About GMAEC
The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center is located in Cedaredge, Colorado; a scenic town nestled in the Surface Creek Valley at the base of the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. With a wonderful climate, small town charm, and endless recreational opportunities, the Surface Creek Valley is home to more than 8000 people, many of whom brought with them amazing artistic, musical, and other creative talents.
One of those talents is local musician David Starr. David and his wife Cindy had a vision that Cedaredge needed a permanent venue to host performing and visual arts. Cindy began sharing their vision and soon a group began plans to make the vision a reality.
Deborah Shaffer led the group discussions and it wasn’t long before a mission and vision statement was established, board members voted in, and an advisory council established. After establishing a 501c3, a building was secured and plans to begin campaigning for funds was underway.
The building, built in 1906, has a rich history and housed many businesses such as a movie theater, bank, general store, auto garage and spa. It would become the perfect venue… with a little work.
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After successful fundraising campaigns and lots of hard work (thanks to our volunteers) renovating the building,
the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center opened its doors to the public on June 15, 2018.
Our Mission
Enhancing the quality of life and inspiring our communities through visual and performing arts, education and advocacy.
Our Vision
To be a vibrant and thriving arts, cultural and educational center.
Our Guiding Principles
Excellence
We strive to make every experience a member, volunteer, guest, visitor, artist or employee has with GMAEC and exceptional encounter. We uphold a high standard of excellence for everything GMAEC produces.
Integrity
Every decision and action we undertake is based on our core integrity. Reliability, truthfulness, and fairness are the cornerstones of our daily interactions
Unity
With the utmost respect for each other, we value the spirit of teamwork at GMAEC. Each gift of time, talents and treasures is recognized and appreciated in whatever measure it is contributed.
Outreach
We recognize the diverse nature of our community and seek to be inclusive, compassionate and welcoming to all. We endeavor to make every touch a person has with GMAEC easy to navigate and understand. We hope to meet the wants and needs of Cedaredge and surrounding areas within the bounds of our mission.
Resourcefulness
As a not for profit organization, we take a conservative approach to financial decisions. We value in-kind gifts and seek to utilize volunteer skills whenever possible. We are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Center and our programs. We will achieve our goals through perseverance and exploration of all possible sources to guarantee a strong future for GMAEC.
Creativity
Innovation, imagination, and forward thinking are th foundation of GMAEC. We foster the culture of creativity in every endeavor. We are fortunate that a bounty of creative individuals gather at GMAEC to craft the visual and perorming arts, education, and advocacy we are proud to provide.
On April 28, 2025, the Polis Administration and the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the 2025 recipients of the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards to recognize Coloradans who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the state’s creative landscape through civic leadership and volunteerism.
“In Colorado, we celebrate the arts as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture. The arts commemorate who we were, celebrate who we are, and shape who we want to be,” said Gov. Polis. “We are grateful to the recipients announced today for their work to continually elevate this important part of Colorado’s culture and economy.”
Arts and Creative Placemaking Award: Honors individuals who use the arts to envision new futures through activities such as activating a public space, animating a community or sparking redevelopment.
Cindy and David Starr have significantly impacted the cultural scene in Cedaredge, Colorado, a town of 2,400 residents, and beyond on the Western Slope of Colorado.
Cindy brought the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center (GMAEC) to fruition after gathering a group of like-minded citizens from different backgrounds together in 2017 and working to open the center by June 2018. Cindy served as President of the Board of Directors for six years, a time in which GMAEC saw tremendous growth in programming, membership and reputation. It has grown into a campus, after securing a nearby auto repair garage that has been renovated into art and pottery studios. The campus is connected by a newly-acquired parking lot. Cindy recently retired from her presidency position, but remains on the board as past president and is very active at the center in various roles.
David is a professional musician and guitar store owner who has lived in Cedaredge for 24 years. He has singlehandedly changed the music scene in Cedaredge and the Surface Creek Valley through his musical advocacy and concert promotion. David was involved with the Art Center from the very beginning, overseeing the renovation of the 1904 historic Main Street building in Cedaredge. David created an outdoor venue in 2020, that allows 300-400 enthusiastic patrons to enjoy concerts every Friday night throughout the summer months. He also serves on the Board of Directors and continues to give generously of his resources and time. His 50+ years in the music business has been a valuable asset to the center.
Cindy and David Starr’s love of the community and the people extends beyond the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. Their generous contributions continue to improve the vitality and quality of life of Cedaredge.