A Year of Growth, Creativity, and Community

2025 marked a new chapter for the Creamery Arts Center. With a new board, new energy, and renewed community engagement, the Creamery has come roaring back to life as a thriving creative hub—supporting artists, connecting neighbors, and welcoming visitors from across the country.

Through it all, we’ve stayed true to our mission: to support local artists, inspire creative learning, and foster connection through the arts.

• $45,437.93 in total revenue (and counting!)
• $15,000+ paid directly to artists through member commissions
• $8,370 in community donations
• $1,500 grant awarded for our new Kids’ Pollinator Garden
• 1,000+ youth class attendance through the Clay Studio
• 150+ adult students participated in painting, ceramics, and fiber arts workshops
• 100+ artists represented across 10 exhibitions
• 5,000+ visitors and event attendees from across the region and beyond
• 60+ artist members supported through sales, exhibitions, and networking
• Dozens of volunteers who painted, repaired, cleaned, and organized to keep the Creamery running strong

This year, we’ve focused not just on growth, but on reconnection—with the community that has supported the Creamery for nearly two decades.

We expanded our reach and impact in meaningful ways, beginning with the launch of the Hotchkiss Art Walk, created in partnership with the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition and local businesses to bring new energy and foot traffic to Bridge Street.

Our gallery hosted ten art shows featuring more than a hundred artists, from emerging creators to seasoned professionals. Mediums ranged from acrylic, oil, and watercolor to fiber arts, woodturning, ceramics, and mixed media—a reflection of the incredible diversity of talent across the Western Slope.

We also continued to nurture the next generation of artists through our Kids’ Clay Programs, with more than 1,000 class attendances this year alone. Young creators explored form, texture, and imagination—often bringing home muddy hands and big smiles.

In the spirit of collaboration, the Creamery once again became a home base for community initiatives, including providing space for the Kids’ Pasta Project, a nonprofit that raises funds for local youth causes throughout the Western Slope.

And thanks to an in-kind donation of a professional Xerox printer, we’re now equipped to expand our communication, signage, and design capabilities for exhibitions, classes, and events in 2026.

We’re preparing to buy the Creamery building.

With the generous support of Linda Tullis (who has been the organization's champion from day one), we are working toward ownership of our home—a milestone that will secure the future of this space for generations of artists and community members.

Our goal for 2026 is to raise $50,000 for the down payment on the Creamery building—an essential step toward securing a permanent home for the arts in Hotchkiss. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring that vision closer to reality. Support our campaign

At the same time, we’re expanding our art class offerings for youth and adults alike, creating new opportunities for learning, connection, and creative growth throughout the year. Support our campaign

As part of this next chapter, we’re also seeking an Executive Director to help guide the Creamery’s future—someone who can bring strong leadership, fresh vision, and a deep commitment to the artists and community we serve. Support our campaign

We are so excited for what's to come. Thank YOU for coming with us.