may newsletter
Rosie Mehaffey Memorial Award, 2023 American Watercolor Society's International Exhibition,
New York City- Fox & Crow, 33" x 24", casein
Dear Friends of the Creede Center for the Arts,
I've been honored with this year's Rosie Mehaffey Memorial Award at the 156th Annual American Watercolor Society's International Exhibition. In late April, I attended the awards ceremony in New York City. Rosie Mehaffey is the late wife of well-known water media painter Mark Mehaffey. I have known them for many years, and it was a tremendous honor to receive this award in her name.
At the awards ceremony in New York, I took the opportunity to introduce the Creede Center for the Arts to fellow artists. It was an excellent time to reconnect with friends and update them on the programming we anticipate and the progress we’ve made securing commitments and refining capital plans.
I am excited to share that the Board of Directors unanimously approved a two-phased approach to the project. With this strategy, we can bring this incredible project closer to groundbreaking and tangible realization of our vision. Phase One will include our front two-story building, with regional and local artist gallery, Creative Center (accommodating year-round youth and adult programming), Quiller gallery, multipurpose room, library, gift, and coffee shop. We are currently working with our architect to finalize Phase One budget and ensure readiness for construction.
Photo Above- members of the Creede Center for the Arts Building Committee [left to right: Allie Quiller, Marta Quiller, Steve Quiller] meet with Structural Engineer Steve Horner and Architect Gregory Friesen at B. Public Prefab in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
We are also thrilled that the Creede City Council unanimously approved the land lease Memorandum of Understanding in March. The enthusiasm of the Council members confirms the support we've had from the community since this vision began to take shape.
With the arrival of spring, we have begun to share our Creede Center for the Arts story in person with friends throughout the United States. Our first event was held in the Dallas home of Board members Shelly and Michael Dee. It was an exceptional evening, with 34 interested collectors and patrons. We are planning other such gatherings in the coming months. If I don’t have a chance to see you at one of our events, I hope to see you in Creede this summer.
It is an exciting time as we witness each step forward, bringing us closer to realizing the Creede Center for the Arts.
Go Well, Friends!
Steve
Stephen Quiller
Creede Center for the Arts | President