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FeedSpotlight on: ArtReach Denver
“It is estimated that the Denver Metro area has nearly 267,000 people living at or below the poverty line, and my hope is that we can reach every single one of these people to allow them the same access as those more fortunate.” — Karla Johnson-Grimes
“Art feeds the soul and fuels creativity” is the mantra Karla Johnson-Grimes, executive director of ArtReach Denver, keeps in mind every day. ArtReach Denver began in 1974 and has continued to serve the city through its mission of “changing lives through the arts.” ArtReach provides access to arts and cultural experiences for underserved and at-risk people of all ages through a host of unique programming.
The cornerstone of ArtReach is the Community Tickets program. Partnering with more than a hundred arts and culture organizations, including the Denver Zoo, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado Ballet, and Ballet Nouveau Colorado, ArtReach shares donated tickets with more than 70,000 individuals each year, many of whom may never have had the chance to enjoy a cultural experience.
ArtReach is heavily involved throughout Metro Denver’s school districts, providing access to hands-on arts experiences through the Arts Benefiting Kids program. ABK offers a comprehensive arts package during school and after school hours through onsite workshops, performances, and field trips.
Beyond the school year, ArtReach is currently in its third year of Camp ArtReach, an 11-week summer program that enlists professional artists to teach visual arts, music, dance, and theater classes to 260 children ages 5 – 13.
Johnson-Grimes stresses the genuine need for ArtReach in the community and has kept outreach as her main focus: “It’s not something like food, water, or shelter, but ArtReach is a real necessity for mental well being. It is estimated that the Denver Metro area has nearly 267,000 people living at or below the poverty line, and my hope is that we can reach every single one of these people to allow them the same access as those more fortunate.”
ArtReach is funded by longtime supporters and corporations that are integral to the ongoing success of the organization. Johnson-Grimes also credits the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District’s generosity with grant funding. This past February marked ArtReach’s first signature Dine & D’Art fundraising gala, which will continue as an annual event.
And this month, ArtReach will host the Children’s ArtZone at the 18th Annual Golden Fine Arts Festival. Round up the family to enjoy an amazing array of fine art and historic craft making activities for the kids.
Golden Fine Arts Festival
August 15 – 16, 10 am – 5 pm
goldencochamber.org
ArtReach Denver
303.433.2882
artreachdenver.org
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