The Art in This Museum Was Donated for Free

In Walsenburg, Colorado, a small town off Interstate 25, you'll find a contemporary art museum that's an unexpected gem. The museum was founded by Brendt Berger and Maria Cocchiarelli Berger, who built it from scratch with the help of their friends. Brendt and Maria met in New York City, where they were part of a community of artists who would gift each other art. When they left New York, they brought their collection of art with them and decided to start a museum in Walsenburg. The museum, called the Museum of Friends, features over 4,000 pieces of art, mostly from local artists and friends of Brendt and Maria. The museum's mission is to share the stories of the artists and their friendships, rather than to sell art. The museum has become a pillar of the local community, hosting shows and education programs, and collaborating with other local organizations. The museum's collection has grown exponentially, thanks to the connections and friendships Brendt and Maria have made. The Museum of Friends is open Tuesday to Saturday, and you can find out more about it on their website.