The Creede delegation in Denver Friday

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

On Friday, Feb. 26, the town of Creede proved just how powerful it could be as it bested 12 other nominees to receive the 2010 Governor’s Arts Award.

As acceptor of the award, Creede Mayor Rex Shepperd said that the trip to Denver and the award ceremony was “marvelous.” With the presenters and Governor Ritter giving very complementary descriptions of Creede. Shepperd said that is 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, the education director for the Creede Repertory Theater, said that 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 that it was very special to receive an art work that identified with the town. They are still deciding how to display the work. Likely it will we rotated around the town and possibly end 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 through the local theater, programs in the school and the many galleries and their contributions.

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.”

“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.”

The governor 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.”

The Arts Advocacy Day allowed artists and organizations to gather in Denver to visit with legislators. Stynchula said that in the current economic situation is was interesting to attend and hear about the incredible impact arts have on the economy. As arts are often one of the first programs to be dropped by schools and towns, it is inspiring to have the governor acknowledge how important arts are not just for the cultural and educational advancements in the community but also for the local economy.



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

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