The Art Garage is a nonprofit organization that provides visual arts programming including classes in and outside of our studio, workshops, summer camps, parties, and private instruction for artists of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We partner with schools, businesses, and other nonprofits to create adaptive programming for a wide range of audiences and make the visual arts more accessible to all. We strive to bolster our creative community by providing sustainable jobs for local artists, hosting free events and Open Studios, and bringing The Art Garage’s creative spark to events in the greater Denver area.
"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." - Shana, Parent of Youth Artist/Participant
"Our son has profound autism and this is his second year talking classes at the Art Garage. The staff and instruction are one of the more inclusive programs in Denver. Would recommend to anyone!!!!" - Anonymous Parent of Youth Artist/Participant
"I like how all the teachers are free to be themselves. I think it’s great for young children to be exposed to all types of thinkers and people." - Anonymous Parent of Youth Artist/Participant
"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."- Anonymous Adult Artist/Participant
"The Art Garage has been a very healing space for me. Having the ability to come every week to get support, try out new art techniques, and express myself through art has been an important part of my healing process. I am so grateful to all The Art Garage does to support me and the other members of the community. 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."
- Allie, Community Engagement Program Adult Artist/Participant
"I've learned it's okay to be vulnerable and show my creations. Trauma makes it easy to hide any vulnerable feelings or self expressions. Art has made it easier to rewrite that narrative." - Anonymous Community Engagement Program Adult Artsit/ Participant
"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."
- Lynn, Staff Member from Community Engagement Program 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." - Anonymous Staff Therapist from Community Engagement Program 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
