Artist in Residence | Kristen Ross

At the base of the Elk Mountains, the Crested Butte Center for the Arts is launching a new residency program designed to spark creativity, experimentation, and connection between artists and our mountain community. Our inaugural resident artist, Kristen Ross, will spend two weeks in Crested Butte with dedicated time and space to develop her creative practice while inviting the community into the process through open studio events and hands-on workshops. This first residency marks the beginning of an annual program centered on artistic exploration, community engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for artists and our community to connect. Free Artist in Residence Workshops Oct 8 | 5:30-7:30pm: Community Art Night + Open Studio Center for the Arts | Hawk + King Rooms Come as you are, make something, and spend an evening getting creative with resident artist Kristen Ross. Drop into the studio anytime to explore Kristen’s work, try your hand at a simple creative prompt, and connect with others over art. Stay for ten minutes or the whole evening. No experience, artistic expertise, or perfectly formed ideas required. Just show up, play, and make something. Oct 11 | 2-4pm : Make a Mountain Postcard Center for the Arts | King Room What does your mountain place look like, real or imagined? Join resident artist Kristen Ross for a playful, all-ages workshop creating one-of-a-kind postcards inspired by the landscapes, people, wildlife, and little details that make this place special. Make a postcard to send to someone you love or add your creation to a growing collection of mountain stories. No art experience necessary, just bring your imagination. Oct 13 | 6-8pm : Creative Exchange Center for the Arts | King Room Join resident artist Kristen Ross for a casual conversation about creativity, artistic practice, and the realities of making a life around art. From finding your artistic voice and developing new ideas to experimentation, failure, and balancing creativity with everyday life, this relaxed gathering is an opportunity to exchange stories, ask questions, and connect with other creative people in our community. Drinks provided. Register Online