Mission & Vision
The mission of Creede Center for the Arts is to offer art, perspectives on nature, and communal experiences that enhance the lives of residents, attract new visitors, and drive economic growth in the historic city of Creede, Colorado.
The vision for the Center, inspired by that of its founder, local artist Stephen Quiller, is to carry out this mission in a place that melds art, nature, and community, where work of regional artists is exhibited alongside artists of international renown; where people can gather to experience a sense of place, togetherness, and community; where arts education from elementary school through adult life can spark creativity; and where the breadth of cultural life in Creede can find a home, driving growth and local economic development.
History
After first spending his summers in Creede during the 1960s, young artist Stephen Quiller established a permanent Main Street gallery in 1970 and relocated to the mountain town full-time shortly after. A key developer of Creede’s Chamber of Commerce and a longtime board and advisory member, Quiller also envisioned the Taste of Creede Festival—now in its 38th year—celebrating local art, theatre, live music, and cuisine. His influence extends far beyond the canyon walls; as a world-renowned watercolorist, and Dolphin Fellow of the American Watercolor Society (the society’s highest honor), Quiller has authored seven books and sold 140,000 copies, produced five comprehensive video training series, and developed a color wheel used by over 250,000 creators. As an educator, he has led 325+ workshops across 31 states and 18 countries, teaching nearly 10,000 students to date.
Quiller’s own award-winning artwork has earned numerous national and international awards, and qualified him to jury dozens of prestigious watercolor shows. Now one of the world’s foremost watercolorists, Quiller continues to draw inspiration from Creede’s natural beauty, a landscape that has defined his award-winning career for over half a century.
Seeking to honor the art and nature that defined his career, Quiller is now bringing a lifelong dream to fruition: the establishment of a local Center for the Arts. Designed as a gathering place for education and creative engagement, the Center will also stand as a global destination for water media. It is Quiller’s way of ensuring Creede remains a vibrant home for award-winning artistry, featuring his own collection alongside the work of peers from around the world.
The Center will be accessible to everyone in the community and serve as a physical location for partnerships with local arts and music organizations. Space for school workshops, presentations on the area's unique history and environment, occasional music or theater events, and community celebrations. It will draw visitors who contribute to the local economy and further strengthen Creede's unique attraction as an arts destination.
Quiller worked to establish a nonprofit organization and assembled a board of directors, all of whom have a deep-seated love for Creede and the professional expertise and influence required to bring this vision to life.
Creede Center for the Arts has created a business plan with pro forma financial projections for Center operations, tested private funding capacity for the project with a feasibility study, developed a case statement, executed an Economic Impact Study, developed a fundraising plan, and created a website and various communication materials.
In late 2025, Creede Center for the Arts acquired the former school property from a private seller, and a new era of revitalization was born for this unique historical space within downtown Creede. In addition to exhibition space, the floor plan will utilize existing classrooms to become a Creative Center for adults and children, a workshop area, an archives research Center, an artistic library, and a multi-use space ideal for hosting performances, presentations, and community gatherings, gift shop, and office spaces for staff and other local arts nonprofits who need physical office space. The Center will be able to function as a community event space and will also house Center staff or artists in residence. Plans for the Center grounds include a sculpture garden, extensive landscaping, and an outdoor seating area for visitors in the back of the property. Ample parking and close proximity to downtown make this the ideal base for exploring everything Creede has to offer.
Throughout the project's development, partnerships have been established with local arts organizations, our Chamber of Commerce, City and County leaders, the local School District, and state elected officials—which has and will continue to be key to its success.
Latest News
Catch up on recent updates, community highlights, and the latest progress as we bring our vision for the Center to life.
501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation
Creede Center for the Arts
308 La Garita Street, PO Box 639
Creede, CO 81130
IRS Employer ID Number: 83-2845919 • Tax Returns
Board of Directors
Strong Governance
The Creede Center for the Arts nonprofit Board of Directors includes members from various professional backgrounds with the skills, knowledge, and social capital needed to achieve and sustain the project. Our feasibility study yielded high confidence in achieving accepted standards for Board Giving in a campaign environment.
