The Entrada Institute was founded in the winter of 1992 by a group of desert lovers who wished to share their enthusiasm for the Capitol Reef area with like-minded arts and outdoor lovers. The founders were a disparate bunch whose ranks included an outfitter, a graphic designer, an English professor, a professional landscape photographer, an innkeeper and a magazine editor. The early years were a struggle. Money was tight; membership small. But the board persevered, and eventually attracted a circle of "desert rats," who wanted to learn more about the human and natural history of the area.

The organization boasts an enthusiastic and growing membership, but something of the grass-roots organization that was originally funded out of board members' pockets remains. Instructors and students rave about the inviting and inclusive nature of the organization. Many of our Saturday night entertainers and workshop instructors return year after year, sharing their affection for teaching, singing or reading poems with appreciative audiences.

What's more, the organization has continually expanded its offerings. In response to requests for more Salt Lake events, Entrada has for the past three years hosted a combination winter party-fundraiser on the campus of Westminster College of Salt Lake City. Past entertainers at this event have included the Celtic trio Kirkmount, author Teresa Jordan and photographer Tom Till, among others.

And this year, the organization celbrates another annual winter event in Torrey...the Cowboy Poetry& Music Festival in the rustic environs of the Rim Rock Restaurant. Look for more winter events in the future.

The Entrada Institute's work has not gone unnoticed. Articles about the organization have appeared in The Salt Lake Tribune, Catalyst, and Sunset. In a 2000 article about Capitol Reef Country, Sunset writer Nicky Leach described Entrada as "(an organization) dedicated to preserving the red rock country and its heritage through arts and education."

This year, we'll feature everything from geology to history classes, folk concerts to literary readings and book signings. We'd love to have you along for the journey.