Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service. The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2023. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

Year established as a nonprofit: 2012

What does your organization do for Ouray County? Our mission is “to sustainably build programs that further the Chautauqua traditions of lifelong learning, arts, culture and community.” Regular programs include presenters on a wide variety of topics, cinematic presentations, comedy, a monthly literary series, live music presentations that feature local to national touring acts, a monthly veteran’s coffee, an outdoor adventure series featuring mountaineers or outdoor adventure films, a space for community art exhibitions and The 610 Arts Collective for retail sales of area artists, and theater productions.

The Sherbino’s programming has a positive economic impact on the local business economy and helps generate sales tax revenue. More importantly, it has a positive effect on our quality of life in here as a place to gather and build community.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2023?

To date, more than 10,500 people passed through our doors at programs and events. Almost 600 artists have been featured and 106 programs have been produced for our community to enjoy.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2024?

• Continue to achieve excellence in the development of high-quality, meaningful, entertaining, original and imaginative programming focused on lifelong learning, arts, culture, community issues and interests.

• Strategically refine our programming menu with an eye to the rapid changes and growth in our community. The aim is to maximize audience engagement and minimize staff burnout.

• Add additional talks/speakers to our lineup for 2024. Our goal is to offer 10+ speakers/talks in 2024.

• Return more regular live music events to the Courtyard at 610 in summer 2024

• Ridgway Fete de la Musique, San Juan Barrel Fest and Ridgway 1k will return. We will continue to explore ways to enhance those experiences while retaining the fun, organic, homegrown feel of those community events.

• Successfully raise $200,000 to pay off the building purchased at 145 N. Cora St.

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

People are often surprised to learn that the price of a ticket often covers only a fraction of the cost of the event. Most commonly, a ticket covers only between 30-40% of the actual cost of the program. We need donations to keep the doors open, the heat and lights on, the insurance paid, etc.

Community support is critical to our existence. You can help by being audience members, volunteers, donating or partnering with us on programs.

We are also always looking for volunteers at Sherbino programs, at The 610 Arts Collective, helping with tasks around the facilities and helping with special events such as Fete de la Musique, The Ridgway 1k and San Juan Barrel Fest. Information on volunteering can be found at www.sherbino.org, where you can also make donations.

You can also support the museum through a membership, starting at $25 for individuals. Visit ocrhm.org to join.

Thank you to Ashley King Grambley for providing this information.