$8,825 raised by 17 donors
29% complete
$30,000 Goal
The Art Garage isn't just another art studio. Sure, we teach technical skills and practice still life, but our passion is nurturing the creative spark inside all of us into a roaring fire!
The Art Garage doesn't just teach art, it creates artists. We believe everyone is an artist and actively work to break down access barriers, amplify voices that have been systematically excluded, and provide space for our community to be their most authentic, creative selves. Supporting us isn't just supporting art classes, it's supporting creative community! From free public events and in-school enrichments to creating sustainable careers for Denver's artists and forming incredible partnerships with senior centers, day programs for people living with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth centers - The Art Garage believes in the transformative power of art as a tool for self-expression, healing, and empowerment. Together, we can keep splattering, sculpting, and weaving the arts into our community and ensure that creativity in Denver thrives.
"When I drop my daughter off she quickly disappears into what has become a second home for her. To say it is warm, welcoming, safe, and engaging is an understatement. It's more like the "Grandma's House" she never had." - Parent of Youth Artist
"My neurodivergent child has struggled to engage and has been unhappy or unwilling to go to many other camps, but Art Garage has been so welcoming, inclusive, and affirming of all aspects of their identity. The teachers and [staff] have been communicative and willing to provide accommodations where needed, my kiddo has made new friends, learned new techniques, and has been so proud of the artwork they've created... As the parent of a child who does need extra support, I am so grateful to have found a camp option where my child is welcomed, accommodated, enjoyed, and appreciated." - Parent of Youth Artist/Scholarship Recipient
"I was amazed and SO impressed with the intentional, authentic interest of not only the course instructor, but of all the staff that stopped by every class. Their genuine, quick interest was wonderful and truly made me feel like I mattered to Art Garage." - Adult Artist
"My favorite part of The Art Garage’s program was definitely the freedom to create whatever I wanted and feeling empowered to bring my ideas to life. It was so inspiring to meet amazing people from the community—everyone brought such wisdom and kindness to share. The space truly felt welcoming and inclusive, making it easy to connect, learn, and grow alongside others." - Adult Artist
"Trauma makes it easy to hide any vulnerable feelings or self expressions. Art has made it easier to rewrite that narrative and I know I couldn't have made it so far in my healing in the last year without the support of this space and its staff." - Adult Community Engagement Program Artist
"The kids always had a better day when starting off the day at The Art Garage. They really enjoyed the experience and the positive alternative way to express themselves." - Staff Member from Partner Organization
"The program through The Art Garage is a gift to the women I serve. They are women in the toughest of situations- drug and alcohol-addicted, often homeless, pregnant, often severely traumatized. I watch core issues they bring of damaged self expression, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-compassion get gently worked with through the support and guidance of highly engaged and skillful facilitators. The best part is that it doesn't feel to my clients like "work" or "therapy," but a break where they have a chance to create and play." - Staff Therapist from Partner Organization
The Art Garage’s mission is to offer visual arts-based programs that inspire, empower, and promote creative self-expression by people of all ages and backgrounds. On-site and off-site studio workshops and exhibitions engage the greater Denver community and outreach is provided to those who are underserved and marginalized to ensure the artistic process is fully accessible and inclusive.
Equity Statement:
At The Art Garage, we believe everyone is an artist. With a commitment to equity, we strive to ensure accessibility to the arts and to amplify voices that have been systematically excluded. We work to enrich our community by providing space for individuals to be their most authentic, creative selves.
The Art Garage was founded by local artist Barb McKee as a for-profit visual arts center in a converted mechanic’s garage in 2006. The primary focus was to provide opportunities for professional artists to instruct classes and workshops and share their expertise with the Park Hill neighborhood and beyond.
In 2012, The Art Garage officially transitioned into a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, keeping the original founding principle of supporting working artists and the local arts community with us while working to broaden outreach, increase program impact, and collaborate with partner organizations throughout the greater Denver community.
Over a decade later, The Art Garage’s high-quality art education classes, workshops, and summer camps are taught by local artists for students of all ages and ability levels all over the Denver Metro Area! With a focus on equity and accessibility in the visual arts, The Art Garage has partnered with organizations including Laradon (adults with developmental disabilities), Grovewood Community Development (affordable senior living), The Center on Colfax (LGBTQ+ youth community center), and so many more to bring visual arts programming and education to larger and more diverse audiences every year.
Organization name
The Art Garage
2012
Tax id (EIN)
26-4806197
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Youth Development
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
6100 E 23rd AveDenver County, CO, US
