Poetry Prowl
2021-04-17 - 2021-04-25 | Colorado
FOR ALL AGES
Ever wanted to just cut loose and let your inner creativity go wild? Now’s your chance with Art from Ashes, the award-winning nonprofit devoted to youth empowerment through creativity!
We invite you to celebrate National Poetry Month with an online POETRY PROWL, a poetic, photographic version of a stay-at-home-inspired scavenger(ish) hunt.
This event is for anyone and everyone of all ages and as always, young people up to age 24 are invited to participate for FREE! RSVP between now and April 25: bit.ly/poetry-prowl
Here’s an overview
• Respond to any or all of our poetry prompts
• Scavenge your world for inspiration, with your phone/camera, paper and pen, your besties, family, or solo
• Share your discoveries on any social media platform and tag us using #artfromashes #poetryprowl
• Win entries for door prizes if you donate, or whenever you tag AfA on social media, or if you complete the list
• Show off your creative genius, win a door prize, meet other participants, listen to youth poets, and salute National Poetry Month’s 25th Anniversary at 3 PM April 25 at our Poetry Prowl Palooza on Zoom! (link will be sent to all who register)
The Prowl and the Party are online events, however prompts encourage discovery at home, and some involve visiting outdoor locations. Youth ages 12 – 24 who RSVP get a “ticket stub” by email to bring to our Wednesday poetry and spoken word workshop to receive a FREE writing kit.
Youth who bring a friend with you to the workshop, and you’ll both get an *extra* gift!
For more information, contact events@artfromashes.org or call Celeste at the office: 303.837.1550

First Friday Youth Poetry Performance
2021-05-07 18:00 - 18:30, 2021-06-04 18:00 - 18:30, 2021-07-02 18:00 - 18:30, 2021-08-06 18:00 - 18:30, 2021-09-03 18:00 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | Colorado
Laura Peña and youth poet Daniella First Friday on Instagram
FOR ALL AGES
Join us every First Friday for youth spoken word performances via Instagram on our account page @afaphoenix between 6 and 6.30 pm.
Show support for the young people who participate in our Phoenix Rising youth empowerment program. Listen as youth poets ages 12 to 24 tell their stories in metaphor through poems written in only 3 minutes.
Just before the public performance, youth gather through a Zoom workshop at 5pm for a FREE one-hour Phoenix Rising writing and performance workshop, featuring a local performance poet. All youth are welcome.
Go here for more details or contact Director of Programs Sarah Lanzarotta for more information.
Unfamiliar with Instagram? Here’s our handy dandy cheat sheet:

Shine Music Festival
2021-08-08 12:00 - 23:30 | Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver, 80223
Art from Ashes is partnering with Shine Music to present the Shine Music Festival—a radically accessible music event—on Sunday, August 8th at the Levitt Pavilion in Ruby Hill Park, Denver. One of our youth poets will perform to kick-off the event at 1pm, and we’ll have a table set up with art and writing prompts for the community.
Shine Music Festival is a family-friendly, accessible music experience founded by Shawn Satterfield. It’s a day filled with music, art, food, and fun for the community!
To learn about all the bands performing and for more information, please visit their website: shinemusicfestival.com
A personal message from Shawn to all of our supporters, friends and family:
“For the past two years, we have worked with various organizations, to combine comprehensive accessibility plans with assistive technologies to create a space where everyone can share in the power of live music together.
We are limiting the 14,000-capacity venue to 7,500 to accommodate years of accessibility planning.
To reserve your FREE ticket, please visit: www.shinemusicfestival.com/membertickets and use the RSVP code: ART
After completing the optional information page, you will be directed to our partner Good Elephant’s ticketing platform. To register other family or friends who will be joining you, simply click the “Bring A Friend” button after submitting your request. Add additional guests name, email is optional, and click the RSVP button. If they will be coming separately, they will need to create a Good Elephant account to access their ticket.
We look forward to seeing you on August 8th for the first Shine Music Festival!

