MCA began with a meeting of twelve individuals in June 2015 to discuss the much-needed arts exposure and arts outreach projects in Montrose. By fall, a BHAG; a big, hairy, audacious goal, was put in place as the artists recognized the need for a community art destination and an outlet for artists and their work. Continuous meetings resulted in a leadership team of seven members: Gail Dusa, Fran LeBlanc, Jodine Broscovak, Al White, Elaine Johnson, Maggie Ogilvie, and Arlyn MacDonald, each contributing $100 to create seed money for a treasury.
The Montrose Community Foundation recognized the MCA dream that was transforming into a reality and stepped up to assist in becoming its fiscal sponsor. Membership levels were created, classes were scheduled, and plans for fundraising events were set in motion
The First Board and Mission
In November 2016, a first Board of Directors was elected. Jodine Broscovak, President, Linda Balas, Vice President, Al White, Treasurer, Evelyn Rolsing, Secretary. Directors, Nita Lightsey, Mary Hill, Fran LeBlanc, C. J Brafford, and Sandy Martin joined the board with Arlyn MacDonald acting as advisor.
A mission was established: “To enrich and serve our community by cultivating the excellence of art through quality education, collaboration, and promotion of the arts.” Organizational structure began with creating by-laws and a business plan followed by receipt of its official non-profit, 501(c) 3 designation.
Early Days
For three years, meetings were held in available facilities around town, and volunteer instructors came forward to teach art classes where space could be found. It rapidly became apparent that the MCA needed a central location — a space to promote the excellence of all art forms and a community gathering place for all to experience the arts.
In 2019, the organization finally moved into the first gallery, located at 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose. This location allowed us to expand the number of classes, create the First Friday Art Walk, establish our Spaghetti Dinner and Murder Mystery fundraisers, engage more with the community, recruit and showcase more artists, and attract more visitors and increase art sales.
The Big Move
In 2024, rent at the Park Avenue location had become untenable for MCA. To remain fiscally prudent and to continue the current mission to thrive at the intersection of visual art creators, appreciators, and learners by celebrating the joy of art and encouraging creativity and diversity, the MCA is moved to a new building located at 205 E. Main Street in Montrose. The move reduced the overhead costs by roughly two-thirds, allowing more funds to be used for growth of our programs.
The move encouraged the board of directors and members to not only re-imagine the new space, but also to re-imagine every aspect of our operations — streamlining some processes, while expanding services to the community. In particular, the Development and Revitalization Team (DART) with the City of Montrose was gaining traction, and MCA partnered with them on several initiatives. The 2nd Thursday Art Crawl was created, with MCA as one of the anchor points for the walking tour.
Art in Motion Project
Established 10 years ago, Art In Motion (AIM) came under the MCA umbrella in 2025. The program links local artists with the business community. The program provides interested businesses with an ever changing array of artwork. In the future, a small yearly donation to MCA from the participating businesses will help with the administration of this effort. Local artists create and provide their artwork, plus help arrange and hang the art in the different locations with an MCA team leader organizing this effort..
Reflections from Jodine Broscovak, Founder of MCA
Growing pains were inevitable with challenges along the way, but it was worth it! Ten years of development in providing cultural awareness has proven that Montrose citizens were ready for the art experience. Attendance has grown in MCA’s varied art related activities. The popularity of ever-changing art exhibits draws many local visitors as well as travelers from all over. Hundreds of students have benefited from art classes and demonstrations.
Ten years at MCA has also illustrated the willingness and generosity of many MCA volunteers and members of the community who have so willingly given monetary assistance and endless hours of valuable time. MCA is committed to its community and has become a thriving and rewarding citizen Connection. I have many special memories from my tenure at MCA.
Special Moments
“I have many special memories from my tenure at MCA, but one of my favorites is a thank you note received from a high-school senior for time spent as an intern at MCA, and whose art education continued into college. It is gratifying to know that MCA volunteers, artists, and teachers helped to inspire a young person’s future.”
Jodine Broscovak, MCA Founder
