Simply Pizza Truck Hosts AfA Fundraiser
2022-07-26 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Denver) | 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, 2025-06-17 16:00 - 17:45, 2025-06-24 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-06-30 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-01 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-14 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-15 16:00 - 18:00 | 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!

First Friday Youth Workshop (In Person)
2025-07-11 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-08-01 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-05 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-03 17:00 - 18:00 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
FOR YOUTH (12 to 24)
YOU ARE A CREATIVE GENIUS! Come write some 3-minutes poems, listen to the powerful spoken word of a local performance artist, and eat some pizza!
Did we mention we pay our youth poets when you perform the poems you write in our workshops? You can share your hopes, dreams, and ideas with us and others every first Friday of every month.
Let your voice be heard!
Contact the Director of Programs with any questions below or just show up here!

First Friday Youth Performance
2025-08-01 18:00 - 18:30 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
FOR YOUTH (12 to 24)
Calling all youth poets ages 12 to 24! Join us at the Art from Ashes office for the youth workshop at 5pm following by a performance opportunity at 6pm. Get PAID to perform poems written in Art from Ashes workshops!
This event is open to the public. Community members are invited to join us and cheer on our courageous youth poets as they share their wisdom and power through their poetry.
Let your voice be heard!

Cultivate Community Plant Sale!
2025-08-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Renegade Brewing, 925 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO, 80204
Join us at Renegade Brewing (925 W 9th Ave Denver, CO 80204) for a FUNdraiser to support youth empowerment programming.
You’re invited to bring your friends and families to our plant and propagation “sale”. Volunteers and staff have donated plants, pots, and propagation jars. Pay a suggested donation for each plant, and take home your new green friend(s). Additionally, 10% of each beer sold will be donated to AfA, so bring your people and come thirsty!

Denver Art Drop Day
2025-09-02 10:00 - 18:00 | Colorado
Join us for 2025 Art Drop Day, an annual event hosted by Denver Arts and Venues! Our lovely volunteers painted lines from Art from Ashes youth poems on dozens of poetry rocks that will be scattered around Denver for YOU to find in this city-wide art scavenger hunt!
We invite you to visit your local parks and public spaces to find them! When you do, post a photo to your socials and tag Art from Ashes on Facebook or Instagram (@afaphoenix) using #ArtDropDenver2025 or #ArtDropDay. We’ll be dropping clues on where to find them throughout the day, so stay tuned!

“Art Drop Day is a worldwide celebration that connects communities by creating bonds between strangers through the act of sharing art. On the first Tuesday of each September, creators “drop” their works around town to surprise and delight art lovers, sharing clues on social media using #ArtDropDenver2025 and #ArtDropDay to aid in the search”
Click here to learn more!

First Friday Youth Performance
2025-09-05 18:00 - 18:30, 2025-10-03 18:00 - 18:30 | Art from Ashes, 1310 West 10th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80204
FOR YOUTH (12 to 24)
Calling all youth poets ages 12 to 24! Join us at the Art from Ashes office for the youth workshop at 5pm followed by a performance opportunity at 6pm. Get PAID to perform poems written in Art from Ashes workshops!
This event is open to the public. Community members are invited to join us and cheer on our courageous youth poets as they share their wisdom and power through their poetry.
Let your voice be heard!

Youth Workshop - Fall Poet-tree for the Denver Public Library Teen Space
2025-10-07 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-14 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-21 16:00 - 18:00 | 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 to transform the art installation that’s in the Denver Public Library’s new Teen Space for the season. All art prompts and materials will be provided, so just bring yourself (and a friend)! Let your creative genius shine!
