Our new Executive Director!

HOTCHKISS, CO – February 10, 2026

The Board of Directors of the Creamery Arts Center is pleased to announce the recent hiring of a new Executive Director, Melanie Hoshiko. In this role, Melanie will oversee day-to-day operations and organizational planning, support and advocate for artists, expand community engagement, and work in partnership with the Board toward its goals for the Center’s recently launched capital campaign to purchase the Creamery building on Bridge Street in Hotchkiss.

Melanie has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Arts Center's revitalization and restructuring, as evidenced by her volunteer efforts over the past year. She is a distinguished multi-talented artist, educator, and advocate, bringing a unique blend of creative vision, operational leadership, and community outreach. Born and raised in Colorado, Melanie is a valedictorian graduate of the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where she earned a Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture and Drawing.

Initially establishing herself as a prominent Colorado Abstract Artist, her solo work was recognized as a "Best of Denver" selection, and her pieces have been exhibited at prestigious venues including The Arvada Center and the traveling exhibit "The Invisible Museum" at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art. This artistic foundation is coupled with extensive experience in youth and community support, where she served as a Youth Treatment Counselor and was later a part of the leadership team at St. Vrain Valley School District’s Main Street School, specializing in aiding high-risk youth with physical and mental disabilities.

Currently, she also serves as the Secretary for the North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying her commitment to the region's cultural and economic vitality.

Hoshiko said of the hiring,

“I’m honored to take on this new role and look forward to helping elevate this incredible community resource and the community as a whole.”

Meet Melanie this Friday, February 13th, from 5-8 pm during the opening reception of The Creamery’s newest exhibition, Geometry of Love, and the monthly Hotchkiss Art Walk.