CREEDE — Who says a small town can’t do big things?

On Friday, Feb. 26, the city of Creede proved just how powerful it could be as it bested 12 other nominees to receive the 2010 Governor’s Arts Award.

The award is presented to a Colorado city for its efforts to enhance the cultural and economic vitality of the community through the arts. Creede was one of 13 nominees and Gov. Bill Ritter announced the town’s big honor during a luncheon ceremony on Arts Advocacy Day.

Past awards were presented to an individual artist or organization for significant contributions to Colorado’s cultural environment but, since 2007, it has been given to a town or city for efforts to enhance the vitality of the community through the arts.

Ritter said, “Colorado communities have long recognized that their vitality and success requires collaborative actions by community leaders, business interests and elected officials. More recently, communities have recognized the value of incorporating their arts and culture leaders in the planning and implementation of community development strategies to achieve greater economic strength.”

“The purpose of the Governor’s Arts Award is to recognize and honor a Colorado town or city that celebrates and uses the arts as a focal point for community development and highlights the integral role the arts play in strengthening the vitality of their local community.”

The governor added, “On behalf of the state of Colorado, I want to thank those community leaders whose efforts have greatly improved the quality of our lives and communities.”

The Creede Arts Council’s mission statement is to promote arts and humanities through education, exhibition and performance and working to foster local talent. A downtown art park featuring a mural and a sculpture gives visitors a place to relax and enjoy local art in Creede. The council continues to improve the area with the support of the city.

The National Small Print Show held by the council brings in works from all over the country. The council also organizes the yearly Silver Thread Studio Tour, the Third Friday Art Walks and the Mountain Shoot Out.

Creede is also a summer home to authors Pam Houston and Ron McLarty, as well as other regional authors.

Local festivals bring visitors to town throughout the summer and the mining competitions bring many to the area on the 4th of July weekend.

An estimated 10,000 people will gather in Creede for the Independence Day weekend. The Woodcarvers Rendezvous and the Silver Threads Quilt Show also bring many visitors to the town.