This holiday season, the Museum of Friends (MoF) invites you to celebrate the power of community, creativity, and giving back.
On November 30th, join us for a day of festive fun featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your family for a heartwarming photo op to send to loved ones before the holidays, and then step into the Marketplace of Ideas and Made in Walsenburg Shop.
Every purchase supports local artists, makers, and the vibrant culture of Huerfano County, ensuring our community’s creative spirit continues to thrive.
Why the Made in Walsenburg Shop Matters
The Made in Walsenburg Shop began in 2012, born out of Zoé Childerley’s Contemporary Art Intervention, “Where is Walsenburg?” This community-led initiative asked residents what they needed, and the message was clear:
Youth, artists, and makers wanted a safe place to showcase their handmade goods.
Creators needed fair opportunities to sell their work without excessive commission fees or costly overheads.
MoF responded by creating the first "Made in Walsenburg" shop, empowering local talent by offering a 67% profit margin—a stark contrast to the higher commissions typical of most galleries. This model allows artists to keep more of their earnings and grow their craft.
Today, the shop continues to:
Provide a safe haven for artists and makers.
Create a platform for economic development and opportunity.
Support Walsenburg’s cultural identity through creativity.
Impacting Lives, One Purchase at a Time
Every purchase at the Made in Walsenburg Shop creates a ripple effect of positive change:
Supporting Local Talent: Artists and makers achieve economic stability while honing their craft.
Fostering Belonging: MoF offers a space where everyone feels welcome—no strings attached.
Enriching the Community: Proceeds fund programs like the School-Tour Program, creative workshops, and new exhibitions.
Unlike most museums, MoF receives no local lodging tax dollars to sustain its operations. Every dollar raised supports essential costs like utilities, payroll, exhibitions, and educational outreach.
What Makes the Marketplace of Ideas Unique?
The Marketplace of Ideas and Made in Walsenburg Shop offer:
One-of-a-Kind Gifts: Handcrafted treasures from local talent, including fine art and practical crafts.
Affordable Prices: Meaningful gifts that fit any budget.
Fair Compensation for Creators: Unlike most galleries that may take up to 50% in commissions, MoF keeps its rate low at just 33%, ensuring artists retain more of their profits.
A Connection to Community: Each purchase strengthens the bond between you and the people who make Walsenburg unique.
This shop represents what’s possible when a community comes together to uplift its own.
November 30th: Celebrate Community and Creativity
On November 30th, Santa and Mrs. Claus will bring holiday cheer to MoF, offering perfect photo opportunities for families.
While there, explore the Marketplace of Ideas, where you’ll find:
Handcrafted art, jewelry, and décor for every occasion.
Locally inspired pieces that reflect Walsenburg’s culture.
Meaningful gifts that support local makers and their dreams.
This is your chance to shop local, support your community, and enjoy a festive atmosphere with friends and family.
Supporting Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Community Connections
When you shop at the Marketplace of Ideas or donate to MoF, you’re:
Helping local makers thrive with fair opportunities and economic resilience.
Sustaining a hub for creativity and connection that’s open to everyone.
Funding educational programs that inspire the next generation.
Keeping Walsenburg’s creative identity alive for years to come.
MoF’s sustainability depends entirely on people like you. By shopping, donating, or spreading the word, you help ensure our mission and programs continue to flourish.
How You Can Help
Visit MoF on November 30th. Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop handmade goods, and enjoy the festivities.
Shop Local. Every purchase uplifts an artist and strengthens Walsenburg’s creative economy.
Donate. Help us continue offering programs, exhibitions, and opportunities that inspire and educate.
Spread the Word. Share this blog with friends and family to encourage support for MoF’s mission.
Together, We Can Build a Stronger Community
The Made in Walsenburg Shop is more than just a marketplace—it’s a reflection of what happens when a community listens, collaborates, and uplifts one another.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate the artists, makers, and dreamers who make Walsenburg shine.
Shop. Donate. Celebrate.
Join us at the Roof and Dick on November 30th and experience the power of local creativity firsthand. To learn more, visit our events page or follow us on social media.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Comments