The Art Center Reveals The Jac Kephart Gallery

Photo by Cat Mayer

On April 1, 2022 — in its 69th year of operation — The Art Center of Western Colorado (TAC) held a grand opening for the new Jac Kephart Gallery within its 13,000-square-foot arts campus.

The 1,700-square-foot gallery is in honor of the late Jac Kephart, a beloved Grand Valley artist and influential community member who mentored and inspired many, and whose legacy will live on through these spaces.

The project has also allowed for the installation of a modern fire mitigation system to protect the building and collections, upgrades to the permanent collection preservation and updates to the Gould Gallery. Additionally, it provides a new space for the evolving and in-demand education programs offered to the community. Donations are still being accepted for the Kephart Project and its related improvements.

“We are overwhelmingly grateful for our community’s support of The Kephart Gallery,” says Kay Ambrose, a member of TAC’s campaign project team and former TAC trustee. “This project has enhanced The Art Center so that everyone may enjoy the experience of art.”

From its beginnings in a small two-story house on 7th Street after its incorporation in 1953, to the current building erected in 1970, TAC has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of our community.

“Because of TAC, we all can experience the fullness that the arts bring to our lives together,” says local artist Ruth Leever.

Photo by Cat Mayer

To learn more or donate, visit TAC’s website.

Originally published in the Summer 2022 of Spoke+Blossom.