Ketchum is known for its recreational opportunities. Hiking, camping and river sports have long been touted as reasons for people to visit the Wood River Valley. But a distinction from a national arts organization could give the small community another claim to fame.
Kristin Poole is the artistic director at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. Since moving to town almost 30 years ago, Poole has watched a small but robust arts community grow. So she wasn’t surprised when Ketchum was named one of the top 12 small towns for art. Instead, Poole says the ArtPlace award confirms what she’s known for a while.
“People come here for the outdoors and they end up coming back and staying here and rooting here because there are so many opportunities in the cultural field," says Poole. "For the people to really dig in and exercise their mind and their spirit as well as their body.”
She says by bringing in nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, dancers, writers and musicians – there’s something for everyone.
“Maybe this year they’ll go to the theater and indulge in a Company of Fools play, or they’ll sit down and listen to the symphony and take a picnic up to Sun Valley and really enjoy that," she says. "There are so many opportunities, particularly in the summer in this town.”
ArtPlace is a national philanthropic collaboration that awards grants to arts organizations.
Copyright 2013 Boise State Public Radio
