2026 Tour Dates and Hours:

Saturday, October 24, 10am–5pm
Sunday, October 25, 12–5pm

ABOUT THE TOUR

Presented by the City of Fort Collins’ Arts & Culture Department, the Fort Collins Artist Studio Tour and Sale is a free self-guided tour of local artist studios revealing the mysteries of the creative process to families and individuals in and around Fort Collins. Through art demonstrations and educational displays right in the artists' studios, visitors can meet the artists, buy original artworks, and learn about how and where artists create pottery, jewelry, photography, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, and more! The included artists reflect the amazing, creative talent who live our own community.

DETAILS FOR 2026:

• Interactive digital map and printed maps will be available. 
• The Center for Creativity Art Gallery will host a Preview Exhibition October 14–25.
• Reduced registration fees are available again thanks to generous community supporters and event sponsors:
  
  • $125 for Individual Studios
  • $225 for Small Group Studios
  • $375 for Large Group or Co-op Studios

OVER $1,000 IN EXHIBIT AWARDS THANKS TO GENEROUS COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS AND EVENT SPONSORS!

$500 Grand Prize * $250 2nd Prize * $125 3rd Prize * Plus, Multiple $75 Juror's Choice Awards

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The Artist Opportunity Grant provides unrestricted funding that artists can use for whatever they need most, whether that is rent, groceries, bills, supplies, or other day-to-day expenses, helping create more financial stability and space for them to focus on their artistic work.

The total grant award is $3,000, with $2,500 disbursed after submission of a W9 and signed contract. The remaining $500 will be disbursed after proof of completion of a free public presentation of the artist’s work. Public presentations must be completed within 8 months of signing the contract. Arts & Culture staff will plan an optional, free Artist Opportunity Grant showcase night at the Center for Creativity, which can serve as the "public presentation" requirement. Winners will be randomly selected in a "lottery pull" for the grant and awards will be announced by the end of June.

Deadline to apply: June 12.

The Gallery at the Center for Creativity is open and ready to host your next art exhibit. The newly renovated space is designed to showcase your creative works. Housed in what was the original 1904 Carnegie Library reading room, the gallery features arched windows, historic elements, and original pine flooring. 

The gallery is available to rent from one week up to three weeks to show both 2D and 3D art (pedestals are available). You can rent the full gallery or it can be divided into three smaller spaces.

Current Availabilities Include: 
June 15–22, Gallery C
June 29–July 13, Gallery B & C
July 13–20, Gallery C
Aug 10–17, Gallery A & B
Aug 17–24, Full Gallery
Sep 21-Oct 12, Gallery C

Public Gallery hours are 12:00pm–6:00pm, Wednesday-Sunday.

Works by Jennifer Spencer

The City of Fort Collins is accepting submissions for artworks (16″ x 20″ or larger and less than 20 pounds) to hang in City Hall and 700 Wood St. Submissions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and artwork is replaced every 3 to 4 months. Selected artists receive up to a $125 honorarium for exhibiting their work.

This call is open to artists residing in Larimer County.

You will be asked to submit your contact info, a short artists statement and artist bio, and 4-6 photos of your artwork. If you have any questions, please direct them to Kristen Vohs, Visual Arts Assistant, at kvohs@fortcollins.gov.

NO DEADLINE: Submissions are considered on an ongoing basis, and applicants will only be notified if their application is accepted. If you have applied but have not heard back after one year, you are welcome to reapply with new work. 

Each year, the City requests black and white line drawings from artists aged 3 to 18 years old. While past submissions have been due in spring, this year the deadline will move to October. Also, special this year, the program is asking for themed artwork that celebrates the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood or the 250th anniversary of United States Declaration of Independence. Both abstract and representational or drawings will be considered.

The City’s Streets and Engineering Departments work to provide safe pedestrian access by creating new pedestrian routes as well as improving existing areas. Working with Art in Public Places they place 16" × 16" granite pavers sandblasted with youth drawings into sidewalks throughout Fort Collins as part of those projects. The artwork is a signature piece in the city and be highly visible to the public. Since the project started in 2002, 300 pavers have been installed.

The project is open to youth, aged 3 to 18 years old. The artists are required to reside and/or attend a school within the City of Fort Collins Growth Management Area. Deadline: October 26, by 5:00 p.m.

• The Gardens on Spring Creek is seeking individual artists or artist teams to create temporary pumpkin-based displays for our 2026 Pumpkins on Parade Halloween event! Compensation will be based on scale/complexity and number of displays — expected compensation range is $1,000-$2,000 per artist or artist team. Deadline June 12, 3 p.m. Learn more and submit an application here.

• Capture the Cache Exhibition will be on display June 2–30, 2026 at the Fort Collins Welcome Center, featuring work from local photographers. Opening Reception: Tuesday, June 2 | 4:00–7:00 PM, Tickets: $30 (limited availability). This special evening will include art, music, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to connect with community members and artists. Learn more and buy reception tickets here.

Art in Public Places | Center for Creativity | The Lincoln Center Art Gallery