The Power of Art
by Edith Hornik Beer
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Art with Altitude.
Art has a unique ability to elevate both the creator and the viewer. When artists reflect on their creative process, they often describe art as a way to lift their minds to another level, away from daily worries, away from the need to make immediate decisions, and away from Facebook, cell phones, X and email. Engaging with art is like embarking on a challenging hike to the uncharted corners of the imagination, discovering spaces within ourselves we never knew existed.
Steamboat Springs is a place where art thrives—not only through world-class exhibitions but through a deep-rooted encouragement of participation. Here, creativity is not just something to observe but something to experience. Whether you are a seasoned artist or simply curious, the town offers a wealth of opportunities to engage with the arts.
“The truth is, everyone is an artist at some level,” says Thea Wigglesworth, Program Director of Steamboat Creates.
“Creativity knows no boundaries or age limits. Creativity is possibilities.” This philosophy is reflected in the diverse programming offered at The Depot, a gallery and studio space, from figure drawing and writing courses to more unconventional offerings like Maker Days, where attendees are invited to explore their creative instincts using an array of materials—yarn, paper, glue, cardboard, fabric scraps—resulting in anything from collages to mixed-media sculptures.
At the Steamboat Art Museum (SAM), sculpture and visual art adorns the space while artists and art lovers alike can find inspiration through a variety of programs. One standout is “The Painted Word,” a writing competition created by SAM’s executive director, Betse Grassby. Participants select a piece from the current exhibition and express its emotional impact through poetry or prose—demonstrating the power of art to inspire beyond the visual realm. SAM also hosts artist talks and special events, offering the public direct engagement with the creative minds behind the artwork.
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is more than a traditional museum, the nonprofit organization preserves and celebrates Steamboat Springs’ rich history, including its artistic legacy. Among its treasures are the watercolors of Lulie Crawford, the eldest daughter of Steamboat’s founding family, who captured the region’s wildflowers in delicate paintings. Each summer, the museum hosts “Lulie Crawford’s Wildflowers and Watercolors” at the Yampa River Botanic Park, where participants paint while learning about Lulie’s life and artistic passion. The museum provides the materials, and local artist Dona Steele, SAM’s education director, leads a brief watercolor lesson—an immersive experience in art and history.
In Steamboat Springs, art is more than just an aesthetic experience—it is a way of life. It fosters a sense of connection, challenges perspectives, and invites both residents and visitors to engage in the creative process. Whether through hands-on workshops, artist talks, or simply wandering through the town’s galleries, Steamboat offers countless ways to be inspired.
Art has the power to transform the way we see the world. And in Steamboat Springs, that transformation is happening every day.
Elevate the Arts: Take a workshop in an art discipline that you are unfamiliar with. Take away your judgement and see where art can take you. EHB
