Open Studios at the Depot
Drop In. Make Something. Stay a While.
Why Open Studios Matter
Creativity grows when it has a regular place to land. Open Studios give adults in the Yampa Valley a standing invitation to show up, make something, and connect with people who care about the same things. No portfolio, no experience, and no pressure required.
Whether you want to pick up an instrument, paint alongside other artists, share your writing, or try a creative practice for the first time, there’s a seat for you at the Depot Art Center. Come once, or make it part of your week.
FIND YOUR STUDIO
Every Open Studio meets at the historic Depot Art Center and welcomes all skill levels. Explore the programs below to find the one that fits your creative rhythm.
Bluegrass Jams
Drop in for a night of live music with your neighbors. Bluegrass Jams welcome players of every level, from seasoned pickers to first-timers and folks dusting off an old guitar for the first time in years. This free community music program is built around collaboration, shared learning, and playing together.
Details:
- When: Every Sunday, 6:00-8:00 PM
- Where: Depot Art Center, 1001 13th Street, Steamboat Springs
- Cost: Free
- What to Bring: Your instrument, or just your ears. No sign up needed.
Join the circle.
Young at Heart Creativity Lab
Young at Heart Creativity Lab15-Week Series
Young at Heart is an artist-led creativity program that brings adults of all ages together to create, connect, and learn through shared creative experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong maker or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this is for the Young at heART.
The program is made up of five Creative Series, each led by a local Creative Guide. Every series introduces a new practice, including jewelry making, painting, wood carving, 3D design, and weaving. Across the season you’ll experiment with new materials and techniques, build skills, and see how individual pieces come together to make something bigger.
Details:
- Format: Five Creative Series across a 15-week season, each led by a local Creative Guide
- Where: Depot Art Center, 1001 13th Street, Steamboat Springs
- Options: Drop in for a single session or purchase a 5-punch card.
- Experience: Beginners and experienced makers welcome
Explore something new.
Steamboat Writers Group
Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to read their unpublished work. We don’t critique content. Instead, we offer positive, practical feedback on whether the writing is working. Each participant reads for about ten minutes, followed by a few minutes of comments, and times vary depending on how many readers we have. Meeting weekly instead of monthly helps writers keep momentum on longer projects.
Details:
- When: Every Thursday, 12:00-2:00 PM, year round
- Where: Depot Art Center, 1001 13th Street, Steamboat Springs
- Summer Location: June 4 to August 7, the group meets at the Steamboat Art Museum, 801 Lincoln Ave
- More Info: SteamboatWriters.com or steamboatwriters@gmail.com
Keep your story moving.
Annual Writers’ Conference
Each fall, the Writers Group brings authors, publishing professionals, and local writers together at the Depot for a weekend of workshops, readings, and conversation.
Watercolor Group
Make time to paint and connect with fellow artists. Watercolor Group meets weekly and welcomes everyone, whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or building on skills you already have.
Some weeks include guidance from an artist instructor, and others are self-directed, with plenty of chances to learn from each other. We set up a different still life for inspiration, and you’re always welcome to work on your own ideas.
Details:
- When: Every Wednesday, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Where: Depot Art Center, 1001 13th Street, Steamboat Springs
- Options: Drop in for a single session or purchase a 5-punch card
- What to Bring: Your own watercolor supplies. We’ll provide the space and the community.
Pick up a brush.
Open Studios at a Glance
| Program | When | Format | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Jams | Sundays, 6:00-8:00 PM | Free drop-in | All levels |
| Young at Heart | 15-week season | Drop-in or 5-punch card | All levels |
| Writers Group | Thursdays, 12:00-2:00 PM | Free drop-in | All genres and levels |
| Watercolor Group | Wednesdays, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Drop-in or 5-punch card | All levels |
Open Studios are where the Depot comes alive during the week. They’re how neighbors become collaborators, how first-timers find their footing, and how working artists keep their practice going between projects.
However you create, there’s a place for you here. Find a session that fits your week and come see what you’ll make.