Weehawken Creative Arts Centers - Ridgway Classroom #1

Founded in 2004 by Susie Opdahl and a group of volunteers, Weehawken Creative Arts serves as our creative home in the San Juan Mountains. From this Ridgway classroom, we deliver high-quality arts education and personal growth programs to thousands of people annually. Our curriculum spans all ages and skill levels, offering hundreds of classes each year in disciplines ranging from dance and painting to aerial arts and creative writing. Toddlers twirl in their first steps while adults explore new passions, ensuring lifelong learning for everyone. Beyond the classroom, we operate the 610 Arts Collective, a professional gallery space in downtown Ridgway co-managed with the Sherbino. This venue showcases the work of more than 100 regional artists each year, acting as both a platform for emerging creatives and a sustainable revenue source. We also produce major cultural events that define our calendar, including the beloved Ridgway Rendezvous juried Arts Festival and Fête de la Musique, a free outdoor music festival that fills downtown with local performances every June. Our mission extends to accessibility and inclusion through scholarships, work-trade opportunities, and community partnerships, ensuring the arts remain available regardless of background or income. Artists, students, and those seeking inspiration find their creative home here, supported by classes, performances, and exhibits that ignite personal growth year-round.