$5,303 raised by 28 donors
27% complete
$20,000 Goal
Our Mission
Enhancing the quality of life and inspiring our communities through visual and performing arts, education and advocacy.
Our Vision
To be a vibrant and thriving arts, cultural and educational center.
Our Guiding Principles
Excellence
We strive to make every experience a member, volunteer, guest, visitor, artist or employee has with GMAEC and exceptional encounter. We uphold a high standard of excellence for everything GMAEC produces.
Integrity
Every decision and action we undertake is based on our core integrity. Reliability, truthfulness, and fairness are the cornerstones of our daily interactions
Unity
With the utmost respect for each other, we value the spirit of teamwork at GMAEC. Each gift of time, talents and treasures is recognized and appreciated in whatever measure it is contributed.
Outreach
We recognize the diverse nature of our community and seek to be inclusive, compassionate and welcoming to all. We endeavor to make every touch a person has with GMAEC easy to navigate and understand. We hope to meet the wants and needs of Cedaredge and surrounding areas within the bounds of our mission.
Resourcefulness
As a not-for-profit profit organization, we take a conservative approach to financial decisions. We value in-kind gifts and seek to utilize volunteer skills whenever possible. We are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Center and our programs. We will achieve our goals through perseverance and exploration of all possible sources to guarantee a strong future for GMAEC.
Creativity
Innovation, imagination, and forward thinking are the foundation of GMAEC. We foster the culture of creativity in every endeavor. We are fortunate that a bounty of creative individuals gather at GMAEC to craft the visual and performing arts, education, and advocacy we are proud to provide.
Housed in an historic 1904 building that has served over the years as a general store, a bank, a movie theater, an auto repair garage, an insulation company, a health food store, and a salon and spa, the arts center was first envisioned when a veteran of Applefest performances and his wife were on tour.
David Starr is a singer songwriter and Nashville recording artist who operates Starr's Guitars in downtown Cedaredge. David is often on the road performing around the nation and overseas, and Cindy, his wife, regularly accompanies him. One evening after a successful concert in a distant community venue, Cindy raised the question to her husband, "Why can't we have a place like this in Cedaredge?" When Cindy returned to Cedaredge, she posed this same question to other community members and soon a group of art's enthusiasts began meeting with the goal of establishing a local performance and art's venue.
By September 2017, citizens had organized themselves into a board of directors and an advisory council. A non-profit 501c3 was established and the site of the historic building at 195 W Main was selected. Renovations and fund-raising commenced. A multitude of community members donated money and soon major donors stepped forward with sizeable contributions. Among those providing major influxes of cash and in-kind gifts were the Bank of Colorado, Alpine Bank, the Delta-Montrose Electric Association, The Starr's Family Foundation, Perry and Terry Hotz, Tom and Sue Beachman, and Dennis and Sherry White.
Mark Fairchild served as the project's builder and local residents Lynn Grotian and Dan Skelton volunteered to paint the entire interior. A team of local artisans designed the center's stained-glass window, over the entry door, using materials donated by the community. Other craftsmen donated uniquely decorated doors, lighting scones, and the building's exterior signs.
The outpouring of community support overwhelmed Deborah Shaffer who served as the center's executive director. "A lot of talented people stepped up to make this dream a reality," she said. "This collaborative effort has filled a need that has long been recognized by our citizens and our many visitors."
The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center held its grand opening on June 15, 2018 less than a year after the community had launched its adventure into supporting the arts. When the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center opened its doors, a group of over 200 volunteers committed their time, talent, and energy to man the gallery, the events, plan and prepare fundraising events, educational activities, and keep the Center relevant.
Organization name
Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center
other names
GMAEC
2017
Tax id (EIN)
82-2686401
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Colorado State Tax Credits
Colorado Enterprise Zone Credit
Address
195 W Main StMailing
PO Box 583Delta County, CO, US