Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
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welcome to the museum of friends
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The Museum of Friends (MoF) is a contemporary art museum located in the rural community of Walsenburg, Southern Colorado. Founded in October 2006 by Brendt and Maria Cocchiarelli, the museum was envisioned as a place where everyone feels welcome and where art created by all people is valued. The initial collection of 600 works, donated by their friends, has since grown to over 1,600 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, fine art prints, drawings, photographs, and digital media. MoF occupies 10,000 square feet of display space, with classrooms, a gift shop, and additional areas for exhibitions. The museum’s mission is to uplift the community through inclusive programs that foster creativity, educational opportunities, and cross-cultural understanding—essential ingredients for a just and peaceful society.
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MoF’s grand opening in October 2007 invited the community to explore the 2nd floor, which housed the permanent collection, administrative offices, an art resource library, a visiting artist apartment, and two galleries dedicated to Pacific art. These galleries feature pre-Columbian Mexican, Australian, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and Aboriginal Polynesian artifacts, treasured by Brendt Berger as part of his Native Hawaiian heritage. In 2010, MoF expanded to occupy the entire building, establishing rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and the Made in Walsenburg shop.
The Made in Walsenburg shop and brand were conceived to empower the local community, showcasing the unique talents of artists and craftspeople from Walsenburg and the surrounding areas. All proceeds from sales go directly to the artists, with a portion supporting the museum. Through workshops and demonstrations, MoF has provided opportunities for the public to learn how handmade items are crafted. Since 2008, the museum has promoted these talented makers annually through Holiday Sales in the Marketplace of Ideas and the Made in Walsenburg brand. These sales help MoF continue its exhibitions, community outreach, and educational programs.
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mission
The Museum of Friends (MoF) honors the artists who have generously contributed to its collection and fosters cultural education through open inquiry. By offering exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, and a public reference library, MoF serves as a vital cultural resource for Colorado. Committed to inclusivity, the museum creates opportunities for underserved, underrepresented, and under-resourced communities in Walsenburg and Huerfano County, enriching lives through intercultural programming and promoting cultural understanding.
news
upcoming events
WALSENBURG, Colo. — On Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Museum of Friends will host a gala fundraiser and contemporary art sale at the historic Roof & Dick Building, located at 600 Main St., Walsenburg. This special evening marks the completion of four meticulous phases of masonry and structural work on the building and launches fundraising for the fifth phase of its rehabilitation. Promising an engaging blend of art, music, and community celebration, the event is dedicated to the ongoing preservation of this pivotal cultural landmark. Brendt Berger, CEO of the Museum of Friends, said, “Each ticket sold brings us one step closer to preserving the Roof & Dick Building’s legacy as the museum’s home and a cultural beacon in Huerfano County. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the achievements of Phase 4 and supporting the vital work planned for Phase 5.”
We are immensely grateful to our sponsors, including St. Lifer Art, Downtown Colorado Inc., and Huerfano County, whose steadfast commitment to the arts and community has made this Gala possible. If you’re interested in making a larger impact, additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
To sponsor this event, access the MoF Sponsorship Package HERE. Complete the form and email it to mcberger@museumoffriends.org to commit your support. Electronic payments can be made HERE or checks can be mailed to MoF. For more information on how to support the event and the Mof mission, either through donation or volunterism, please contact the Museum of Friends at (719) 738-2858 or mcberger@museumoffriends.org.
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