2025 arts ball | Thursday, July 10, 2025
Step into a world of color, creativity, and celebration at the 2025 Arts Ball, benefiting the Center for the Arts!
Immerse yourself in an evening bursting with artistic energy—captivating live performances, art and color everywhere you turn, an exquisite dinner paired with fine wines, and a thrilling live auction packed with rare and one-of-a-kind experiences.
This spectacular event champions the Center’s mission to bring arts and cultural experiences to everyone in Crested Butte.
The Center enriches our mountain town with an extraordinary lineup all year long—live music, dance, theatre, lectures, unforgettable celebrations, and more. Your support fuels free and low-cost arts enrichment opportunities for every local student, provides affordable venue space for 40 local nonprofits annually, and ensures accessible ticket prices and over 70 free events each year.
Dress to impress in your colorful cocktail attire. Embrace bold colors, shimmering fabrics, and fun textures that capture the lively, playful spirit of the arts!
To Be Announced
Honoring Anne Lamkin Kinder + Susan and Mike Padon
The Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that Anne Lamkin Kinder + Susan and Mike Padon will be honored with the third annual Steddy Award, to be presented at the Center Arts Ball on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Anne Kinder + Susan and Mike Padon have played a vital role in shaping the arts and culture of Crested Butte through their generosity and vision. Their contributions were key in establishing the Kinder Padon Gallery, a centerpiece of the Center for the Arts, which provides a space for artists and fosters community engagement with the arts.
Anne and Susan’s friendship grew in Crested Butte, united by their love for its beauty and creative energy. Both have deep roots in the town—Anne’s family bought a home in 1989, while Susan first visited in 1991 and felt an immediate connection. Their commitment to the Center for the Arts stems from their belief in its role as a cultural hub, supporting artists at all levels and bringing people together.
Beyond the arts, Anne and Susan are dedicated philanthropists. Anne co-founded Friends of Paradise, which became the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, supporting local nonprofits and strengthening community ties. Susan emphasizes the importance of free, accessible community events, such as Alpenglow, to keep Crested Butte vibrant and inclusive. Mike shares their passion, emphasizing their teamwork in giving back. Through their efforts, they have helped shape Crested Butte’s cultural and artistic landscape, ensuring its creative spirit thrives.
“When you love a place as much as we love Crested Butte, it’s important to give back,” Anne says. “You enjoy this place—you need to support it. That’s what makes a community strong.”
The Steddy Award recognizes those who have steadfastly supported the Center’s mission, demonstrated profound civic and charitable commitment to Crested Butte, and inspired philanthropic leadership in others.
2024 Highlights
