The Power of Creativity in Mancos Colorado
Annual Report 2024
Young Chelsea focusing on her art project at Mancos Head Start circa 1985. Photo courtesy of Tri-County Head Start scrapbook.
Young Chelsea focusing on her art project at Mancos Head Start circa 1985. Photo courtesy of Tri-County Head Start scrapbook.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Community,
My heart is filled with gratitude and excitement. 2024 was transformative for the Mancos Creative District. From our decision to move forward with the acquisition and rehabilitation of the historic Mancos Opera House to the success of our signature events and programs, our mission feels like it is truly being lived and loved here in our beautiful valley.
In the past year, we welcomed three outstanding new board members (Mark Stevens, Liz Perry, Tess Lynston), a fabulous new event manager (Stephanie Hallam), and so many wonderful new volunteers and contributors. We were also happy to welcome a new liaison, Mancos Trustee David Peyton, as a regular visitor to our board meetings in 2024 and appreciate the effort to improve collaboration with the Town of Mancos.
The support of our community—your creativity, your generosity, and your belief in the power of the arts—is our foundation. Together, we celebrated our creative community identity through public art, connected through many forms of creative expression, events, and community driven projects, and strengthened our vibrant creative economy.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey! The future of the Mancos Creative District is bright, and I look forward to working alongside you all as we continue bringing our shared vision to life.
Warm regards,
Chelsea Lunders
Executive Director, Mancos Creative District
The Mancos Creative District's mission is to build and sustain a welcoming, diverse, and active creative culture that supports the Mancos Valley socially and economically.
CREATIVE IMPACT 2024
2024 SIGNATURE EVENTS
Supporting Economic Vibrance & Showcasing the Specialness of Our Creative Community
Hosting events is a cornerstone of the Mancos Creative District’s programming to support the economic health of our creative industries, inspire community connection, and celebrate our town as a creative hub. Our annual events are designed to draw a regional audience to support business in the district and showcase the creative talent of Mancos and the surrounding area.
Three Mancos Creative District signature events brought energy and creativity to our downtown in 2024:
The first ever Mixed In Mancos sold out at the Mancos Opera House in March, filling the theater with music lovers. The performance featured three area bands and was recorded live to produce an original compilation album released on January 25, 2025 and now for sale at Bomdiggity in Mancos.
BurroFest June 2024 was the best BurroFest yet.
- 14 burros and their handlers participated in the BurrOlympics obstacle course.
- 10 artists were paired with burros to create burro-inspired artwork, showcased at the event.
- 22 artists participated in an art market.
- Approximately 1,700 event attendees enjoyed music, shopping, art demonstrations, children's activities, and burro antics all day long. 55% of attendees were local (from Montezuma County) and 45% traveled to visit Mancos for the event.
- Art vendors reported an average of $640 in sales for the day.
- Local motels reported 100% occupancy and downtown businesses reported an average of $2,470 in sales on the day of the event.
- Overall feedback from event participants and attendees showed a desire for more BurroFest! More merchandise, more music, more activities, more obstacle course, more parking, more food. With the amount of attendees this year, we felt the squeeze on some of our key activities and logistics, and we have great feedback that the event is a success with room for improvement.
The Mancos Art Market grew again in December 2024 to include:
- Over 60 individual artists and makers at Fenceline Cidery, the Mancos Opera House, and the Mancos Community Center. 40% of our 2024 artists were new to the event, while 60% returned after participating in previous years.
- 10 Mancos businesses collaborated and opened their doors to offer unique local art and food to approximately 800 attendees.
- Participation of youth artists grew in 2024 with booths hosted by Mancos School District students, Cortez School District, and Dragonfly Preschool.
- Through a new partnership with the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, we welcomed 4 new Indigenous artists to the event.
- Art vendors reported an average of $500 in sales and businesses reported an average of $2,268 in sales on the day of the event.
Check out our YouTube channel for event highlights...
Local author, Jim Duke, and Lucky slinging books at the 2024 BurroFest.
Local author, Jim Duke, and Lucky slinging books at the 2024 BurroFest.
LEARNING & EDUCATION THROUGH THE ARTS
In 2024, we began a collaboration with the Mesa Verde Writers Conference. Held now for two years, the conference takes place in July and welcomes both local and visiting writers from around the country to find inspiration in the beautiful landscape of the Mancos Valley. In 2024 the conference featured 4 authors who provided workshops to 28 aspiring writers. Attendees traveled from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Ohio and Massachusetts. The conference featured food from local caterer, Zoe The Tail, and Zuma Natural Foods.
Through the Mancos School of the West, we offered 9 unique classes in 2024, engaging over 59 adult learners. Thank you to Jody Chapel for coordinating this program. Thank you also to our teaching artists: Steve Williams, Kathy Pike, Kerry O'Brien, I&I Studio, and Laurie Hall.
Art Facts: Adults engaged in art education experience a 10% increase in overall well-being and report higher levels of social connection, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity in lifelong learning. For children, creativity fosters critical thinking, problem solving and a love of learning that supports higher academic achievement overall.
