Studios at Lakewood United Methodist Church
Low-cost artist studios in a church that prides itself on being a place for everyone.
No matter what shoes you’ve walked in, where you're from, what you look like, or who you love - Lakewood United Methodist Church welcomes you.
This partnership between 40 West Arts and Lakewood United Methodist Church provides low-cost studio rentals to artists and creatives, including an annual Artist in Residence program, where an individual receives a free studio space in exchange for conducting programming throughout the community. 40 West Arts is grateful for this partnership in creating low-cost opportunities for artists to work in the district.
Aztec Group Huitzilopochtli
Azteca Arts Colorado is a collaboration of artists with roots in the indigenous cultures of North America, particularly Mexico. Their collective goal is to promote the awareness and advancement of our people's beautiful heritage. They promote the preservation of their culture through educational, economical, spiritual and nutritional growth, utilizing the arts to achieve these goals.
Baila Conmigo
Baila Conmigo is an International Folklore Dance Team concentrating on dances from South America, Central America, Mexico and Spain. We are committed to sharing the beautiful and diverse Latino culture through dance. Our dance group is a true family and we enjoy sharing our culture with all fans of dance.
Blake Ballard, Artist in Residence
As a self-proclaimed crafting aficionado, I strive to blur the line between craft and fine art, all while creating pieces I love. My practice is influenced by my own family craft traditions and the concept of lineage. Although very personal, my work explores themes that are relatable and comforting. By day, I am an Academic Advisor at a Colorado art college. By night, I am an artist and illustrator sharing my work online and creating colorful new projects for myself. As a 40 West Arts Districts Artist in Residence, Blake will lead free programming and inclusive art workshops for the West Colfax community. His tenure will focus on implementing art projects along the 40 West ArtLine, as well as a variety of beginner friendly crafting workshops from punch needle embroidery to crochet (or even printmaking!).
Carrie Sonneborn
I am a multimedia artist who is perhaps best described by a favorite quote: I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. (E.B. White) I aim to create quirky art with a sense of humor - it has to make me laugh. I care about the planet, plants and animals. People are ok too in limited amounts. I like to upcycle materials that would otherwise be discarded. Yarn? Plastic bottle caps? Old books? Yes! When I was heading to college my father would not abide an airy-fairy art pursuits, so after engineering and business degrees, here I am back in the studio. I'm excited to have the time and space to follow my fancy once again! And if I'm at a bakery and just can't decide, I will say, 'I'll take one of each'.
Colorado Children’s Chorale
Since 1974 the Colorado Children’s Chorale has brought its artistry and charm to audiences throughout the world. The Chorale has been awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and the prestigious El Pomar Award for Excellence in Arts and Humanities.
Dan Bahn
By exploring the nuances of the nature, one can ascribe an identity to what they see – to search for something familiar to latch onto and form their own relationship to the aesthetic. The true power of an image lies in the fact that it is an abstraction, a parable, and the conveyor of an idea. I draw my inspiration from the ruggedness and beauty of my surroundings in Colorado. From the unique rock formations to the dusty, dry grasslands in the area, the light and color are unequaled in their quality. My approach is intuitive and expressive, seeking ways to create a new reality on my terms.
David Peterson
David is an active member of the Lutheran Chorale.
Fiesta Colorado
The Fiesta Colorado Dance Company is the premier and most recognized Hispanic Dance Company of Colorado. The company is directed by Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero. Originally formed in 1972, the Fiesta Colorado Dance Company was awarded the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2006 for its service to the community and for excellence in the preservation of Hispanic Arts. Their mission is to help preserve the cultural traditions of the Spanish and Mexican dance & music arts for its community.
Jim Rabiolo
Jim was a normal suburban kid of his time who played outside in the dirt and creeks, caught tadpoles and crawfish, and rode his bike everywhere. He excelled in math and became passionate about art in the 5th grade. In his mind, he could always visualize the way something could look like. His mornings are a particularly good time for insightful thinking about what to make for the day. Through the practice of putting his thoughts and feelings into physical form for many years, he has achieved a high degree of success in recording them accurately. These artistic expressions, of his internalized turmoil and revelations on living, come from his baby boomer white male lifetime of social, sexual, and political change.
The Lutheran Chorale
From its first season in 1976, The Lutheran Chorale has shared its love of music with the front range community, performing a rich variety of musical works, with a special emphasis on the abundant choral tradition of the Lutheran Heritage. Performances include 6 to 8 major concerts each season, as well as special events such as fund-raisers, civic organizations, dedications, conventions, etc. World tours have taken us to Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia, New Zeland, Austrailia, Figi, and the British Isles.
Rae Willow Fern
I fell in love with clay a few years ago and haven’t stopped getting my hands muddy since. Working with ceramics is one of the few things that makes time melt away, allowing me to create my dreams into reality. Each piece that I make is handcrafted with love and intention, honoring the fact that my wares will be around for generations to come. I co-create with the elements to bring the future artifacts into your hands. I make pottery that is both sturdy and whimsical to bring magic into your everyday life. May you find something in my work that is an inspirational vessel to your daily nourishment.
Stacey Smith
Stacey is an active member of the Colorado Children’s Chorale.
Stephanie Kranstover
My work is a series exploration of forms inspired loosely by organic growth patterns of fungal matter and seed pods. By using these forms repeated in different scales and textures allows me to create different conversations between each piece. Creating clean abstract interpretations of natural processes helps me display the subtle beauties of reminiscent patterns and shapes seen around our environment. Each piece I make is a depiction of the beauty within decay as well as the cycle of new life that is created soon after.
Virginia Steck
Virginia Steck Johnson is an artist exploring nature and currently living in Denver, Colorado. She has fond memories of exploring the forest as a kid, finding treasures, and imagining hidden worlds. That feeling of wonder she found as a child is what informs her current work. She enjoys wandering through the woods to find hidden landscapes that she can then transform into expressive paintings. While creating art, she can reconnect with that feeling of childlike exploration. There is so much magic and possibility to be found in the wild, especially if you crouch down a little.