First Friday Youth Poetry Performance
2021-10-01 18:00 - 18:30, 2021-12-03 18:00 - 18:30 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
FOR ALL AGES
First Friday on Instagram with Laura Peña and youth poet Daniella
Join us every First Friday for youth spoken word performances on site at Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave in Denver or via Instagram on our account page @afaphoenix between 6 and 6.30 pm.
Show support for the young people who participate in our Phoenix Rising youth empowerment program. Listen as youth poets ages 12 to 24 tell their stories in metaphor through poems written in only 3 minutes.
Just before the public performance, youth gather through a Zoom workshop at 5pm for a FREE one-hour Phoenix Rising writing and performance workshop, featuring a local performance poet. All youth are welcome.
Go here for more details or contact the Director of Operations below for more information.
Unfamiliar with Instagram? Here’s our handy dandy cheat sheet:

Poetry and Prana
2021-10-09 15:00 - 16:30 | cheesman Park, 1599 East 8th Ave, Denver, CO, 80218
Time to decompress from the weight of current events plus the usual stress of school and relationships—and everything else in your life! Art from Ashes is collaborating with Courageous Yoga Studio to give you some new tools to help you restore your balance.
Poetry & Prana is a FREE event for youth 12 to 24, and other members of the community are also welcome to join (see below). We will meld the power of words with the relaxing practice of yoga in the open air at Cheesman Park on Saturday, October 9th from 3 to 4:30pm. There will also be a chance to win a door prize!
Register here: bit.ly/AfA-poetry-prana
We’ll meet at the large pavilion at 3pm and walk to our spot. If you arrive after that time lookout for our tables nearby.
What to bring:
There will be a limited number of yoga mats, so if you have your own please bring one.
What we’ll provide:
• Water and snacks
• A poetry pack containing what you need for the event and some fun things to take with you.
*Not a young person? No worries, all ages and all practice levels are welcome! Donations would be much appreciated, however not required to join.
Poetry & Prana will be led by yoga instructor Zeek Nwizu.

Zeek seeks to share her wisdom of exploration and creativity from the yoga sutras, tarot, astrology, and her travels worldwide. Her Vinyasa flows consist of inner reflection, empowerment of the body, and self-compassion. She is a yoga instructor committed to both the physical and reflective parts of yoga. Her journey as an instructor is to provide healing and self-guidance for her students inside and outside the studio.

ALL HALLOW'S EVE
2021-10-31 17:00 - 20:00 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
We’re welcoming all the groovy ghosts and goblins (up to age 24) to come get candy and swag bags at Art from Ashes this Halloween!
Visit Kayla Marque, DJ Alisha B and the AfA peeps at Art from Ashes on Halloween night on Oct 31 between 5 and 8pm for some ghoulish goodies and deliciously devilish snacks.
DJ Alisha B will be playing all the Halloween hits while you enjoy painting pumpkins, writing spooky stories and our photo booth!
Come see us for a night of creepiness and creativity, and find out what else we have in store. Grab some candy and swag bags, ‘cuz we’ll be handing out the goodies and having fun from 5 to 8pm.
Art from Ashes creates an intentional environment where all young people are welcome.

First Friday Youth Poetry Performance
2021-11-05 18:00 - 18:30 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
FOR ALL AGES
Join us November First Friday for youth spoken word performances both IN PERSON on site at Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave in Denver and via Instagram on our account page @afaphoenix between 6 and 6.30 pm.
Come out and play with us!
And for all you percussion lovers out there, we’ll also be hosting the Steel Pan Collective. After the youth poets perform, there will be steel pans set up for you to play!
The Steel Pan Collective’s mission is to build a connected community of steel pan musicians, educators, artisans and enthusiasts. We accomplish this by emphasizing our three core values: education, performance, and community outreach.
Show support for the young people who participate in our Phoenix Rising youth empowerment program. Listen as youth poets ages 12 to 24 tell their stories in metaphor through poems written in only 3 minutes.
Just before the public performance, youth gather at 5pm for a FREE one-hour Phoenix Rising writing and performance workshop, featuring a local performance poet. All youth are welcome.
Go here for more details or contact the Director of Operations below for more information.
Unfamiliar with Instagram? Here’s our handy dandy cheat sheet:

#GivingTuesday 2021
2021-11-30 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
Donate Here

Paypal & Colorado Gives are USA only

PayPal
Colorado Gives

Whether you donate $5 or $500 in support of youth empowerment through creativity, our wonderful board of directors is matching the first $5,000 on GivingTuesday!
Millions of young people are silenced and dismissed in our society, and without a voice of course you would feel neglected and marginalized.
We believe in the power of poetry and art to bring about transformation! If you do, too—if you want to hear the voices of youth expressing their pain, their joy, their fears and faith, donate to AfA this #givingtuesday and give a young person back their voice!

