Throughout history, people have defined art in many ways. One modern definition is “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful.”

The Castle Rock community is abundant with public art which ignites creativity and inspires conversation.  There is an enormous commitment to the arts where residents realize that the arts are important to preserving culture and quality of life. Castle Rock’s love for the arts is perhaps most evident the weekend after Labor Day‚ when the chamber of commerce presents the highly anticipated Colorado Artfest‚ an annual two-day festival in downtown Castle Rock that showcases the work of more than 180 artists from all over the United States.

In addition to the Artfest, the Town boasts attractions such as a community theatre and a unique theatre that specializes in magic, illusions and special effects; a wine festival ranked as one of the five best in the state; historic tours; an authentic castle; in-line hockey rink; multi-plex cinema; fair grounds and event center complex with daily competitions and events, and a summer-long renaissance festival reminiscent of the days of chivalry and jousting and a wildlife museum. With so many attractions and activities to choose, you may have to stay longer!

Art in Castle Rock

Coolin’ the dogs

Public art means many things to people. It is a form of expression. It documents history. It can be a celebration or a legacy. It can ignite creativity, share culture and inspire conversation.

Public art in Castle Rock is paid for out of the Philip S. Miller Trust Fund. No taxpayer money is used for the purchase of public art.

View a map of public art pieces. Castle Rock is part of the Countywide Art Encounters program. The art in this program is notated. View a map of public art pieces. (Once there, click on each piece for more information. Or, click the Map tab to show the location of all public art, then click the individual location indicator to see the description at that location.)

The art scene in Castle Rock has been quiet for a couple of years now, but that’s all about to change. The Castle Rock Artist Cooperative — or CRAC for short — was formed in July of this year as our town’s newest nonprofit to serve artists and the art community, and they’re already beginning to make a big splash.

Rhyolite Gallery

The brainchild of local photographer Nick Lucey, the Rhyolite is located at 505 2nd Street, just east and across the railroad tracks from Festival Park and the Castle Rock Police Department headquarters on Perry Street.

Inside the gallery, you’ll find fine art photography, paintings, sculpture, and other objets d’art. There are also greeting cards, postcards, calendars, t-shirts, hats, and other gifts.

We’re excited to announce that we’re open for business beginning June 1, 2020. Our current hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See you soon!  View Website

Castle Rock Museum

The Castle Rock Museum is housed in a structure which by any account is its prime artifact. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad had just been built between Denver and Old Colorado City (Colorado Springs) in 1871. It was the first narrow gauge line in the United States and its builder, General William Jackson Palmer, had selected several communities along its route as deserving of rail sidings or depots. Castle Rock became one of them in 1874 when it was designated as county seat of the newly re-aligned Douglas County.