High Art

For some, an ideal high-country getaway involves more fireside cozying than slopeside shredding. Mellow mountain-goers—and thrill-seekers in need of some downtime—now have a lot more options, courtesy of Breckenridge’s recently expanded arts district. The $8.2 million renovation project—13 years in the making—includes 11 new and rehabilitated arts facilities. Timeworn buildings such as the Mikolitis Barn (previously a storage facility) and the Robert Whyte House (a former museum that was the abode of early Breck hotel owner Whyte and his family) have been converted into fully equipped studios where aspiring artists can practice ceramics, metalsmithing, printmaking, and textiles. On the corner of East Washington Avenue and South Ridge Street, art seekers will find a sculpture garden, an outdoor stone amphitheater, and a glassblowing studio, among other new additions. Visit during the district preview (September 25 to 28) for studio tours, musical performances, local bites and brews, and demonstrations—such as a primer in wood-firing ceramics with local artists Chris Hosbach and Michelle Woods Pennisi, which brings new meaning to the notion of warming up by the fire.