ABOUT
CREATE Trinidad is a state-certified Creative District endorsed by the City of Trinidad. The Creative District hosts a variety of events at The Commons at Space to Create and promotes arts, cultural events and creative industries in our City and region.
Our Mission:
CREATE Trinidad generates creative wealth and economic prosperity by harnessing the passion of the creative community and celebrating our cultural heritage.
The mission of CREATE Trinidad is to support artists, creative entrepreneurs, non-profit cultural organizations and businesses through creative initiatives that economically benefit the community.
Our Vision:
We envision a future where innovation and creative expression enhance quality of life, attract visitors, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Our Purpose:
We are the dot connectors between creative pursuits and a vibrant economy.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND STAFF
Veronica Maes
Director of CREATE Trinidad
-
Communications and Community Relations Director for the City of Trinidad, Colorado
-
Systems-focused leader with expertise in strategic implementation, cross-sector communication and organizational improvement
-
Administrator and executive leader, successful in advancing organizational performance and driving measurable results
-
Experienced in managing and aligning budgets to support strategic goals, maximize impact, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Greg Sund
Board Member
-
Visual artist and member of Trinidad's Corazón Gallery
-
30 years experience in local government management
-
Served as City Manager for Trinidad 2017-2019
Kiffin Potts-Brown
Board Member
-
Owner, Curly's Beads and Gift Shop
-
President and Founder, Wellness Trinidad (501c3)
-
30+ years Marketing / Design Professional
Margaret Hunt
Board Chair
-
Visual artist and published author
-
Former Director of Colorado Creative Industries
Dianne Nash
Board Member
-
Wood/Fiber artist
-
Former owner of Windy Valley Muskox of Alaska
Joze Petrich
Board Member
-
Head of Business Development at Emergent Campus
-
Founder: Designing Thriving Communities, a Rural Pattern Language
Virginia Jimenez
Treasurer
-
Performing Arts Educator
-
Theatre Artist and writer
-
Born and raised in Trinidad, CO
Steve Wharton
Board Member
-
Owner/Publisher of New Legends Magazine (2015-2023)
-
Worked at New Legends Productions (2015-2026) and Wharthog Productions (1995-2015)
-
30+ years of experience in Advertising/Marketing/Design/Commercial Photography
Markie Davis
Board Member
-
President of Trinidad-Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce
-
Owner, Markie Davis-State Farm
Our Shared Core Values
Collaboration: At CREATE Trinidad, this value emphasizes the importance of leveraging the collective strengths and perspectives of the creative community, fostering partnerships that enhance resource sharing, communication, idea generation, and cooperative efforts. By collaborating, we cultivate an environment for shared resources, where creativity flourishes, leading to the heightened visibility of cultural heritage and economic prosperity.
Integrity: CREATE Trinidad values accountability and trustworthiness in our interactions with the creative community, stakeholders, and the public. By adhering to these principles, we ensure that our initiatives and collaborations are built on mutual respect and reliability, reinforcing our reputation as a responsible organization.
Accessibility: At CREATE Trinidad, we strive to eliminate barriers to participation, ensuring that resources, events, and programs are inclusive and reachable for everyone. By embracing accessibility, we enhance community involvement, enrich cultural expression, and foster an environment where diverse voices contribute to innovation and economic prosperity.
Community: CREATE Trinidad embraces the unique contributions of individuals from all walks of life, advocating for diverse perspectives and experiences to be celebrated and integrated into our initiatives. By fostering a sense of community, we create a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration and support empower all members, enhancing the richness of cultural heritage and driving collective economic success.
Creativity: CREATE Trinidad embraces this value by encouraging imaginative thinking, experimentation, and adaptability among our community members. By fostering an atmosphere where creativity thrives, we enhance the potential for impactful cultural expression.
