Local musician, David Starr, and his wife, Cindy, had the idea that Cedaredge needed to find a building that would provide a permanent venue to host performing and visual arts, as well as provide creative and educational opportunities for the community. That was the seed that Cindy planted in discussions with several of her friends and the idea began to grow. Eventually, a group of fourteen people met in the basement of a local building in August of 2017 and started brainstorming how to cultivate this idea into a reality.
After months of planning, community input, research, negotiating and fundraising, a lease was negotiated on a Main Street building and local volunteers and contractors began a remodeling project with the goal of achieving the community’s first center for creative artists, performers and educators. The Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center is housed in a repurposed building built in 1906 and located at 195 West Main Street in Cedaredge. During its early history, this building was the local movie theater. It has, over the years, changed owners and purposes and it has evolved from housing a general store, a bank, a service station, a health food store, and most recently a spa and beauty salon. With input from a cross section of local artists, the building has been completely renovated. It now houses a black box theater that seats 150 people, a gallery to showcase artists and other visual work and rooms that are multi-purposed to accommodate an assortment of teaching, meeting and event possibilities. The original tin ceiling, the old bank vault, and a mural, painted by a past owner, remain as a tribute to its history. On June 15, 2018 the doors opened to The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and this wonderful old building came full circle by creating a vibrant performing and visual arts center for the entire community. The Board of Directors is pleased to host:
Almost immediately, an effort was underway to secure the property for the Center in perpetuity. The community of Cedaredge and the surrounding areas have generously funded both the renovation and the purchase of the art center building. Membership dues, volunteers, sponsorships, grants and proceeds from events, concerts and programs keep the center alive and flourishing with the arts and culture our community needs. The Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center will continue to serve the needs of Cedaredge by providing a “Forever Home” to the many artists, musicians, and people interested in supporting this tapestry of talent and other educational and community needs. Their doors will be open to welcome you on your next visit to the Surface Creek area so check out the upcoming events at: gmaec.com or follow them on facebook.com/grandmesaartscenter |
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