Salida Colorado Arts

Salida's traditional business district was nearly abandoned in the 1980's.

Fortunately, the trend toward strip mall development was avoided and an emphasis on historic preservation took root. Now the downtown district is the largest historic district in the state. This district has become home to a large and still growing artist community. In the book "The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America," by John Villani, Salida was ranked 30th among the best small art towns in the entire United States.

Many of the local artist are known nationally in their respective fields. Salida's painters, potters, jewelers and sculptors coupled with it's Stream Plant Theater, Salida Aspen Series Concerts, Alpine orchestra and summer festivals makes Salida a diverse and thriving art community.