The SteamPlant marked the 2nd anniversary of operation doing what it was intended to do, bringing guests to Chaffee County and hosting community events. State, national and even international events have been common at the SteamPlant this year. The North American Rock Garden Society just concluded its annual conference with guests from many countries. Earlier in the summer the SteamPlant hosted the Colorado chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association, a White Water Parks workshop and this week will continue this trend with the Colorado Metalsmithing Association’s annual meeting and workshops.
Destination weddings have also found their way to Salida and the SteamPlant, and many are scheduled for the remainder of 2010 and 2011. It benefits all of us when these events come to town. Most guests stay in local motels, bed and breakfasts and vacation homes. Restaurants and retail businesses also see increased sales. It is this additional revenue that allows these establishments to prosper.
To celebrate two years of expanded operations, the SteamPlant will host a birthday party featuring the CMC Jazz Band later in the summer. Watch for our newspaper ads and check our website for more information.
The SteamPlant recently debuted the new annual exhibit in the Strawn/Grether Sculpture Garden. Many unique and exciting pieces by local artists are featured this year. The SteamPlant also hosted a special opening reception in conjunction with ArtWalk.
The Friends of the SteamPlant are currently conducting their annual membership drive. The Friends contribute to the community by raising funds to subsidize the use of the SteamPlant by local not-for-profits. Many local organizations are able to hold fund raisers and special events due to this effort. Thanks to the Friends, our community enjoys many cultural events, and funds are raised for many community causes. In addition volunteers from the Friends assist in operation of the SteamPlant in many ways. This group of devoted supporters is very important to the SteamPlant.
The Paquette Gallery has seen many great art exhibits this year, and a very special exhibit is currently on display in the SteamPlant annex. It features photography and written works by Shirley Ann Tipping and Alex Van Ark. They were participants in last year’s Colorado Art Ranch and also have an exhibit in the Denver International Airport.
Join us this Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. for the first of three Jazz on the Plaza events scheduled this summer. Joseph Liberti (Flute Daddy) and his band will perform a mix of music smooth jazz with a dash of funk and Latin influence. Spend your evening with us listening to great music while enjoying the beautiful scenery and adventurers on the Arkansas River. The SteamPlant will have brats and beverages for sale during the event. The event is free and open to the public.
Please visit our website at SalidaSteamPlant.com for information on all of the exciting events occurring at the SteamPlant.
By Michael Varnum
SteamPlant Director
Jazz on the Plaza – what a great idea, Michael! The SteamPlant plaza was a perfect setting to wrap up the weekend with good music and a beautiful setting. The late afternoon shade provided comfort from our unusually hot weather. It was nice to see both “regulars” to SteamPlant events and a number of visitors to the area out enjoying good live music, friends and refreshments. Thanks to local business sponsorships (Monarch Mountain, Rutkey Distributing & Gayle Anne Dudley with Pinon), the SteamPlant was able to provide this event with no admission fee to the public. Two more concerts are scheduled in August. Hopefully, this type of event can become a more regular offering at the SteamPlant!