History
The Old Gallery (TOG) was established as a Colorado nonprofit corporation in 2008. The Old Gallery is governed by a Board of Directors and is operated primarily by volunteers and a small staff. Area residents of Allenspark, Raymond, Riverside, Estes Park and the Peak to Peak communities volunteer hundreds of hours annually, offering vital services, entertainment and educational opportunities. The Old Gallery building is a 1940s era log structure that was renovated in 2015, thanks to the support of hundreds of donors. The Old Gallery is tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3).
In 2017, Janet and David Robertson of Boulder and Meeker Park, offered a matching challenge grant to pay up to $350,000 to retire The Old Gallery’s $670,000 construction loan. The challenge proved successful with contributions made by many supportive residents and visitors. The Old Gallery is forever grateful to those who donated as we would not be where we are today without them!
From the very beginning in 2008, Margie and Glenn Patterson championed the vision of a community and cultural arts center for the Peak to Peak community. Many individuals came together with contributions, totaling nearly $100,000 to form a down payment on a loan for purchase of the property. As time went on, TOG benefitted from the generous donation of expertise from local artists, business personnel, attorneys, musicians and technology experts to help guide The Old Gallery in its quest for success. Leading the new organization from the conception phase through the construction expansion of the building were Margie and Glenn Patterson, who donated thousands of hours to the Gallery as well as significant financial support. They brought classical music, children’s events, the initial Food Bank effort and much more to The Old Gallery.
Other members of the community have provided long term support of the Gallery through financial donations and years of volunteer time, through board membership, committee participation and all jobs great and small. Dave and Jan Robertson led the Gallery supporters through their long term financial commitments from the early years of the Gallery through the 2017 retirement of the construction loan.
Dave and Louise Pinkow committed generous financial resources as well as volunteering hundreds of hours each year, from manning the front desk to assisting with the Community Food Bank to working with Boulder County on community services for local residents. They also introduced the Takács String Quartet performances at The Old Gallery.
Vicki and Bill Dyas made significant contributions to the Gallery financially, creatively, and managerially. Vicki created the artists community as well as many class programs. Bill oversaw the new construction of the building. He also managed the building while building event props and the front desk.
Long time board member, board advisor and legal counsel Robert Kerr has been responsible for the drafting of TOG’s original Articles of Incorporation, much appreciated legal advice throughout TOG’s history and extensive contributions to the long, complex and detailed Special Use Application and Re-Application with Boulder County, necessary to allow expanded uses of the Gallery.
After the construction of the expanded building, the Gallery’s first paid executive director, Micha Kurz, was critical in the transition of the Gallery to a new operating entity with a focus on community relations. Elisabeth Sherwin, the second executive director, guided the Gallery through the construction loan retirement phase, creating new programs and events for the community. She brought square dancing back to The Old Gallery and introduced the Memoir Writing Class. Her partner, Mike Brown, also assisted extensively with the Special Use Re-Application to Boulder County after the construction of the building was complete and is responsible for bringing tai chi and juggling to The Old Gallery.
Cat Osban has been a long-time supporter, known for her decorating skills and sense of fun. She created Run Like The Wind 5K and Dog Jog, which has brought hundreds of runners from the Front Range to Allenspark and has been a key fundraiser for The Old Gallery.
Holly Bea-Weaver has provided copywriting and marketing expertise to help promote the activities, services and mission of The Old Gallery. She and her husband Steve Weaver created the new website, which was launched in 2019. They also introduced events like Songwriters in the Round, Rocky Mountain 101, Red White & Bluegrass and the continuation of Hogabluesa Blues, BBQ & Brews.
These are only a few of the many long-term supporters of The Old Gallery.
Click here to view a historical timeline of The Old Gallery, which was originally built in 1904.
