Community Engagement


**Show your support and [DONATE](https://www.coloradogives.org/index.php?section=organizations&action=newDonation&fwID=36988) to our Community Engagement Programs!** The Art Garage Community Engagement programs support creative expression within individuals and communities by providing art-based workshops that heals, inspires and empower people who are at-risk, under-served and/or with developmental, intellectual, mental and/or physical disabilities. The Art Garage has successfully collaborated with schools, disability organizations, behavioral health partners, residential treatment centers and day habilitation programs. Workshops are conducted in a safe and nonjudgmental environment on site at our studio or at a partner location, encouraging exploration and experimentation of art materials and the discovery of one’s unique visual language with the intention of improving self-esteem, identity and personal transformation through creative self- expression. Activities vary per each partner depending on their clients needs. The program runs year-round and varies in duration depending on the partner organization. **If you are part of an organization that you would like to be part of this program or would like to partner with The Art Garage, please fill out** [**THIS INQUIRY FORM**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflyjOmDQd-uYvkG4_UURAVvY6_vKUofORnPYu8DyljNJWPvw/viewform) **and we will be in touch as soon as possible! You may also email or call us for more information at **[**info@artgaragedenver.com**](mailto:info@artgaragedenver.com)** or 303-377-2353.** Recent Programs: **Aspen Center for Women**: Instructor - Alison Winterle _Project funded in part by the Acorn Hill Foundation. Pregnant and Post-Partum women in treatment for substance abuse attend 48 treatment informed and art therapeutic workshops per year at The Art Garage studio._ **Colorado Center for the Blind**: Instructor - Emily vonSwearingen _Project funded by Denver Arts and Venues: Imagine 2020 Grant. Students from middle school-senior citizens who are blind, create tactile, mixed-media artworks to engage different senses. Workshops occur in various locations._ **Community Choices:** Instructor - Kelly Craighead _Adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities attend 48 mixed-media workshops per year at The Art Garage studio._ **WINGS Foundation**: Instructors - Abi Ostendorf and Alison Winterle _Adult survivors of abuse attend 48 trauma informed, art therapeutic workshops per year at the Art Garage Studio._ **5280 High School**: Instructor - Emily vonSwearingen _Project funded by Colorado Arts Partnership. 9th and 10th grade students who are at-risk and under-served attend twice weekly, mixed-media workshops within their school location._ **Westwood Public Art “Hub”**: Managed by Emily vonSwearingen with local artists _Project funded by Denver Arts and Venues: PSYAH Grant. Local artists are creating an arts “Hub” in collaboration with the Westwood Creative District to act as a central point for youth workshops._ **Higher Visions in Education Program** _Funded by Denver Mill Levy Fund, administered by Rocky Mountain Human Services. Young adults with Down syndrome will collaborate with The Art Garage during their fall quarter on a mixed-media mural._ **Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association** _Funded by Denver Mill Levy Fund, administered by Rocky Mountain Human Services. A series of family friendly programs and events to engage young children with Down syndrome in arts exploration._ **Westwood Summer Programs** _Funded by the Denver Office of Children’s Affairs, 2A BOOST Grant. A series of summer art camps for under-served and at-risk youth within the Westwood Community._ **Previous Partners:** Arapahoe House, Center for Conductive Education, DC21 School, Hope House of Colorado, Joshua School, Mile High Workshops, Shiloh House, Stepwise, Synergy Outpatient, The Cube High School, Polaris Elementary School, Park Hill Elementary School The Program culminates with an art show and reception at The Art Garage or a local Denver gallery. Student’s work will be on display for the evening with the option of being for sale to art patrons. Earnings return to the artist or their custodial accounts with the intention that it will be used to support the individual’s continued personal growth.