Artworks Loveland is transforming lives by building bridges between contemporary art and the general public. Together, we can strengthen the culture of our community and truly make a difference in Northern Colorado.
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Artworks Loveland provides a studio environment that nurtures individual artistic growth; collaborative artistic opportunity; artist career enhancement; community education and exhibits; while following an effective and thriving business model.
2001 - The Erion Foundation conceived of a fine arts center for Loveland. Our version of an Algonquin Round Table was formed to push some ideas around and to ultimately discover who had "skin in the game." A few notables at the table were Lynn Hammond, Roger Clark, Susan Ison, Phyllis Walbye and Mac Juneau.
2003 - Significant work began with many of the same partners involved to create a public/private partnership. The most complete plan to emerge at this point was that of repurposing the old Pulliam building in downtown Loveland. Solid reconstruction estimates and operating cost were calculated but the city failed to get behind the idea.
2004 - A new plan was hatched to purchase the old HP building at 3rd and Washington. The idea was to combine the Loveland Museum Gallery with the fine arts complex. Again calculations were made and offers were put on the table but no agreement could be made.
2008 - The Round Table reconvened once again, and a pivotal decision was made to become generally more proactive with a 50/50 split between community sustaining grants including Erion Legacy Grants and Erion Foundation promoted projects. This change in direction marked the beginning of a shift from a public/private art partnership to an Erion Foundation driven art project. A meeting in Loveland with the Alliance of Artists Communities President, Hunter O'Hanian and Executive director Caitlin Strokosch created a guide for the Erion Foundation and consulting partners to begin going it alone without a public partner.
2009 - 2010 - More buildings were considered: Repurpose the existing Johnson Printing building at 4th Street and Railroad Avenue. A historic Loveland church building at the corner of 4th Street and Grant in west downtown Loveland.
2011 - The planning group reconsidered the former Harbison-Payne
manufacturing building at 3rd and Railroad Avenue located within the downtown planning area and with an overall size of about 20,000 square feet. The building was in poor condition except for the south one-third that had a previous remodel for Aims Community College and was in a mid-stage and abandoned remodel for Interweave Press. This building was purchased by the Erion Foundation in November of 2011 for a little less than $500,000.00. Plans were made and a $250,000.00 remodel commenced immediately to create artist studios in the south one-third of the building with the goal of opening by mid-2012.
2012 - Artworks Loveland opened in May and accepted its first resident artist with the purpose of providing space and support to a growing population of artisans.
2015 - Artworks Loveland expanded adding more long-term studios, gallery, and a local artist-in-residence program.
"The underwriting of my studio is making it possible for me to pursue my work as a contemporary artist and to achieve my dream to devote myself to my art." -Tedi Jensen, Studio Artist
"I am proud to be an artist in one of Artworks' studios and to be associated with an institution with such a prestigious contemporary art program. Transforming Lives Through Contemporary Art is a much-needed enhancement for reaching out to even more people in Northern Colorado ." -Jennifer Davey, Studio Artists
"Artworks provides not only studio space but is an incubator for new ideas. Artists share their experiences including marketing their work. They also form teams to produce stunning exhibits and as individuals give inspirational talks. These and other activities are open to the public. Artworks has played a significant role in making Loveland one of the leading art-oriented communities in the United States." -Kenneth Jessen, journalist for the arts, lecturer and tour guide
