OFFCenter's Mission is: To promote positive self identity and resilience through art making by providing a safe environment for creative social interaction with an emphasis to enhance the lives of those most marginalized in our community. OFFCenter is a free community art space located in the heart of Albuquerque. The center is home to an open studio, a gallery, and a sales shop. OFFCenter is multi-cultural, multi-generational, non-discriminatory and welcomes all to make and buy art and meet new friends. Participants make art in the studio, can sell their work in the sales shop and submit their work for display in the gallery in themed shows throughout the year. We believe in art making as central to community. Shared creative expression builds shared visions and the emergence of a compassionate collective life.
Description
Artists are OFFCenter are self described. They determine the meaning and value of their work. As members of the community of artists, they help envision and decide the direction of the program. They support and inspire each other through informal contact and involvement in the Artist Network. Individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds participate in OFFCenter activities, and it is a particular goal of the center to provide opportunities for extremely low income members of the community.
Children come to OFFCenter with family members or with groups of their peers. Special studio hours are planned for children during the summer when they can make art using a wonderful variety of materials available in the studio. Groups of childern come to OFFCenter for organized activities from local schools and community organizations. OFFCenter staff also does outreach projects to make art more available to children and their families. Private groups can arrange for workshops or parties for a fee.
OFFcenter functions as a gallery, open studio and shop. Our studio has workshops on the weekend for economical fee's. Our gallery hangs shows throughout the year. OFFCenter also creates an annual We Art the People Folk Art Festival showcasing many forms of local talent and providing a wonderful community opportunity.
