The Arts Studio DBA Firehouse Art Center
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 55 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Firehouse Art Center inspires cultural engagement and human connection by providing life-enhancing experiences through exhibitions, education, and community events. The Firehouse is a non-profit art center committed to exhibiting thought-provoking art created by local, regional, and national artists. Through our no-fee admission gallery and our outreach art classes taught at no cost to under-resourced areas of the community, we strive to bring the healing nature of art to all. The Firehouse Art Center is Longmont's leading contemporary art center, featuring national and local artists with over a dozen exhibitions a year. A cornerstone of the Longmont Creative District, we offer educational programs, events, and membership programs to support creativity for all. Our goal is to raise cultural awareness and understanding of the arts in the regional community.
- Income
- $211,916
- Spending
- $211,916
- Spent on programs
- 52%
- Reserves
- 10.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 39%
- Employees
- 6
- Volunteers
- 110
- Highest pay
- $62,693, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 75 out of 100.
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 10.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 15% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1552% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 55 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 53 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $4,470 spent. The Firehouse's Artist Members and Ceramics Members have access to classes, equipment, and public exposure that elevate their artistic offerings and build community. Our offerings are both traditional and progressive, ensuring that all artist members receive value.
- $18,616 spent. The Firehouse Artwalk/Summer on the Streets are public art engagements that enrich the downtown Longmont art experience, providing an opportunity for artists and the public to interact in an annual festival setting.
- $28,768 spent. The Firehouse's education programs span all age groups and interests. Summer includes classes for children during their school break, both at our facility and the BoCo Farmer's Market. Our adult education consists of all different media and ability levels. Most classes are offered at a low cost or on a sliding scale, to further reach the overall community
- The Firehouse's additional programs include a variety of gallery exhibits, artist interaction, multicultural engagements in English and Spanish, and writing and performance opportunities.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1985.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.