The Montrose Center for Arts (MCA) will host its grand re-opening celebration on Feb. 12 to introduce the new and re-imagined center to the public.

The event will take place at the new location, 205 E. Main Street in Montrose, from 4:30-7 p.m. “Let HEART take root: An Interpretive Show of Western Trees,” will be a fun, informative evening where visitors can view and purchase the work of more than 50 artists, who have generously donated their work for the first MCA fundraiser of the year.

Artist Heidi Comstock permitted her inspirational piece “At the Root of it All” to be reproduced for the grand re-opening commemorative poster.

Limited editions of the poster and all the art from the event and the gallery will be available for purchase at the re-opening.

MCA will also welcome back Farnsworth Scenics Fine Art Photography inside the MCA. Operated by photographer Vince Farnsworth and his wife Maggie, the gallery specializes in photos of the San Juan Mountains, the night sky and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

They offer matted prints and gallery wrap photos as well as custom sizes of photos in the gallery printed on paper, metal or canvas.

The “re-Imagine” theme aligns well to what is happening within MCA. Last summer, the MCA learned it would have to leave its location on Park Ave due to budget constraints.

What followed was six months of intense re-imaging of a new location and of how the MCA would operate and serve the Western Slope into the future.

“With effective planning from our Transitions Team and generous efforts from members, artists and friends, literally hundreds of hours of donated time, the relocation of Montrose Center for Arts to its new space at 205 E. Main Street was exceptional,” says Interim Board President Pat Chaloupek. “We are very pleased with the new location.

With wide windows opening on Main Street, the new gallery offers a bright ambience. It has ample parking on all sides as well as a patio space we anticipate using for outdoor activities, like art walks, during the warmer months.

The MCA hopes its location nearer the heart of Montrose will attract more people from the community as well as visitors to the area.

Developing Deeper Ties to the Community

“This year is all about re-imagining what is possible for the gallery and for the arts in Montrose,” says Julia Reid, MCA member, artist and coordinator for the grand re-opening. “We are re-thinking and revitalizing our connection to the Western Slope, and because we want to strengthen our ties to the community, we reached out to local business to see if they would re-imagine our grand re-opening with us. Thankfully, many businesses stepped up and said yes!”

San Juan Gardens, located at 12225 6530 Rd. in Montrose, began as a tree farm founded by Gayle Goodhue’s father. Goodhue and team cultivate most of their own plants throughout the year. The trees at San Juan Gardens are grown at North Mesa Farms (still owned by Goodhue’s father) and are resistant to soil shock as they’re grown in the same clay soil that Montrose is known for. Stop by and meet Goodhue at the opening and learn more about what will be happening at San Juan Gardens this spring and ask your questions about gardening in the Uncompahgre Valley.

San Juan Brews, located at 512 E. Main Street in Montrose, is owned by Sara Doerhman, Patrick Hurtt, and Daniel Richards. All three are turning the once coffee shop, into a broader venue with brews, food and music and into a cool local hangout spot. Doerhman has long been a promoter of local arts and is delighted to provided refreshments for the grand re-opening, including offerings by San Juan’s mixologist and bar manager Anthony Mainiero.

Thrive Probiotic Plant Food, located at 5016 N. Townsend Avenue at Build-A-Soil headquarters is owned by Eric Garrod. He and BuildASoil, LLC, owner Jeremy Silva, created the best possible formula for enriching soil. Stop in at grand re-opening to learn more about why probiotic plant food is invaluable to your organic garden. Garrod has generously donated some of his products which will be available for purchase.

MegaPixel, located at 509 E. Main Street in Montrose, is owned and operated by photographer Tim Frates. Frates has been providing custom picture framing, large format printing, gallery wraps, photo editing and more to the Western Slope for years. Artists from Telluride to Paonia and everywhere in between have likely sought out Tim’s expertise over the years. Stop in and purchase Artist Heidi Comstock’s commemorative poster graciously printed by MegaPixel.

KVNF Mountain Grown Community Radio, 89.1, has its main station located in Paonia, and a satellite office here in Montrose at 19 N. Cascade (aptly referred to as Studio M). Both studios serve the citizens of Montrose and Ouray counties with more voices, more diversity, great music and helpful interviews on a wide array of topics. One of their programs, “As the Worm Turns,” is airing that night and offers an open discussion about gardening dos and don’ts and fits perfectly in with the MCA’s “Let HEART take root” theme.

Telluride Properties/Forbes Global Properties, located at 237 S. Oak Street in Telluride, is happy to step up and support the arts on the Western Slope. Broker associates (and Montrose locals) Hunter Anderson, Maggie Martin and Francesco D. Moceri are proud to invest in the creative community. Since 1986, Telluride Properties has earned the reputation as Telluride’s premier boutique real estate firm providing personalized guidance through the buying/selling process.

It Takes a Community…

“According to an old saying, it takes a community to build a village or raise a child. In this case, it takes an entire community to support the arts. The MCA is immensely grateful for the support of local businesses, the community, and all the members and volunteers who have stepped up to help with the move and the grand re-opening,” says Chaloupek. “For those not able to attend the re-opening on Feb. 12, we invite them to stop by during gallery hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to learn more about our re-imagined HEART of the art in Montrose.

About Montrose Center for Arts

MCA is a non-profit organization totally served by volunteers. It depends upon support from membership, contributions, sponsorships, grant funding and the local community.

The organization welcomes volunteers to serve as members of the Board of Directors and officers, as committee and team leaders, as hosts at the gallery and at MCA events, and on various teams. One does not need to be an artist to participate.

“By becoming an MCA member, you will support the vision of connecting art and the community to inspire creative life,” says Chaloupek. “Membership advantages include invitations to member-only special events, regular events and classes; unique show opportunities; notifications through the newsletter on all upcoming activities; and the ability to provide feedback on the direction of arts on the Western Slope.”