
“Never Tell A Child They Are Not an Artist,” has been installed at the Bell Tower Cultural Center as part of our Public Art Project. Designed by award winning artist Rudl Mergelman, the sculpture is 22 feet tall and is constructed from aluminum.
Holcim-LaFarge donated the concrete, form material, additional labor, excavation equipment and crane with crew for the installation of the sculpture. Pueblo Welding and Fabrication completed the plasm cutting, assembly and transportation and procured the pole supporting the figures.
The Florence Arts Council expresses their gratitude to Holcim-LaFarge and Greg Moody, foreman for the base construction, for their generosity to this project;
Pueblo Welding and Fabrication; and most of all, to Rud'l Mergelman for his numerous hours to design and manage this project. Stop by and see it!
Holcim-LaFarge donated the concrete, form material, additional labor, excavation equipment and crane with crew for the installation of the sculpture. Pueblo Welding and Fabrication completed the plasm cutting, assembly and transportation and procured the pole supporting the figures.
The Florence Arts Council expresses their gratitude to Holcim-LaFarge and Greg Moody, foreman for the base construction, for their generosity to this project;
Pueblo Welding and Fabrication; and most of all, to Rud'l Mergelman for his numerous hours to design and manage this project. Stop by and see it!

Stop by & See Our Ditchwall Art Project, the Sculpture Garden and new roof!
The Florence Arts Council, would like to thank all of the volunteers who worked on the “There’s Something in the Air” Wall
and FAC President, Peg Piltingsrud for her many hours in concept, designing and working on this project. 727 hours were expended on design, placement, grouting and sealing the finished pieces. 34 people, ranging from 7 to 70+, helped to make this public art project a reality!
Thanks to Bob Wood, Terri Packard, Joen Elliott, Linda Rodgers, Jaqueline from Canon City,
Eliza and Henry from Florida, Carol Gordon, Gunnar, Finn, and Emily Phillips,
Rudl Mergelman, Lisa Ross from Texas, Pamm and John Maxwell,
Rebecca, Tom, and Sveta Piltingsrud, Tammy Stone, Valerie Wulf, Becky Andrews, Larry Nelson, Del Wolfers,
Elaine Schurke, Cheryl Pennington, Janna from Main Street, Cricket and Natasha from Wetmore,
Scott and Ketura Mc Millin, Paula and Julie Schilf from Canon City, Carol Gebhart and last but not least Judy.
Hats off to all of you!

About Bell Tower Cultural Center
The Florence Arts Council received an enormous gift in the summer of 2013. The former First Baptist Church built in 1898, was given to the council by members of the church to be used as a center of learning for the community. The former sanctuary has retained its 1898 flavor with outstanding stained glass windows, oak pews and a small stage area. Art, events, lectures and artistic performances of all kinds have and will continue to keep the Performance Hall (formerly the sanctuary) alive. Areas for meetings, offices, private art studios, and classroom space have returned the Annex to a useable venue. Classroom space and private artisan studios take up the space on the second floor and the third floor is currently used as a clay area known as the Clay Addicts Attic with classes or studio rental time available.
The Florence Arts Council members and their volunteer friends have worked diligently to get this building back to its former glory and continue to be grateful for this outstanding gift. We engage in partnerships with other local non-profit groups and community organizations by providing exhibition, performance, and meeting space for them.
We appreciate our Foundation, Corporate and Individual Donors who make our mission a success!
Whether by direct financial donations,
Membership,
Signing up for City Market Rewards and Amazon Smile when you shop, Supporting & Participating in the many activities and events , And with your gift of time in volunteering -- YOU are the Heart of our Organization!
2019 Foundation & Corporate Donors 2020 Foundation & Corporate Donors CC&V Newmont Gold Mining Colorado Garden Foundation
REA Musser Foundation
Edmund T & Eleanor Quick Foundation Colorado Cares
Southern Colorado Community Foundation Rawlings Foundation
Fremont County Tourism Committee Colorado Humanities
Rawlings Foundation Newmont Gold Mining
Holcim Industries Fremont County Tourism Committee
Florence Arts Council
The FAC's mission is to PROMOTE, PRESERVE, and PURSUE collaboration between the arts and the communities in Fremont County. The success of FAC depends upon the involvement of artists, volunteers, patrons, and other benefactors who understand the vital importance of supporting the arts. Click Here to learn more about the FAC or Become A Member or volunteer. |
Events
The Bell Tower Cultural Center is a division of the Florence Arts Council. Our building is available for special events such as Performances, Weddings, Celebration of Life Memorials, Showers, Concerts, Performances, Classess and Lectures. Your "Special Event" will be very special when held in our venue. Contact us for more information and to book your event. |
Class Schedule
The Bell Tower Cultural Center offers a wide variety of classes for all ages and interests. Classes involving Art, Music, Fitness, and more are available throughout the year. Member and Non-Member pricing is available, and new classes are being added regularly. Click Here to view the upcoming class schedule and register. |