Find yourself in Ft. Collins, Colorado, needing an escape from Beervana? Head over to the Global Village Museum (GVM) of Arts and Culture. Established in 2006, GVM celebrates the world’s many diverse cultures. Its mission encourages the connection between Northern Colorado and the world through its collections of folk art and artifacts. So, look for this little treasure that lies just two blocks west of the hustle and bustle of College Avenue.
The Museum Layout
Four galleries display exhibits. First, the Main Gallery displays temporary exhibitions every three to four months. For example, “Nativities from around the World” from 2020 showcased hundreds of nativity scenes from all over the globe. Currently, “Colorful Paintings by Folk Artists of Central China” runs through March 20, 2021.
The Village Arts Gallery
Next comes the Village Arts Gallery featuring permanent collections donated by local founding members. Items include folk art, fine art, musical instruments, and an array of artifacts, resulting in a fantastic collection of beauty and inspiration.
Also, do not miss the small room in the back of the Village Arts Gallery. Musical instruments from various countries are waiting to be played. Kids and adults can enjoy fun, interactive experiments creating novel rhythms and tempos.
The Hall Gallery
You will reach the Hall Gallery as you continue strolling. This third gallery displays larger wall artwork, such as Peruvian arpilleras. Originating in Chile, arpilleras detail brightly colored patchwork pictures of everyday life for women sewn onto burlap sacks.
The circle you just made delivers you back to the front of the museum. From here, cross over into the fourth Mundoville Gallery.
The Mundoville Gallery – Jeanne’s Dream
Mundoville, which means world village, was created by Jeanne Nash (1933-2011). This is also a permanent collection. Jeanne graciously donated her keepsakes collected over a lifetime of travel. Her dream was to promote understanding and appreciation of all peoples and cultures. Explore and enjoy Jeanne’s superb collections such as miniatures, puppets, marionettes, Tibetan and other folk dolls, and retablos.
What are Retablos?
Retablos making and painting is a sophisticated folk art in Mexico and Peru. A small, portable box contains tiny, hand-crafted, and brightly painted figurines. The figures are often made from boiled potatoes and gypsum powder. They represent saints or everyday people doing everyday things. The clusters, rich in imagery, are quite intricate with elaborate storytelling. Traditionally, retablos portrayed religious characters painted on copper or tin. Thus, retablos served as devotional shrines or altars in people’s houses.
Don’t Miss It
In short, you will be amazed at the unique treasures found at GVM. Think of Jeanne and her vision as it comes to life around you. Good things do come in small packages. Yes, that phrase may be a cliché, but it certainly describes the Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture.
