Bookcliffs Council on the Arts and Humanities

A nonprofit organization

Bookcliffs Arts Center is home to the Hilltop Summer Music Series,1st Friday Artist shows, Art Around Town, Art Unplugged, Open Mic Night, Teen Night, 32 irrigated garden plots. 2018 programs had traffic barrier painting, and display-board painting. Join as a member or become a Cornerstone Partner.

Testimonials

"The Bookcliffs Arts Center is such a great place for the summer concert series!" - Rifle Hilltop Summer Concert Series participant

"This is our favorite place to perform. I love the open stage and the people are always great." - Rifle Hilltop Summer Concert Series performer.

Mission

Our Purpose is to aid and encourage, advise and correlate activities dedicated to the promotion of the arts and humanities in the Western Garfield area, and to integrate such activities into the total life of the communities.

Background Statement

The history of the Bookcliffs Arts Center starts in 1989 when a group of art enthusiasts met to promote and educate others in art. The beginning stages of the arts center took place in founders' homes. Volunteers came forth to demonstrate art techniques including pastels, acrylic, metal sculptures, and silver smithing.

After a generous donation by the Aspen Community Foundation,and other anonymous donors, the group was able to take the organization to a new level by purchasing five acres located in Rifle. The acreage came with multiple outbuildings and irrigation water rights.

Adoringly called "The Stone House," the main structure on the property was remodeled to accommodate classes, art supplies, an office, meeting space, and a kitchen.

The irrigated lawn, next to the Stone House, was transformed into a park with a center stage that houses the popular Hilltop Summer Concert Series. In its fourth year, the concert series expanded from five concerts to fifteen annually, and the public clamors for more weeks each year.

Programming has expanded through the years to meet the needs of art aficionados of all ages. Classes include Art Unplugged, Children's Summer Art, Open Mic Night, Art Around Town, and Teen Night.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Bookcliffs Council on the Arts and Humanities

Year Established

1989

Tax id (EIN)

84-1087796

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Address

1100 16th Street P.O. Box 1295
Rifle, CO 81650

Service areas

Garfield County, CO, US

Phone

9706252262

Other

970-625-1889

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