In a town known for its healing waters, mountain horizons and deep-rooted history, Pagosa Springs Main Street is inviting local artists to help tell the community’s story one page at a time.
The Main Street Heritage and Culture Committee has launched a call for artists for “Color Pagosa’s Past: A Colorado 150 Commemorative Coloring Book,” a community art project celebrating Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The 28-page keepsake coloring book will feature original artwork inspired by historic buildings, Indigenous heritage, ranching and Hispanic cultural traditions, and natural landscapes and scenes of everyday life in Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County.
“We believe Pagosa Springs has a story worth coloring,” said Kathleen McFadden, Main Street coordinator. “This project honors our past while inviting the next generation to connect with our shared history in creative and meaningful ways.”
Five thousand copies of the commemorative coloring book will be printed and distributed free throughout the community beginning in August through local schools, the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, the Pagosa Springs History Museum, community partners and participating downtown businesses.
Archuleta County residents age 18 and older are eligible to apply. Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to participate.
Selected artists will create bold black-and-white line art pages designed for coloring and printing. A full-color version of the artwork is optional and required only for artists who wish to be considered for the cover feature.
Cash prizes will be awarded: first place, $300 and cover feature; second place, $200; and People’s Choice Award, $200.
Initial artist submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 16. Selected artists will be announced April 22, with final artwork due May 29.
Artists may choose from a curated list of subjects, including the Pagosa hot springs bathhouse, Chimney Rock National Monument, ranching heritage, river scenes and historic downtown storefronts. Applicants may also suggest an additional Pagosa Springs-themed subject for consideration.
The project is part of the statewide Colorado 150 initiative, which encourages communities to reflect on their history and the stories that shape their future.
“We are excited to involve our arts community in creating this commemorative keepsake in celebration of the unique history of our place,” related Mayor Shari Pierce, chair of the Heritage and Culture Committee. “Through this project, we hope to help children understand the community around them and what makes it special.”
“This is more than a coloring book,” McFadden said. “It is a snapshot of who we are, our places, our traditions and our landscapes, captured through the creative lens of local artists.”
Full application details and submission information are available at https://bit.ly/ColorPacket.
The artist submission form is available at https://bit.ly/ColorPagosa.
For more information, contact McFadden at Kat@PagosaSpringsCDC.org or (970) 264-3023.
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