Welcome to the Key to the Future Capital Campaign, a visionary effort designed to support and sustain two vital pillars of our community: Weehawken Creative Arts and Ridgway Chautauqua /Sherbino.
Together, these organizations enrich lives by fostering creativity, lifelong learning, and vibrant cultural connections in Ridgway and beyond.
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Through this campaign, we aim to secure the resources needed to grow and thrive in a shared space that supports both organizations’ long-term visions while responding to the evolving needs of our community.
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Learn more about the advantages of this project for each organization in the videos and content below.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
for WEEHAWKEN
The "Why" for Weehawken Creative Arts:
Weehawken Creative Arts has been a cornerstone of arts education in Ouray County and Montrose for over 20 years. Serving youth, adults, and families, Weehawken offers diverse programming in dance, visual arts, performing arts, aerial and circus arts, and more. Over the past decade, demand for Weehawken's services has grown exponentially, straining the capacity of its existing facilities (which are all rented spaces).
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A major driving force behind this project is the rising cost of real estate in Ouray County. If we wait any longer, we risk being priced out of the market entirely, which would jeopardize the future of arts education and community programming in the region. The time has come for Weehawken to secure its existence in Ouray County by investing in a permanent space to call home.
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The acquisition and development of 145 North Cora Street ensures:
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Dedicated, High-Quality Spaces: To support over 500 classes annually, Weehawken requires stable, purpose-built classrooms that accommodate its dance and arts programs.
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Sustainability in a Growing Community: By owning this property, Weehawken can continue to serve the community without the looming threat of real estate instability.
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Enhanced Collaboration: Shared facilities with Ridgway Chautauqua foster synergistic programming, benefiting the entire community while optimizing resources.
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Opportunities for Youth and Adults: From classes to performances to arts festivals, Weehawken creates opportunities for expression and connection, enriching lives for all ages.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
for THE SHERBINO
The "Why" for Ridgway Chautauqua / Sherbino:
For over a century, the Chautauqua movement has championed arts, culture, and lifelong learning. Ridgway Chautauqua continues this tradition, operating the Sherbino Theatre, the 610 Arts Collective and The Courtyard at 610 as beloved spaces for creativity, dialogue, and community. The Key to the Future Campaign supports Ridgway Chautauqua’s mission by enabling:
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Strategic Growth: The acquisition of 145 North Cora Street strengthens the Sherbino's campus, creating opportunities for expanded programming, rentals and new community spaces.
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Preserving the Sherbino's Character: We are keenly aware of some of the Sherbino's limitations as a venue. While it serves as a cherished gathering and dance hall, we recognize the need for spaces that address its current shortcomings without altering its essence. This new property provides an opportunity to maintain the Sherbino’s identity while creating additional, complementary spaces for programming. This ensures the Sherbino can remain a vibrant, recognizable hub for the community, free from extensive retrofitting or modifications.
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Financial Sustainability: Shared ownership of this property reduces reliance on future leased spaces, allowing Ridgway Chautauqua to continually invest in its mission and programming.
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Cultural Enrichment: From live music and original theater to educational talks and family events, the Sherbino brings cultural vibrancy to Ridgway, hosting thousands of attendees annually.
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Community Impact: Enhanced facilities mean the ability to host more diverse events and partnerships, attract new audiences, and meet the needs of a growing population.
Together, Building a Legacy
By investing in this campaign, you are ensuring that two thriving organizations can continue to inspire, educate, and connect generations to come.
Your support will:
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Solidify the shared property at 145 & 147 North Cora Street as a hub for creativity and connection.
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Empower Weehawken Creative Arts and Ridgway Chautauqua to deliver exceptional programming into the future.
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Create a lasting legacy for Ridgway as a place where arts, culture, and community thrive.
Join us in unlocking the future for our organizations and the community we call home.
WEEHAWKEN CREATIVE ARTS THE SHERBINO
Mailing:
PO Box 734
Ridgway, CO 81432
970-318-0308
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Physical Office Ridgway:
610 Clinton Street, Ridgway, CO
Physical Office Montrose:
25 Colorado Ave, Montrose, CO 81401
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Classrooms:
Montrose:
25 Colorado Ave (Montrose Field House), Montrose, CO
1309 Mayfly Drive, Montrose, CO
Ridgway:
1075 Sherman St, Ste 201, Ridgway, CO 81432
145 N. Cora Street, Ridgway, CO 81432
Ouray:
The Wright Opera House, 472 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427 (Community Room, backside of building)
Hypoxia Gym, 1900 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427 (backside of building)
Mailing:
PO Box 236
Ridgway, CO 81432
970-318-0308​
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Physical Office:
610 Clinton Street, Ridgway, CO 81432
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Program Spaces:
604 Clinton Street (The Sherbino
610 Clinton Street (The 610 Arts Collective and The Courtyard at 610)
145 & 147 N. Cora (The Annex on Cora and Rocky Mtn Jewelry)​
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
