On August 27th, AfA had a WONDERful time at our first annual Mad Hatter Tea Party! More than 20 guests fell down the rabbit hole with us to enjoy live music, youth poetry, whimsical decor, and a fanciest hat contest. Participants also got to savor delectable treats and delicious tea from our friends over at Drip Denver. Hats off to all who came out to our event!
Members of Steampunk not only loaned us most of the tea service, but donated some tea, as well!
AfA’s youth intern Hibaq Osman performed two poems: one of which is called “Paper Moon.”
Paper Moon
by Hibaq Osman, 17
Under the paper moon
She thinks she has the basics
But then a demon grabs her dreams
And makes a break for it
It’s a simple equation
Dreams and creation
I’m in love with the person I haven’t me
And that one place I’ve never lived
Please tell me how you can lead a life of 17 years and never live
Chained to a chain link fence
Woven by the hearts which you’ve torn from their place
It’s not a ‘whatever you think it is,’ darling It’s an arms race
And I swear, I scream at the top of my lungs
I swear
I will make a change to this world
I will change the voice of freedom
Bestow power amongst the girls
And I’ll make it to where color doesn’t matter
And race is just a four letter word
Where being queer is not weird
Where homophobia is absurd
Where society links arms with the misfit toys
And welcomes them to their island
Where the raped girl doesn’t cry when she sees her young boy
Because she wished his father’s actions didn’t define him
I swear
These faulty pieces do not define us
I swear the skies are so clear on the other side
I swear the sun will wake you up from this nightmare
And say “It’s okay honey, you don’t have to hide.
You’re absolutely fine right by my side”
Delicious Hearts and Spades sandwich cookies, courtesy of volunteer Lisa Schott Cheney-Philp
Yoga-Poetry
/in Events, Public Events/by AfAAdminPower of OM Donation-Based Yoga & Poetry Class!
It’s donation-based and will be held from 2 to 4:30 pm at Power of OM (4926 E Colfax). It’s open to anyone and everyone! Reservations are made at powerofom.com. Hit the tab Class Schedule link and then the Enrollment tab. Or just try this link 😀
Requested donation is $20 and will go directly to our youth programs. Class is limited to 25 people so reserve your spot today.
Bring your journal, pen, and an open heart. This is an all levels class. AfA youth poets will perform and facilitators will provide a writing prompt.
All Sacred Foundation September Fundraiser
/in /by AfAAdminAll Sacred Foundation is a non-profit fundraising collective based in Denver, Colorado. They are creative professionals that strive to benefit the community we live in. Each month, they contribute one day of their respective services, and donate 100% of the proceeds go to supporting Art from Ashes as well as other local charities Phoenix Multisport – Colorado, and Planned Pethood Plus.
We hope to see you at their monthly fundraiser, where you can get a tatto and support Art From Ashes youth!
AfA Hosts A Successful, Whimsical Mad Hatter Tea Party
/in News/by AfAAdminMembers of Steampunk not only loaned us most of the tea service, but donated some tea, as well!
AfA’s youth intern Hibaq Osman performed two poems: one of which is called “Paper Moon.”
Delicious Hearts and Spades sandwich cookies, courtesy of volunteer Lisa Schott Cheney-Philp
Mad Hatter Tea Party
/in /by AfAAdminJoin AfA for a happy hour tea party and fundraiser
Thursday, August 27
Art from Ashes is holding a Tea Party for current and potential donors. This is a small event for people interesting in hearing more about our work with youth.
There will be special teas, spiked tea (it’s Happy Hour!), appetizers, music and youth poets. There is no ticket price and everything will be free. Hopefully, you will feel called to support our programs.
PLEASE RSVP as the space is limited and we want to ensure there is room and enough food for everyone.
6th Annual Running Of The Gays
/in /by AfAAdmin“Come out” on Sunday, Sept 27 and show support for Denver’s LGBTQ+ youth at Denver’s SIXTH annual Running of the Gays!
Get yer heels (and ankles!) ready to roll… or strut, or hop, or stumble in a 3-block “marathon” in heels to fund creative programs for LGBTQ+ youth in our community. The event is organized by Denver’s LGBTQIA* community and Art from Ashes. Each year runners are asked to raise money through sponsorships to trot 3 blocks down 17th Avenue in heels, starting at Steuben’s Food Service and ACE Eat Serve.
Every year AfA, the queer community and allies run a 3-block marathon in heels to help fund creative empowerment workshops for the LGBTQ+ youth in our community. Runners register with a $35 donation ($25 before August 31st), and sponsors include Steuben’s, Medical Massage International, Mental Health Center of Denver, Fleur Salon, Divino Wine & Spirits, Marte Reps of RE/MAX Professionals Denver, Casey Shea of Live Urban Real Estate, Dwell Denver Real Estate, and X Bar.
RUNNERS REGISTER HERE!
Runners seek sponsorships from friends and family to raise money for the youth programs. The fee entitles runners to an ROTG t-shirt, a goodie bag, a free Mimosa courtesy of Steuben’s, and foot massage!
RUNNER SPONSORS SUPPORT YOUR RUNNER HERE!
BUSINESS PARTNERS SUPPORT THE RUN HERE!
Runners gather at 11 am to sign in, stretch and enjoy the street show. After Party, foot massages, drag show and silent auction at X Bar from noon to 2 pm!
See on our ROTG Facebook page to see the photos from previous years, as well as find out more information.
*Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer or Questioning/Intersex/Asexual or Ally
Educator’s Night
/in /by AfAAdminDenver County Fair!
/in News/by AfAAdminby Drew Myron
“At what’s been dubbed the ‘craziest county fair in America,’ pies and pigs mix with zombies, drag queens, and crazy cats (Lil Bub!). In the whirl of all this, poetry sings. And as Director of Poetry (I love this title), I get to orchestrate all kinds of fun: a poetry contest, a poetry performance, and a poetry booth. Along with the contest, the Poetry Performance featured powerful readings by youth poets from Art from Ashes.
‘I’m a recovered addict,’ Tyler told the audience. ‘Poetry transformed my life.’
‘I just had my last day of chemo,’ announced Vaniesha. ‘Poetry gives me strength.’
Their words burned up the stage and ignited energy.”
Read more here by Drew Myron about AfA’s presentation at the Denver County Fair in July!
RedLine 48 Hours of Socially Engaged Art & Conversation
/in /by AfAAdminRedLine museum is hosting a 48-hour convention among Denver art organizations to examine cultural responsibility and social engagement within the community. AfA will be there, represented by Program Director Ashley Cornelius! Ashley will give a short talk on being a creative genius before hosing a 45 minute workshop.
Join some of Denver’s most involved arts organizations for two days of progressive social examination and community connection!
Art From Ashes Yard Sale
/in Public Events/by AfAAdminArt From Ashes will be hosting a yard sale on August 15th to support the organization and its annual Running of the Gays event.
Come visit AfA staff and volunteers, support your community and take home some nice tools and trinkets, too.
AfA is also looking for anyone interested in volunteering to help clean and price the items prior the 15th. If you are interested in donating items or assisting with the preparation and or day of tasks for the sale, please contact Megan Fowler at volunteers@artfromashes.org