Jenny Birnie on Replacing the Center for the Arts Building

Jenny Birnie on Replacing the Center for the Arts Building.  Video Interview with Jenny Birnie – Executive Director Center for the Arts in historic downtown Crested Butte, Colorado.

Then – Almost 30 years ago the in 1985, local residents raised $425,000 and 2 years later the old county road maintenance garage was renovated into the current 6,000 square-foot Center for the Arts facility which houses a 215-seat auditorium with a stage, lobby, art gallery (exhibiting the work of local artists) set shop and two dressing rooms. The Center also has an attached outdoor stage. The facility is owned by the Town of Crested Butte and is leased to the Center for $1.00/year. The official grand opening gala was held on December 28, 1987. Now – The plans to remodel the existing facility have been scraped, and a brand new 30,000 sq. ft. facility is planned.  The remodel was a stepping stone to this point and after looking at the needs of the community and the number of organizations that use the facility it was determined that a new facility was the direction the Center for the Arts wanted to pursue.  In early July of 2013 the Center for the Arts got approval from the Crested Butte Town Council to start the process of designing a brand new facility.  The Center is just starting their capital campaign for this project – estimated to be in the $15M – $17M range. The Arts are very important to the Crested Butte area – and the Center for the Arts is a hub for arts that brings people together.  For more than 25 years the Center for the Arts has been providing a year-round schedule of live music, dance and theater performances as well as art exhibits, speakers and much more.  The Center for the Arts serves people of all ages who live in or visit the upper East River Valley, including the Towns of Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and the unincorporated areas of Gunnison County. Many second homeowners are very generous with their contributions and without this support the Center and the programs as we know it would not exist.  The Arts are vital to the lifeblood of the community and make a huge economic impact to Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley.  Many second homeowners realize that the value of Crested Butte Real Estate is tied to the amenities in the Crested Butte area – and the Arts are key.   As stated on the Center’s website: “we must raise close to 66% of the operating budget each year through contributions and fundraising events. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and successful fundraisers, we are able to operate the Center as an affordable community arts venue. You can help keep the arts at the center of our community by making a tax deductible donation today.  The Center will be launching a new Capital Campaign – and certainly there will be a number of opportunities for donors to help support this new facility.   People often ask me “what makes Crested Butte a special place?”  It is hard to put into words, but The Center for the Arts is part of the charm of Crested Butte for visitors, locals and second homeowners.  There are many events hosted at the Center for the Arts – the Alpenglow concerts are on the top of my list.  Every Monday afternoon/evening during the Summer a band performs from the Center for the Arts outdoor stage and the Community comes together.  If you have not been – it is a great opportunity to gather with others, enjoy your picnic dinner, or buy food and drink from local vendors – sit for a while, relax and enjoy. Center for the Arts www.crestedbuttearts.org If you have questions for Jenny or would like to get involved, please contact Jenny Birnie, Executive Director at 970-349-7487 x2 or jenny@crestedbuttearts.org. You can make an online donation on the Center for the Arts Contribution page.  Another great way to support the Center for the Arts and have a fun evening meeting new people and enjoying a catered dinner is to attend a Tour de Forks event. If you are looking for a Crested Butte Real Estate Agent I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  To see featured properties or search the MLS – visit chriskopf.com.  Contact me at: (970) 209-5405, chriskopf@bighornrealty.com, and be sure to check the Crested Butte Real Estate G+ page for more information on Crested Butte news and events. Author: Chris Kopf