The ARK program is to 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.
Aspen Center for Women: Instructors - 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.
Upcoming in 2019!
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
