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exhibits

current, past & future

Hours of Operation

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm (Summer hours)

Call 719-738-2858 for more info or to make an appointment. For School Tour Visits please email your preferred dates and times to: info@museumoffriends.org.

welcome to the museum of friends

The Museum Of Friends (MoF) is a contemporary art museum that opened in October,  2006 in the Southern Colorado rural community of Walsenburg. Brendt and Maria Cocchiarelli’s shared vision for the new museum was to create a place where everyone feels welcomed and the art created by all people valued. The initial collection of 600 works given by their friends became the core of the collection. Over the last 15 years it has grown to over 1600 works that includes paintings, sculptures, fine art prints, drawings, photographs and digital media.  MoF occupies 10,000 square feet of museum display space, with classroom areas, a gift shop and a lower level. MoF's inclusive and egalitarian open door policy intents to uplift the community through engaging programs to develop creativity, inclusion and educational opportunities.  Many exhibits public and educational programs explore cross cultural understanding and tolerance the necessary ingredients for a just and peaceful society.

MoF’s grand opening in October, 2007 encouraged the community to explore the building with tours on the 2nd floor that included: the permanent collection, the administrative offices, an art  resource library, visiting artist apartment and two galleries devoted to the Pacific. These explore pre-Columbian Mexican, Australian, Japanese, Southeast Asian and focus on Aboriginal Polynesian artifacts.  The works on display are greatly treasured by Brendt Berger as they have been passed down to him from his Native Hawaiian ancestors. 

In 2010, MoF began to occupy the entire building including the first and lower level establishing the changing exhibition and educational programs, and gift shop Made in Walsenburg.

current exhibit

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Maria Cocchiarelli

December 16th 2023 through March 16th 2024

I am fascinated by Ms.Cocchiarelli’s artwork, mainly her child-like innocence and bravado which manifests by trying anything new, like the “Public Health is a Puzzle” mural across the street from the Museum or the Rainbow Pet Hospital mural in Kansas City. I am continually astounded by her ability to come clean, no holds barred, her sheer ability to suspend her mind and pull-off the most miraculous and colorful works of art. Another thing I have noticed is her need to include the whole enchilada whether writing a grant for MoF or taking a photograph of her landscape. She is never content with just one word or one photo. It appears to be an on-going vision that includes both the seen and unseen. In this survey she has pulled out all the stops surprising even me by unrolling two or three large works not seen since they were painted. The magnitude of her range as an artist in everything she does is on display here for the discerning eye. 

Brendt Berger, Walsenburg, December 2023

UNDENIABLE NATURE

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latest event

Come One Come All,

shop, eat, laugh and learn!

Small Business Saturdays: Marketplace of Ideas, Made in Walsenburg

November 25th and December 2nd

10AM to 4PM

@Museum of Friends

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Dear Community Members and Local Vendors:

 

Please join the Museum of Friends team at 600 Main Street,

in Downtown Walsenburg as we ring in the festive holiday

season with two special events.  Visitors are welcome on November 25th and December 2nd from 10 am to 4 pm. There is still time for vendors to apply to participate by calling 719-738-2858 for details.

 

Also on November 25th from Noon to 2 pm – Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Annual Appearance and photo shoot for your children, grandchildren and friends. We will email the photo to you!

 

This yearly event impacts Huerfano County’s local economy by promoting local talent with locally made goods. brings artists, jewelers, craftspeople, photographers, food vendors, authors and local entrepreneurs together at the Museum of Friends.  As you shop and support local nonprofits and creative makers you will learn about the artists’/vendors’ process, philosophy and local traditions.  Many local non-profits with a public mission will be on hand such as the Red Cross to share what they do in Huerfano County.

Please come out, meet new people, support local artists, writers and have some fun in beautiful downtown Walsenburg!

Refreshments will be provided by Safeway Stores, Denver.

Vendors: call 719-738-2858 for more info or request a table to participate!

latest exhibit

Museum on Main Street's

Crossroads: Change in Rural America

by the Smithonian Institute

August 26 through October 8, 2023

Opening reception on Saturday

August 26, 2023 from 5-7 PM

“Crossroads” explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. The exhibition looks at that remarkable societal change and how rural Americans responded. Our goal is to get every school age child in Huerfano County to see this exhibit!

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Created by the Smithsonian Institution's Museum on Main Street

2nd floor exhibits

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book tour

Click here to book your self-guided or personal tour. 

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shop store

Shop merchandise featuring artists from our collection. 

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shop art

Purchase art from artists in our collection.

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permanent collection

photo and audio tour

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