Dear Salida Community,

What a fun and eventful March! We are thrilled so many visitors to the SteamPlant were able to view the work of artist Andrew Dengate. And what a wonderfully Wicked weekend we had at the movie screenings. It was a treat to showcase the talented musical theatre students of SnowCaps Theatre and also enjoy the costume parade by the youngest members of our community. Thank you to all that attended the movies at the SteamPlant! Salida Arts & Culture also hosted live theatre productions, poetry readings, and numerous conferences, meetings, and events for the community.  

April promises another inspiring month of programming and events as the Paquette Gallery will feature artists from Community Arts at TRex Hall. Come and view oil paintings, photography, pastel, mosaic work, and ink art by this group of local artists. And the SteamPlant film series features the 2025 Oscar nominated Shorts. The April 10 screening is the Live Action Shorts right after the monthly Creative Mixer and save the date for April 24 as we screen the Animation Shorts with a very special preshow featuring an artist talk with Salida illustrators Ryan O'Brien, Kat Been, and Naters Calderone. And Salida Circus celebrates World Circus Day!

And as the Public Art Commission welcomes three new members, there are two new calls for art: designs for the trash enclosure project and also a call for chalk artists for the 2^nd annual Salida Chalk Festival to be held Saturday, June 28. There will also be a reception for the artist Ed Haddaway on Friday, April 4 at 3pm thanks to volunteers.

Enjoy the events below and make plans to join us for inspiring art, film, music, performances, and community events hosted by Salida Arts & Culture this April!

Sincerely,

Tina Gramann

Community Engagement Coordinator, Salida Arts & Culture

Workshop: Salida Community Mosaic Project

Thursdays in April | 12:00 - 2:00pm

Rotary Scout Hut

The City of Salida Creative District program presents the Community Mosaic Project with artist Anne Walker. Join mosaic artist Anne Walker in creating the Salida Community Mosaic project! Help bring to life a 60-foot-long mosaic wall featuring fish swimming in a river, to be installed at Chisholm Park on the wall surrounding the playground. All adults and teens are invited to participate in free mosaic-making workshops. No experience is needed—just come ready to create! All materials are provided.

To sign up for a workshop, visit the Sign-Up link to the right. A signed waiver is required to participate. You can print, sign, and bring the waiver with you, or sign it in person when you arrive.

This project is supported by the Salida Public Arts Commission and the Salida Creative District Program of the Salida Arts and Culture Department.



For more information, contact Anne at anne@annewalkerstudio.com or Tina at info@salidasteamplant.com. We look forward to creating with you!



Artist Reception: Ed Haddaway

Friday April 4 | 3:00 - 5:00pm

“Early Morning Walk” Sculpture on the Monarch Spur Trail and W 1st St next to the old Skatepark then reception following at the SteamPlant Ballroom

The City of Salida Arts & Culture Department volunteers welcome the artist Ed Haddaway for a reception for the newly installed public art sculpture “Early Morning Walk” on Friday, April 4 from 3-5pm. The public is invited to meet at the sculpture at 3:00pm where the artist will talk about his process. Then the reception moves to the Salida SteamPlant Ballroom where the community can talk with the artist and view images of work such as his sculptures, monoprints, and block prints, and enjoy light refreshments. Also hear suggestions for names for the rabbit and the dog provided by local students. Salida Arts & Culture thanks the volunteer organizers.

First Friday in the Salida Creative District

Friday April 4 | 5:00 - 7:30pm

Downtown Salida

The City of Salida Creative District program presents the April First Friday: Welcome Spring! Join us in the Salida Creative District as galleries and creative businesses in Salida’s historic downtown stay open late every first Friday of the month. From painting to sculpture, ceramics, photography, plein air, jewelry, and more, drop into one of Salida’s twenty+ art galleries and creative businesses where you can interact with the artist, ask questions, watch a demo and build your unique collection. Live music by Chris Nasca at The Michael Clark Gallery.

Longfellow Movie Night

Saturday April 5 | 3:00 - 5:00pm

Salida SteamPlant

Longfellow Parents Association presents a family, movie night fundraiser! “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe. The film is Rated PG and runs 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Doors open at 2:30pm | Showtime is 3:00pm

Tickets are $10/person

3 and under are free, but might not be guaranteed a seat and should be prepared to sit on a parent’s lap. Kids 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to bring a pillow or blanket to sit on the floor or stage.

This event is open to the public.

Limited concessions available.

Walden Chamber Music

Saturday April 6 | 2:00 - 6:00pm

Salida SteamPlant

The Walden Chamber Music Society presents a new chamber group from Colorado Springs, featuring Byron Hitchcock (violin), Matt Diekman (viola), Tori Woodrow (violin), Andrew Kolb (cello), and Anna Brumbaugh (clarinet). They will perform Brahms' Quintet for Strings and Clarinet in b minor, Op. 115.

