Business Details
47 Years
experience
Paragon Art Gallery - Crested Butte's Premier Art Cooperative
Paragon Art Gallery has been a cornerstone of Crested Butte's cultural landscape since 1979. Established as an artist cooperative, we provide a platform for 14 local artists and two rotating guest artists to showcase their work in a dynamic, ever-evolving space. Our gallery reflects the creative spirit of the Gunnison Valley, featuring diverse mediums from painting and ceramics to wood carving and fused glass. We actively support community initiatives, donating 1% of profits to Open Space and contributing to local art programs at Crested Butte Community School. As a founding member of the Crested Butte Creative District, we host the annual Paragon Peoples Fair, now in its 41st year, which celebrates regional artists and craftspeople. Our team of artists brings decades of combined experience, with many having lived in the area since the 1970s, capturing the transformation of this historic mining town into a vibrant mountain arts destination.We maintain rigorous standards for artistic excellence while fostering an inclusive environment for both established and emerging creators. Our physical space on Elk Avenue serves as both a commercial gallery and a cultural hub, offering educational opportunities and collaborative projects that strengthen the local arts ecosystem. Through our curated exhibitions and community engagement programs, we demonstrate deep expertise in connecting audiences with authentic, place-based artistic expression. Our commitment to transparency and ethical practices is reflected in our cooperative business model and ongoing partnerships with regional cultural organizations.
Services
Art Gallery
Guest Artist Exhibits
Peoples Fair
Artist Membership
Community Art Programs
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We are Colorado's longest-running artist cooperative gallery established in 1979
- We feature 14 local artists with deep regional connections and expertise
- Our annual Peoples Fair supports regional artists through non-juried exhibitions
- We maintain partnerships with Crested Butte Community School art programs
- Our rotating guest artist program ensures fresh perspectives and diverse mediums
Services
Art Gallery
Our cooperative gallery showcases diverse works from 14 local artists and two rotating guest artists. Featuring painting, ceramics, glasswork, and mixed media, our exhibits change seasonally to reflect Colorado's artistic diversity. Visitors experience both traditional and contemporary interpretations of mountain landscapes and culture through this ever-evolving collection.
Artist Membership
We offer cooperative membership opportunities for qualified local artists. Selected members receive exhibition space, marketing support, and professional development resources. The competitive application process ensures high artistic standards while maintaining diverse representation across mediums and styles. Jurying occurs annually with new members joining for the winter season.
Peoples Fair
Our annual Labor Day weekend festival features regional artists, live music, and local food vendors. Now in its 41st year, this non-juried event provides exposure for emerging creators while celebrating Colorado's creative community. The two-day event on Elk Avenue includes sidewalk sales, family activities, and special programs supporting local arts education.
Community Programs
We support local art education through school partnerships and public workshops. Our initiatives include youth programs at Trailhead Children's Museum and Crested Butte Community School. We also offer glasswork classes and artist-led demonstrations that connect community members with practicing professionals in various mediums.
Guest Artist Program
Our featured guest artist program showcases temporary exhibitions from regional creators. Artists must be full-time Gunnison Valley residents to qualify. The program provides exposure through prime gallery placement and marketing support. Applications open annually for summer season consideration with selected artists featured for six-month rotations.
People
Susan Anderton
Painter & Illustrator
Susan Anderton has documented Crested Butte's evolution from mining town to resort destination through art since 1970. Her work captures the region's natural beauty and architectural heritage, reflecting over 50 years of local experience.
Will Tintera
Wood Carver & Calligrapher
Will Tintera combines woodcarving, calligraphy, and puppetry in his mountain-inspired art. Teaching regular classes while creating functional art pieces, he has been part of Crested Butte's creative community since 1976.
Laura Elm
Ceramic Artist
Laura Elm creates expressive ceramic works blending functional pottery with sculptural elements. Her designs incorporate natural motifs and graphic patterns, reflecting her extensive travels and multicultural influences.
Kara Chambers
Ceramic Artist
Kara Chambers brings earthy textures and organic forms to her ceramic creations. As Crested Butte Clay Studio manager, she teaches pottery while developing her signature glazing techniques that reflect Colorado's natural landscapes.
Christina Stillwaggon
Glass Artist
Christina Stillwaggon creates stained glass and fused glass artworks inspired by Colorado's natural world. Teaching local workshops, she combines traditional techniques with contemporary designs to create luminous, nature-inspired pieces.
Questions
How can artists apply for gallery membership?
Artists submit portfolios for annual jurying. Selected members begin winter season displays. Applications open in spring with jurying conducted in fall.
What is the Paragon Peoples Fair?
Our annual Labor Day weekend festival features regional artists, live music, food vendors, and family activities. Now in its 41st year, it supports local arts education programs.
Do you accept credit cards for purchases?
Payment options update seasonally. Please contact us directly for current payment methods accepted at our Crested Butte location.
Are guest artist applications always juried?
Our guest program maintains non-juried selection. Artists must be full-time Gunnison Valley residents to qualify for seasonal exhibition opportunities.
What gallery hours should visitors expect?
We operate seasonally, reopening November 28, 2025. Regular hours vary by season. Please check our website for current schedule before visiting.
How does the gallery support local schools?
We donate to Crested Butte Community School art programs and partner with Trailhead Children's Museum for educational initiatives supporting youth creativity.
Reviews (1)
Chantelle Prejean
Sep 27, 2021
Report
Great place to stop in and admire (or buy!) pieces from local artists. There's photography, pottery, paintings, jewelry and stained glass.
