about us
Estes Park residents have always been dedicated to a vast variety of art forms. Theater. The Classics. Instrumental. Showtunes. Chorus. Visual.
About us
That’s why in 1958 a group of residents put their heads together to create a group that could provide residents with entertainment, primarily during the colder season. Just as the area’s population expanded, so did the Guild’s visions. Yet the organization has stayed true to its mission: being committed to building on its tradition of excellence by providing experience in the performing and visual arts through participation, education and outreach.
In the ensuing years since its inception, the Fine Arts Guild has produced plays with handfuls of performers, musicals with casts of 50, countless works penned by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, challenging works by Stephen Sondheim, radio plays, and murder mysteries.
The organization has provided chorale offerings, classical concerts, and musical reviews. In an effort to provide visual artists of all mediums with opportunities to showcase their talents, the Guild introduced juried Fine Arts & Crafts Shows to Estes Park, an activity that continues today.
Through the years, the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies is proud for staying true to its mission while being credited for providing a springboard to for specific arts interest groups to establish other arts organizations including the Estes Park Music Festival and the Estes Park Arts Center.
The Fine Arts Guild of the Future
Continuing the mission of celebrating the arts through music, theater, visual arts and youth programs remains the highest priority the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies. Yet there is a greater future vision to expand and solidify programming for Estes Park residents and its visitors.
For decades, the Guild has dreamed of having a dedicated performance and arts display space. In the early 90s initial work began with renovating a property and while a fund drive to continue the work was on its way to full success, the process took too long. The owner of the property chose a different direction. In the intervening years, the Guild has actively participated in subsequent efforts by individuals and community groups through hands-on participation and financial support.
Current efforts are supported by other arts groups in the community, including the Estes Park Arts District, a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering all arts and artists. The Guild has identified a financially successful model for operations and plans to replicate the concept. The Guild now awaits a decision from the Town of Estes Park who has been asked to participate. Results from a formal study, commissioned to determine the feasibility of a center at the preferred location, are anticipated during the second quarter of 2024.
The Board of Directors is aware of how steep ambitions its abitions are for future excellence. But having a dedicated space for performance, rehearsals, art exhibits and more is key to for the organization’s vitality. And now, the need could not be greater. The nationwide two-year Covid pandemic came at the same time performance and display spaces that previously had been donated or used by the Guild have become financially unattainable. We’re aware that those business organizations now also are working to financially revitalize the viability of their spaces.
In the meantime, the Fine Arts Guild will continue being creative in choosing programming that meets the needs of local artists and showcases the talent that exists in the community.