Q&A with Stella Witcher of the Dairy Arts Center

Stella Witcher is the visual arts curator at Boulder’s Dairy Arts Center, a multidisciplinary arts hub offering galleries, performances, exhibits and community programs. Prior to coming to Boulder, Stella worked at galleries and art institutions across the world, including Montreal, London, New York, Mexico and Argentina.

As a curator, what do you think makes Boulder’s arts scene distinct or special?
Artists in Boulder come from all over the world, bringing with them different cultural frameworks and lived experiences. That global presence, combined with Boulder’s small-town scale, fosters a rare mix of cosmopolitanism and community intimacy. 

The natural environment also plays a huge role. The mountains and expansive landscapes have a deep psychological and emotional impact on people here. They shape the pace of life, the sense of space and the kind of artistic reflection and experimentation that can happen.

Boulder’s rich cultural history further grounds its arts scene. From the early days of the Colorado Chautauqua to the experimental spirit of Naropa University and the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, this city has long attracted artists and thinkers who are willing to push boundaries. Today’s artists carry that legacy forward, while addressing contemporary issues around identity, ecology and social justice.

All of this makes Boulder’s arts scene not only distinct—but also deeply resonant, future-oriented and full of possibility.

Can you share a recent exhibition or piece in the museum that you feel really captures the spirit or essence of Boulder?
One recent exhibition at the Dairy Arts Center that I feel captured the spirit of Boulder was Black Futures in Art, curated by Adderly Grant-Lord earlier this year as part of our Black History Month programming. This year's theme, "The Spaces Between Us," invited BIPOC artists from Boulder and beyond to reflect on cultural and racial divisions—not as barriers, but as spaces where meaningful dialogue, understanding and community can grow through art.

What made the exhibition especially powerful was the way it extended beyond the gallery walls. Through artist talks, workshops and interactive events, people from across generations and cultural backgrounds came together to learn, share and create. That spirit of inclusivity, reflection and collective engagement really mirrors what makes Boulder special—a community that’s curious, open-minded and willing to have challenging conversations with empathy and imagination.

What are some of your favorite places or hidden gems in Boulder that you’d recommend to visitors interested in creativity and inspiration?
Boulder is full of places that spark creativity and offer unique inspiration, it's honestly so hard to choose! Some of my favorite spots include the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) and the North Boulder Arts District, which really comes alive during NoBo First Fridays — a great way to experience local artists, studios and community energy all in one evening. East Window Gallery is another standout for its boundary-pushing exhibitions and commitment to underrepresented voices.

The CU Art Museum is a gem on campus, with a strong rotation of contemporary shows and student work that keeps things fresh and intellectually engaging. I also love spending time at Trident Booksellers & Café — it’s been a creative hub for decades, a place where artists, writers and thinkers gather over coffee, poetry or music. I also recommend The New Local, a powerful community space and store showcasing women and nonbinary artists in meaningful and dynamic ways.

Beyond traditional art spaces, the Gold Hill General Store is one of my favorite hidden gems — live music on the weekends in a historic mountain town you won’t forget. For those who love hunting for vintage treasures, Apocalypse Vintage and Little Horse Vintage are both full of character and inspiration.

Nature is also an endless source of creativity here. I often hike the Dakota Ridge Trail to clear my head and refocus — it’s quiet, scenic and deeply grounding. 

How do you see the relationship between Boulder's natural beauty and its vibrant visual arts community?
For me, Boulder’s natural beauty and its visual arts community are completely intertwined. Living and working here, it’s impossible not to be influenced by the landscape — the mountains, the light, the changing seasons. There’s something about being surrounded by this kind of environment that opens you up creatively. It invites you to slow down, to observe more closely, to think expansively.

Personally, some of my most meaningful curatorial ideas have come while walking a trail or just sitting outside. The landscape here encourages a kind of inward reflection and outward curiosity that feeds artistic practice. 

What are three things you like to do in Boulder on the weekend?
On weekends, I love heading to the Boulder Farmers Market to check out local produce and connect with the community. I also spend a lot of time at my favorite coffee spots, like Trident, where I can enjoy a hot drink and dive into a good book. If I’m in the mood for adventure, I’ll either hike or ski in the winter — getting outdoors is always a priority. 

In your opinion, how can people visit Boulder responsibly?
I think visiting Boulder responsibly really comes down to respecting both the environment and the community. When you’re out in nature, like on our trails or in open spaces, it’s important to stay on the marked paths, pick up after yourself and be mindful of wildlife. If you’re hiking or biking, try to hit the trails early or during off-peak hours to avoid overcrowding.

Supporting local businesses is another big one. Boulder has a lot of small, sustainable spots — whether it’s shopping at the farmers market, grabbing a bite at a local restaurant or picking up unique goods from local artists. It’s a great way to contribute to the community and keep that local vibe strong!

And, of course, just being respectful of the diverse people and cultures here goes a long way. Boulder’s all about inclusivity and thoughtful engagement, so it’s always good to approach the city with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

What inspires you personally about working in Boulder, and how does that inspiration show up in the work you do at the Dairy?
What really inspires me about working in Boulder is the undeniable passion people have for this place. There’s something so special about how much the community cares for its nature, its artists, its history and all the different people who call it home. Boulder is so unbelievably beautiful inside and out, it is such a special place, it is impossible for me not to share this passion and channel it into my work as curator at the Dairy Arts Center.  

I care so deeply about this place I call home, and I want to make sure I’m honoring it every day. As curator at The Dairy, that means showing up with a heart full of that same passion and making sure the work we do reflects the love and pride the community has for Boulder. Whether it’s promoting local talent, highlighting the diverse voices here, or sparking conversations about our shared challenges, my goal is to help us all grow, reflect and thrive together. I can feel the love and passion from everyone who walks through the doors of The Dairy Arts Center — the pride they have in our community and city — and I’m honored to be a conduit for that energy. I take that responsibility to heart every day and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do this work.