FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER, CO – March 3, 2025 – Think 360 Arts for Learning and Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), invite the public to the Opening Reception for Creative Capitol: Art of Teaching Artistry on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at the Colorado State Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203). The exhibition will be on view through the end of August 2025, and is free and open to the public during posted building hours.
This special event will feature live performances by teaching artists who work with Think 360 Arts, the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists, and refreshments as we celebrate the power of arts learning in Colorado.
Curated by Daisy Fodness-McGowan, Executive Director of Think 360 Arts, and presented by Colorado Creative Industries as part of their Creative Capitol rotating exhibition program, this exhibition honors the essential role of teaching artists as both educators and creators. These artists not only inspire students of all ages—from young children to older adults—but also continue to grow in their own artistic practices.
A Celebration of Arts Education
Now on view through the end of August 2025, Creative Capitol: Art of Teaching Artistry highlights the impact of Think 360 Arts’ multi-talented teaching artists, who work in Title I and low income schools, libraries, and older adult communities in underserved urban and rural areas across Colorado. Through their work, they help break down barriers to arts access while demonstrating how creative expression fosters mental well-being, social connection, and lifelong learning.
“Teaching artists do more than bring arts education into classrooms—they enrich our communities, support well-being, and strengthen the cultural vibrancy across Colorado,” said Josh Blanchard, Director at Colorado Creative Industries.
Through these partnerships, these teaching artists create meaningful arts experiences for those who might not otherwise have access. The exhibition recognizes their contributions and the powerful exchange that happens when artists engage with students of all ages.
Says Fodness-McGowan, “Teaching artists give learners of all ages the opportunity to think critically, express themselves, and build connections through creativity. These artists are not only exceptional educators—they are professional artists in their own right, bringing their professional expertise and creative vision into every learning space. Beyond inspiring students, they also support teachers by providing professional development and tools to integrate the arts into their teaching practice, fostering more engaging classrooms and aiding teacher retention. Their impact strengthens both the creative economy and the education system across Colorado, and we are proud to celebrate their artistry and dedication through this exhibition.”
Featured Artists | Gwylym Cano, Eric Robert Dallimore, Sandy Dolak, Helen Eberhardie Dunn, Chelsea Gilmore, Jennifer Ghormley, Rex Halterman, Brenda Jones, Dona Laurita, Kristina Maldonado Badhand, Nora McBride, Lauri Lynnxe Murphy, Kia Neill, Tony Ortega, Cindy Cervantez Perrin, Eileen Roscina, Lisa Cameron Russell, and Elizabeth Stanbro.
About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado’s Creative Industries Division, Colorado’s state arts agency, is a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential of our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission statement for the Colorado Creative Industries, “to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life.” The Creative Capitol Exhibition program showcases Colorado artists and organizations through rotating art exhibitions to the State Capitol building. This program was established to take advantage of our creative sector to support economic growth in Colorado.
About Think 360 Arts for Learning
Think 360 Arts is a leading provider of arts education programs and services in Colorado, working at both the community and systems change levels to build capacity for arts learning across the state. Think 360 Arts serves Coloradans of all ages through teaching artist workshops and residencies, direct services in the classroom, teacher training, professional development, early childhood education, and community programs. In addition to direct programming, Think 360 Arts is deeply engaged in arts education advocacy, ensuring that policies and resources support equitable access to the arts for all learners. Through this work, Think 360 Arts is committed to ensuring that all communities can experience the transformative benefits of arts education.
Think 360 Arts is an independent affiliate of Young Audiences and an affiliate of Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts. For more information, please visit https://think360arts.org.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
Contact:
Bethany Laffan | Development & Marketing Coordinator
Think 360 Arts for Learning
Email: Bethany@think360arts.org | Phone: 720-702-2483