Museum of Friends

The goal of getting the local government on board to see the necessity of an updated arts in culture facility to address the challenges of a lower-socio economic clientele would help to accomplish programming benchmarks.
The goal to present timely and relevant exhibitions and educational opportunities to our community continues to be addressed with focus groups, questionnaires and evaluations.
The goal to collaborate with the Academic community is slowly begin developed.
The goal to offer local entrepreneurs a space to highlight their hand made goods, art, photographs, sculptures is being realized.
The goal to begin a sustainable arts in education program in the local schools is slowly being introduced and developed.
The goal to create jobs through the arts is slowly being developed.
The goal to rehabilitate the historic "Roof and Dick" Building is in the 2nd Phase of a 5 Phase plan.

The Museum of Friends Board of Directors meets regularly to discuss strategies to help accomplish the capital improvement; programming and long term sustainability goals. The strategic plan of 2015 focused on economic development through the arts and with the help of History Colorado and Historic Preservation many of the strategies are being fulfilled.

Currently the Museum of Friends has 97 committed members, a strong Board of Directors, committed staff and volunteers. Since 2005, the museum has been developing exhibitions and programs that continue to this day. The permanent collection has grown considerably due to the popularity of the museum and the knowledge of its importance to the Art History of Southern Colorado. As the first museum of counter culture art as listed in Art in America's Guide to Museums and Galleries, since 2016 many contemporary artists who learn about the museum then decide to donate art.

The Historic Roof and Dick Building was granted status on the State Historical Register in 2016. Since that time, the Museum of Friends received a Historical Structural Assessment grant with architectural and engineering reports. These first two steps allowed for the submission and award of a State Historical Fund Grant. In August of 2019 Phase 1 was successfully completed with exterior historic masonry repair; foundation repair; and the building of an elevator shaft from the basement to the 3rd floor with a working elevator. Currently Phase 2 grants are being submitted with a GALA Fund-Raiser set for November 15 at the museum. At that time to help raise matching funds a Western Art Sale will highlight the collection of Martin and Marcia St.Lifer that includes: paintings, prints and bronzes.