Arts and culture active in Craig

For the theater and music lover, Craig offers a good mix of arts and culture.

Black Mountain Theatre, a company built of local theater aficionados, produces two or three plays and musicals each year. Most recently, the company performed "A Christmas Carol," and showcased the talents of local actors as well as many children. The group is solely voluntary, so it welcomes anyone interested in being on stage, behind the scenes or at the lighting equipment.

The active drama department at Moffat County High School features Craig's up-and-coming talent. Recently, the school has produced "Beauty and the Beast," "Aida" and "A Midsummer's Night Dream." The school typically performs a fall musical and spring play.

If it's music you're into, the Yampa Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs several concerts a year, and its barbershop quartets can often be found at community events. The group is a female-only, four-part harmony, a cappella singing group that is always willing to audition interested women for new singers.

The musicians at Moffat County's schools perform several concerts throughout the year as well. Many schools have choirs and bands, and have concerts open to parents, friends and community members.

The Craig Concert Association brings culture to Craig each year with an assortment of national groups -- from classic to tango. Tickets are usually available at the door, but season tickets are cheaper for those ready to delve in. The association's performances also include the Community Talent Concert in the spring, which showcases local singers', dancers' and musicians' work.

If visual art appeals to you, the Downtown Business Association's annual Art Walk puts local painters', sculptors' and photographers' work on display for the community to enjoy. Artists set up their work at downtown shops in February, and the community can browse their work and ask them questions. Many pieces are also for sale. The Colorado Northwestern Community College pottery class sells its bowls, mugs and platters at Art Walk, too.

For art that's a bit more unique, check our Craig City Park, where artists from across the country, and even around the globe, come to show their expertise with a chainsaw and chisel. Whittle Wood, a festival held at the park each June, calls woodcarvers to showcase their skills by carving a tree in four days. There are awards for the best, and artists leave their creations at the park, or at one of various locations throughout the city.

Although not necessarily true theater, the annual Craig Kiwanis Club Play is a local favorite. The male Kiwanis members dress as women and perform skits that satirize local people, events and news. True, it might not be high culture, but it's become a Craig tradition.