REFLECTIONS
Dear Friends of the Creede Center for the Arts,
January revealed itself as one of the chillier months we’ve experienced in a while. The new year prompts us to create resolutions. Nature tells us to slow down, reflect, and gather energy for the coming Spring.
Reflecting guides us to gratitude. We realize without the support of our incredible donors, Board, and staff, the Center would simply remain a dream. Because of you, the Creede Center for the Arts has more life breathed into it every day.
Our hope is that the Creede Center for the Arts will become a powerful part of the future for Creede. We are honored today to introduce you to Tim & Ann Cranor, whose generosity is supporting the launch of this incredible project and whose leadership will add to our ability to realize it.
Tim & Ann Cranor
Ann and I have appreciated and supported the arts since before our marriage. Ann grew up in a family of artists. Both of her parents were artists and Ann graduated with a degree in print making from Kansas State University. While not an artist, I have attempted to fully participate in these efforts.
Creede has been a lifelong home for Ann. She has come to Creede and Spar City every year of her life. I have been coming as well since my first visit in 1963. Both of Ann’s grandparents had cabins at Spar City, and our granddaughter marks the fifth generation to enjoy Creede and the surrounding area.
We have watched Creede evolve from a western mining town into a robust tourist destination, with many artistic magnets. We have been big fans of Steve Quiller since he opened his gallery, and enjoyed Jenny Inge’s Rare Things, along with her personal perspective and support of artists and their creations. We enjoyed eating at the Bristol Inn and now look forward to visits to the various artists that show at Bristol Yarnworks Studio, supported by Terri Inman and Kathy Killip. The Creede Repertory Theatre has been a huge driver of attracting people from all walks of life and geographic locations. It has been a hub for creativity and professional performances for 58 years.
The most recent effort to continue to develop and support the community is the renovation of the Historic Creede Hotel. This renovation has been a huge work-in-progress but will have a positive impact on Creede for years to come. It is truly amazing and inspiring to see how Creede, through the resilience, determination, and creativity of its citizens, has forged a new future for the community and valley. Rather than fold their tent and ride off when the mines closed, they instead persevered and ultimately changed Creede into an arts hub and tourist draw.
Creede Center for the Arts will greatly expand the offerings and opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy, experience and grow through interacting with arts of all mediums and venues. I am proud to now be a member of its Board of Directors. The Center will offer educational opportunities, bring new artists from around the world to Creede and ultimately support the arts—and the community—in ways not currently available. An exciting time for Creede!