Our Story
From humble beginnings, the Crested Butte Arts Festival emerged in 1971, driven by a passionate group of locals known as the Crested Butte Society. Their mission was to preserve the rich social and architectural history of Crested Butte while fostering the vibrant artistic spirit within the community. The inaugural Arts Fair provided local artists with a platform to showcase their talents, transforming into one of the most prestigious juried fine art shows in the Western United States.