One artist’s vision to help creators make art and keep making art has grown into the Co-op @Art Gym.
After years in a variety of art programs, including a BFA from CSU, four years of printmaking at Metro, and studying metalsmithing at Red Rocks Community College and Arapahoe Community College, Art Gym founder Vickie Stevinson (graphic designer and lover of printmaking, metalsmithing, and lapidary) felt that life as a working artist lacked some fundamental things. Finding the kind of camaraderie and synergy that existed in art school was difficult, and so was accessing the full range of equipment she needed.
Vickie was given an opportunity and decided to create Art Gym, a shared workspace that enables artists to develop across many artistic platforms and disciplines. Art Gym provides a cost-effective space, freeing artists from the need to rent a private studio or purchase expensive equipment. Each discipline has its own dedicated work area and equipment, designed with minimal physical barriers to encourage engagement, sharing, and collaboration.
Now that Vickie retired, the Co-op @Art Gym carries on her legacy. A group of dedicated artists volunteers their time to manage programming, maintain the space, and ensure that creativity, collaboration, and community remain at the heart of Art Gym.