CENTRAL CITY – The Gilpin County Arts Association, one of Gilpin County’s longest-standing cultural institutions, is calling on its members, artists, and supporters to help ensure its future. 

With funding from the City of Central now in question, the association is urging community members to send letters of support by October 7 to gilpinarts@gmail.com.

For 78 years, Gilpin Arts has provided a home for creativity in the high country, a place where artists gather, exhibit their work, and share their talents.

Despite a membership of over 150 artists and supporters, only four letters have been submitted thus far. 

Organizers hope to see that number grow in the coming days. “If you want Gilpin Arts to remain and would like to continue the oldest juried art show (79th this year), then we need your voices heard,” wrote Michele Roussel, one of the group’s longtime volunteers, in a recent email to GCAA’s supporters.

Long history of support

Since its founding in 1947, the Gilpin County Arts Association has been dedicated to expanding appreciation for the arts, providing Rocky Mountain artists with a platform to display and sell their work, and supporting the Gilpin County RE-1 School art program.

For the past seven years, the organization has received $25,000 annually from the City of Central, part of a program designed to help three local nonprofits — Gilpin Arts, the Central City Opera, and the Gilpin Historical Society — maintain year-round operations and offer non-gaming attractions for the city.

That funding enabled Gilpin Arts to keep its galleries open throughout the winter months, maintain its staff, and host events throughout the year. Without it, organizers say, continuing that level of activity would be difficult.

“The $25,000 has helped greatly with maintaining our year-round staff and operations as well as giving the Gilpin County Arts Association the opportunity to generate sales and provide artistically based events 12 months a year for our entire community,” said Board President Eric Miller in a recent letter to members.

"The City of Central is now considering reconsidering their offer and taking away our annual funding, which would be detrimental to the Gilpin County Arts Association. If you are involved with the Gilpin County Arts Association or have been to or supported our events, you know the great love and great pride we take in sharing the joys of art and culture with our amazing community members and supporters, which we believe is worth the city’s continued support," he wrote.

How to help

Central City Council will consider the matter during its October 7 meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, Central City. Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting in person or submit written letters of support in advance.

Letters can be emailed to gilpinarts@gmail.com, and additional information is available by calling 303-582-5952.

As the organization nears its 79th annual juried show, its leaders say community involvement will be key to ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of Gilpin County’s identity for generations to come.