Celebration of Light 2021
2021-12-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
AfA’s annual Celebration of Light on Tuesday the 7th at 7pm, brings together the beautiful humans in our community to observe the triumphs and accomplishments of the year. Light is the common bond that unites diverse holiday celebrations at the end of the year. It signifies hope, rebirth, and guidance—that are honored when we come together to applaud the youth we serve and the community it takes to serve them. We ask everyone to shine a light on the Art from Ashes youth with their unwavering support and kindness at this special time of the year! REGISTER HERE or just show up!
Celebration of Light will back in person for 2021 but with safety in mind! We will host a COVID-safe party outside of our space (with heaters, of course). If you would like to enter our space, please be prepared to show proof that you have been double vaccinated and wear a mask (sanitize, etc… you know the drill).
In honor of our tradition, there will be a candle lighting ceremony at 8pm. Bring your own jar to decorate for the candle, and we’ll provide one if you need it. We’ll have all the other materials available. The candle lighting will be broadcast on Instagram and Facebook Live, if you would rather join us from home. Please share your own lighting in honor of our combined efforts to build and sustain community, even when it’s difficult.
Come see us Tuesday, Dec 7th at 7pm for annual Celebration of Light gathering complete with youth poet performances, music by Cipriano Ortega, light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
The event will be free to attend, but donations are certainly welcome, because it’s COLORADO GIVES DAY!

First Friday Performance
2022-05-06 18:00 - 18:45 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
FOR ALL AGES

Join us every First Friday for youth spoken word performances!
Show support for the young people who participate in our Phoenix Rising youth empowerment program. Listen as youth poets ages 12 to 24 tell their stories in metaphor through poems written in only 3 minutes.
On May 6th we hope to see you at one or more of several locations where we will be participating in activities and hosting performances (luckily, they are all close to each other!)
From 2 to 9pm, our table will be set up at the Queer Art Showcase, hosted by OUT FRONT Magazine and located at SKYLIGHT, 833 Santa Fe Drive. Swing by and say hi while also shopping for local handmade goods (more info here)
We also will be at Strawberry Mountain, an awesome up-cycled clothing store (conveniently right next door to SKYLIGHT) for a street performance featuring our youth poets, slated to begin at 6:30pm.
Celebrate community with Art from Ashes!

Just before the public performance, youth gather at our location at 5pm for a FREE one-hour Phoenix Rising writing and performance workshop, featuring a local poet. All youth are welcome.
Go here for more details or contact the Program Manager below for more information.

Simply Pizza Truck Hosts AfA Fundraiser
2022-07-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2022-07-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2022-07-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2022-07-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Run Westy Run Food Truck Park, 3151 W 70th Ave, Westminster, Colorado
Simply Pizza Truck reached out to help us fundraise for our programs and to provide youth with opportunities to perform their poems! We’ll be at the Run Westy Run Food Truck Park every Tuesday in July from 6 to 7 pm.
The park is open to the public from 5-8 pm, and between 6 and 7 we’ll be talking about our work, handing out buttons and stickers and poems, giving word and art prompts, and the Art from Ashes youth poets will be performing!
Hope to see you at the park, and thank you Simply Pizza Truck!

