ALAMOSA — This year’s ARTsFestival in Alamosa was another success with not only 15 unique sculptures installed in key locations in the downtown area but also 25 local and regional artists participating in ARTScape by putting their finest work on display.
The festival started Friday night with a reception where members of the public were invited to the San Luis Valley Museum where, while feasting on a great buffet and drinking good wine, they had the opportunity to meet and converse with artists whose work was on display.
The reception was also the venue where this year’s Patron of the Arts award was presented to Visit Alamosa. Kale Mortensen, executive direct, and Elizabeth Sumner, director of destination development, accepted the award. The award is in its third year and is presented to honor those individuals and organizations who “go above and beyond in supporting the presence of the arts in Alamosa.
“This year, we’re introducing 15 new sculptures to the downtown with a total of 29 sculptures on display,” Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman said in opening the evening. “None of this would have been possible without the Creative District Committee, City Council, our sponsors, Alamosa Local Marketing District, Visit Alamosa and Alamosa Live Music Association.
Coleman then turned his attention to the Patron of the Arts award, saying, “These awards are presented to members of the community and this year we’re recognizing Visit Alamosa. Visit Alamosa has been a partner of the outdoor art program since its inception in 2017.
“Elizabeth Sumner with Visit Alamosa has been a steady volunteer who has helped shape the program into what you see today. She has provided invaluable advice and even rolls up her sleeves every year to volunteer where needed.
“Visit Alamosa has also been a sponsor of the event since the beginning, providing a grant to help offset some of the marketing expenses. Beyond their support of the ARTFest, Visit Alamosa has also worked to help strengthen and grow Alamosa’s appreciation and recognition of the creatives.
“One of the most apparent examples is the creation of First Fridays that helps to support our local businesses and creatives at the same time. Thank you, Visit Alamosa for your amazing partnership and everything you have done to make Alamosa better,” Coleman said.
Overall, the event was a visual success with event participants exploring their inner artists while creating dynamic paintings of aspen changing color.
