ABOUT THE COLORADO COALITION OF ARTISTS

CoCOA was created by artists for artists. The mission of the Colorado Coalition of Artists is to unify artists in the community and provide a common meeting ground where artistic products will be worked on, displayed and sold. This coalition will encourage an enriching and creative environment for artistic expression and dialogue for artists and the community.

CoCOA promotes art in Fort Collins, providing both paid and free classes in all branches of the arts. This will promote creativity and art appreciation through changing exhibitions, workshops, classes, lectures, and studio time.

CoCOA is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

CoCOA was officially a group in October of 2003. The artists that formed our group had been painting together for years. It was decided that availability of an open artists community had to be established. The goals that were in our minds as we set out on this adventure were to provide space for all artists wanting to create with other artists. We became aware of the abundance of artists in Fort Collins that no longer wanted to paint or draw alone, create in small rooms in their homes, or give up on their craft simply because there was no outlet to do so. We had free Thursday night portrait sessions at Daniel Edmondson’s studio and the artists kept on coming. We ran out of room. The spaces that were being used for painting and drawing were not big enough for the demands of our constantly expanding group. We have been expanding not only in artists, but also in goals and desires for the art community in Fort Collins. We have an art center where artists are unified and motivated in an environment that is fun and educational. The center is open to the public for viewing art, seeing how artists work, and monthly exhibitions.

We are located in downtown Fort Collins at 402 N. College, in the Poudre River Arts Center. Feel free to stop by and see what’s happening.