Corazón de Trinidad Creative District: Our Artistic Heart
At The Well Hotel & Taproom, our concierge team loves introducing guests to the Corazón de Trinidad Creative District, the vibrant arts neighborhood right on our doorstep. In Spanish, corazón means “heart,” and this district truly sits at the heart of town. It’s filled with art galleries, studios, theaters, historic buildings and even a world‑class western art museum. As soon as you step outside of your boutique hotel room you are in the heart of The Corazón de Trinidad Creative District.
Working closely with CREATE Trinidad, the district’s non‑profit, we support artists and entrepreneurs through creative projects that honor our city’s history. Trinidad earned emerging Creative District status in 2011 and became fully certified by the state in 2012, later becoming a 501(c)(3) charity in 2016. The district also takes pride in the town’s Late Victorian commercial architecture—some buildings date back to the late 1800s when Trinidad flourished thanks to nearby coal mines and the railroad.
One of the highlights within our creative district is the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Known locally as “The Mitch,” the museum opened in 1981 and moved into the historic 1906 Jamieson Dry Goods Store with pressed‑tin ceilings, wood floors and a horseshoe‑shaped mezzanine. Inside you’ll find hundreds of Western paintings, Hispanic and Native American folk art and artifacts. Admission is free, and it’s just a 0.3‑mile (six‑minute) walk from our hotel.
Corazón de Trinidad Creative District
- An arts and culture hub. As your concierge team, we love to brag that our creative district is home to art galleries, studios, theaters, creative businesses and the A.R. Mitchell Museum. The Corazon Gallery, a cooperative gallery run by the Corazon Art League, showcases paintings, ceramics, jewelry and photography by local artists. At the A.R. Mitchell Museum, you can view hundreds of Western paintings along with Spanish and Native American folk art and enjoy free admission.
- Historic downtown streets. Many of the district’s 55 buildings display ornate Late Victorian architecture. Brick‑paved streets and old storefronts give the area a charming, old‑time feel.
- Community events. On the First Friday of each month (June through October), galleries and shops stay open from 5–8 p.m. for an after‑hours art walk featuring art, live music and mingling. Main Street Live hosts live music, comedy, plays and movies year‑round. Each summer, the Trinidad Art Fest transforms our historic downtown into an outdoor fine arts fair. The Sunshine Artist site notes that this annual festival, held in the Corazón de Trinidad, aims to become the largest arts fair in southeastern Colorado.
- Space to Create. Our district helped bring Space to Create Trinidad, the nation’s first rural project offering affordable live/work housing and a 20,000‑square‑foot community space known as The Commons. The Commons combines three storefronts into a flexible space of about 20,000 sq ft that hosts community events, art shows, music festival and live music.
- Inclusive definition of “creative.” Trinidad’s creative sector embraces more than just painters and musicians. A local news report explains that the definition now includes chefs, small‑business owners and anyone practicing the art of business survival in a tough economy.
Cost
Strolling through our Creative District is free, and all galleries including the A.R. Mitchell Museum offer free admission. Some performances at theaters or festivals such as the Trinidad Art Fest may require tickets, and donations help support CREATE Trinidad’s programs.
How Long Should I Explore?
A quick 30‑minute stroll lets you take in historic buildings, murals and maybe a couple of galleries. Many guests spend a few hours browsing shops, touring the A.R. Mitchell Museum, attending a show or enjoying live music. If you visit on a First Friday, plan to spend the evening exploring the art walk and enjoying drinks or dinner afterwards.
Best times to visit
- First Friday evenings: From June through October the after‑hours art walk is lively and festive, running 5–8 p.m..
- Daytime anytime: Galleries and shops are open during normal business hours; check specific times before you go.
- Summer art festivals: The Trinidad Art Fest takes place each summer, transforming downtown into a vibrant outdoor fine arts fair..
Tips for your visit
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The district is compact and best explored on foot along brick streets.
- Check event calendars. Browse CREATE Trinidad’s website or local listings for exhibitions, performances and markets.
- Bring spending money. Support artists by purchasing handmade art or goods; some venues accept credit cards, while street vendors may prefer cash.
- Respect the art. Remind children not to touch artworks unless invited.
- Parking: Downtown street parking is available; some events may close streets, so arrive early.
Is it Kid Friendly?
Absolutely! Families enjoy strolling through the district, watching street performers, exploring the A.R. Mitchell Museum and popping into galleries. Kid‑friendly events like First Friday art walks and summer art festivals provide hands‑on activities. Keep an eye on kids around breakable art and along busy streets.
Getting to the Creative District from The Well Hotel & Taproom
Simply step out of our front door and stroll west (go right) on Main Street. Within moments you’ll encounter art galleries, murals, the A.R. Mitchell Museum and other creative spaces. No car is needed—everything is within easy walking distance. The museum itself is about a 0.3‑mile (six‑minute) walk.
Why you should visit
At The Well, we believe the Corazón de Trinidad Creative District is where history, art and community meet. Victorian buildings from the town’s coal‑mining and railroad boom now house art galleries, studios, theaters and the A.R. Mitchell Museum. Free monthly art walks, lively performances and festivals make our district welcoming and energetic. The Space to Create project and Commons provide affordable housing and gathering spaces for artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re shopping for local art, enjoying a play, exploring Western paintings or simply wandering our charming streets, this creative district offers a glimpse into Trinidad’s artistic heart.
