From the days of the earliest settlers, folks have understood that it takes not only, stamina and perseverance to survive in the West, but it also takes diverse skills, ingenuity and a creative community to find ways to live healthy, create a living wage, honor our history, teach our children and enjoy life in a rural setting.
Eventually the Paonia Creative District was formed. The District is a hub of arts and cultural activity. Turn of the century buildings housing local shops, galleries, restaurants, artist studios, an arts center, an artist residency program, a historic movie theatre, and a community radio station add to the charm of the Rockwellian scene. The District is overseen by the North Fork Creative Coalition who works hard to strengthen and enhance the creative labors of our communities.
The entire North Fork Valley is peppered with the studios and home workshops of traditional artists such as weavers, blacksmiths, carvers and quilters. We have fine artists who are potters, painters, photographers and sculptors, not to mention a plethora of writers that range from prose to novelists. From children to adults, we have performing artists that include dramatists, dancers and musicians plus our filmmakers, graphic designers, architects and web designers showcase their technological talents. Our rural economy also provides us with a never-ending array of culinary artists in the form of world class chefs, culinary teachers and creators of value-added agricultural products such as fine wines, craft brewed beer, and healthy meat, vegetable and fruit products.
From music professionals to local artists, business owners and organizations; supporters have come together to recognize the abundance of creativity that exists in our community and the importance of sharing that creative spirit with others in order to maintain a vibrant and sustainable future for the Valley. Our creativity comes naturally and no matter what time of year you plan your next visit, you’ll find events, classes, workshops and exhibits that will interest and inspire the whole family.
Eventually the Paonia Creative District was formed. The District is a hub of arts and cultural activity. Turn of the century buildings housing local shops, galleries, restaurants, artist studios, an arts center, an artist residency program, a historic movie theatre, and a community radio station add to the charm of the Rockwellian scene. The District is overseen by the North Fork Creative Coalition who works hard to strengthen and enhance the creative labors of our communities.
The entire North Fork Valley is peppered with the studios and home workshops of traditional artists such as weavers, blacksmiths, carvers and quilters. We have fine artists who are potters, painters, photographers and sculptors, not to mention a plethora of writers that range from prose to novelists. From children to adults, we have performing artists that include dramatists, dancers and musicians plus our filmmakers, graphic designers, architects and web designers showcase their technological talents. Our rural economy also provides us with a never-ending array of culinary artists in the form of world class chefs, culinary teachers and creators of value-added agricultural products such as fine wines, craft brewed beer, and healthy meat, vegetable and fruit products.
From music professionals to local artists, business owners and organizations; supporters have come together to recognize the abundance of creativity that exists in our community and the importance of sharing that creative spirit with others in order to maintain a vibrant and sustainable future for the Valley. Our creativity comes naturally and no matter what time of year you plan your next visit, you’ll find events, classes, workshops and exhibits that will interest and inspire the whole family.