The concert introduces a new format: a "no-guilt Book Club" approach to chamber music. While you enjoy the music, the musicians will explain themes and variations, offering insights to enhance your listening experience. The informance will happen during the concert, so arrive by 3:00pm and enjoy.

The Quintet, known for its autumnal feel, was composed during Brahms' late creative surge in the 1890s. It features two violins, viola, cello, and clarinet across four movements: Allegro, Adagio, Andantino, and Presto. The piece ranges from intimate and melodic to moody and dark, with the clarinet playing a prominent role in the second movement. The final movement brings the piece full circle with variations from the first.

The concert is on Sunday, April 6 at 3:00pm.

A meet-and-greet reception follows.

Tickets are $20 (available online or at the door), and students 18 and under are free.

Art, Community & Film: April Exhibit and Monthly Creative Mixer

Thursday April 10 | 5:00 - 6:30pm

Salida SteamPlant

The City of Salida Arts & Culture department presents the April art exhibit in the Paquette Gallery featuring the artists of Community Arts at T. Rex Hall "dedicated to providing studio space, learning and support for artists and the arts in Chaffee County, Colorado." The artists exhibiting work in the Paquette Gallery are oil painters Christy Shain-Hendricks, Tara Flanagan, and Donna Miller; pastel artist Licia Iversen; ink artist Jonathan Stalls; mosaic artist Julie Mordecai; and photographers Ron Hendricks, David Shaw, and Michael Frankenfield. 

Meet the artists as Salida Arts & Culture and Salida Council for the Arts host the April Creative Mixer, a reception and chance to view the exhibit, network, and participate in the Soapbox tradition- where artists and organizations can make announcements about upcoming events, shows, and programs. From visual art, dance, music, theatre, and more, discover ways to get involved in Salida's vibrant arts scene! Enjoy live music and light refreshments. A cash bar is available. The Mixer is free and open to the public. 

Then after the Mixer, stay for the SteamPlant April Film series, featuring the 2025 Oscar nominated Live Action Shorts. Five short films, critic favorites including the Oscar winning film will be screened in the Theater. “This special release features the year’s most spectacular short films and is available to watch on the big screen for a limited time" 102 minutes. Tickets available below or stop by the SteamPlant Box Office. 

Join us for an evening of art, community, and film at the Salida SteamPlant!

SteamPlant Films: 2025 Oscar Nominated Shorts - Live Action

Thursday April 10 | 6:30 - 8:30pm

Salida SteamPlant

Salida Arts & Culture presents the 2025 Oscar Shorts: Live Action. Join us at the SteamPlant for an evening of art, community, and film immediately after the April Creative Mixer Thursday, April 10 at 6:30pm.

“This special release features the year’s most spectacular short films and is available to watch on the big screen for a limited time shortly after nominations are announced."

See films below:

THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT

Synopsis- A passenger train is stopped by paramilitary forces in an ethnic cleansing operation. As they haul off innocent civilians, only one man out of 500 passengers dares to stand up to them.

Director- Nebojša Slijepčević, 13 min., Croatia, Bulgaria, France, Slovenia

ANUJA

Synopsis- ANUJA tells the story of a gifted nine-year-old girl who, alongside her sister Palak, faces a life-changing opportunity that tests their bond and mirrors the struggles of girls worldwide.

Director- Adam J. Graves, 22 min., India, USA

I'M NOT A ROBOT

Synopsis- After repeatedly failing CAPTCHA tests, music producer Lara spirals into obsession, haunted by the disturbing question of whether she might actually be a robot.

Director- Victoria Warmerdam, 22 min., Netherlands, Belgium

A LIEN

Synopsis- A young couple face up to and deal with a dangerous immigration process.

Director- David & Sam Cutler-Kreutz , 15 min., USA 

THE LAST RANGER

Synopsis- When young Litha is introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, they are ambushed by poachers. In the ensuing battle to save the rhinos, Litha discovers a terrible secret.

Director- Cindy Lee, 28 min., South Africa

Cash bar and limited concessions available.

Doors Open at 6:00pm | Showtime at 6:30pm

Ticket are $10



Purchase tickets on Eventbrite, at the SteamPlant Box Office, or at the door.

Horizons Exploratory Academy presents a Movie Night Fundraiser screening of: The Fall Guy 

Friday April 11 | Doors at 6:30pm and Showtime at 7:00pm

Salida SteamPlant

Presented by Horizons Exploratory Academy, “He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?”

Rated PG

Run time 114 minutes

Starring Hannah Waddingham, Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Teresa Palmer

Doors open at 6:30pm | Showtime at 7:00pm

Student Tickets – $8

Adult Tickets – $10

Tickets available online and at the door.

