About Us

The Steamboat Springs Arts Council was founded in May of 1972 by Eleanor Bliss, Carol Finnoff and the community of Steamboat Springs as a center for arts and humanities in the Yampa Valley. The Train Depot in which the Arts Council is housed received National Register of Historic Places designation in 1978.  The building was condemned in 1980 and a “Save the Depot” campaign raised $400,000 to restore the building with the name being changed to the Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts at the Depot in 1989. Also known as “The Art Depot” this facility contains the “Baggage Room” a multi-use and performance arts space, an Artist Member Gallery, and main visual arts gallery.

The Steamboat Springs Arts Council is devoted to supporting and promoting arts and culture in the Yampa Valley, through the planning and production of arts and humanities programs and initiatives that have a positive educational and cultural impact on our community.

SSAC is currently, particularly interested in developing and engaging the Yampa Valley community and natural environment in the greater conversation of interdisciplinary and contemporary arts.  This is realized by curatorial and collaborative projects involving local, regional, and national artists and organizations working in all media.

The Steamboat Springs Arts Council is a 501 non-profit organization, supported by our annual members, audiences and local businesses. Large support has been provided by private donation, the City of Steamboat Springs, and regional and national grants.