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Board of Directors Auction Shows Guestbook Membership Brochure(pdf) |
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Mission Statement "The mission of the Steamboat Art Museum is to collect, preserve, and present fine art to the public, with a primary focus on the culture and heritage of Northwestern Colorado." Background
 Steamboat Art Museum was formed in December of 2005. In 2006 the City of Steamboat Springs was given the historic First National Bank building located in downtown Steamboat Springs. The gift was from the estate of Helen Rehder, a long-time area rancher and artist, who stipulated that the building be used as a museum. The use of a portion of the building was offered for the formation of SAM (Steamboat Art Museum) in late 2006. The museum opened its doors December 2006 and has since produced five exhibits and hosted over 10,000 visitors. The opening exhibit was a showing of past and present area artists, which was followed by an interesting Intaglio exhibit. The summer exhibit was a spectacular western art collection of area artists and collectors. In the fall of 2007 an international exchange with Mexico was arranged to exhibit the works of Martha Chapa, one of that nation’s most renowned artists. The Chapa exhibit is followed by the exciting works of E.W. (Bill) Gollings whose work is often compared to that ofRemington and Russell. This valuable and unique collection of western art will be on exhibit during the winter of 2007-2008. It is an example of the outstanding presentations planned for the future. Catalogs have been produced for five exhibits and posters for three. An educational program has been implemented that includes public lectures, docent and volunteer training, outreach with local schools and college, and hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The museum has full-time staff as well as volunteers and Board members who greet visitors and fulfill administrative functions. The Board of Directors is a working Board with an aggressive vision to the future. Each member has an area of expertise that is needed to further the mission of the Museum. As a part of the negotiations with the City of Steamboat Springs a consultant was hired to do a feasibility study as to whether the Museum could be a successful addition to the Steamboat Springs cultural community. This report was very positive and encouraging. During 2008 the Museum will start a capital campaign to raise funds necessary for a complete renovation of the interior of the Rehder building. The City will be responsible for the renovation of the exterior of the building. Over the next five years it is planned that the Museum will occupy the remainder of the Rehder building currently housing a bank and a restaurant. This expansion will include an extensive art research library, gift shop, café and storage, as well as more exhibition space. SAM plans to bring significant collections and traveling museum exhibits to Steamboat Springs, as well as acquiring its own permanent collection. It is planned to eventually loan the Museum’s permanent collection to other museums throughout the country as well as international museum destinations. This will bring additional recognition to Northwestern Colorado art and artists.The Museum is temporarily operating under the umbrella of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, however it will soon be receiving its 501 (c)(3) designation. Contributions should currently be directed to the Foundation for the benefit of the Steamboat Art Museum. The First National Bank Building was bequeathed to the City of Steamboat Springs by the estate of local artist, rancher and historian, Helen Rehder, with a stipulation that the building be used as a museum. The Board of Directors of SAM has signed a Lease agreement with the City of Steamboat Springs to occupy a portion of the building for now. When the bank and restaurant vacate the building, the museum will expand to include more exhibition galleries, a gift shop, an extensive art library, storage space and administrative offices. A major fundraising project will be launched in 2008 for the express purpose of renovating the interior space of the building. The Board of Directors welcomes the entire community to participate in all of the museum events including museum memberships, lecture series, workshops, educational programs and the annual Art Event. |
P.O. Box 883434, Steamboat Springs, CO 80488 · 970-870-1755 · sam@steamboatartmuseum.com