2nd Annual Community Gathering
2022-08-07 16:30 - 18:30 | Nurture, 2949 N. Federal Blvd, Denver, 80211
Hello friends, You are invited to the 2nd Annual Community Gathering, co-hosted by Neena Expressions and Nurture Denver!
The date and time are August 7, 2022 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
Address is 2949 N. Federal Blvd. Masks are optional.
The theme of last year‘s gathering focused on speaking out about mural erasure and displacement of the beloved Escuela community.
This year‘s gathering will continue the conversation about Denver‘s Chicano murals and celebrate the community of Escuela Tlatelolco. It is important for new communities to learn, understand, and become part of Denver’s rich heritage.
Since Denver‘s Chicano murals are now on the nation’s endangered list, it is crucial to share dialogues in safe spaces that foster inclusivity and growth. In addition, we will discuss other community and social justice issues, with the idea of inclusivity in mind.
I Invite you to be part of this expression; whether that’s a testimonial, idea, visual art, music, spoken word, dance, song, poetry, and/or writing. Why? Because art heals and gives people hope.
This is a free event.
*If you would like to support this event and others like it, please pay what you want with your preferred app. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Venmo @Neena-Massey
Zelle @Neena Massey
PayPal neenamassey@yahoo.com
Social Media
Facebook: Neena Expressions
Instagram: @neenaexp
Eventbrite: Neena Expressions
LinkedIn: Neena Massey
Website: www.neenaexpressions.com
Escuela Tlatelolco
The Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios was founded by Corky Gonzales, initiated by the struggle of the Chicano Movement in the 60’s. His daughter, Nita, continued to inspire direct activism from students, staff and families. The school closed in 2017 after 46 enduring years. The Escuela community was separated and the murals inside and outside the building were erased, due to unfortunate circumstances. Many people felt a sense of sadness and grief because the artwork was symbolic and meaningful to many Denver residents. The school was located on Speer and Federal Blvd., for 26 years.
Nurture Denver
As a “home for the whole human” Nurture invites all walks of life to embark on their own journey to successful self-care with committed members from all areas of the wellcare sector. Nurture is a community-based wellcare marketplace focused on self-care offerings for everyone. With over 60 vetted, independent beauty, wellness, fitness, cafe, and retail businesses, Nurture provides a place for our community members to meet all of their wellcare needs under one roof. Nurture is currently located in the formerly known Escuela Tlatelolco building. It is Nurture’s heart to support the efforts of remembrance and inclusion. To stay in the know with Nurture, you can follow them at @visitnurture.
Rewild Happy Hour bites and drinks will be available at Nurture for purchase.
Neena Expressions
I studied Chicano muralists as my undergraduate thesis at UCD, and then worked at Escuela Tlatelolco for 15 years. After the school closed in 2017, I obtained my MFA-IA in Performance Art Education from Goddard College. I now work in the capacity of healing through artistic expressions, raising awareness and sensitivity to struggles the community faces, from different perspectives and viewpoints.
This project brings attention to communal wounds that need attention and acknowledgement, and is very special to me because of my love for Escuela, and the artistic murals in Denver.
To learn about future healing art events by Neena Expressions, email neenaexpressions@gmail.com to be added to my mailing list.
Thank you Nurture Denver, for hosting this gathering, and to the Spirit of Tlatelolco for bringing us together at our former home base. Viva Corky! Presente!
We’re excited to see you soon!
Best,
Neena and the Incredible Participants for the Community Gathering

Joy Harjo
2022-08-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Iliff School of Theology, 2323 E Iliff Ave, Denver, 80210
The power of poetry and art in social movements with National Poet Laureate
Thursday, August 11th 6:30 p.m. to 8
Iliff School of Theology – 2323 E Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80210
This Inaugural event of the new Institute of Religion, Politics & Culture at Iliff, sponsored by Iliff’s Women’s Alliance, will bring together poetry, art, and inspiring conversation as we explore the ways poetry shapes movements for justice. Director of the Institute, Amanda Henderson will welcome National Poet Laureate Joy Harjo to share her poetry and art work in a public conversation. Young artists, poets, and musicians from the Denver community will share their gifts throughout the evening.
Cost $10
Registration Required
Online or In-Person options available.
https://bit.ly/3y7f7NY
Artists & Partners
Art from Ashes
Youth on Record
All in Spirit
Norma Johnson
American Indian
Academy of Denver

Creative Time Drop-In Workshop
2023-03-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave, Denver, Colorado, 80204
EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE age 12 to 24
You don’t have to think you’re a poet or an artist, we already know you’re a creative genius. Come and speak your truth with other youth!
Calling all youth ages 12 to 24 to join us for FREE Creative Time workshops offered every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm at our agency location. We’ll provide creative writing and art prompts, all the supplies, and free pizza! No registration required. Come on over and CREATE!
We’re at 1310 West 10th Ave right next to the 10th and Osage light rail station (map below).
All young people between the age of 12 and 24 are welcome. We provide the writing materials, art supplies, food and drinks… You provide the creative genius!
You can email us using the form below if you’d like to let us know you’re coming or want more information…and if you want to be sure you get some food. Or just drop in any Wednesday at 4pm!

20 Years of Transformation
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Rag + Bale, 1401 Zuni St., Suite 106, Denver, CO, 80204, United States
In the time since Catherine O’Neill Thorn founded Art from Ashes (AfA) in 2003, the agency has partnered with more than 200 organizations to serve 17,000 youth, and countless folks have contributed to AfA’s mission to facilitate health and hope in the community.
’20 Years of Transformation’ is worth celebrating!

