mof's next chapter
a legacy waiting for its future steward
A rare, turn-key Contemporary Art Museum in the heart of downtown Walsenburg, housed in a historic two-story building with a nationally recognized collection, awaits its next steward. This isn’t just about preserving a museum, it’s about carrying forward a movement, a cultural landmark that embodies the spirit of freedom and artistic expression. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Spanish Peaks (Wahatoya), the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the rolling landscapes of La Veta, Cucharas, and Badito, this region has long been a beacon for dreamers, visionaries, and pioneers.
a region steeped in history & possibility
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Badito, once considered for Colorado’s capital, shares a legacy similar to Benicia, California—a place where history was made, and futures were shaped.
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The museum is located near Lathrop State Park, Colorado’s first state park, and within reach of the Great Sand Dunes, one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the country.
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This area has long been a cultural crossroads, situated along the renowned art corridor from Denver to Santa Fe.
A Cultural Movement Still Resonating Today
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The MoF collection is a living testament to the 1960s counterculture movement, when artists, free spirits, and seekers of change flocked to this region.
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Artist communes like Drop City (1964) and 14 others within a 100-mile radius from Taos, NM, to Gardner, CO, emerged from a collective desire to build an egalitarian society—free from racial discrimination and war.
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The legacy of creative rebellion, radical artistic expression, and social change continues to shape the museum’s mission today.
leadership opportunity
The transition presents a unique chance for a forward-thinking leader or institution to acquire and shape MoF’s future. The right entity will have the ability to:
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Continue and expand MoF’s mission-driven programming through exhibitions, workshops, and educational initiatives.
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Develop new strategies for community engagement in an under-resourced enterprise zone.
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Sustain and enhance MoF’s historic space for future growth and sustainability.
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Strengthen MoF’s workforce by addressing staffing needs and funding gaps.
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Ensure financial and operational stability, while advancing a vision for long-term impact.
who we're looking for
The next steward of MoF will be an entity that understands the power of art, education, and community engagement. We seek an organization that can:
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Expand MoF’s impact through creative programming and strategic vision.
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Honor the museum’s legacy while evolving it for the future.
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Manage and preserve a historic site while activating it for modern audiences.
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Strengthen MoF’s role as a cultural and educational resource.
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Secure financial sustainability to support future growth.
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This opportunity is open to museums, universities, cultural institutions, philanthropic organizations, or mission-aligned entities ready to take on the challenge of stewarding MoF’s next chapter.
who we are & our community impact
MoF has long been dedicated to fostering socially engaged art, cultural education, and workforce development. Over the years, our contributions have included:
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100+ exhibitions showcasing contemporary and counterculture artists
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80+ community programs & events fostering education and engagement
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45+ artist talks, lectures, and multimedia projects
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STEAM education, artists-in-residence, and public social art initiatives
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Civic engagement programs that promote inclusivity and social impact
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Historic preservation efforts revitalizing Walsenburg’s cultural landscape
Colorado Humanities visits MoF:
Winner of 2020 CHCaresSocialChallenge
why this transfer matters
This transition presents a unique opportunity to preserve MoF’s cultural legacy while expanding your reach into underresourced, underrepresented enterprise zone. The right leader or entity can:
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Continue MoF’s mission-driven programming and exhibitions
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Expand educational and community initiatives
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Develop MoF’s historic space for future growth and sustainability
successor's responsibilities
The acquiring entity will:
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Preserve and expand MoF’s core mission in arts, education, and community development.
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Oversee and manage the Roof & Dick Building while ensuring historic preservation.
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Develop a strategic vision for sustaining and growing MoF’s role as a cultural institution.
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Assess and manage MoF’s hybrid staffing model, which includes volunteers, part-time employees, and individuals working both for pay and as volunteers.
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Advocate for sustainable funding by working with government entities to secure ongoing tax revenue support from tourism and lodging funds to ensure MoF’s long-term financial stability.
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Explore funding opportunities to secure financial sustainability through grants, partnerships, and community support.
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Engage with stakeholders, local leaders, artists, educators, and funders to maintain MoF’s community-driven approach.
next steps & informational requests
If your organization is interested in acquiring MoF’s daily operations, assets and liabilities, we invite you to reach out for a more detailed discussion. Upon inquiry, we will provide access to operational and financial documents, allowing for a thorough review of MoF’s existing structure, assets, and sustainability plans.
To express interest and request documents, contact us at mcberger@museumoffriends.org.
Let’s work together to preserve MoF’s cultural legacy and build a sustainable future for this vital institution.
want to learn more about our impact?
MoF’s legacy is built on art, education, and community impact. Dive into our digital archives and projects to see our work in action.
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Civic Engagement & Community Projects – Public art, social change initiatives, and leadership programs
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Digital Art Archive – A growing collection of contemporary and historical works
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Film & Video Archive – A curated collection of interviews, performances, and community storytelling
