A former fortune cookie factory in Denver's Baker neighborhood has been transformed into a nonprofit art space called the Cookie Factory, opening this weekend. The 5,000-square-foot venue, founded by philanthropist and real estate developer Amanda J. Precourt, features a gallery, sculpture garden, and video-screening rooms. The inaugural exhibition, 'Nothing Without Nature,' presents site-specific works by Colorado-based artist Sam Falls, created using natural materials and processes. The space is free to the public and will also host fundraising events, performances, and community meetings.
The Cookie Factory represents a growing trend of philanthropists creating accessible, noncommercial art venues outside traditional museum structures. Precourt, who serves on the Denver Art Museum board and funded its Amanda J. Precourt Gallery, aims to provide art's healing benefits to the community. By keeping the gallery noncommercial—art is not for sale through the venue—and focusing exclusively on Colorado-based artists, the project prioritizes local artistic production and community engagement over market dynamics. The involvement of Paris-based curator Jérôme Sans as artistic director signals an ambition to bridge local and international art scenes.