Laurie Hall's eco print class at her flower farm.
Laurie Hall's eco print class at her flower farm.
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY DRIVEN CREATIVE PROJECTS
The Mancos Creative District established the 81328 Creates program in 2022 to provide mini grants and scholarships to many projects dreamed up and implemented by creatives living in the Mancos Valley. The goal of the program is to support individuals and businesses to launch new ideas and take creative risks that catalyze the vibrancy and connection that we know our community has to offer.
In 2024, the Mancos Creative District supported 17 projects and distributed $9,600 to foster creativity and opportunity.
Overall this program distributed $19,500 to creative individuals, businesses, and community organizations in the Mancos Valley.
Since 2017, the Mancos Creative District has awarded $8,000 in scholarships to students graduating in our community and pursuing higher education.
2024 Community Driven Projects Supported by 81328 Creates:
- Mancos Dance Scholarships
- Raven House Reopening
- Fenceline Art Openings
- The Cookout’s Rhythm & Roots Harvest Festival
- Bomdiggity Sound Bath at Harmony Barn
- Etienne Tolno West Africa Drum & Dance Workshop at Deer Hill
- Alex Blocker Performance at Fenceline
- Mesa Verde Motel Mural
- Montezuma School to Farm Mancos School Garden Art Installations
- Mount Lookout Grange Community Dinner Live Music
- Las Huicholas Mexican Independence Day Celebration
- International Peace Day Music
- Afrobeatniks Performance at Mancos Opera House
- Mancos High School Dark Room Training
- Cult Movie Federation of Mancos Movie Night Marketing
Young artist, Rickcardo Chischilly, creating a mural at the Mancos School Garden. A Montezuma School to Farm project.
Young artist, Rickcardo Chischilly, creating a mural at the Mancos School Garden. A Montezuma School to Farm project.
ENHANCING OUR LANDSCAPE WITH PUBLIC ART
In 2021, the Mancos Creative District launched a partnership with the Town of Mancos to help coordinate and stimulate public art projects in various locations in the community. We now also partner with other organizations and businesses in Mancos to further enhance public art for all to enjoy. Over the years we supported eleven public art projects in the community.
2024’s Public Art Initiatives Made a Meaningful Impact.
Thank You to Mural Artist Duane Koyawena: Duane is a Hopi/Tewa artist from Flagstaff, Arizona who created our new mural at a key gateway to downtown Mancos. This striking and welcoming addition to our landscape provides needed representation of living Indigenous People and supports the identity of our community as a small western town that honors all. Duane collaborated with Cortez-based Navajo artist Keith Smith on the installation to teach his mural painting techniques and help further the mural arts of the Four Corners Region.
Public Art Partnership with the Town of Mancos: A new public art installation, designed by Mancos artist Dai Salwen, will be unveiled in the spring of 2025 at Boyle Park. This artwork features familiar flora and fauna of our area to engage children who visit the park, and celebrates the contributions of the Mancos Lions Club to the Mancos community.
As we look ahead, we encourage community members to volunteer to support public art leadership in Mancos. Together, we can ensure these projects continue to reflect the diverse creativity and identity of our valley.
Art Facts: Studies show that public art drives economic vitality in rural communities, and also improves community well-being by reducing stress, fostering social connections, and increasing a sense of belonging.
Duane Koyawena standing in front of his mural at Highway 160 and Main Street, Mancos, Colorado. An Arts In Society funded project.
Duane Koyawena standing in front of his mural at Highway 160 and Main Street, Mancos Colorado. An Arts In Society funded project.
2024 IN SUMMARY
> 2,700 event attendees drawn to downtown Mancos for 3 fun events
Our downtown galleries and shops reported earning an average of $2,600 during Mancos Creative District events, which are designed to highlight our downtown creative corridor.
Some downtown businesses tell us our events bring in up to 4x the sales of an average day and serve as their biggest sales days of the year.
> 115 artists earned $19,700 in income through events & teaching opportunities
73 visual artists, 29 musicians and performing artists, 11 teaching artists, and 3 talented designers participated in our events and educational programs and earned income through their original creative offerings.
Teaching artists earned a total of $8,488. Artists performing at our signature events earned a total of $6,750. Local designers earned $3,420. Vending Machine artists earned $1,050.
> $26,000 funded unique projects led by 28 Mancos creatives
$19,200 was provided to 5 artists to install public art in Mancos.
$3,730 was provided to 8 Mancos businesses and organizations to support marketing or special projects.
$3,660 was provided to 15 individuals to create music and other art offerings in Mancos.
LOOKING AHEAD 2025
Celebrating Our 10th Year as a Designated Colorado Creative District!
SIGNATURE EVENTS
We are excited to continue hosting the events that have become tradition in the Mancos community and add a new celebration to the mix. Join us in 2025!