To commemorate two full decades of youth empowerment, we’re hosting a gathering centered on our foundational values of expression, connection, and transformation, specifically the personal transformation that occurs when struggling youth connect to their voice. Join us 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Rag + Bale (1401 Zuni St., Suite 106) for youth poetry performances, music, and lots of jubilance!
RSVP HERE or just show up. We’ll have plenty of food and drink, a silent auction, creative prompts, a festive display of AfA’s colorful heritage, and much more. Catherine O’Neill Thorn, creator of the award-winning Phoenix Rising curriculum and executive director of AfA until her retirement in the summer of 2022, is making a special trip across the pond for this momentous occasion.
All are welcome to join us at at this FREE EVENT. Let’s come together to honor AfA, its people, its history, and all the youth served as we embark on the next 20 years. Whether you are new to the organization, an old friend, or a curious member of the community who would love to learn more, you’re invited!
Our silent auction is active now through November 9th at 8:30pm and includes lots of donations from individuals and businesses, including experience packages and tickets to museums, gardens, and local performances. You can view the items and place your bids online.
For more information, contact events@artfromashes.org or call 303-837-1550. We look forward to seeing you there!
This event is free of charge and open to the public. Let us know you’re coming so we know how much grub to bring, or just show up!

Open House for YOUTH!
2024-02-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
YOUTH OPEN HOUSE at Art from Ashes, free to anyone ages 12 to 24
Come check out our space and learn more about our workshop and performance opportunities!
Join Art from Ashes facilitators and other youth from the community for this FREE event.

We’ll provide the pizza and art prompts! We’re at 1310 West 10th Ave right next to the 10th and Osage light rail station (map below).
All young people between the age of 12 and 24 are welcome. We provide everything you’ll need, so just bring yourselves (and a friend or two).
You can email us using the form below if you’d like to let us know you’re coming or want more information…and if you want to be sure you get some food. Or just drop in February 20th between 4 and 6pm.
Thank you so much to the Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS) and Caring for Denver Foundation, and to all our business sponsors and individual donors who make events like these possible!

AfA Youth Poets Performing at the 35th Anniversary Poetry Rodeo
2024-06-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Mercury Café, 2199 California St., Denver, CO, 80205
Join Art from Ashes on June 1st at The Mercury Café for the 35th Annual Poetry Rodeo. This day-long spoken word festival runs from 10am to 11pm and offers a wide range of literary activities, including workshops, featured readers, open mics, showcases of writer organizations, a small press display, and multi-dynamic musical and theatrical poetry presentations. Performances will take place on all three stages at The Mercury Cafe, making it the biggest yet!
At 1 pm, AfA youth poets will perform, and Art from Ashes’ very own Executive Director, Jessica Jarrard, will lead one of our intuitive 3-minute poetry prompts.
There is a suggested donation of $10 to attend the full day of performances. Youth under the age of 18 get in for free.

Youth on Record Block Party
2024-06-08 14:00 - 19:00 | Youth on Record, 1301 W 10th Ave., Denver, CO, 80205
On June 8th, our neighbor, Youth on Record, is hosting its 10th annual Block Party and Youth Music Fest right across from our office to champion and uplift youth creatives in the surrounding community. This event is FREE, and you’re invited! The event will include youth performances, interactive experiences, food trucks, and more.

AfA youth poets will perform around 2:30 pm, and we’ll have our table set up all day for an interactive art project from 2 to 7 pm. Come cheer on our youth poets and support our creative community!

Woods Boss Brewing Company
2024-08-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Woods Boss Brewery, 2210 California St, Denver, CO, United States
Join us Monday, August 6 from 5-8 pm at Woods Boss Brewing (2210 California St, Denver, CO) for some poetry and pints! Woods Boss Brewing is donating proceeds from all beers sold during the event to Art from Ashes. Come on down, invite a friend, order a pint, hear some poems, and meet some Art from Ashes folks!

Youth Workshop and Planning Session for Art Installation at Denver Public Library
2025-05-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Denver Central Library, 10 W 14th Ave, Denver, 80204, United States
Calling ALL YOUTH ages 12 to 24! Join Art from Ashes youth ambassadors at the Denver Public Library Central Branch – Teen Space on May 27 from 4 to 6pm for a workshop and planning session to create an art installation for the space. All art prompts and materials will be provided, so just bring yourself (and a friend)! Let your creative genius shine!

Youth Workshop - Creating Art for the Denver Public Library Teen Space
2025-06-03 16:00 - 17:45, 2025-06-10 16:00 - 17:45 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
Calling ALL YOUTH ages 12 to 24! Join us at the Art from Ashes agency location (1310 W 10th Ave., Denver) for some writing and art prompts to create materials for an art installation that will go in the Denver Public Library’s new Teen Space. All art prompts and materials will be provided, so just bring yourself (and a friend)! Let your creative genius shine!
