The Art Garage is an open and light-filled space designed within a reclaimed gas station on the southeast corner of 23rd Avenue and Kearney Street in Park Hill, located in the northeast quadrant of Denver, CO. In 2008 we were honored with the Denver Mayor’s Design Award in the Wild Card category for having transformed this old station into a working art studio. Since June of 2007 the Art Garage has offered classes, workshops, summer art camps, special events and most recently, a weekly community market known as gas! Think about us next time you have the urge to create something original or if you want to host an unusual special event in a unique space!
The Art Garage recently received 501(c)(3) status allowing us to transform into a Non-Profit organization. Receiving so many donations over the years from our neighbors, it seemed important to move in this new direction. We will soon be hosting fund raising events, seeking financial donations through grant writing and private funding in order to set up scholarships and other, new programs. It is important for us to integrate the arts within the entire community by building stronger, creative ties between people of all ages and skill levels. We embrace social and cultural diversity of individuals within neighborhoods and across Denver. If you want to share in this effort contact us at artgaragedenver@gmail.com to make a donation or to volunteer your time helping us grow the Art Garage into a well known art center of continued quality and strength.
The working artist’s, certified teachers, students and customers of the Art Garage define our vibrant, colorful programs. They encourage technical development and experimentation, all vital to creativity. Their combined participation and blending of aesthetic opinion lead to high quality lessons for people at so many different levels, We aspire to make the art experience genuine and real. A special thanks to Melinda Stewart who helped me establish the Art Garage and to the many others who have contributed time, material and creative energy. Patricia Barr-Clarke has been on hand teaching, donating and generally being on call to help develop the arts in Northeast Denver. To Kendall and Scott Knoll for all of your great input and recruitment efforts in our early years. It is because of the support of so many that we are at this exciting cross-road. I am confident that our new Board of Directors will steer the Art Garage toward progressive and stimulating growth. If you want to become an active part of the Art Garage please contact us by phone, 303-355-1154 or email us, artgaragedenver@gmail.com as we welcome ideas!
Saving the best for last, we have recently hired our first, Executive Director whom we welcome, Roberta Bloom. While I have managed this position over the years, I am delighted that Roberta brings years experience as an artist, educator and arts administrator to the Art Garage. As she settles in, she will enable the Art Garage to grow into a more diverse and prominent position within our community.
Thank you, your support is our success!
Barb McKee, Founder
Papier Mache’ sculpture by Rick Phelps, Santa Fe Artist specializing in re-cycled material construction, 2009. Photograph by Melinda Stewart 2010.
6100 East 23rd Avenue Denver, CO 80207 artgaragedenver@gmail.com