FORT COLLINS — There has always been a vibrant and creative community of musicians and artists here that few people outside the city know about, say residents.
“It’s always been our little secret,” said Colorado State University music professor Forest Greenough. He speaks mostly of the galleries, music halls, cafes and bars where local talent displays creativity.
Now — thanks to Jim and Wendy Franzen — a new artists’ retreat will soon be open where new music, books, sculptures and other renderings can be created by those from Fort Collins and beyond.
“The arts community here is stronger than a lot of people recognize,” said Jim Franzen, a former jazz musician. Wendy Franzen, a former architect, is pursuing a graduate degree in fine arts at CSU.
“And this place will give them a chance to do what they do best,” Jim Franzen said.
The Franzens hope to open the nonprofit Art 342 in the summer. Artists will work full-time on their pursuits in one of the five galleries the Franzens recently built on 4.4 acres they own in north Fort Collins.
Up to three visiting artists will also be able to live in the Franzen home, which is on the property, free of charge. The Franzens are moving to downtown Fort Collins.
The complex will operate three 15-week sessions a year. The artists will also get a $100-a-month stipend and a chance to display their work at local galleries and put on classes for the community.
However, no classes or work will be put on at the retreat, which is a place for unhindered creativity, Jim Franzen said.
“Artists always need space and we want to give them as much of that as we can,” Franzen said.
One studio will be set aside for musical composition, another will have a kiln.
The other three will be used as each artist chooses.
Greenough will be among the first to use a studio — for writing some new music.
“As a college professor, we sometimes get stuck in our zone teaching,” Greenough said. “It will be nice to get out and get some different inspiration for my work.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