Limited concessions available.

LPA's 2nd Annual PROM!

Saturday April 12 | 6:30 - 9:30pm

Salida SteamPlant

Longfellow Parents Association presents 2nd Annual Prom! Join us for our 2nd annual PROM fundraiser. Need a night out to dance? This is your jam! Bring your friends and join us for a night of dancing to DJ John Michael, a silent auction, drinks, and lots of fun at the SteamPlant supporting the Longfellow Parents’ Association. Dress in your favorite prom attire or Salida fancy in Carhardts.

This is an adults-only event. Prom is open to the public – attendees do not need to be Longfellow Parents.

Tickets are $35

The Crest Academy Parent-Teacher Organization is offering a child care fundraiser the same night as Prom. They are selling tickets on the same platform as a convenience for purchasers. The child care fundraiser is a separate event and does not fund LPA; rather, a fundraiser for The Crest Academy.

Salida Circus presents The Bluebird: A World Circus Day Fundraising Show

Wednesday April 16 | 7:00 - 9:00pm

Salida SteamPlant

Experience a bittersweet journey of dreams and dreamers that invites audiences to engage with themes of identity, exclusion, and resilience. A wordless theater performance about an immigrant pursuing their dreams, “The Bluebird“, by Buba Basishvili. The production is inspired by Charles Bukowski’s evocative poem The Bluebird, Buba Basishvili’s own immigration story, and the experiences of countless migrants who have left their homes for other lands. Weaving pantomime, visual metaphor and physical comedy, the show transcends linguistic barriers to deliver a poignant narrative of the immigrant experience. The piece features original music by the avant-garde duo Homospouses (Lika Shubitidze and Archil Gegechkori), who have roots in Georgia and Colorado.

Doors open at 6:30pm

Showtime at 7:00pm

Tickets are $30. All proceeds go to the Salida Circus Outreach Foundation.

Cash bar + limited concession available for purchase.

Public Arts Commission Meeting

Thursday April 17 | 5:00 - 6:30pm

Salida SteamPlant

The Public Art Commission was created to oversee public art projects and make recommendations to the City Council by Ordinance No. 2015-04. The next regular business meeting is April 17 at 5:00pm in the SteamPlant Annex.

Salida Circus presents Journée du Cirque: A World Circus Day Fundraising Show

Thursday April 17 | 7:30 - 9:30pm

Salida SteamPlant

Join us in the biggest Salida Circus event of the year, “Journée du Cirque” a contemporary circus show featuring professional circus performers from Salida, BV, all over the state of Colorado and beyond, directed by Benjamin Domask-Ruh, and debuting a performance by the Salida Circus youth program, the Emergent Performers. All proceeds go to the Emergent Performers program, ensuring scholarships and opportunities for any and all local youth aspiring to become professional circus performers.

Doors open at 7:00pm

Showtime at 7:30pm

Tickets are $25 in advance at $30 at the door

Cash bar + limited concession available for purchase.

Salida Mountain Trails presents a Bicycle Day Fundraiser

Saturday April 19 | Doors at 6:00 pm and Showtime at 7:00 pm

Salida SteamPlant

Join Salida Mountain Trails and Roundhouse Assembly for a special night of music in support of Salida’s trails! Coinciding with Bicycle Day, this event will feature an intimate musical performance accompanied by a psychedelic light show.

All proceeds benefit SMT’s mission to create and maintain trails, steward public lands, and promote a vibrant trail community.

Doors at 6pm. Show at 7pm.

Ticket are $25 in advance and $30 at the door

SMT will have swag for sale before the event (shirts, hats, etc.). Cash bar.

SteamPlant Films: 2025 Oscar Nominated Shorts - Animation

Thursday April 24 | Doors at 6:00pm Presentation at 6:30 pm

Salida SteamPlant

Join us at the SteamPlant for Oscar Nominated Shorts: Animation and enjoy a very special pre-show artist talk with Salida illustrators Ryan O'Brien, Naters Calderone and Kat Been who will share images of work and talk about their illustration and animation projects!

This special release features the year’s most spectacular short films and is available to watch on the big screen for a limited time shortly after nominations are announced. The 2025 Oscar nominated Animation Shorts are:

BEAUTIFUL MEN

Synopsis- Three balding brothers travel to Istanbul to get a hair transplant. Stuck with each other in a hotel far from home, their insecurities grow faster than their hair.

Director- Nicolas Keppens, BELGIUM, FRANCE, NETHERLANDS/18 MINS/2023

IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS

Synopsis- Living in a house by the sea with his daughter, a former captain who has post-traumatic stress disorder leads a tough and secluded life.

