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 2024. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

Year established as a nonprofit: 2007

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

The Wright Opera House provides a venue for quality arts, education, and social events for all to enjoy, both in its robust programming schedule and by restoring the facility for another century of use.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2024?

In 2024, The Wright Opera House completed its 1,000-square foot community space, a multi-purpose room in the south bay of its basement level. The vision for this community space is to bolster the Wright Opera House’s programming and community-minded mission by providing a venue for art classes, dance classes, meetings, exercise, and more. By designating a separate space for these activities, which typically have smaller attendance numbers than the events in the theater on the 3rd floor, The Wright Opera House hopes to free up its schedule to expand on community enrichment. The Wright was able to complete this project with support from Susan and James Opdahl, and a grant from the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley. Community members are able to reserve the room free of charge for events open to the public.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2025?

The Wright Opera House is looking forward to launching its capital campaign for continued renovations in the theatre, as well as for restoration of the Mesker facade. Plus, we have another year of exciting programming for Ouray County to enjoy!

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

The Wright Opera House is so appreciative of our dedicated volunteers! Without volunteer help, we would not be able to execute such high-quality, enriching events. We could always use more help, whether it’s decorating for the holidays, running the box office, helping behind the bar or making popcorn. Visit thewrightoperahouse. org to sign up for our volunteer list.

Thank you to Kate Jones for submitting this information.