Dagny McKinley

Dagny McKinley says her love of music began as a child, when her mother signed her up for piano lessons.  “I had absolutely no musical talent but being able to somewhat play songs that I loved and to hear the music come alive when I played the keys created a lifelong love of music.”  She goes on to say, “Music transforms the soul. It is one of the few mediums that seems to crawl into one’s cells and activate the body and mind. Opera Steamboat is the epitome of that body-mind connection and exploration of music and story.”

Dagny has lived in Steamboat Springs for over twenty years. “The mountains are a home like no other. They are my escape, my renewal, and the source of my creativity.” She served for four years as Director of Development and Communications for Steamboat Creates. In that role she increased community connections and outreach, implemented statewide marketing campaigns in collaboration with other creative districts and cities, and oversaw fundraising for several capital campaign projects.  She currently serves as the Executive Director of Colorado New Play Festival.

She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University and is an author and historian. Her books include: The Springs of Steamboat: Healing Waters, Sparkling Soda and Mysterious Caves, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp: A History of Art in Nature, and The Adventures of a Girl & Her Dog: In the Mountains. McKinley is also co-publisher of Art with Altitude Magazine, a publication dedicated to arts and culture in northwest Colorado.

Dagny has a long history with freelance writing and marketing. She currently serves on the Mineral Springs Protection Committee through the City of Steamboat Springs and is on the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts Advocacy committee.  She is determined to see a performing arts center and housing for visiting artists in Steamboat Springs come to fruition. Dagny believes that anything can happen when you believe the impossible is possible.