Director- Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani; IRAN/20 MINS/2023

MAGIC CANDIES

Synopsis- The other kids at the park never ask Dong-Dong to play. But he’s fine just playing marbles on his own. One day he goes out in search of new marbles, but ends up buying a bag of colorful, marble-shaped candies instead. But the first time he pops one of them into his mouth, he’s astonished to hear his old sofa start talking to him! For the next few minutes, until the candy melts away, he has the most unexpected and amazing conversation of his life. Realizing that these are no ordinary candies, Dong- Dong looks at the rest of colorful sweets. Who else will he be able to talk to, and what else will he learn, through these magic candies?

Director- Daisuke Nishio; JAPAN/21 MINS/2024

WANDER TO WONDER

Synopsis- Mary, Billybud, and Fumbleton are three tiny humans who star in a kids’ TV Series called “Wander to Wonder”. After the creator dies, they are left alone in the studio. Struggling to find enough to eat, they continue to make increasingly strange episodes for their fans.

Director- Nina Gantz; NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, FRANCE, UK/13 MINS/2023

YUCK!

Synopsis- Yuck! Adults kiss each other on the mouth, and children find it disgusting! What’s more, you can see it from afar: when people are about to kiss, their lips become all pink and shiny. Little Léo makes jokes about it, as do the other kids at the summer camp. But he has a secret he won’t tell his friends: his own mouth has actually begun glistening. And, in reality, Léo desperately wants to give kissing a try.

Director- Loïc Espuche; FRANCE/13 MINS/2024

Doors open at 6:00pm

Presentation at 6:30pm

Screening begins immediately after

Tickets are $10

Cash bar and limited concessions available.

Purchase tickets on Eventbrite or stop by the SteamPlant Box Office.

GenTalks by Sunset Rotary

Friday April 25 | Doors at 5:30 pm and Event begins at 6:00 pm

Salida SteamPlant

The Sunset Rotary Club presents GenTalks: A student-led night of bold storytelling. From 6th graders to high school seniors, they’ve crafted stories for A Challenge Turned Success, turning real challenges into wins. See how student excellence can transform your perspective and the world. Get your tickets now!

Brought to you by Sunset Rotary Club -- Student Led. Community Driven.

Doors open at 5:30 with the event beginning approx. 6:00pm

Ticket are $10 online and at the door.

Flutes & Flavors hosted by Starpoint

Saturday April 26 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Salida SteamPlant

Starpoint presents Flutes and Flavors, a riverside brunch at the scenic Salida SteamPlant. Enjoy a gourmet brunch by Scratch Kitchen, perfectly paired with crisp, bubbly mimosas.

Browse our silent auction featuring unique experiences, artwork, and curated gift baskets. Whether mingling with friends or making new connections, this elegant riverfront gathering promises a memorable Saturday morning.

Tickets are $60 for a single admission and $100 for couples admission

All proceeds benefit Starpoint, a non-profit that serves individuals with disabilities, and families with children across Southern Colorado.

Alpine Orchestra Concert

Saturday April 26 | Doors at 6:30 pm and Showtime at 7:00 pm

Salida SteamPlant

The Alpine Orchestra presents a Spring Concert. The Alpine Orchestra for the upper Arkansas Valley is a community orchestra serving Buena Vista, Salida, and Leadville. The Alpine Orchestra continues to strive for excellence in fulfilling its purpose of sharing the enjoyment of music with the community and expanding opportunities for talented young musicians. Contact Alpine Orchestra for ticket info.

CALL FOR ART submissions due April 16!

The City of Salida Public Art Commission is seeking unique and distinctive art to beautify the many trash and utility boxes placed within the city through the selection of original designs from area artists. Two designs will be selected and turned into wraps for two of the new trash cans on our campus at the SteamPlant.

The award is $500 per project. Individuals, youth, or teams can apply. Each artist or team may submit up to three works for consideration. Must be local within 18-mile radius and Salida Schools boundary. The deadline to submit is April 16. For more information and to apply, see the Call for Entry CaFE link here. Artists must apply via the CaFE link.

Continuing through May, The Community Mosaic Project every Thursday 12-2pm

**except for Thursday 5/8 which will be hosted instead on Wednesday 5/7**

May 1 | Creative Mixer at the Salida SteamPlant; Art by Sally Mather

May 2 | First Friday in the Salida Creative District

May 2 - 4 | 13th Annual Valley Visions Art Showcase

May 2 | Tony Furtado in Concert

May 3 & 4 | The Notables Performance

May 8 | SteamPlant Films presents: Movie Night

May 11 | A Day to Remember Events hosts Mother's Day Brunch

May 15 | Public Arts Commission meeting

May 15 | SteamPlant Films presents: Movie Night

May 23 | Cedar Street Studios Children's Concert

May 24 - 25 | Bluegrass on the Arkansas

May 24 & 25 | Greg West Performance

June 28 | Save the Date! 2nd annual Salida Chalk Festival