what's up in the west
SHOWCASING ROTATING WORKS FROM ITS PERMANENT COLLECTION
THE ART CENTER Words by Sharon Sullivan | Photo courtesy of The Art Center of Western Colorado
T
he Art Center of Western Colorado in
Indians of the Southwest. He once studied at
Grand Junction features 25 to 30 different
what was then Mesa College in Grand Junction.
exhibitions throughout the year, including
Gifts of artworks often reflect the personal
artwork from invited regional, national and
tastes of well-known citizens like the Robinsons
international artists, as well as works from local
and late Grand Junction philanthropists Tillie
artist groups like the Brush and Pallet Club and
and Pat Bishop, who donated their entire
the Pastel Society.
collection to The Art Center. The center also
Additionally, The Art Center draws from its permanent collection — artworks that have
and the late artist Jac Kephart.
been donated to the center over the past decades
Nearly half of The Art Center’s 600-plus
by various artists and collectors. That includes
permanent collection pieces are currently on
a large number of Native American artworks,
display. “We don’t have enough gallery space to
including 70 Navajo rugs donated by D. Arch
show it all at once,” Borden explains. “We need a
Gould, and ancient Puebloan pottery given to the
building twice as big.”
center by Phillip Hoffman.
The Art Center was the first in Grand Junction
In March 2023, The Art Center’s Gould
to initiate First Friday community art openings,
Gallery — where most permanent collection
which prompted other galleries in town to also
exhibits take place — will host an exhibition of
begin hosting First Friday events. The monthly
selected Native American blankets, rugs and
art openings are exciting, says Borden. “We have
other weavings.
new exhibitions all the time.”
The Art Center’s permanent collection
Located at 1803 N. 7th St., The Art Center
includes several Japanese art pieces, including
was built in 1970 and will celebrate its 70th
woodblock prints, kimonos and masks, donated
anniversary with a party most likely in
by the late Colorado Mesa University theatre
September, Borden shares.
professor Bill Robinson and his wife, Mae.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.
“We have an amazing collection of Paul
to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for the general public
Pletka,” says The Art Center executive director
and free for members. Admission is free for
Lee Borden. Pletka is a Santa Fe, New Mexico-
everyone on Tuesdays.:
based artist known for his portraits of American
10
owns pieces by Glade Park artist Harold Bryant
For more information, visit gjartcenter.org.
