BUILDING EXPANSION

The new building is now open!

Funds raised to date:
$28.6 million

Support the Renaissance Campaign
Find out how you can help us reach our new fundraising goal of $30.5 million

Press Room
More on the building expansion, construction and fundraising updates

The New Museum reopened August 4, 2007!

Grand opening celebrations included appearances by special guests Thomas Hoving, John Waters and Joel Grey, and the spectacular Masterpiece Gala.

Campaign Leadership:		Co-chaired by Kathy Loo and Buck Blessing
Contractor:		G.E. Johnson Construction Company
Architect:		David Owen Tryba Architects

Our patrons and members will enjoy

Taylor Museum
• An expansive two-story gallery system will showcase traveling exhibitions, as well as thousands of works from our permanent collection
• Permanent Collections Gallery – with a unique installation of Dale Chihuly glass acquired for our permanent collection
• Traveling Exhibitions Gallery – to host internationally-acclaimed traveling exhibitions
• Dedicated Tactile Gallery
• Glorious event spaces, renovated courtyard and sculpture garden
• New Museum Shops

SaGāJi Theatre
• The newly renovated 400-seat theatre blends 21st century lighting and audio technology, while preserving the original 1936 Art Deco splendor
• Studio for rehearsals, small performances and drama classes

Bemis School of Art
• Five spacious new studio classrooms dedicated to photography, painting and printmaking
• Dedicated Docent studio for educational tours

For more information, please contact the Renaissance Campaign Office at 719.477.4318

Press Release: $28.4 million building initiative currently underway

On January 19, 2006, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) Board of Trustees announced publicly a $28.4 million capital campaign to renovate and expand its facilities. The FAC is home to the Taylor Museum of Art, the Bemis School of Art and the newly renovated and named SaGāJi Theatre. The historic integrity of the FAC’s original John Gaw Meem building will be preserved. When new construction is complete, the building will expand to 132,286 gross square feet; a total expansion of 48,398 gross square feet. Award-winning Denver architect David Tryba has designed the renovations and expansion to enable the patrons to experience the facility as its founders and architect originally intended while meeting future needs and conveniences.

“This project is as historic as the FAC’s beginnings in 1936,” said Carol Kleiner, FAC Board of Trustees Chair. “Those who have committed to the Campaign recognize that this project will have a tremendous cultural and economic impact on our region.”

New features will include a permanent collections wing and a traveling exhibition wing, events spaces, an expanded museum shop, theatre restorations, a dedicated rehearsal studio, a new education wing featuring five studios and extensive technology upgrades.

“Looking ahead, the Fine Arts Center will be the premier museum and arts education facility in the region,” said volunteer Campaign Co-Chair, Buck Blessing. “The FAC has an optimistic future and will be a source of great pride for our community.”

“The expansion will be a strong architectural complement to the existing John Gaw Meem building,” said Michael De Marsche, FAC President and CEO. “Ultimately, the FAC will extend the value of its programs and services to expanded audiences through this comprehensive plan.”

Contracted by G.E. Johnson, the project began in March 2006 with construction on a rehearsal theatre and new studios in the northwest portion of the property, slated to open in December. In May, demolition and construction of the 1970’s era galleries commenced. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2007.

“As citizens, we have the opportunity - and the responsibility to make this magnificent treasure a relevant, resonate and indispensable component of our civic intellect and soul for generations to come,” said volunteer Campaign Co-Chair, Kathy Loo.

In addition to the $28.4 million goal for renovation and new construction, the FAC aims to raise $10 million in endowment gifts (namely through planned gifts) and $5 million worth of gifts of art donated for the permanent collection. The comprehensive goal of the "Renaissance Campaign" is $43.4 million.

During construction, the FAC continues to host a full exhibition schedule at its new satellite location, the FAC MODERN, downtown in Plaza of the Rockies. Theatre performances continue as scheduled in the SaGāJi Theatre at the Fine Arts Center Main (30 West Dale Street).

In November 2005, the Museum Acquisitions Committee and the Board of Trustees approved a $1 million purchase of historic Chihuly glass valued at $1.4 million. The Chihuly glass collection will be a part of the FAC’s permanent collection and will be exhibited alongside the FAC’s collection of Native American baskets and blankets.

“Dale Chihuly’s early work was inspired by Native American baskets and blankets,” said Michael De Marsche. “The permanent exhibition of Chihuly glass will be just one example of how the FAC will edify and entertain the public in the new building.”

The Fine Arts Center is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, performing arts theatre and arts education center. At this point, the FAC receives no operational or programmatic funding from local or state government.

For more information on the Fine Arts Center and the Renaissance Campaign, please contact Senior Development Coordinator Beth Seymour at 719.477.4318.