4 Minute Read
From pottery and DIY crafts to creating your very own custom-scented candles, Grand Junction is just the place to let your creativity shine.
Grand Junction is known for being an epic outdoor adventure destination, thanks to hundreds of miles of world-class mountain bike trails, like the Lunch Loops and Kokopelli Trail networks. In addition to all the biking trails, Grand Junction also offers superb hiking in Colorado National Monument. Some of the most popular trails include No Thoroughfare Canyon, Liberty Cap, and Unaweep Canyon, which boasts some of the best granite rock climbing outside of Yosemite.
Photo by Curran Eastes
Add to the adventures, OHV trails that rival Moab, water sports on the hundreds of lakes and rivers, and snow sports in the winter and it's easy to see why Grand Junction is an outdoor playground. Yet beyond the trails lies a thriving arts scene where creativity flourishes year-round.
Offering more than just an adventure, Grand Junction attracts many innovative creators and artists. Downtown Grand Junction is a Colorado Certified Creative District, one of the first in the state, and it’s easy to see why. When you walk down Main Street, art galleries fill the storefronts along with antique shops, boutique stores, and restaurants. Over 115 high-end sculptures line the streets, all part of Art on the Corner, one of the largest outdoor art displays in the country. Even utility boxes are decorated with vibrant murals.
On the first Friday of every month, Downtown hosts First Friday Art Walks. Starting at the The Art Center of Western Colorado, galleries hold open houses featuring food, local wine, meet and greets with artists, as well as live demonstrations.
But don’t just observe the art while you’re in Grand Junction, jump right in and create some for yourself. From painting and crafting your unique candles to pottery and whipping up a masterpiece in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to unleash your creative side. Instead of picking up a traditional souvenir, create one yourself. You'll leave with a meaningful keepsake that captures your Grand Junction experience.
The ARTery
Begin your creative journey at The ARTery, Downtown Grand Junction's newest collaborative arts hub. Designed for artists, makers and curious beginners, The ARTery features professional ceramics, fiber arts and printmaking studios, along with creative workshops and community classes that invite visitors to make something uniquely their own. Whether you're throwing your first clay bowl, experimenting with printmaking or exploring a new artistic medium, The ARTery offers a welcoming space to create, connect and be inspired.
Candle Kitchen
With over 120 different fragrances to choose from, the hardest part about crafting your very own custom candle will be deciding which scents to choose. Take time to breathe it all in before getting started – think aromatherapy - and the friendly staff will help you create alluring and unique combinations if you're still having difficulty choosing. After selecting your personalized blend, pick out your jar from Candle Kitchen's extensive variety to fill with your one-of-a-kind scented soy candle. While you wait for your candle to set, head down Main Street to Pablo's Pizza for a slice or The Rockslide Brew Pub for a craft beer and their famous salmon fish and chips.
Angelo's Pottery Studio
Discover your creative side at Angelo's Pottery Studio, where artists of all skill levels can paint pottery, hand-build clay creations, or participate in specialty workshops and seasonal events. Choose from a wide variety of ceramic pieces, then personalize your design with colorful glazes and expert guidance from the studio's friendly staff. It's a fun, hands-on experience that lets you create a one-of-a-kind keepsake while making lasting memories.
Fat Cat Pottery
Paint your choice of more than one hundred rotating premade clay creations, or use the clay studio to create your ceramic masterpiece! After you finish sculpting, Fat Cat Pottery will fire your clay for you. Then, don your smock and glaze it to give your piece that polished look. If you don’t know where to start with molding clay, take one of Fat Cat’s classes to learn specialty crafts, including low and high fire clay techniques, or join the fun at a themed pottery night.
The Palette
Get acquainted with new friends and local wine over a painting class at The Palette. Check out their event calendar to find a picture you want to paint. The Palette is always implementing new scenes, and with different classes every day, it's easy to find a painting that speaks to you. Follow along with an instructor while holding a brush in one hand and a refreshing beverage in the other, and learn to paint sassy unicorns, enchanting sunsets, or a beautiful Grand Junction landscape.
Pinspiration
If you’ve ever tried to craft a DIY Pinterest idea, you've probably been overwhelmed with what seemed like a simple project. Well, Pinspiration takes all the pressure away. Imagine a place that has all the materials you need to create even the funkiest of Pinterest finds, a spacious workspace to put everything together, and DIY experts to help if you get stuck. Pinspiration has everything you need to bring out your inner crafter, including a splatter room! All you need is a creative mindset, and they take care of the rest.
Zesty Moose
Learn to become a master artisan in the kitchen with a Zesty Moose cooking classes. The owners of Zesty Moose specialize in creating handmade, additive-free, healthy, flavor-packed food. In their cooking classes, learn tips and tricks to efficiently prepare meals, along with how to combine different ingredients in new and exciting combinations to maximize flavor. Delicious tastings are served in the demonstration-style class, and everything you need to enhance your recipes can be found at The Zesty Moose. The Zesty Moose artfully creates edible masterpieces for you and your taste buds to enjoy.
Looking for more ways to enjoy Grand Junction? Discover additional itineraries and trip ideas starting on page 34 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide!
