Silver City, NM — The Hearth, a growing community gathering space located at 1915 N. Swan Street, is inviting local residents, organizations, and leaders to take an active role in its future through the launch of a new Community Stewardship Initiative.
Born in 2023 during a moment of transition, The Hearth emerged from a question posed by community members and Presbytery leadership as First Presbyterian Church faced closure: What does this space want to become now?
Rather than allowing the building to sit empty, a group of local leaders reimagined it as a place where the spirit of gathering, care, and connection could continue—while expanding to serve a broader and more diverse community.
In just two years, The Hearth has grown into a trusted and flexible hub for arts, education, wellness, and civic life. Today, it regularly hosts organizations and gatherings centered on youth programming, theater, fiber arts, LGBTQ+ support, spiritual exploration, community radio, and public dialogue.
"The Hearth is shaped directly by the people who use it," said Interim Administrator Wendy Spurgeon. "This next step is about aligning the structure of the organization with that reality—inviting the community not just to gather here, but to help care for and guide what this space becomes."
A Shared Model for a Shared Space
The Community Stewardship Initiative invites individuals and groups who already use or value The Hearth to step into leadership and participation roles. Opportunities include:
Serving as representatives on The Hearth Board
Joining or leading volunteer committees
Supporting areas such as building care, event coordination, outreach, and fundraising
In return, participating groups may receive reduced rental rates, priority scheduling, and a more direct role in shaping the future of the space.
This model is designed to reduce operational strain, increase community ownership, and ensure the long-term sustainability of The Hearth as a shared creative home.
Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved
Community members are invited to connect with The Hearth and learn more about the initiative at two upcoming events:
Community Potluck
Sunday, April 26 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A casual, welcoming gathering open to all. Attendees are invited to bring a dish if they wish, or simply come as they are.
May Day Spruce-Up
Drop in between 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
A hands-on day of collective care for the space, including light maintenance, yard work, and beautification projects. All skill levels welcome.
An Invitation to the Community
As The Hearth continues to grow, its leadership emphasizes that its future depends on shared participation.
"We're looking for people who already feel connected to this space, as well as those who are simply looking for a way to contribute to something meaningful," Spurgeon said. "Whether someone has a specific skill or just a willingness to help, there is a place for them here."
Organizations currently using The Hearth include Hi Lo Silvers Choir, Unity del Corazon, Grant County LGBTQ+ groups, KURU Community Radio, Southwest Fiber Arts Collective, TheActrix Studio, and local schools—each contributing to the evolving identity of the space.
Contact Information
For more information about the Community Stewardship Initiative or upcoming events, community members are encouraged to attend an event or reach out directly:
The Hearth
1915 N. Swan St.
Silver City, NM, 88061
Email:
Phone: (575) 519-4017
