Loaded with easels, paint and creative vigor, artists from around the region come to Victor to gloriify a place nearly 10,000 feet above sea level.

A Labor Day weekend tradition, Victor Celebrates the Arts celebrates its 26^th year with 65 artists expected to paint en plein air on the streets.

Led by Judy Sandlin and a committee of volunteers, VCTA, a nonprofit organization, has a firm eye on the future while maintaining what works – and has for 26 years.

“I think it’s the history, the authenticity and the beauty and the 1890s’ mining headframes,” Sandlin said. “Artists can paint within a 10-mile radius of city hall.”

For the artists, word gets around about the extra benefits associated with VCTA. “We embrace the artists, embrace their talent, enjoy having multiple artists see this space and how it comes out on the canvas in different ways,” Sandlin said. “The work depends on the medium and the artist’s vision.”

This year’s show includes a special gallery showing by the students of Laura Klein who teaches art at the Cripple Creek Victor Jr. Sr. High School.  The chili cookoff Sept. 5 benefits the school’s art program.

“This show wouldn’t have lasted 26 years without a lot of support from the artists, volunteers and people in the city,” Sandlin said. “We maintain the vision of the founders and never stray away from the history of the show but we do something new every year.”

New this year is th online sale option that begins the evenng of the patron dinner Sept. 4, a private event at the Elks Club in Victor.  The online link will be provided at victorcelebratesthearts.com.

A three-day day event that includes the Brush Rush and Quick Draw, Victor Celebrates the Arts begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 5 and 6 and at 9 a.m. Sept. 7. The schedule is at victorcelebratesthearts.com.