The Atlas Obscura Podcast Museum of Friends
May 28, 2025
Discover the incredible transformation of a small Colorado town into a cultural hotspot through the Museum of Friends. Co-founders share their inspiring journey from New York's vibrant art scene to establishing an inclusive hub for local talent. Learn how this museum fosters community, tackles social issues like addiction, and promotes collaboration. Explore the bond between art and friendships that shaped the space, making it a beacon of creativity and social change.
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Building Community via Art Gifting
- Brent and Maria built an art community through gifting and exchanging large collections of friend artists' works.
- Their New York loft to Red Hook journeys highlight cultural, affordable artist spaces and lifelong friendships.
Saving Art from Discarding
- Brent and Maria moved to Walsenburg, Colorado, facing the dilemma of what to do with their vast art collection.
- They rejected discarding their friends' renowned art and instead envisioned an art museum.
Converting a Building into Museum
- Brent transformed an old variety store in Walsenburg into a contemporary art museum by renovating and painting white.
- Maria and Brent each donated 250 pieces from their collections to the new museum.