Foothills Art Center (FAC) is preparing to open two historic buildings in downtown Golden, Colorado, following a massive renovation. The unveiling will mark the latest stride in establishing downtown Golden as a major arts hub, as in the last six months, three historic downtown buildings have been converted into arts venues.
Robin Fleischmann of Visit Golden stated, “The new Foothills Arts Center Astor House and Creative Campus, combined with the new Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, the city’s many murals, public art, flower gardens, and Victorian architecture all work to make historic downtown Golden one of the most beautiful and creative arts centers on the Front Range.”
The FAC invested $6 million in the redesign and rehabilitation of two historic downtown buildings. FAC’s former location, a beautiful 1872 Gothic-style church, has been turned into the Creative Campus, complete with classrooms, artist studios, and a new ceramics studio, all expected to open to the public on May 18, 2024.
A few blocks away in the heart of Downtown Golden, the historic Astor House from 1867 has been redesigned and expanded for FAC’s new exhibition and performance space. The Astor House will host major local and national art exhibitions and is all set to open on May 25, 2024.
The Astor House is adjacent to the $9.5 million Miner’s Alley Performing Arts Center, which opened in November 2023 and features a 157-seat theatre. In Phase 2, the seating capacity will be expanded to 300, alongside an education center and artist housing.
“Foothills Art Center has served as Golden’s cultural community hub for over 55 years,” said Hassan Najjar, executive director of FAC. “And with two distinct locations – one to practice and learn about art and the other to appreciate and display art – we can offer something for everyone in Golden. This project doubles our footprint and allows us to serve our community in a very purpose-driven way.”
In an effort to make arts accessible to all, the FAC has launched a free membership program. Najjar explained, “This takes our mission of ‘making art accessible to all’ to a new level.” While FAC will continue to offer free admission thanks to a grant from the Colorado Gives Foundation, the new free membership level offers individuals the opportunity to engage more deeply with FAC, regardless of their ability to pay.
Source: Press Release