MoF Exhibits, Events, & Programs

Honoring Legacy, Creativity & Community Impact

Join us at the Museum of Friends this month for conversations that span decades, creative sessions rooted in reflection and healing, and community initiatives that shape the future of the arts in rural Colorado.


Artist Talk on Art: Brendt Berger

Saturday, August 2nd | 1–3 PM

Main Gallery | Free & Open to the Public

You're invited to a rare conversation with MoF founder and visionary artist Brendt Berger, whose exhibit Beavers of the Huerfano spans over five decades of creative exploration. Hear the stories behind the work and join a meaningful dialogue about the artist’s life, philosophy, and process.This is a unique chance to connect with one of the most influential artistic voices bridging New York’s conceptual art movement and rural creative placemaking in Southern Colorado.

Don’t miss this special chance to meet the artist and engage with the exhibition firsthand. And for our Friends outside Walsenburg, you can join us live on Facebook.


Healing Through Art Program Events

Qigong with Dr. Roger Batchelor

Tuesday, August 13 | 3–4 PM

A calming, restorative session rooted in the ancient tradition of Turtle Qigong, designed to support nervous system regulation, mental clarity, and physical vitality. Open to all experience levels.

Walking Earth: Plein Air Artmaking

Friday, August 16 | 10 AM–1 PM

A nature-based artmaking session led by MoF Co-Founder and New York, 1 percent for the Arts, Artist and Art Educator, Maria Cocchiarelli, blending mindful walking with open studio creativity. Materials provided – just bring yourself and a sense of curiosity.

Mandala & Memory: A Visual Journaling Workshop

Saturday, August 23 | 1–3 PM

Join Creative Artist and Writer, Heather R. Hernandez for an expressive arts journaling session inspired by Brendt Berger’s Birth Book paintings. We’ll use collage, mark-making, and intuitive imagery to explore personal and seasonal transitions. Bonus: Brendt Berger will be painting in the studio!


These Healing Through Art events are free and open to all. A suggested donation of 8 dollars helps us keep community programs like this going.

MoF Community Initatives

Walsenburg Issues Proclamation for America 250 | Colorado 150

On July 15th, during the Walsenburg City Council meeting, Mayor Gary Vezzani signed two proclamations in support of the Colorado Heritage for All initiative:

  • A City of Walsenburg Proclamation affirming participation in the America 250 | Colorado 150 commemorations
  • A Museum of Friends Proclamation recognizing MoF’s civic leadership, cultural preservation, and role in rural arts advocacy

These proclamations reflect a statewide effort by the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission to encourage cities, museums, and community organizations to declare their intent to participate in the upcoming 2026 commemorations. We’re proud to be part of this shared heritage journey, and we invite you to get involved as we plan upcoming Colorado Heritage for All projects, exhibitions, and community events! Stay tuned...

Maria Cocchiarelli-Berger, Colorado Change Leader and MoF Co-Founder and Marissa Martinez, MoF CSU-Pueblo Intern.

Change Leader Network Activation Grant Awarded

Congratulations to Maria Cocchiarelli, MoF Co-founder and CO Change Leader, who has been awarded the Colorado Creative Industries Change Leader Network Activation Grant. This grant supports statewide collaboration, mentorship, and professional development initiatives among Colorado Change Leaders. As part of this effort, MoF has welcomed a new intern from the CSU Pueblo Honors Program, a former STEAM student of Maria’s, who is now working with MoF Leadership and CO Change Leaders across the state on a project focused on cultural investment & civic impact in rural arts advocacy. Together, we’re working to strengthen the rural creative economy through cultural stewardship, economic diversification in creative economies, and civic engagement.

Community Insight Questionnaire


Your voice matters, and it’s helping us grow.

Take a moment to fill out our short Community Insight Survey and let us know what programs, events, and improvements matter most to you. Your feedback ensures the Museum of Friends continues to reflect and serve the needs of our community.


Thank you for helping us build a museum that belongs to everyone.

Help Us Keep the Museum of Friends Thriving

Love what we’re doing? So do we, and we can’t do it without you.

Every exhibition, workshop, and community gathering at MoF is powered by people who believe in the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on your generosity to keep our programs free, our doors open, and our historic building cared for.

Your gift supports:

  • Free creative and wellness programs for all ages
  • Exhibitions that uplift regional and contemporary voices
  • Youth outreach and STEAM learning
  • Restoration and maintenance of our beloved building

Whether you’ve joined us for an art talk, sent your child to a STEAM workshop, or walked through our galleries with fresh eyes. Your presence matters. If MoF has touched your life, we invite you to give what you can.

Thank you for being part of our creative community. We hope you’ll stop in this summer to see the art, join a workshop, or just say hello. There’s always something meaningful unfolding and new friends to make at MoF.


Stay connected and see what's unfolding at MoF: www.museumoffriends.org


With gratitude,

The Museum of Friends Team

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube