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. 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 in our own community.

DETAILS FOR 2026:

• Deadline to Apply is July 15
• 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 City of Fort Collins Arts & Culture Department invites artists, individuals or teams, to help bring the Center for Creativity to life with temporary creative projects. We’re looking for bold, imaginative and community-centered ideas across all disciplines: sculpture, dance, music, spoken word, film, projections, installations, performances — or something entirely new!

If your idea can engage the community, spark creativity and transform the space, inside or outside, we want to see it. Think exhibit, pop-up, demo, performance or a creative mix of all the above.

Opportunity Details:

• Timeline: Projects may take place any time November 2026 – February 2027 (based on space availability).
• Support: Multiple proposals will be selected. Chosen artists receive free use of the Center for Creativity, sponsored by the City's Arts & Culture Department.
• Venue: The Center for Creativity at the Historic Carnegie Library is a City-run cultural hub with updated interior and exterior spaces. With improved accessibility and versatile rooms, it’s perfect for exhibits, performances, classes, workshops and community events.
• Applicants must live within Larimer, Weld, Jackson or Laramie County.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older (or have at least one team member who is 18+).

How to Apply:

Submit your proposal through our online form by Monday, August 10.

In addition to contact information, you'll be asked to include the following information:

• Project Idea: A brief, 500-word proposal and how your proposal engages the community and activates the space.
• Space Needs: Which space(s) you’d like to use (indoor rooms or exterior courtyard).

Join us for "Volunteer Powered: Expand Your Art Impact," a free Creative Foundations Workshop for artists, creative business owners, and arts nonprofits.

July 9, 2026, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Center for Creativity (200 Mathews St., Fort Collins 80524)

Learn how volunteers can help expand your capacity, strengthen your events, and support your mission. Hear from volunteer engagement leaders including Charlene Olms (Food Bank for Larimer County), Ruby (FoCoMX), and Hannah Krikorian (The Gardens on Spring Creek) as they share lessons from managing hundreds of volunteers across festivals, nonprofits, and community organizations.

July 9, 2026, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Center for Creativity (200 Mathews St., Fort Collins 80524)

Free to attend. RSVP requested.

This series is presented by The City of Fort Collins in collaboration with the Downtown Fort Collins Creative District.

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: 
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.

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