The 2024 Tri Arts Project Board of Directors is excited for all that’s in store ahead. Back row, left to right: Adam Sheridan, Katie D’Arcangelo, Christine Whaling, Dawn Jones and Jacque Ruff. Front row left to right: Lisa Huffman, Dane Robinson, Dana Frazee and Tina Bowes. Not pictured Maddie Stansell.

The arts are about to take full bloom in Castle Rock thanks to the Tri Arts Project (TAP). Initially established in 2022 as Rock the Arts, TAP used 2023 to forge a full-fledged effort to grow the nonprofit through volunteers and funds.

TAP fosters a love of the arts by bringing people together who are passionate about teaching, learning and growing creatively – with a vision of making Castle Rock a visual arts hub. The organization now has 10 board members and more than 15 additional volunteers.

There are tremendous happenings budding for TAP. First and foremost is a new partnership with the Town of Castle Rock that has been months in the making. The agreement provides TAP with space in the historic Cantril School to offer visual arts classes and art exhibitions for adults ages 16 and older. On Thursday, September 12, TAP will host a grand opening event, Inspiration at Cantril, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. With much excitement, classes begin this month.

“The Town of Castle Rock is looking forward to partnering with the Tri Arts Project to bring expanded art offerings to residents and the region at Cantril School,” shared Jeff Brauer, director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Castle Rock. “Art programs are vital to community development and enrich our cultural identity, help foster creativity and promote social connection.”

Katie D’Arcangelo, vice president of TAP, has been instrumental in the nonprofit’s growth. “We’ve spent a lot of time trying to really curate good energy and people that are motivated,” she said. Her enthusiasm for the new space and the opportunity it brings to expand curriculum offerings, host a wide range of rotating exhibitions, and become a central meeting space for the arts community is evident.

There is something for everyone. Novice to advanced classes already scheduled for fall include: Abstract Colorado: Painting for Beginners, Basics of Photoshop, Beginning Watercolor, Chancery Calligraphy, Creative Thinking, Felting an Alpaca Hat with Brim, Filmmaking Documentary 101, Floral Mosaic for Beginners, Introduction to Bookmaking, Introduction to Photography, Let’s Paint, Observational Drawing, Social Media for Businesses, Painting with Fiber, and Quilling.

On November 8, the group’s second annual Art of Giving Gala will be held at Cielo at Castle Pines. “It was really the gala last year that was one of those pivotal moments for TAP in showing the community how serious we are about establishing an art center,” shared board member Maddie Stansell. “We like to think of it as our own little Met Gala,” smiled Maddie and Katie.

Beyond the classroom, TAP is actively involved in community efforts such as Ducky Derby and the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce’s ArtFest and Starlighting, as well as collaborating with art and educational organizations such as the Castle Rock Artist Alliance. Through outreach, TAP also offers art classes at senior living facilities.

“We give full credit to our community, the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation, all of our amazing sponsors, and the fabulous volunteers who make Tri Arts Project happen,” concluded Maddie.

To learn more about TAP, register for classes, or purchase tickets to the November 8 gala, visit www.triartsproject.org.  Email questions to AskTap@triartsproject.org. Ideas for classes are welcome and artists interested in teaching are encouraged to reach out to TAP.

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Maddie Stansell