The Creede contingent awaits their town’s big honor.

CREEDE— Who says a small town can’t do big things?

The City of Creede received the 2010 Governor’s Art Award Feb. 26 during Arts Advocacy Day at the Denver Arts Museum Feb. 26.

Creede Mayor Rex Shepperd said that the trip to Denver and the award ceremony were “marvelous,” with the presenters and Governor Bill Ritter giving very complimentary descriptions of Creede.

Shepperd said that it was an “incredible honor both for me and the town” to receive the award. He accepted the award for the town and gave a speech at the ceremony.

Renee Stynchula, education director for the Creede Repertory Theater, said Shepperd gave “a really lovely speech,” and that it is nice to know that the arts are supported by the community.

A commissioned art piece done by Gayle Gerson was given to the town during the ceremony. The collage work was put together with pieces from local promotional materials, maps and pictures from Creede. Stynchula said it was very special to receive an art work that identified with the town.

They are still deciding how to display the work. It will likely be rotated around the town and possibly find a final home at the Chamber of Commerce building.

Shepperd believes that being a recipient of the award will help the town in future advertising. They are planning to use the award to shine a light on the many artistic projects in Creede.

The award was given to the whole town and Stynchula wants to be clear that the award is not just for the theater or even just the traditionally artistic businesses. The entire town has worked toward developing a unique and artistic community.

The award is given to a town that uses arts to enhance the economy, education, quality of life and cultural tourism. Creede demonstrated these uses though the local theater, programs in the school and the many galleries and their contributions.

Shepperd points out that financially, the arts are very important to Creede. He said that, right now, “tourism is our industry.” This award may help in advertising to enhance that industry.

Stynchula believes that the theater will also be utilizing the award in their advertisements. When people come to Creede, she believes it is worth the trip and they will see how everyone in town supports the arts and makes Creede a very special small town.

Governor Ritter said, “Colorado communities have long recognized that their vitality and success requires collaborative actions by community leaders, business interests and elected officials.

“More recently, communities have recognized the value of incorporating their arts and culture leaders in the planning and implementation of community development strategies to achieve greater economic strength.”

Ritter said the purpose of the Governor’s Arts Award is to recognize and honor a Colorado town or city that celebrates and uses the arts as a focal point for community development and highlights the integral role the arts play in strengthening the vitality of their local community.”

He added, “On behalf of the state of Colorado, I want to thank those community leaders whose efforts have greatly improved the quality of our lives and communities.”

Art events coming up in Creede include the Creede Variety Show March 19-20 and the National Small Print Show which opens on May 28.

The Creede Repertory Theater Opening Night Dinner will be held Friday, June 4.

For the complete article see the 03-04-2010 issue.

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