Historic Challenge Butter Creamery...
...If you are visiting for the first time, plan to spend some quality time browsing through the varied local art available at the CAC. Each and every piece is made by an artist who resides in the North Fork Valley area or within the confines of Western Colorado. Many of our guests say what a surprise it is to find this quantity of artisans in the little town of Hotchkiss Colorado.
All mediums are recognized including fiber art and glass. The art, along with the building’s unique architecture, makes one feel as though they have left the small town for the likes of a bigger, more sophisticated art center. Living in the “Valley”, you can be assured that the environment is conducive to a life rich in art. An emphasis on educational growth is key to the success of a blooming art education program at CAC. The most experienced artist and the child showing the first signs of interest in art will be equally challenged by the workshops and classes offered on a regular basis throughout the year.
Your CAC journey will lead you to a working pottery studio, a work space for anyone interested in exploring the art of clay. You will also discover a glass studio located next door where stained and fused glass are available for purchase as well as glass supplies. Classes are offered in the glass arts with accomplished instructors that will inspire their students. Also check out the 2nd floor visual arts classroom, an art-friendly environment that welcomes exploration and creativity. This room is big enough to host “art parties” and comfortable enough to do small, more intimate classes.
Visit the Young Artists Gallery, a favorite for visitors and locals alike; a special space within the Creamery Arts Center for those artists under the age of 18. This changing exhibit is an esteem builder for the young artist, maybe the most important role of the entire art community, to nurture creativity and imagination in our young people and let them know that their aspirations are paramount.
The Peach and Churro Galleries change exhibits on a monthly basis with an opening on the 2nd Friday of each month showcasing the works of a featured artist. The opening hours are from 6pm – 8 pm with refreshments provided, as well as introducing local musicians. These gatherings will introduce you to local wines, micro brews and to neighbors that you might not have met. At many openings we include a Raku firing which is a memorable event not to be missed.
If all of the above is not enough to intrigue, the courtyard outside of the Creamery Arts Center is a place to stop and visit. Catering to the visitor and resident alike; the Dancing Elephants sculpture by renowned local artist Jim Agius, serves as a whimsical bright spot reminding us to have some fun, have a laugh and not take ourselves so seriously. Many a carload of folks have stopped on a snowy day to have pictures taken with the pair, who could care less about the cold weather. Summer days beckon the passerby to do the same. If you visit on Saturdays through the summer months, you can enjoy locally grown produce and handmade crafts available for sell at the market from 10-4. The canopy in the courtyard provides a lovely space to hold your outdoor events surrounded by indigenous trees and colorful flowerbeds.
Wonderful one of kind pieces of art as well as Posters and postcards of the Dancing Elephants are available for sale. We are located at 165 West Bridge St., Hotchkiss, CO 81419. For information on exhibits, events or classes, contact the Creamery at (970) 872-4848 or visit the Creamery website at www.creameryartscenter.org
All mediums are recognized including fiber art and glass. The art, along with the building’s unique architecture, makes one feel as though they have left the small town for the likes of a bigger, more sophisticated art center. Living in the “Valley”, you can be assured that the environment is conducive to a life rich in art. An emphasis on educational growth is key to the success of a blooming art education program at CAC. The most experienced artist and the child showing the first signs of interest in art will be equally challenged by the workshops and classes offered on a regular basis throughout the year.
Your CAC journey will lead you to a working pottery studio, a work space for anyone interested in exploring the art of clay. You will also discover a glass studio located next door where stained and fused glass are available for purchase as well as glass supplies. Classes are offered in the glass arts with accomplished instructors that will inspire their students. Also check out the 2nd floor visual arts classroom, an art-friendly environment that welcomes exploration and creativity. This room is big enough to host “art parties” and comfortable enough to do small, more intimate classes.
Visit the Young Artists Gallery, a favorite for visitors and locals alike; a special space within the Creamery Arts Center for those artists under the age of 18. This changing exhibit is an esteem builder for the young artist, maybe the most important role of the entire art community, to nurture creativity and imagination in our young people and let them know that their aspirations are paramount.
The Peach and Churro Galleries change exhibits on a monthly basis with an opening on the 2nd Friday of each month showcasing the works of a featured artist. The opening hours are from 6pm – 8 pm with refreshments provided, as well as introducing local musicians. These gatherings will introduce you to local wines, micro brews and to neighbors that you might not have met. At many openings we include a Raku firing which is a memorable event not to be missed.
If all of the above is not enough to intrigue, the courtyard outside of the Creamery Arts Center is a place to stop and visit. Catering to the visitor and resident alike; the Dancing Elephants sculpture by renowned local artist Jim Agius, serves as a whimsical bright spot reminding us to have some fun, have a laugh and not take ourselves so seriously. Many a carload of folks have stopped on a snowy day to have pictures taken with the pair, who could care less about the cold weather. Summer days beckon the passerby to do the same. If you visit on Saturdays through the summer months, you can enjoy locally grown produce and handmade crafts available for sell at the market from 10-4. The canopy in the courtyard provides a lovely space to hold your outdoor events surrounded by indigenous trees and colorful flowerbeds.
Wonderful one of kind pieces of art as well as Posters and postcards of the Dancing Elephants are available for sale. We are located at 165 West Bridge St., Hotchkiss, CO 81419. For information on exhibits, events or classes, contact the Creamery at (970) 872-4848 or visit the Creamery website at www.creameryartscenter.org