Attend a Program

Making Meaning: The Transformative Art of Creative Aging
On view May 2 – June 1, 2025
40 West Gallery | Lakewood, Colorado

Co-curated by Dona Laurita and Daisy Fodness-McGowan
Presented by Think 360 Arts for Learning

Celebrate the power of creativity at every stage of life in this inspiring, multidisciplinary exhibition featuring works by teaching artists and older adult participants from Think 360 Arts’ Creative Aging program, as well as special featured artist Irene Delka McCray’s award-winning “Mother” series. Through visual art, music, dance, storytelling, and writing—plus photos, video, and artist reflections—Making Meaning invites you into the heart of a growing national movement that combats social isolation and affirms the transformative role of the arts in healthy aging. Artists featured: Andrea Asali, Irene Delka McCray, Brenda Jones, Bob Hall and Chelle Gifford/Kusogea Nobi Drumming Ensemble, Pavia Justinian, Dona Laurita, Tony Ortega, David Reuille, Elizabeth Stanbro and more to be announced.

Opening Reception:
Friday, May 2, 6:00–9:00 PM (First Friday Art Walk)

Gallery Hours:
Wednesday–Thursday: 12–4 PM
Friday: 12-4 & 6–9 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 12–5 PM

Location:
40 West Gallery | 6501 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, CO. 80214
Part of the 40 West Arts District 

Learn more HERE.

We are excited to announce The Creative Capitol: Art of Teaching Artistry, now on view at the Colorado State Capitol! This exhibition celebrates 18 of our incredible teaching artists, who not only inspire students of all ages but also continue to grow in their own creative practices. Teaching artistry is more than just a job–it’s a calling.

The exhibition runs from February 2025 through August 2025.

• Learn more about the exhibit HERE.

Presented by Colorado Creative Industries and curated by Daisy Fodness-McGowan, Executive Director of Think 360 Arts.

Kusogea Nobi Drum Ensemble will perform during the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's spring program Glow Wild Immersive Lantern Experience, highlighting cultures from around the world. The Kusogea Nobi Drum Ensemble will be performing April 3rd from 6:30pm - 8:45pm. These performances are included with Zoo admission.

• Buy your tickets HERE.  

About Glow Wild: 

Glowing Wild is an all-new, immersive lantern experience lighting up DZCA this spring. This brilliant and enthralling event features 60 unique scenes made up of over 145 lanterns across our campus. These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way! Learn more HERE.

Join teaching artist Jennifer Ghormley for a 2-part workshop series focused on mixed media printmaking. Participants will explore linoleum block stamping and incorporate other materials to enhance their prints. This program is open to all experience levels. Registration required; please be able to attend both weeks before registering.

The dates for this series will be Thursdays, May 22 & 29.

• When: Thursday, May 22 & 29 (must be able to attend both sessions) | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 
• Where: Ross-University Hills Branch Library
• Audience: Old Adults (50+)
• More info HERE

2025-26 Equity in Arts Learning grantee, VOICES, is hosting a Celebration of Learning at Grand Valley Middle School (0364 Sipprelle Drive Parachute, CO 81635) May 27th from 6-8 pm:

Join us in celebrating the powerful voices and creative work of our students as theyshare their personal stories of identity, growth, and transformation through art. Families, friends, and community members are welcome! Bring a cultural dish to share!

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Acompáñanos a celebrar las poderosas voces y el trabajo creativo de nuestros estudiantes mientras comparten sus historias personales de identidad, crecimiento y transformación a través del arte. ¡Familias, amigos y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! ¡Trae un platillo cultural para compartir!

Teaching artist, Peter Davison, will perform a circus arts show for the Children's Library kickoff event at DPL Central Library.

• When: Thursday, June 5th 
• Where: DPL Central Library 
• FREE!

Teaching artist, Jennifer Ghormley, will facilitate a youth bookmaking workshop as part of summer art series at Berthoud Community Library. More info forthcoming.

Teaching artist Betsy Tobin will lead a youth mask-making workshop as part of Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities Summer Sunday series at Brunner Farmhouse. Workshop will take place Sunday, June 8th 4-6pm and is open to all ages.

Teaching artist, Katherine Dines, will facilitate a Little U workshop at DPL Bear Valley Branch incorporating music!

About Little University: Explore early learning activities beyond traditional storytimes! All activities are suitable for children from birth through preschool with their caregivers.

• When: Monday, June 30th | 10:30 am - 11:00 am  
• Where: Bear Valley Branch Library 
• Audience: Early Learners (0-5) 
• More info HERE

Story Creations with Patti Smithsonian:

This four-part series invites participants to explore the art of storytelling through a variety of hands-on visual art projects. Grounded in the universality of narrative, each session encourages creativity, self-expression, and personal reflection through different materials and techniques. The series blends paper and fabric collage with engaging storytelling formats such as puppetry, pop-up cards, and themed journals. Projects are adaptable to participant interests and group dynamics and will be accessible for beginner though advanced skill levels.

