Weehawken Creative Arts: Inspiring Through Art, Dance, and Community
For 20 years, Weehawken Creative Arts has been a cornerstone of arts education and cultural enrichment in Ouray, Ridgway, and Montrose, Colorado. From our renowned dance program to youth and adult classes in everything from aerial arts to culinary skills, we touch the lives of thousands each year. In 2024 alone, we offered over 500 classes, hosted major events like the Ridgway Rendezvous Arts Festival, Fete de la Musique, Ridgway 1k and more --- and provided scholarships to ensure accessibility for all.
As we look to 2025, your support through Colorado Gives will help us achieve ambitious goals that continue to foster creativity and connection in our community:
2025 Goals:
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Continue in the Expansion of Programming: Increase access to arts and dance education with new classes and workshops in Ouray and Montrose Counties tailored to youth and adults; responding, as always, to community needs.
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Sustain High-Quality Offerings: Maintain and grow our world-class dance program with top-tier instructors and performances, including our signature productions like The Nutcracker and Claire en L’Aire aerial shows.
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Enhance Scholarship Opportunities: Raise $30,000 for scholarships to provide equitable access to our programs, ensuring no one is left out due to financial constraints.
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Develop Facilities: Invest in upgrades and storage to the 145/147 North Cora Street Annex (Ridgway) as well as classroom storage upgrades in Montrose to create inspiring and more-functional environments for creativity for all ages.
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Support Sustainability: Pay down the remaining balance on our shared property at 145 North Cora Street (via our "Key to the Future" Capital Campaign"), securing our first-ever permanent home for our programs in Ouray County.
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 beautiful community gallery, your support makes a real 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 build stronger communities!
Testimonials
It is with sincere hearts that we express our support for Weehawken Creative Arts.
We have three children participating in Weehawken Creative Arts classes and productions. Our eight-year-old daughter is studying ballet with Weehawken Dance and has enthusiastically done so for the past three years. Our two boys, aged eleven and ten, have advanced to green belts in the mixed-age karate classes available through Weehawken. They have also participated in several dance productions over recent years, which have proven to be the highlight of their Weehawken experience.
We have witnessed our children blossom in unforeseen ways because of the experiences they have had through Weehawken Creative Arts. They've gained self confidence; self-awareness; a burgeoning love for classic works of literature; an ever-expanding knowledge of theater, dance, and functional movement; and have developed friendships with children with whom they'd otherwise not have had the opportunity to do so. Bridging the distance between rural communities is a particular strength of Weehawken Creative Arts. The instructors are skilled and genuine in their love for art and for their communities. Folks will happily drive long distances, in oftentimes-dangerous road 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/or expansion of Weehawken Creative Arts would be an undeniable asset to our community and surrounding communities. In an age of ever-increasing isolation among our nation's youth, Weehawken stands as a beacon of light to bring children and families closer to one another. Stretching across several counties and rural communities, they give children and adults a first class fine arts experience encompassing theater, art, dance, poetry, music, and more. One of the aspects we most appreciate about this organization is their inclusive mission, welcoming folks from all socioeconomic statuses, genders, races, and skill levels. Rural communities are formed by a colorful patchwork of personalities and skillsets. We have seen Weehawken consistently celebrate that fact through their course offerings and productions, making sure everyone who has a desire to participate is given the opportunity to do so. This is an organization that deeply richens the lives of not only those who participate, but also those of entire communities.
In closing, we cannot speak highly enough of Weehawken Creative Arts.
Their contribution to our world is invaluable and ever so worthy of contemplation for your gift.
Sincerely:
Patrick and Ashley Unverferth
