Community Art Gallery Box

Located at the corner of Main Street and Chestnut Street in front of ZU Gallery in downtown Cortez, our Community Art Gallery Box offers a unique, free art exchange experience for residents and visitors of all ages. This innovative public art installation operates 24/7, inviting community members to both contribute their own creative works and take home pieces that inspire them.

The weather-resistant gallery boxes were beautifully crafted by local multimedia artist and carpenter Tim O’Brien using entirely repurposed materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and community resourcefulness. The bright interiors with protective glass fronts creates an inviting display space that naturally refreshes as artwork is added and taken by community members.

How It Works

Our art gallery operates on a simple “take a piece, leave a piece” philosophy. Community members can contribute paintings, drawings, photographs, poetry, small sculptures, or any creative work they’ve made at home, school, or in their studios. No approval process is required – simply add your art whenever inspiration strikes. Visitors can freely take home any piece that speaks to them, creating meaningful connections between artists and art lovers throughout our community.

We encourage artists to include small tags with their name, town, and age to help celebrate local talent and foster connections between creators of all generations. The gallery welcomes participation from artists of every skill level, from children sharing their first drawings to experienced artists offering finished works.

Community Impact

This project addresses the need for accessible public art spaces where local artists can showcase their work and community members can engage with creativity in their daily lives. By transforming an ordinary streetscape into a dynamic cultural touchpoint, the gallery box enhances downtown Cortez while making art an integral part of everyday life rather than an isolated experience.

The installation has already begun building community connections, with local artist Frances Wisner contributing the first piece – a beautiful landscape painting that captures the spirit of our Four Corners region. Since opening, the gallery has created opportunities for intergenerational artistic exchange and provided a platform for emerging artists to share their work.

Project Partners

The Community Art Gallery Box was made possible through the 81321 Launch grant program, funded by the City of Cortez and LOR Foundation. This partnership demonstrates our community’s commitment to supporting innovative projects that enhance beautification and civic engagement throughout the Cortez area.

Tim O’Brien’s multimedia art can be viewed at ZU Gallery or online at www.eggstomper.com. His combination of artistic vision and carpentry expertise made him the ideal creator for this durable, beautiful community resource.

Visit the Community Art Gallery Box at Main Street and Chestnut Street in downtown Cortez. Detailed participation guidelines will be posted on-site soon. Join us in creating a living, breathing art exchange that celebrates the incredible creativity within our community.