From sculptures to murals and art festivals, Grand Junction’s art scene is a large part of what makes this city unique. The Art Center of Western Colorado (The Art Center, TAC) has been a major contributor to the art community for 70 years. TAC offers classes for all ages, abilities, and skill levels. We believe that art is for everyone -- “Arts for All.”
Our Artability Program offers art classes designed for individuals with mental, social, and physical challenges, encouraging students’ appreciation for their unique talents, abilities, and modes of self-expression.
Through TAC youth programs, children ages 5-12 learn the power of creativity through art-making and experimentation in our Summer Art Camp, After School Program, Home School Program, School’s Out Day Camp, and Holiday Break Day Camp. Programs for teens ages 13-18 are offered as summer workshops. All supplies are provided and all children’s classes address Colorado Model Content Standards for visual arts.
Adult classes and workshops in various media throughout the year seek to inspire individuals ages 18+ to explore, develop, and celebrate their creativity.
First Friday opening receptions are held every First Friday of the month (except January and May). These free events are open to the public and are fun social events to view new artwork, mingle with artists and friends, hear lectures by exhibiting artists, and more.
The largest fundraiser of the year, Paint the Town, is a benefit event complete with themed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction, and a live fine art auction and show. The juried Fine Art Auction includes artwork by local, regional, and national artists. Paint the Town: A Night in France is our theme for May 2024. Tickets are $30 for one, $50 for two. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to support artists, the arts, and The Art Center.
The second largest fundraiser, the Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair featuring 25+ artists and artisans, is an indoor Holiday Market with plenty of hand-crafted works and tasty holiday treats. This year’s event is November 17 (TAC members only); November 18, 9am-4pm, and November 19, 10am-3pm are open to the public. This free event is a great opportunity for artists and shoppers to support the local art community and kick-off the holiday season.
Visiting hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4pm (Tuesdays are always free). With five galleries, there are at least three new exhibitions each month. One of the current exhibitions, Inspirational: An Exhibition of Ceramic Art, is a must-see. This exhibition, on display through September, brings together four nationally and internationally known titans in the realm of ceramics, all of whom are worthy of the title “Master Ceramacist”: KyoungHwa Oh, Heesoo Lee, Kyongmin Park, and Ashtonn Means.
TAC relies on community support through members, donations, and philanthropic gifts to survive. One of the biggest ways to be involved with TAC is to become an Art Center member. TAC members receive monthly postcards with upcoming event information, Art Matters magazine, discounts on classes, free admission during business hours, and access to members-only classes and events (such as the Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair preview night).
Another way to be involved is by volunteering. From landscaping to exhibit installation to greeting people at events, there is something for everyone. The Art Center Guild is a great group to join if you’re interested in being a part of a larger volunteer group. The guild supports and promotes TAC through many fundraising activities including the Music in the Grapevines summer concert series and the sale of baked goods and handcrafts at the Annual Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair.
To learn more about The Art Center, visit gjartcenter.org.
