The Art Center of Estes Park is a non-profit organization, which provides a facility to support and promote the work of local and regional artists. The proceeds both benefit the artists and contribute to the Art Center's educational and community outreach programs.

One of the reasons the Art Center was established in 1987, was that local artists were not encouraged to exhibit their artwork in any of the local galleries. As a group they started seeking out ways to show their work.. they exhibited wherever they could, usually for a weekend or a month in places like the Stanley Village and at the Stanley Hotel. They realized that what they really wanted was a facility where they could display and sell their work on a long-term basis. Following an exhibit during Women's History Month, which was sponsored by the Estes Park Area Museum, Chris Switzer and Lynda Vogel picked up the momentum to form the Art Center of Estes Park. At that time, Chris Switzer had a studio in the space where the Art Center Sun Room is now located. The idea came about to talk to Dan Wheelers the owner of Stanley Village, to see if the adjoining unrented space was available . Dan, a supporter of the arts agreed to lease the space that is now the classroom and front gallery, thus the Art Center became a reality. Dan is still considered the 'Angel of the Art Center". Chris Switzer took the risk and responsibility and signed all of the financial papers needed to start the Art Center. The doors were opened on Memorial Day weekend 1987. Chris Switzer was the Director; Lynda Vogel was hired as the gallery and events coordinator. A couple months later a Board was formed. Leo Weber was the Art Center's first Board President. In September 1987 the Art Center became a non-profit organization. The Mission: to promote visual art and artists in the Estes Park area by providing a facility, support and exhibition opportunities; present opportunities for education in the visual arts; act as an advocate and partner in the community for development of the visual arts.

Twenty years later the wording of the mission has changed some but the commitment to provide a facility and support for our local and regional artists has never changed. Over the years we have had approximately 175 participating artist members (artwork was juried to be a member). Many of our founding artists have made art their life long profession. Over 300 other artists and art groups were also invited to show their work at the Art Center for 3-6 weeks at a time.