32ND Annual
Durango Autumn Arts Festival
Presented by the durango arts center
September 19-20, 2026
10:00am-5:00pm
Arts with Atmosphere
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Want to spend some time outdoors greeting art lovers from around the country and meeting renowned creative minds?
Celebrating 32 years of showcasing fine arts and crafts by makers from across the country, the Durango Autumn Arts Festival takes place amidst the vibrant fall colors on quaint East Second Avenue in historic downtown Durango, Colorado.
Presented as a fundraiser for the Durango Arts Center — the region’s premier non-profit visual and performing arts organization — the festival is ranked among the top in the country, attracting an estimated 8,000 visitors annually. Artists and craftspeople consistently praise the event for its excellent organization, warm hospitality, and steady, friendly crowds.
Young Artists - Huge Impact Exhibit
We are excited to bring back the popular Young Artists – Huge Impact space at the 2026 Durango Autumn Arts Festival, featuring 10 young artist booths offering goods for sale to the public.
Past Award Winners
2022
Best of show / Fine Art
Tad Smith
Best of show / Fine Craft
Mel Mendez (Mendez Rugs)
Best of show / Best Booth
Steve Hunsicker
1st place
Samantha Combs
2nd place
Boubakary Konsiembo
3rd place
John Surprenant
Honorable mention
LG Artwear
2023
Best of show / Fine Art
Melody Sauceda
Josua Hirt
Best of show / Fine Craft
Henry Levine
1st place
Kasia Polkowska
2nd place
Steven Fisher
3rd place
Jory Vander Galien
Honorable mention
Dana Echols
Minna White
Noah Gowen
2024
Best of show / Fine Art
Wayne Gao (Colorful Artists)
Best of show / Fine Craft
Noah Gowen (Studio G7)
BEST OF SHOW / BEST BOOTH
Dana Echols (Dana Echols Photography)
1st place
Mel Mendez (Mendez Rugs)
2nd place
Lori Raper (MusicalMud)
3rd place
Alex Bond (Turning Wild)
2025
Best of show / Fine Art
Steve Hunsicker (Steve Hunsicker Studio)
Best of show / Fine Craft
Douglas Fountain (Douglas Fountain Art)
BEST OF SHOW / BEST BOOTH
Kasia Polkowska (Kasia Polkowska Studio)
People's Choice Award
Travis Lemons (Metal Lemon Artistry)
Good Vibes Award
Kevin Russell (Kevin Russell Art)
Art Across the Country Award
Diane Portwood (Diane Portwood Arts)
Our Sponsors
FALL JUBILEE SPONSORS
AUTUMN CELEBRATION SPONSORS
ASPEN LEAVES SPONSORS
