Foothills Art Center

Engaging the mind and inspiring the spirit -offering the world of art through exhibition and education.

Foothills Art Center is celebrating its 40th year as a non-profit arts resource for Golden and the Denver Metro area as well as for the state, the Southwest, and-through competitive exhibitions and invitational opportunities-for artists across the nation.

Despite its proximity to the Golden business strip and to the busy Colorado School of Mines campus, Foothills environs are beautifully landscaped and the quiet setting is marked by mature shade trees, friendly nooks for an outdoor lunch, and an overall sense of serenity. The Center is housed in two National Historic Register buildings. Foothills I, the main building, is known for its classic Victorian architecture, its stained glass windows and a bell tower, visible amid pines and aspens. In 1968, an enterprising group of artists and business persons orchestrated the purchase of the First Presbyterian Church, built in 1872. Over the ensuing years the church was remodeled and joined to the parsonage, so the present Foothills comprises six self-contained gallery rooms under one roof. The Center added a second floor studio, and also purchased the adjacent mansion, called Foothills II, where small invitational shows are held and where the Gallery Shops operate year around.

Foothills is noted for its architecture, but even more for its track record in presenting a balanced schedule of exhibitions, programs and art classes. The Center mounts annually the Colorado Clay exhibition and the famed Rocky Mountain National Watermedia exhibition. Biennially, Foothills presents the North American Sculpture Exhibition and Colorado Art Open. The status of these exhibitions is suggested by the stature of recent jurors such as Janet Fish, Sondra Freckelton (painting), Paul Soldner, Don Reitz (clay), Donald Lipski, Alison Saar, Jesus Bautista Moroles, Manuel Neri, and Peter Shelton (sculpture). Drawing equally wide attention, attendance and community participation are the "theme" shows which have greatly increased Foothills audiences. Yearly, exhibitions with big "nature themes" such as The Shining Mountains, Canyon Walls, and Rivers - the Song of Life are interspersed with shows emphasizing ethnic, regional, or stylistic themes (Two shows based on Taos arts have drawn record crowds and enjoyed public and critical acclaim.) All of Foothills exhibitions seek to mingle Colorado artists with their regional or national peers, in exhibitions which meld styles of art from the traditional to the innovative and experimental.

Front Desk

Work at the Front Desk to greet visitors, answer questions, and sell/renew memberships. But most importantly, these volunteers create a gracious, warm environment for our visitors and members.

Special Events

Assist with Foothills Art Center’s opening receptions and other special events. Volunteers assist with various aspects of event preparation, which include set-up, food and refreshment service, Front Desk help, clean-up, and other duties.

Docents

A Docent is a volunteer guide trained to enhance the experience of tour groups as they look and learn about the art on view at Foothills Art Center.

Administrative

Help with the behind-the-scenes work that makes all the exhibitions and programs possible. Assist our staff with clerical tasks, such as bulk mail projects or filing.

Grounds Maintenance

Help with maintaining the Foothills Art Center grounds.  Dependent on the season this might include snow removal, raking leaves, or beautifying the gardens.