- 2nd Annual Mixed in Mancos - March 8th
- Mesa Verde Literary Festival - July 12 *NEW EVENT*
- 6th Annual BurroFest - Burros In Wonderland - June 21
- 5th Annual Mancos Art Market - November 30
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
As we prepare to move in the new direction of the Mancos Opera House, the Mancos School of the West will pause in 2025 to allow for a reimagining of our educational programming. During this time, we remain committed to learning opportunities through our Folk and Traditional Arts grant partnership with the Mancos Public Library, ensuring that hands-on, culturally rich workshops continue in the interim.
We are also excited to continue hosting the Mesa Verde Writers Conference in a new downtown location, the Mancos Commons.
THE MANCOS OPERA HOUSE
In 2024, we conducted thorough due diligence on the Mancos Opera House. With extensive community input and strategic planning, we are proud to announce our decision to acquire and rehabilitate this iconic structure. This space will serve as a creative cultural and educational hub for years to come, hosting performances, workshops, classes, and gatherings that celebrate the spirit of Mancos. We will begin our fundraising effort in 2025 to support the acquisition, continued rehabilitation, and sustainability of future operations.
We envision the historic Mancos Opera House as a cornerstone for our community and region — a multi-use space where history, arts, creativity, and education converge to create connections and inspire people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds in Southwest Colorado.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended December 31, 2024
|
2024 Revenue Sources |
Amount |
% of Total Revenue |
|---|---|---|
|
Individual Contributions |
$48,000 |
21% |
|
Business Contributions |
$9,000 |
4% |
|
Foundations |
$47,000 |
20% |
|
Government Grants |
$74,300 |
32% |
|
Fundraising Events |
$6,600 |
3% |
|
Signature Event & Program Revenue |
$33,600 |
14% |
|
In-Kind Contributions |
$13,500 |
6% |
|
2024 Expenditures |
Amount |
% of Total Expenditures |
|---|---|---|
|
General Operations |
$56,500 |
32% |
|
Fundraising |
$5,700 |
3% |
|
Programming |
$115,000 |
65% |
|
Financial Outcomes Over Three Years |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Revenue |
$232,000 |
$133,000 |
$91,000 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$177,200 |
$140,000 |
$52,500 |
|
Net Movement in Funds |
$54,800 |
-7,000 |
$38,500 |
THANK YOU
Sending a big thank you to the many organizations, local businesses, and individuals who contributed to the Mancos Creative District in 2024. We want to give special mention to the following supporters for their significant contributions and ongoing partnership:
|
~ Mancos Brewing Company ~ Fenceline Cider ~ Dolores State Bank ~ Nimbus Solutions ~ Mesa Verde Motel ~ Leigh Reeves ~ The Strother Family ~ Bradley Hoessle & the Afrobeatniks ~ The Brown Family & Reddert Ranch LLC ~ The Mancos Common Press ~ The Mancos Opera House Company ~ Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce ~ Mancos Public Library |
Meet Our Board of Directors
Rick Eisenberg, Interim President, Treasurer
Colorado Realtor & Numbers Guy. Serves on Foundation Boards. Wilderness Adventure Community Connector & Attention to Important Details Giver. Outdoor Everything Lover.
Mark Stevens, Secretary
Writer, Bass Player, KSJD DJ. Co-owner of Harmony Barn Gathering Space & Owner of Mark Stevens Communications, Serving Nonprofit & Education-related Organizations with all Varieties of Public Relations Needs. Co-founder of Mesa Verde Writers Conference. Music Lover.
Lisa C. Taylor, Director
Writer & Teacher. Chamber of Commerce Member, Four Corners Writers Member & Train Aficionado. Five Published Collections of Poetry & Fiction, Novel Published in 2025. Holds an MFA in Creative Writing & Teaches Online. Co-founder of Mesa Verde Writers Conference. Ireland & Coast Lover.
Nathan Schmidt, Director
Singer & Guitar Player, Writer & Drawer of Pictures. Husband, Father & Caregiver of Polydactyl Cats. Recent Local Radio DJ & Global Financial Communications Analyst, Now Importer & Seller of Fine Italian Olive Oil. Country Music Lover.
Erik Nordstrom, Director
Teacher, Cancer Survivor, Songwriter, Singer & Guitarist. Initiator of KDUR Cover Nights & the Cult Movie Federation of Mancos. Still working to keep Southwest Colorado Weird & Fun. Community Lover.
Liz Perry, Director
Leader, Archaeologist & Turnaround Expert. Avid Cheerleader of Mission-Driven Organizations & Social Justice Advocate. Lover of Dogs, Squirrels, Marmots, and all their Earthly Communities.
Tess Lynston, Director
Creative, Art Exhibit Curator & Storyteller - #SheWhoScribes. Indigenous People Connector. Healing Art Practitioner, Mystic, Nature Steward, Dancer & Singer (off key sometimes, often). Mindfulness Facilitator - #TessOracleArtist. Be empowered. Be inspired.
TJ Zark, President Emeritus
Artist, Musician, Designer, Web Developer & Startup Expert. LGBTQ+ Community Connector. Invoker of Growing Beyond Previously Perceived Limitations. Horse Lover.
Built with Shorthand