Reservations Required.

Three Twenty Gallery Dress Code Policy: Guests and employees are expected to dress in business casual attire unless the day's tasks require otherwise. Wearing all black in solidarity is met with our highest regards. Because our work environment sees frequent visits from artists, clients, and the public, formal business attire is essential for our reputation. Absolutely no logos.

Tickets include admission to all galleries and special exhibitions. Members receive free priority admission every day, and Monday mornings from 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. are reserved exclusively for members and their guests. COVID-19 vaccination and masks are no longer required, but strongly recommended for all visitors. Our coatcheck is currently closed. Scooters, skateboards, rolling bags, and all items over 11 × 17 × 5″ are not permitted.

Curated by STACE
Shari Foster, Associate Director
Kevin Taylor, Graphic Designer

Address

320 5th Street, Las Animas, Colorado 81054.


Reception | +1.719.6621.320


Auditions | 303.335.9409


Email| Info@320Gallery.com

Infographic, 2021

Building History

Three Twenty Gallery looks to redefine the future while remembering its past. During its 100-year history our 5500 square foot building underwent many changes, while the city of Las Animas itself evolved, both in culture and ideas. Built in 1903, on land originally inhabited by various Indian tribes (as early as 9,200 B.C.), our space was erected to provide electricity to a rising town - Las Animas Electric Co.

Vintage Glass Wooden Insulator | Circa 1898

Decades leading up to construction, early settlers would find respite in the area, in search of gold and opportunity while American Indians were being forcibly removed, raped and slaughtered - specifically, the Utes from the mountains, the Cheyenne and Arapahoe on the plains from the Arkansas to the Platte rivers, the Kiowas and Comanches south of the Arkansas River, and the Pawnee and Sioux tribes along the Republican River. The ‘Indian Removal Act’, led by then President Andrew Jackson, against the orders of the Supreme Court, sent thousands of Indians westward, culminating into the Trail of Tears.

In 1821 Mexico would gain its independence from Spain marking the start of the Santa Fe Trail. In hopes of laying claims against American hostility and Texas annexation, Mexico allowed trading with outsiders, making it the first successful commercial route. Eventually it became the very route used to defeat Mexico in the Mexcian-American War over what is now southeastern Colorado. On February 9, 1880 a Santa Fe Railway Company train arrived with considerable fanfare at the Santa Fe railroad depot and effectively ended the Santa Fe Trail.

Fairmont Foods Dairy Packaging | Circa 1947

In 1947 the Fairmont Creamery Company, based in Nebraska, changed its name to Fairmont Foods Company thusly extending it’s services to principal cities, referred to as “agents”. Occupied in our building, local farmers and butchers would rent spaces to store food while the cork-padded building itself was home to animal processing and the manufacturing of dairy products such as eggs, milk, butter, ice cream & cottage cheese.

Fairmont Container | Circa 1935

Operating well into the 1980s, Fairmont closed its Las Animas branch and the building stayed vacant until October 16, 1996. Gene Hemphill, a local resident and farmer, used the space to extract honey for his honey bee business and general storage. Although short-lived, the honey factory produced more than 5,000 jars of honey until closing it’s doors due to swifter manufacturing from larger cities. The building was once again vacant, remaining in the care of Dolores Hemphill, a dietary nurse who also ran a multi-family apartment until her passing in 2003. The previous owner, Mr. Losey, a collector of sorts, was featured on the History Channel’s “American Pickers” in the fall of 2018. This was the last time the building would keep its original structure, since 1903.

Dried Honeycomb | 1997

Present day, 2020, if you turn west on 5th street from the highway, you will quickly be engulfed in the latest entrepreneurial endeavor in the city. STACE, a musician, artist, and curator has purchased the old creamery, now ‘Three Twenty Gallery’ as a place to showcase his talents, and a place for others to escape and develop theirs. Hailing from New York City, where he creates murals like the one on 5th Street, his decision to build in Las Animas is centered on it’s atmosphere and his ability to improve it.

As for the mural outside of Three Twenty Gallery – it depicts a crying woman drowning in a sea with text above in yellow that reads “Meanwhile in Las Animas”, the woman saying “What do you mean it’s JUST ART?” and a painted sidewalk incorporating a light pole that immerses the viewer into the mural itself. Some have criticized the work on social media already upset about the image of a drowning woman, but the work, entitled “Hopeful”, is supposed to represent the unbalance in many of our lives - almost feeling like life, itself, is challenging us to stay above water. With melodramatic imagery inspired by the Pop Art era of the 60’s, the teary-eyed woman is symbolic of the countless Indian tribes displaced throughout history from the Trail of Tears to the Santa Fe Trail. The 25 foot hand painted woman looks towards the eastern rising sun to symbolize hope, hence its title.

Our mission is to remember our ancestors who inhabited lands peacefully, around the globe, before revolutionary history began. While we do not celebrate “Santa Fe Trail Day” because of the many Indian families - along with our African ancestors - displaced and killed during it’s process, we honor their monumental contribution to our way of life with our vintage-inspired aesthetic and our graceful respect. Connecting both, their history and our future, as we aim to celebrate art and life with all cultures.

Art Acquisition Tips

Spend time learning about art and individual artists instead of following the latest art trends or styles of the moment. Popularity does not ensure an artist will go up in value over the years.

Corporate Collecting

Meet with one of our corporate art consultants or gallery members before making any costly purchases. An experienced professional will guide you in the right direction in terms of how many pieces to purchase, what style of work to include, where to install artwork, and many other crucial decisions.

A Note to the Press

Three Twenty Gallery media outlets to include local and national radio, magazine, newspaper, print, digital, streaming, online, and our favorite - word of mouth. Please inquire about press passes to gain exclusive access to all future events. All questions must be emailed prior to event. We do not allow flash photography during media sessions. Flash during red carpet events is acceptable. Recording devices are acceptable.