STACE, a New York native, is a multi-talented artist and musician. Approaching 2025 with the same determination that has always kept him working and creating STACE’s latest artistic contributions can be seen in Universal Pictures feature film “Dear Evan Hansen”, a theatrical motion picture adaptation of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical. (Directed by Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, “Wonder”). The opening of his first domestic space art gallery, “Three Twenty Gallery”, spring 2021, in a building that was once Las Animas Electric Company, circa 1903.

Writer Dave Armstrong/Bent County Democrat 

In 2020, artist STACE made a purchase in Las Animas that everyone saw, heard, and may still question. His 320 Gallery on 5th Street has become a common spot for photos, scavenger hunts, and artists to hone, practice, and promote their craft. I first met STACE upon a universal invitation along the lines of, “If you walk by and hear music, enjoy it while you can.” The objective being: Learn to live in the moment. I walked by and immediately we began collaborating on ideas for the growth of Las Animas. I wasn’t clear on his plan for the exterior of his building then, but as these buildings have grown and changed, it has become clear that his desire is the same as many in the city: Las Animas isn’t dead, we’re just dry of resources, and the City has room to offer more. However, as it grows and changes, it’s becoming more than a town that was once a dusty blink on Hwy 50; now sees more foot traffic, more car traffic, and hopefully, with the surplus of water filling both Blue Lake and John Martin, more tourism.

Three Twenty Gallery has become an educational hub for classes to take a quick field trip or a jumpstart program for citizens fresh out of rehab, offering immediate work for hire. The development and success of Three Twenty Gallery led to another venture – 524 Bent Ave: 524 Theatré. These brick and mortar attractions are the first African American owned businesses in Las Animas history.