Lake City Arts

Background Statement

Lake City Arts started through an exploratory organizational meeting in December 1991. A steering committee was formed, and the first on-stage theatre production was presented in leased space in 1992. Incorporated as Lake City Arts Council in 1993, it is a Colorado non-profit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. The historic Hough Building was purchased from John Parker in 2004 and renamed the Moseley Arts Center in 2008. Previous State Historical Fund grants helped with a structural assessment, acquisition of the building, and Phase I (interior rehabilitation and construction of the new theatre).

Lake City Arts seeks to create an environment in which arts experiences are an integral part of community life and in which each person can develop his or her creative potential, both as creator and consumer. We promote and support the arts and encourage creativity and artistic expression. We showcase local artists and provide a structure for arts funding and a clearinghouse for arts information. We coordinate arts activities and encourage participation in the arts by all ages. In pursuit of our mission, we endeavor to enhance the positive image and the economic base of the community.

Lake City Arts is committed to the rehabilitation and preservation of the Hough Building and to the continued presence of the arts in Lake City & Hinsdale County. Programming has continued during renovation work. We are governed by a 9-to-15 member volunteer Board of Directors. We employ, part-time, an administrative assistant, a building theatre manager, and a custodian. Committees include membership, finance, theatrical arts, outside productions, arts & crafts, dance, and youth. We are a member of the Hinsdale County Lake City Chamber of Commerce. Program funding comes from membership dues, donations, grants, fund-raising through event fees and income earned through apartment/retail space rentals. The capital campaign for the Hough Building renovation supports a separate construction budget.

Activities of Lake City Arts include:

-Community involvement and service, supporting a community theatre troupe (the Cabin Fever Players), exhibits of local artists' work, visiting artists presented in music, theatre & literature, local talent shows for youth & adult, and a winter movie series.

-Arts & crafts festivals in July & September

-Visual arts workshops, including summer visual arts exhibits

-Outside-performer entertainment events

-Annual chamber music series (with underwriters)