A very significant aspect of the Art Center's mission is the acquisition, preservation, and display of a permanent collection. We are proud to house and exhibit a collection of nearly 300 historic and contemporary works representing a thorough visual documentary of the art and artists of Western Colorado. Historic Native American artifacts comprise a significant portion of the collection, including numerous exceptional Navajo weavings donated by Dr. Arch Gould and fine pre-Columbian ceramics donated by Philip and Gail Holstein. The contemporary portion of the collection includes works by some of Colorado's most talented and reputable living artists. The collection continues to grow, highlighting the magnitude of the Art Center's vital role in documenting and preserving Western Colorado's artistic heritage, culture, and legacy.

Native American Arts and artifacts comprise a significant part of the Art Center’s permanent collection, with an emphasis on traditional Navajo weavings and pre-Columbian ceramics. The collection of weavings centers around  an important donation of exceptional works by Dr. Arch Gould, representing historic and contemporary weavings of museum quality. Many of our finest ceramics were donated by Philip and Gail Holstein.