This holiday season, the Museum of Friends (MoF) invites you to celebrate the power of community, creativity, and giving back. On November 30th, join us for a day of festive fun featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Bring your family for a heartwarming photo op to send to loved ones before the holidays, and then step into the Marketplace of Ideas and Made in Walsenburg Shop. Every purchase supports local artists, makers, and the vibrant culture of Huerfano County, ensuring our community’s creative spirit continues to thrive.
Why the Made in Walsenburg Shop Matters
The Made in Walsenburg Shop isn’t just a store—it’s a movement that began in 2012 during Zoé Childerley’s Contemporary Art Intervention, “Where is Walsenburg?” This groundbreaking project gathered community input through surveys, and the message was clear:
Youth, artists, and makers wanted a safe place to showcase their handmade goods.
Creators needed opportunities to sell their work without excessive commission fees or costly overheads.
MoF answered this call by creating the first "Made in Walsenburg" shop—a space that empowers local talent by offering a 67% profit margin on their sales, compared to the 50-75% fees often charged elsewhere. Artists here can grow their craft while keeping more of their hard-earned profits.
Today, the shop is a testament to listening, community-building, and action, providing:
A safe haven for artists to express and sell their work.
A platform for economic development and job creation.
A place where Walsenburg’s cultural identity thrives through creativity.
Impacting Lives, One Purchase at a Time
Your support of the Made in Walsenburg Shop goes far beyond buying gifts. Every purchase creates a ripple effect:
Supporting Local Talent: You provide artists and makers with the economic stability they need to thrive.
Fostering Belonging: MoF offers a space where everyone is welcome—no strings attached.
Enriching the Community: Proceeds help fund vital programs like the long-running School-Tour Program, creative workshops, and new exhibitions.
MoF doesn’t stop at providing a marketplace; it serves as a cultural beacon, uplifting creators and offering opportunities for underserved communities in Walsenburg and beyond.
Unlike many museums that receive lodging tax support, MoF receives no local lodging tax dollars to sustain its programs, operations, or exhibitions. Every dollar raised is critical to keeping the museum open, funding utilities, payroll, curatorial expenses, research and development, and more.
What Makes the Marketplace of Ideas Unique?
The Marketplace of Ideas and the Made in Walsenburg Shop offer something special:
One-of-a-Kind Gifts: Each item is handmade with care by local talent, from fine art to practical crafts.
Affordable Treasures: Find meaningful gifts that fit your budget.
Fair Compensation for Creators: Unlike many galleries, MoF prioritizes artists by keeping commissions low at just 33%.
A Connection to Community: Every purchase tells a story and helps strengthen the bonds between you and the people who make Walsenburg unique.
This isn’t just a shop—it’s a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to support its own.
November 30th: Celebrate Community and Creativity
On November 30th, Santa and Mrs. Claus will bring holiday cheer to MoF, offering perfect photo opportunities for families. Afterward, immerse yourself in the Marketplace of Ideas and explore the treasures waiting for you:
Handcrafted art, jewelry, and décor for every occasion.
Locally inspired pieces that reflect the unique culture of Walsenburg.
Meaningful gifts with a story that supports our local makers.
This is your chance to shop local, make a difference, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with friends and family.
Supporting Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Community Connections
When you shop at the Marketplace of Ideas or donate to MoF, you’re doing more than supporting a store:
You’re helping local makers build their futures through fair opportunities and economic resilience.
You’re sustaining a cultural institution that offers free public spaces for creativity and connection.
You’re funding educational programs that inspire and empower the next generation.
You’re keeping Walsenburg’s creative and cultural identity alive, ensuring it thrives for years to come.
MoF’s role in the community is invaluable, but our sustainability relies entirely on support from people like you. Unlike other museums, we receive no lodging tax revenue to help with operating costs. Your purchases, donations, and advocacy ensure our programs, exhibits, and mission continue to flourish.
How You Can Help
Visit MoF on November 30th. Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop handmade goods, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Shop Local. Every purchase uplifts an artist and supports Walsenburg’s creative economy.
Donate. Help us continue offering programs, exhibitions, and opportunities that inspire and educate.
Spread the Word. Share this blog with friends and family to encourage support for MoF’s mission.
Together, We Can Build a Stronger Community
The Made in Walsenburg Shop is more than just a marketplace - it’s a reflection of what happens when a community listens, collaborates, and uplifts one another. This holiday season, let’s celebrate the artists, makers, and dreamers who make Walsenburg shine.
Shop. Donate. Celebrate.
Join us at the Museum of Friends on November 30th and experience the power of local creativity firsthand. To learn more, visit our events page or follow us on social media.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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