About Our Programs
The Entrada Institute programming is designed for those interested in the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau.
Engaging the Community Through Events
The Entrada Institute offers or sponsors a wide variety of family-friendly events that fulfill our mission to serve as an arts and educational center to further public understanding and appreciation of the arts, the natural, historical, and traditional cultural heritage of the high desert Colorado Plateau, and to foster community-based economic development in Wayne County, Utah and the surrounding region.
Ongoing and annual programs are listed below, but be sure to watch our event calendar for complete details. Or better yet, sign up for our email newsletter!
FRANÇOIS CAMOIN WRITING FROM THE LAND PROGRAM
The Program provides writers with opportunities to improve their skills and be inspired by readings and discussions with award-winning authors, editors, publishers, and workshop participants—all while working in the inspiring red rock desert region. The program features the three-day Workshop, Writer-in-Residence, Writer Award, François Camoin Memorial Library.
2026 marks the program’s fifth year. The Program is generously supported by the Jarvis & Constance Doctorow Family Foundation
TORREY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Presented by the Entrada Institute, the Torrey Chamber Music Festival is an annual weekend of string ensemble performances in Torrey and surrounding communities. Inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape in and around Torrey, the festival’s founders wanted an opportunity for the local community to enjoy exceptional musical performances in this idyllic setting – pairing beauty of sound with beauty of place. The 2026 theme is “The Wild West.”
TCMF Strings Camp
Organized by Lynsey Shelar and Chris Jusell, three days of sectionals, master classes, chamber music, and string orchestra sessions, and a closing concert.
Chamber Music Festival
String duo, trio, quartet, and quintet repertoire performed in and around Torrey, including a concert at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch and a “preview” concert in Hanksville.
TAKE THE STAGE – YOUTH THEATER CAMP
Theater Camp is four days of learning and performing songs, dances, improvisation, movement, and characters. Ages 8-18 are included. All sessions and a closing show are held at the Wayne County Community Center in Bicknell.
Heather Westenskow directs the camp. She is a Wayne High School graduate and now works in the Denver area, choreographing and directing shows throughout that area.
Each year, over 40 youth participate. With sponsorships, registration fees have remained affordable.
BICKNELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Bicknell International Film Festival (BIFF) is held each July. The festival includes the “best of B-movies” featuring the bad, bizarre, and just plain strange films centered on the festival theme. In the past, this fun event has focused on the themes of aliens, superheroes, and cowboys. In addition to the three films, the festival features a parade, parties, and lots of other activities, including an independent film award.
V. DOUGLAS SNOW COLLEGIATE ARTS MENTORSHIP
This workshop is an immersive experience, exploring the geology, color, and light of the Capitol Reef redrock country and translating the experience of this unique and inspiring environment into their personal work. 4th year/Senior Undergraduate or Graduate Level students in Fine Art/Studio Art, with emphasis on Painting and Drawing, may apply.
Participants use the medium of their choice in the field or in the studio. They handle subject matter in keeping with the Entrada Institute’s mission and educational emphasis on building a greater understanding of the Colorado Plateau.
Students complete several small works, or a work complete in the final process of development. The three-day Mentorship occurs in August.
HERITAGE STARFEST
The annual Heritage Starfest encourages people to enjoy the dark skies of the Colorado Plateau, share the heritage of night skies, and encourage preservation of dark skies.
Held each Fall on the darkest weekend in early Fall, enthusiasts converge on Wayne County to celebrate our heritage of dark skies. Telescope viewing, a dark sky run/walk, constellation tours, children’s activities, professional speakers, and campfire storytelling are just a few of the activities.
Wayne County has some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Come learn more about our beautiful night skies at the annual Heritage Starfest. Visit the Heritage Starfest Facebook page.
ARTS AND THE PARK
Each year watercolorists converge at the Entrada Institute to create Plein air art. Locals enjoy watching artists at work, participating in presentations, and enjoying an Art Auction.
Watch 30 artists in action as they paint in various locations throughout Capitol Reef National Park.
Visit the Arts and the Park Facebook page.
SUNSET SERIES
From May through October, Entrada Institute holds evening events for those interested in learning more about the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. In addition, festivals and other events are held throughout the year.
The Sunset Series is supported through generous individual and corporate donations, Wayne County Business Association, Wayne County Travel & Tourism, the Utah Arts Council, the Utah Humanities Council, National Endowment for Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Some of our programs are offered in partnerships with groups such as Capitol Reef National Park.