Art Center turns 1

If you left Fort Collins 10 years ago and came back today, one of the biggest changes you’d probably notice would be the revitalization of the north end of town. It’s a renovation that continues today.

Traffic zips by and business is booming for the storefronts along North College, but it was community projects that jump-started the area’s renewed lease on life. From Bas Bleu Theatre boldly relocating along a formerly dead strip of post-industrial urban wasteland, to the newly re-opened Aztlan Center, to OpenStage Theatre Co. and the non-profit Arts Alive offices finding a home at the corner of Willow and College, it has been the arts that have led the way.

And celebrating its one-year anniversary is the Poudre River Arts Center, also in the Arts Alive building at 406 N. College. The Center is home to 18 individually rented artists’ studios, as well as a gallery—a thriving beehive of artistic activity a short walk from the heart of Old Town.

And over the weekend of Oct. 19-20, the Center will open its doors to thank the community that made it possible, featuring live music, children’s art activities, and of course, plenty of artwork.

But none of it would have been possible without a little help.

“Basically it was vision of Mike Jensen, who owns the building, to bring in artists,” said artist Christine Webb, who also runs the Artist’s Nook art supply shop in the building. “Each of the artists’ studios is rented individually. It’s really a grassroots effort to bring the arts to the north end of town. And then the main gallery is rented out to artists who want to have shows.”

And as the city continues its efforts to clean up the area, artists continue to thrive in a community that appreciates the service they provide.

“I think there’s a great support for arts in Fort Collins, especially the support we’ve gotten for the Arts Center,” Webb said. “And not only that, the sense of community among artists is really great too. You feel like you’re part of something bigger—you don’t feel like you’re just alone in your studio painting.”

To Go The Poudre River Arts Center will host its 1st Anniversary party from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 with live music and refreshments. From 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, there will be kids’ activities and more music.