A History of Artistic Excellence

April 2, 2026

Creativity is part of the Sugar River Region’s identity.

From world-renowned sculpture and historical performance halls to community murals and working maker spaces, creativity shows up in both grand settings and everyday places. Visitors will find arts experiences that feel accessible, active, and deeply rooted in local pride.

From the Cornish Colony to Center Stage

One of the region’s most celebrated cultural landmarks is Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, the former home and studio of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s leading sculptors. His legacy helped spark the Cornish Art Colony, and today the park continues that tradition with exhibits, ranger-led programs, and seasonal concerts in a setting that feels equal parts museum and landscape.

Just nearby, Opera North performs at Blow-Me-Down Farm, bringing professional opera to a stunning outdoor tent venue that draws audiences from across New England. It’s a rare experience: world-class performance in a rural setting that still feels intimate.

Makers, Craft Traditions, and Community Arts

Each August, Mount Sunapee Resort hosts one of New Hampshire’s signature arts events: the League of NH Craftsmen Fair. Founded in 1933, this nine-day celebration brings hundreds of juried artists and makers together in one place, featuring exceptional work in pottery, fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, and more. It’s a defining showcase of the region’s craft tradition and creative energy. The Apple Pie Crafts Fair in Newport is one of New England’s longest running craft fairs in late August showcases 130+ booths of handmade crafts, including pottery, woodworking, glass, fiber arts and more. The fair also features live music, food vendors and the famous apple pie contest and sale.

Creativity continues year-round in the region’s town centers. The Claremont Opera House and Newport Opera House host concerts, comedy, theater, and community productions in historical settings that still anchor downtown life. In Claremont, the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts offers performances and workshops, while the Claremont Makerspace supports hands-on creativity through shared studios and tools as well as maker experiences for visitors. In Newport, the Library Arts Center fuels a strong community arts culture, shaping everything from gallery shows and classes to mural projects that invite visitors to explore town through a colorful, creative lens.