by Eric Beatty
Are you visiting Salida or a new resident in town and want to know what arts events are happening? Here are some good ways to get up to date listings of shows, films, studio tours, exhibition receptions, events, workshops and gatherings.
Start by signing up for our email list on our Contact page. Be sure to add to your calendar the next monthly Creative Mixer sponsored by Salida Council for the Arts. The Council sponsors this event every second Thursday at the SteamPlant from 5:30-7pm and community members are invited to announce upcoming creative events, such as performances and art openings. Check our Events section to see what we've shared.
You can also check the daily Mountain Mail at www.themountainmail.com. It has the most up-to-date info on the happenings in Salida. You can also pick up the free weekly Mountain Guide newspaper that is in boxes around town. The paper comes out every Wednesday and has a list of events in Salida and other area towns, usually with detailed contact and ticket information. There are also articles about some of the events in the upcoming week.
Another excellent way to inform yourself is to take a few minutes to look at all the posters and fliers hung in the windows of shops and venues as you walk through downtown Salida. Salida is a poster town and these posters are eye catching with their original designs and graphics and sometimes advertise more unusual artistic talks and environmental events, in addition to traditional bands, movies, plays and exhibitions. Check store front windows and the bulletin boards at coffee shops and restaurants to find them.
As you're walking around town, also take the time to go into a local gallery and talk with whoever happens to be there. Whether you meet the artist/owner, an employee or another patron, these folks will likely be a wealth of info about what is going on around town.
Many artists and venues have website calendars or Facebook event pages, which provide more info about their events. Two good sites to start with are the Salida SteamPlant: http://salidasteamplant.com/about-us/ and our own Salida Council for the Arts: http://www.salidacouncilforthearts.org/calendar .
A final suggestion is to keep a lookout for signs or venues as you drive around the area. I have been reminded more than once of an event that I wanted to attend when I read the large lettered sign outside of the Salida Chamber of Commerce at the end of I St. on Route 50.
In short, take advantage of the many free and easy ways to research events. And when you walk through town or attend an event, make sure to ask folks about their suggestions for your next artistic adventure in Salida or the local area!