Weehawken Creative Arts: Inspiring Through Art, Dance, and Community
For 21 years, Weehawken Creative Arts has been a cornerstone of arts education and cultural enrichment in Ouray, Ridgway, and Montrose. From our renowned dance program to youth and adult offerings ranging from aerial arts to horticulture walks, we touch the lives of thousands each year. In 2025 alone, we offered more than 465 classes; hosted major events like the Ridgway Rendezvous Arts Festival, Fête de la Musique, and the Ridgway 1K; and provided scholarships to ensure accessibility for all.
As we look to 2026, your support through Colorado Gives will help us achieve ambitious goals that continue to foster creativity, learning, and connection in our region:
2026 Goals
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Expand Programming & Access: Increase access to arts, dance, and cultural education in Ouray and Montrose Counties by offering new classes and workshops for youth and adults, always responding to community needs.
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Sustain High-Quality Offerings: Maintain and grow our world-class dance and arts programs with top-tier instructors and signature performances—including The Nutcracker (Dec ’26) and Cinderella (May ’26)—while continuing to innovate across all areas of programming.
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Enhance Scholarship Opportunities: Raise $30,000 again this year for scholarships and work-trade support to ensure equitable access to arts education, so no student is left out due to financial barriers.
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Develop Facilities at 145 & 147 North Cora: Invest in major upgrades to our Ridgway campus to create inspiring, functional spaces for classes, workshops, and community gatherings. Essential needs include electrical updates, insulation, storage solutions, classroom activation, and other critical improvements.
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Secure Long-Term Classroom Space in Montrose: By fall 2026, Weehawken will need a new and expanded classroom space in Montrose to house at least half of our programming due to changes in the facilities we currently occupy. We have promising opportunities on the horizon—details we cannot yet share publicly—and we are actively seeking supporters who can help us secure and invest in a permanent Montrose home for our growing programs. If you are interested in being part of this transformational effort, please reach out directly; we would be honored to walk you through the vision.
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Support Organizational Sustainability: Through our Key to the Future Capital Campaign, help pay down the remaining loan balance on our shared property at North Cora Street—securing our first-ever permanent home for arts education in Ouray County and building a stable foundation for generations to come. Securing long-term/permanent classroom space in Montrose also addresses this goal.
Every dollar you donate helps us bring arts education and inspiration to our region, ensuring that creativity thrives for all ages. Whether it's funding costumes for a young dancer, materials for an art class, or our vibrant community gallery, your support makes a meaningful difference.
Together, let’s create a vibrant and sustainable future for Weehawken Creative Arts. Thank you for believing in the power of the arts to transform lives and strengthen our communities!
Testimonials
“We have witnessed our children blossom in unforeseen ways because of the experiences they have had through Weehawken. They've gained self-confidence, self-awareness, a love for classic works of literature, an ever-expanding knowledge of theater, dance, and functional movement, and have developed friendships with children they otherwise would never have met. Bridging the distance between rural communities is a particular strength of Weehawken. The instructors are skilled and genuine in their love for art and for their communities. Folks happily drive long distances—often in dangerous conditions—to ensure their children (or they themselves) can participate in the many dynamic offerings of this structured, inclusive, and creative organization.”
“The continued sustainment and expansion of Weehawken Creative Arts is an undeniable asset to our community and surrounding communities. In an age of increasing isolation among youth, Weehawken stands as a beacon of light, bringing children and families closer. Stretching across several rural counties, they offer a first-class arts experience encompassing theater, art, dance, poetry, music, and more. We especially appreciate their inclusive mission, welcoming participants of all socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, races, and skill levels. Weehawken celebrates the colorful patchwork of rural communities, ensuring everyone who wants to participate can do so. This organization enriches the lives of participants and entire communities.”
In closing, we cannot speak highly enough of Weehawken.
Patrick and Ashley Unverferth