• Dates: June 5, 12, 19, 26
• Time: 11am-12pm
• Where: Pikes Peak Library District, Calhan
• More info HERE

Join teaching artist Andrea Asali for an ongoing monthly writers group at Denver Public Library Park Hill branch. Remaining workshops: June 12, July 10, Aug 14, Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, all 1:30-3:00pm. More info HERE. 

Perla Kopeloff will lead a merino wool and silk felting workshop where participants will create unique felted bracelets at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center from 1-3 pm.  Please inquire with the Senior Center to sign up: (719) 589-3277.

• When: 6/26 | 1 -3 pm
• Where: Alamosa Senior Citizens Center

Teaching artist Pavia Justinian will lead a monthly step-by-step acrylic painting workshop for older adults at the Fruita Community Center. June's theme is Colorado Wildflowers and takes place 2-4pm on June 27th - more info HERE.

The Institute for Creative Teaching (ICT) is an in-depth professional learning program coordinated by Think 360 Arts for Learning and University of Northern Colorado (UNC) for teachers, learners, and community educators seeking to enhance their practices.

This year’s Institute - a unique annual experience - marks its 36th year and will take place June 10th – 12th at UNC, from 8:00am-3:30pm daily. The three-day program offers hands-on learning opportunities, engaging artist talks, and reflective sessions rooted in contemporary educational practice. Participants will explore the interconnectedness of home, belonging, space, and place through various subjects and applications.

ICT is open to educators of all subject areas and grade levels. Participants will earn up to 21 hours toward educator re-licensure and will have the option of registering for 1 continuing education graduate credit from UNC for an additional fee.

• Review a sample agenda, preview the workshop descriptions, read our FAQs, and register for ICT 2025 HERE

Teaching artist, Yoko Hiroaka, will facilitate a Youth Calligraphy Workshop as part of summer art series at Berthoud Community Library. More info forthcoming.

Teaching artist Eileen Roscina will lead a youth arts workshop as part of Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities Summer Sunday series at Brunner Farmhouse. Workshop will take place 4-6pm on Sunday, July 13th and is open to all ages.

Teaching artist, Jennifer Johnson-Lowe, will facilitate a Little U workshop at DPL Bear Valley Branch incorporating dance!

About Little University: Explore early learning activities beyond traditional storytimes! All activities are suitable for children from birth through preschool with their caregivers.

• When: Monday, July 21st | 10:30 am - 11:00 am  
• Where: Bear Valley Branch Library 
• Audience: Early Learners (0-5) 
• More info HERE

In this workshop at at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center led by Perla Kopeloff, participants will create handmade paper using natural inclusions. Please inquire with the Senior Center to sign up: (719) 589-3277

• When: 7/10 | 1-3 pm
• Where: Alamosa Senior Citizens Center

Join teaching artist Andrea Asali for an ongoing monthly writers group at Denver Public Library Park Hill branch. Remaining workshops: July 10, Aug 14, Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, all 1:30-3:00pm. More info HERE.

Teaching artist Pavia Justinian will lead a monthly step-by-step acrylic painting workshop for older adults at the Fruita Community Center from 2-4pm.

What do Toni Morrison's Beloved, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind, and Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha have in common? They're all works of fiction, a genre that allows writers to combine their love for history with creative characters and plots. Whether you're ready to plunge into a new fiction project, or are simply looking to add historical context to a memoir project, this three-part workshop series will provide inspiration and time for honing your craft.

Join teaching artist Andrea Asali for this 3-part writing series. You are welcome to attend as many workshops as you are able. All levels of writing experience are welcome. Registration not required. All workshops will take place from 10 am - 11 am at the Broomfield Library. More info HERE.

• August 4: Truth and accuracy in historical fiction
• August 11: Focus on context
• August 18: Crafting believable characters.

Join teaching artist Andrea Asali for an ongoing monthly writers group at Denver Public Library Park Hill branch. Remaining workshops: Aug 14, Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, all 1:30-3:00pm. More info HERE. 

Teaching artist Pavia Justinian will lead a monthly step-by-step acrylic painting workshop for older adults at the Fruita Community Center,  2-4pm on August 29th - more info HERE.

Teaching artist Bob Hall will lead an interactive performance and hands on pan-African drumming workshop for all ages as part of Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities Summer Sunday series at Brunner Farmhouse. Performance and workshop will take place Sunday, August 3rd from 4-6pm and is open to all ages.