Meet Cindy Starr | President, GMAEC Board of Directors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Starr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My husband, who is a touring singer/songwriter and I travel the US and abroad, visiting venues that house the visual and performing arts. Since having had recently moved to Cedaredge, I was inspired by the richness of talent our area of Colorado has to offer but with nowhere to really showcase their particular art.

After spending an exorbitant amount of time gathering ideas and interviewing executive directors of art centers, museums, concert venues, etc., I created a list of a variety of people with various occupations and backgrounds who were interested in forming a group to research the concept. Quickly, the idea was well received with this amazing group organizing themselves into a board of directors and an advisory council. A non-profit 501c3 was established and the site of the historic building at 195 W Main was selected. Renovations and fund-raising commenced. A multitude of community members donated money and soon major donors stepped forward with sizeable contributions.

From the inception in August 1017 to the grand opening June 15, 2018, this community pulled together to bring this beautiful venue to fruition for the Arts… it truly was a work of love by many!

After just celebrating our five year birthday, we were able to purchase the building outright! A great feat to honor all those who have supported the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in many forms!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are very excited to be offering a variety of events to the Western Slope! Our annual Signature Events include the Grand Mesa Short Film Festival, ReFind Art Festival, the weekly Outdoor Summer Concert Series, Tour de Cedars (home tours with visual art displays, music & culinary art), Jingle Mingle Gala and online auction, Spring Concert Series, Fall into Winter Concert Series and the Guilty Pleasure Concert Series! And now we are really pleased to be introducing the Grand Mesa Songwriter Festival, that will be bring musicians from all over the US and abroad for a weekend of entertainment! Not only do we have these above offerings but our children’s art and education programing is strong in our area with classes, camps, presentations, after-school and summer activities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While Cedaredge is a small mountain town, we are truly rich with activities, all four seasons on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world! From a fun day of hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, to horseback riding, we suggest visiting Stoney Mesa Winery or the AppleShed for wonderful tastings, visit SIPS on Main or The Pondy for wonderful libations, Starr’s Guitars (a unique boutique guitar store), River Burch Gallery, Cat’s On Main for great coffee, Rick’s at 145 for gifts, Ollie Jane’s, and a wonderful meal at Lost Mesa Grill! And of course… the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center for entertainment!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
On behalf of the Board of Directors at GMAEC, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and give recognition to the community, our members, donors and volunteers, for their incredible support they have given and we continue to receive!. The time and resources they contribute are the reason for GMAEC’s success! This tremendous support given has positioned GMAEC for more continued entertainment, arts and educational programming for generations to come!

Website: gmaec.org

Instagram: http://instagram.com/grandmesaartsandevents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandmesaartscenter?mibextid=ibOpuV

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCmqWUPTMc7wPcFnjM4TTE1g

Image Credits
Cindy Starr images