, during FIRST FRIDAYS held every month of the year! Galleries and creative businesses in downtown Salida’s Creative District will stay open late every first Friday of the month. From painting to sculpture, ceramics, photography, plein air, jewelry, fiber arts, and more, drop into one of Salida’s twenty+ art galleries and creative businesses where you can interact with the artist, ask questions, watch a demo and build your unique collection. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and a festive evening. See individual galleries and businesses for their schedule of events including demos, lectures, live music, and more.