As Colorado marks 150 years of statehood and the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Telluride Arts, with generous support from TMVOA, in partnership with the Telluride Museum, is launching a community-wide art project titled This Is Colorado (In One Square Foot), inviting residents and visitors alike to reflect on one simple prompt: What does being a Coloradoan mean to you?
Titled This Is Colorado (In One Square Foot) — the project invites community members to create artwork on a 12” x 12” canvas, responding visually to themes of place, identity, landscape, culture, belonging, and change.
The project is open to residents 16+ in San Miguel County, artists and non-artists alike. Each participant receives a one square foot canvas to express their personal interpretation of the state we call home, contributing to a collective portrait of Colorado at this milestone moment in its history.
A limited number of canvases (approximately 150–200) will be available for pickup beginning in early April at several community locations during business hours (be sure to check off-season schedules):
- Telluride Museum | kiernan@telluridemuseum.org
- Telluride Arts HQ | info@telluridearts.org
- Town of Mountain Village Town Hall | marketing@mtnvillage.org
Participants will have eight weeks to complete their canvas before returning it for exhibition.
All completed works will be displayed together in a curated community installation, forming a unified grid that creates a powerful visual mosaic of perspectives. The exhibition will be presented in the Town of Telluride at Telluride Arts HQ and in Mountain Village, celebrating the many voices, histories, and identities that shape Colorado today.
“This is a moment to reflect on who we are as Coloradans and what this place means to us,” said Jessica Galbo, Executive Director of Telluride Arts. “By giving everyone one square foot to express their perspective, we’re creating a collective portrait of our community as part of the Colorado 150 and America 250 celebrations.”
Cassie Franks, Director of Education and Outreach at the Telluride Historical Museum adds “This is a chance for us to celebrate and collaborate as a community using our history, landscapes, and memories. We get to share what it is about our state that inspires us, shapes us, and makes us Coloradans.”
A small number of juried awards will recognize standout works, along with People’s Choice honors, while maintaining the project’s inclusive spirit. Cash prizes of $250 and $150 will be awarded in both juried and audience categories.
The project will culminate in a summer exhibition running June 15 through July 31, aligning with local celebrations of Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the national lead-up to America’s 250th.
- WHO: Open to San Miguel County residents 16+.
- WHAT: This Is Colorado (In One Square Foot) — community art project using provided 12” x 12” canvases responding to: What does being a Coloradan mean to you?
- WHERE: Canvas pickup at Telluride Museum, Telluride Arts HQ, Town of Mountain Village Offices. Exhibition at Telluride Arts HQ + Mountain Village (TBD).
- WHEN: Pickup April 1 | Canvas return June 1 | Exhibition June 15–July 31.
- WHY: Celebrate Colorado’s 150th and America’s 250th through community creativity.
- HOW: 150–200 canvases distributed; works exhibited in a grid installation; $250 & $150 juried and People’s Choice prizes.
Spanish-language materials will be available to ensure broad community participation.
Through this collaborative initiative, Telluride Arts, the Telluride Historical Museum aims to celebrate Colorado identity through diverse voices, increase accessibility to arts participation, and create a visually compelling installation honoring this historic milestone. TMVOA support helps bring the exhibition and community celebration to Mountain Village.
Join us at the opening reception for our latest exhibit, Moments That Made US: San Miguel Stories 
FILM SCREENING: 
