ABOUT US
The Gunnison Arts Center is a community arts nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving the community with creativity and passion. Our historic 12,000-square-foot community hub is where we're all about bringing enriching experiences to the Gunnison Valley. From classes and events to exhibitions and performances, we've got something for everyone who walks through our doors.
At the Gunnison Arts Center, you can
EXPLORE our three rotating galleries
SHOP and support our local shop artists in The Shop
EXPRESS yourself in our Dance & Fitness studio
CREATE your next masterpiece in our Clay Studio
DEVELOP a new favorite recipe in our Culinary Studio, Dot's Kitchen
EXPERIENCE live music and performances in our Black Box Theater
CULTIVATE new painting techniques in our Visual Arts Studio
Galleries
Tour our 3 rotating galleries, premiering on the First Friday of every month!
OUR HISTORY

1882
DENVER & RIO GRANDE RAILROAD AND EUROPEAN HOTEL
Local master stonemasons Frederick & Frank Zugelder built our historic building. Built with the distinctive characteristics of the Italianate style, the building incorporates both local materials, particularly locally quarried stone, with architectural embellishments brought in by the recently arrived railroad. Originally known as the Mechling Block, the building served for nearly a decade as the freight office of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and as a European Hotel. Over the years, it has been the home to Gunnison Hardware Company, a clothing store, and a bar & restaurant.
1983
THE BEGINNING OF COMMUNITY ARTS IN THE GUNNISON VALLEY
The Gunnison Council for the Arts, an all-volunteer organization, was started by a handful of individuals in the back room of a local restaurant. Most of these individuals had been active in Webster Players, a local theater group, which could not find suitable performing venues. A local dance instructor was facing the same dilemma of not having enough space for her classes, resulting in a new partnership.
1984 - 1986
OFFICIAL STATUS & Growth
The volunteer group was officially incorporated as the Gunnison Council for the Arts and hosted a membership drive, recruiting 75 community members.
1988
FIRST ESTABLISHED LOCATION
The Gunnison Council for the Arts leased one of the community’s oldest buildings from First National Bank of Gunnison to house most of their activities, including an art gallery, a 72-seat theater for drama and music, special exhibitions, and a variety of classes.
1989
NON-PROFIT STATUS
The Gunnison Council For the Arts became the Gunnison Arts Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 community arts organization.
1992
ICONIC NEW HOME FOR COMMUNITY ARTS
The Gunnison Arts Center, through the support of community members, foundations, and philanthropists, purchased the historic building on 102 South Main Street, the current home of the Gunnison Arts Center.
Board of Directors
The Gunnison Arts Center’s Board of Directors is a working board that is deeply invested, hardworking, and dedicated to our mission and vision. The Board of Directors strives to maintain a diverse mix of locals of a variety of ages, professions, and backgrounds. Board Members serve a three-year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The mission and strategic plan, used at every meeting to guide decisions, define the board’s work. As a working board, board members assist staff in fundraising, events, donor cultivation, and executive oversight. All Gunnison Arts Center Board Members make a personally significant financial contribution to support the organization annually.
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Priscilla Swanson
ButtonDirector, Committee Chair
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Our Team
Meet the people who make the magic happen.
