The Art Center

For over 60 years, The Art Center of Western Colorado has been at the heart of the Grand Valley’s artistic and cultural landscape, inspiring creativity, fostering connection, and enriching lives through art. Located in Grand Junction, we’re more than just a gallery—we’re a community hub, an educational resource, and a supporter of artists of all ages and backgrounds. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors like you to bring the transformative power of the arts to our region.

Our Mission: 

The Art Center is dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit in everyone. Through our exhibitions, classes, and community programs, we strive to make the arts accessible and engaging for all, providing opportunities for learning, growth, and self-expression. Your donation helps us continue this mission by supporting arts education, preserving cultural traditions, and promoting innovative programming that celebrates our region’s unique artistic heritage.

Where Your Gift Goes:

Every dollar you give directly supports impactful initiatives, including:

• Youth Arts Education: Providing scholarships, summer camps, and school partnerships to inspire creativity and artistic development among young people.
• Community Outreach: Expanding programs to underserved populations and fostering partnerships that bring art to those who might not otherwise have access.
• Artist Support & Exhibitions: Showcasing local, regional, and nationally recognized artists and offering them resources to thrive and innovate.
• Preserving Cultural Heritage: Celebrating and honoring the art traditions of the Southwest, including Native American and Western art, which reflect the rich cultural diversity of our region.

Your Impact:

When you give to The Art Center, you’re not just supporting an organization—you’re enriching the entire community. Last year, Colorado Gives Day raised nearly $11,000 to help sustain and grow our programming. This year, with your help, we’re striving to raise at least $17,000, which will enable us to:

• Increase donor-funded scholarships to make art accessible to more youth and families.
• Expand community outreach by partnering with schools, libraries, and other nonprofits.
• Enhance our exhibitions and maintain our facilities to create a welcoming space for all.

Together, we can cultivate creativity and connection in our community. Join us this Colorado Gives Day in making an investment in the future of art in Western Colorado. Every contribution counts—and every contribution makes a difference. Thank you for helping us keep the arts alive and thriving!

Testimonials

"The Western Colorado Center for the Arts is truly committed to making art available, accessible and affordable to EVERYONE! Their programs for people with special needs have had a tremendous impact on many people, but most especially people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The classes are a form of therapy, they improve self-esteem, they teach new skills, help improve dexterity and fine motor skills, and offer so many other "soft benefits" related to new environments, new concepts and new friends.

The Western Colorado Center for the Arts is a wonderful asset to our community, with exceptional outreach to involve not just an elite few, but the entire community. They are also very promotional, for example they exhibit at many community events such as festivals promoting hands on art projects for children at the events.

An investment in The Western Colorado Center for the Arts will have great returns for the citizens of Grand Junction and the surrounding area."

- Jeff Nichols, CEO, STRIVE (Formerly Mesa Developmental Services)