BluesKites: Celebrating the Legacy of American Roots Music Through Art
Exhibition Open August 2 - September 16
This summer, Telluride is celebrating the deep roots of American music through an unexpected and inspiring art form. In partnership with the Music Maker Foundation and Wilkinson Public Library, Telluride Arts presents “BluesKites,” a vibrant exhibition honoring iconic blues musicians through a dynamic collection of art kites.
Curated and installed by Telluride Arts, the exhibition is on display at Wilkinson Public Library through September 16, bringing together visual art, music history and storytelling in a unique community setting.
“BluesKites” features fully functional kites created by renowned artist Terry Zee Lee in collaboration with the Music Maker Foundation. Each kite honors a different musician from the foundation’s roster, including influential artists such as Guitar Gabriel and Freeman Vines, with their stories and legacies interpreted by leading kite artists from across the country.
More than simply works of art, the kites offer a creative way to discover the pioneering musicians who helped shape American roots music. By blending cultural history with vibrant visual art, “BluesKites” invites visitors to look skyward and explore the stories behind some of the artists who helped define the blues.
The exhibition is part of a broader effort to celebrate and preserve the musical traditions, stories and artists that continue to influence generations of musicians today.
BluesKites is open at Wilkinson Public Library through September 16. After the exhibition concludes at the library, the collection will migrate to the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, where festivalgoers will have another opportunity to experience these remarkable works celebrating the legacy of American roots music.
More about Music Maker Foundation
Music Maker Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded to preserve the musical traditions of the South by directly supporting the musicians who make it, ensuring their voices will not be silenced by poverty and time. Music Maker gives future generations access to their heritage through documentation and performance programs that build knowledge and appreciation of America’s musical traditions.
When festival organizer Steve Gumble from SBG Productions, met Music Makers’ Tim Duffy, the pair bonded over a shared appreciation of these musical traditions and of the Foundation’s mission. Gumble and Duffy first teamed up in 2015 to bring artists from the Music Maker roster to Telluride. These artists deliver genuine blues, gospel, soul sets giving festival attendees a rare look at traditional American music culture.
For years, the festival has hosted many artists from the Music Maker roster including Leo “Bud” Welch, Little Freddie King, The Glorifying Vines Sisters, Pee Wee Hayes, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and many more.
Music Maker Fundraiser Dinner
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - Join us for an unparalleled musical, cultural and culinary experience!
On Thursday of the festival, the Telluride Blues Society is hosting an evening of live music, dinner and a special performance with a festival artist to support the Music Maker Foundation.
Attendees will be treated to an exquisite, seasonal dinner menu prepared by Bravo TV's "Top Chef" competitor and owner of Telluride's own 221 South Oak restaurant, Eliza Gavin. The evening commences with a champagne and appetizer reception, welcoming greeting from Music Maker and interaction with the musicians before viewing a perforce by festival artists from the Music Maker roster. Dinner with the artists will follow immediately after completing the show.
$500 of each package benefits the Music Maker Foundation and is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.
Music Maker Lounge
Throughout the festival, the new Music Maker Lounge at the Blues Stage will feature Music Maker art, listening stations with vinyl records to sample, a photo booth and more.
Make sure to stop by, meet the folks from the Music Maker Foundation and show your support to help them reach their fundraising goal!