Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharing. The purpose is to highlight the meaningful work these organizations perform and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2025. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of nonprofit organizations in Ouray County.
Year established as a nonprofit: 2012
What does your organization do for Ouray County?
We serve as a cultural anchor for Ouray County, offering year-round programs that celebrate lifelong learning, the arts, culture and connection. We have events for more than 100 days per year at the historic Sherbino Theater or the Courtyard at 610, presenting a wide range of events. Our programs welcome all ages and interests, creating a vibrant gathering place where residents and visitors can come together to learn, be inspired and enjoy the arts. In partnership with Weehawken Creative Arts, we also support creative education programs that help young people and adults explore new skills and express themselves as well as a community gallery space at the 610 Arts Collective.
Our shared campus has become a cornerstone of cultural life in Ridgway. The Sherbino is committed to accessibility: ensuring a variety of our events are low-cost or free, including our beloved Ridgway Fête de la Musique and the concert at San Juan Barrel Fest, as well as numerous community programs that are entry by donation. We also activate hundreds of volunteer opportunities each year, bringing neighbors together to help strengthen the place they call home.
The Sherbino enriches daily life here by keeping arts, culture and community at the heart of everything we do.
What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2025?
In 2025, our greatest accomplishment was a full return to our Chautauqua-inspired roots. After several post-pandemic years when live music was the main programming we could reliably offer, we were thrilled to bring back a truly diverse slate of events including lectures, speakers, film festivals, Ignite Talks, community theater and live music. We also made progress on paying down the loan for our “Key to the Future” properties at 145–147 North Cora Street and began early planning for redevelopment. Throughout the year, our dedicated staff shaped a renewed, creative vision that reflects Ridgway’s spirit.
What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2026?
In 2026, the Ridgway Chautauqua/Sherbino will continue to focus on a diverse array of programming and strong community partnerships. A major goal for early 2026 is to raise the funds needed to upgrade and activate 147 North Cora so it can serve WCA, The Sherbino and our community as immediately as possible. We have exciting concepts for this site, with a hopeful eye toward expanded art exhibitions and a grand flex room for community use as well as Sherbino and Weehawken programming. The Courtyard will be hosting live music throughout the summer, in addition to the shows we’ll have inside the Sherbino. We’re also refining and relaunching the Ridgway Independent Film Festival, which will return to its November slot in 2026.
Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
The community plays a vital role in helping the Sherbino thrive, and there are many ways to get involved. One of our biggest needs in 2026 is support to renovate 147 North Cora St. We are seeking financial contributions as well as donations of skilled labor and expertise to help renovate the space for immediate community use. To give directly to this project, visit thekeytothefuture.org or email ashley@sherbino.org.
We also welcome volunteers, whether they’re behind the bar, helping at special events, volunteering in the gallery, or serving on one of our program committees.
The Ridgway Independent Film Festival, our lecture and speaker series, and several community partnerships are seeking committee members and jurors. To sign up to volunteer, visit sherbino.org or email questions@ weehawkenarts.org.
We also welcome donors who keep our operations strong year-round. You can make a tax-deductible donation at sherbino.org. Because ticket sales cover only about 40% of our program costs, every contribution truly makes a difference. You can also support us by attending events and staying engaged.
Thank you to Ashley King-Grambley for providing this information.
