Art Lab Govy- In the Beginning

Art Lab Govy was created out of necessity during the torrential rain in December 2025. We were stuck in a weeks long warm storm cycle that produced only pouring rain, leaving an entire town that relies on snow for work, jobless. It also meant that the many mountain employees who live in their vehicles were stuck in them with only bars as options to get out, stretch, and socialize.

With the upcoming art exhibit in mind, I had the idea to have an art night, where people could come together, spend some time outside of their vehicles, and lose themselves for a little while in their art. I approached Krista, who manages the Ratskeller in Govy, with the idea. The Rat, as we affectionately call it, is a resturant and bar, with an exquisite upper level that houses a gorgeous arcade. I told her I would get art supplies donated, asked if we could use the space for a few hours on a week night, and if it would be possible to also provide a very cheap dinner for folks as everyone was out of work, and SNAP benefits had recently been suspended indefinitely.

Krista worked absolute magic for us that first night, getting the necessary approval for everything, offering a $5 spaghetti dinner with salad and garlic bread, and even making the first twenty dinners free to really support our struggling community. She also gathered amazing items for a raffle, with the proceeds going straight back into our new art night venture, and made us home made treats to go with the free coffee and hot cocoa. We had a stellar response from the community, and immediate requests for it to be a recurring event.

And that is how Art Lab Govy was born.