The History of MCA
Created in June 2015, Montrose Center for Arts began with a small group of artists and a dream. Meetings were held in available facilities around town, volunteer instructors came forward to teach art classes where space could be found, and the Montrose Community Foundation stepped in as the fiscal sponsor.
Although some called the group “dreamers,” the vision soon became a mission to create a space to promote the excellence of all art forms in the City of Montrose — a community gathering place for all to experience the arts.
Community engagement in the arts began to grow with many varied MCA activities, still without a physical address.
Joining Montrose Business and Tourism, MCA participated in the summer Func Fest.
Montrose High School Art Department assisted with graphics and branding.
The Farmer’s Market supported the MCA Chair-ity Event with colorful, inventive painted chairs.
Beyond the Story tapped into community creativity with entries transforming recycled books into works of paper sculpture.
MCA Artists were enlisted by Magic Circle Theater to paint a stage backdrop.
The Ute Museum set the stage for MCA’s Plein Air Festival introducing out-of-state artists to Montrose.
In the flurry of activities and creating community awareness, MCA Pop-up Galleries illustrated even more the need for a building to house the much-needed center for art.
At last, in May 2019, Montrose Center for Arts became a reality when MCA leased its location at 11 S. Park Ave. MCA is proud to claim all operations are managed by 100% volunteers and generous citizens. MCA continues to increase its many offerings and is a welcoming place of creative discovery for all.
Volunteers are Welcome
Volunteers are our lifeblood! Join our flourishing local arts culture by volunteering at MCA.
Our Board of Directors
President: Ann Back
Secretary: Jill Myers
Treasurer: Don Mace
Director: Virginia Blackstock
Director of Education: Jodine Broscovak
Director of HeArt Boxes: Sandy Martin
Director of First Friday: Margaret Kaufmann
Director and Newsletter Editor: Jan Pauly
Director: Pat Chaloupek
Director and Membership Chair: Linda Scarborough
Gift Shop Committee Chair: Nancy Shorter
The Vision of MCA as told by our President
As with most visions, until there is a team to share the vision, nothing happens. As President of the Board, my vision for Montrose Center for Arts is broad, exciting, and impactful. But it will take all of us to guide MCA in the direction of a Montrose Powered by Art.
Our Vision Includes MCA Being…
The must-see place for every Montrose visitor – a place for pleasure & business;
A gallery for showing and selling pieces from acclaimed local and national artists;
The ideal location for private parties, business conferences and small events;
A collaborative place for MCA, Magic Circle Theater, Valley Symphony Orchestra and the City of Montrose to anchor an Arts & Entertainment District;
The facilitator to Montrose acquiring the State designation as a Creative District;
The primary source for art education in our community;
In partnership with other arts organizations to house studios and classrooms to train others in visual arts: painting, woodworking, woodturning, pottery, glass blowing, weaving, graphic design, etc.;
The home to periodic Artist In Residences;
The most unique shopping experience in Montrose;
The reason our local community understands and embraces the importance of art in all of our lives.
We want to welcome MCA Members’ input and ideas. Join with me and MCA to enrich all of our lives through education, appreciation and experience of the arts.