Pueblo's Creative Corridor Lives Up to Name

     The Creative Corridor is located in the center of Pueblo’s historic downtown area. It was launched in 2012 thanks to support from Colorado Creative Industries and the Boettcher Foundation. It is divided into three separate areas, Mesa Junction, Union Avenue, and Main Street, and features galleries, museums, street art, cafés and shops. The Creative Corridor also participates in the city’s First Friday Art Walks, which take place on the first Friday of each month year round. The many stops along the route drive both community and tourist business, while supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.
 

Mural painted on the back of Solar Roast Coffee

      The Main Street district features an abundance of art galleries, including the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, Gallery 201, Shoe Factory, and the Kadoya Gallery. In fact, the streets themselves have become an open air studio, with sculptures sponsored by Pueblo Art & Soul, panoramic murals, and even an alleyway gallery called the ARTery. Along the way, visitors encounter Solar Roast Coffee, a local gathering place with a social conscience, and Bingo Burger, a unique build-your-own burger bar. The Main Street District is also home to the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Legacy Bank. The Pueblo Creative Corridor Headquarters is located at 101 N. Main St., along with the Pueblo Arts Alliance offices, which manages the project in partnership with the City of Pueblo and the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority.

Central Plaza Gathering Place and Kadoya Gallery

El Pueblo History Museum

Walks Among the Stars by sculptor Dave McGary

View of the Riverwalk from Union Ave.

     The Main Street District funnels into the The Union Avenue District via the ARTery. This district boasts a variety of experiences and businesses, with the Pueblo Riverwalk at its heart. The first stop in the Explorer's Guide is the El Pueblo History Museum, an impressive glass and steel structure that houses regional history and artifacts. On the same site is Sister City Plaza, which features a fountain and sculpture both dedicated to the city of Pueblo by our sister cities. Along Union Avenue are several art galleries, including Steel City Art Works, the John Deaux Gallery, the Turf Exchange Gallery, and Artcorp. Many boutiques and specialty shops also line the street. Local businesses such as Bellezza Design Boutique, RazMaTaz, and the Golden M Southwestern & Indian Art offer original and one-of-a-kind items. As far as entertainment options, visitors can take in a show at Memorial Hall or the Steel City Theatre

Golden M Southwestern & Indian Art

Company. Throughout the year, seasonal events take place along the Riverwalk, from live bands to farmer's markets, in addition to excursion boat rides during the summer months. For local fare, Angelo's Pizza Parlor offers patio seating on the Riverwalk, while Hopscotch Bakery is known for their homemade ice cream and unique baked goods. Many more distinct businesses have addresses on Union Avenue that are not marked in the Explorer's Guide, so visitors should take their time to go off the map.

Sister Cities fountain

A customer's order waiting to be taken home

Hopscotch Bakery's Mary Oreskovich

  

Sculpture garden outside Latka Studio

   The historic Mesa Junction District features some of the most unique experiences in Pueblo. Following the Explorer’s Guide, visitors can tour the Cup and Bowl and Latka Studios, two businesses nestled in  a residential area rooted in tradition. Next, follow the route to Colorado Avenue Antiques, the Fire Place, SAGE Art Academy, and the Broadway Cup 'n Cork. The last stop along the corridor is Grupo Folklorico del Pueblo, a local studio which integrates traditional dance with cultural history. Due in part to the Creative Corridor, the Mesa Junction District is once again thriving with business, old and new, as foot traffic increases. Just last week, Gypsy Javas, an urban coffee house, celebrated its grand opening (see the post above for more details). While following the map, make sure to explore the environment between landmarks for more aesthetic surprises. Discoveries not marked on the map include several public sculptures, a community garden, and an ambitious mural painted on a concrete retaining wall.

The Cup & Bowl at 116 Midway Avenue

Ceramics for sale in showroom

Community garden at private residence on Midway Ave.

Wall mural across from Rawlings Public Library

Courtesy of Pueblo Arts Alliance

     










     The Creative Corridor is best experienced on foot in conjunction with the Explorer’s Guide. The guide is provided by the Pueblo Arts Alliance. The guide is a free publication, which may be picked up at the Welcome Center inside the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. View a map of the Creative Corridor here for a comprehensive overview of all landmarks, as well as the corridor’s physical boundary lines.