Arts Alliance Coordinates Variety of Cultural Events
Published Nov 19, 2008
Blossoms by Jackie McFarland won a Best in Show Award in local judging.
Whether you’re grooving to jazz tunes in the park or entranced by a colorful painting at city hall, it’s probably appropriate to say thanks to the North Metro Arts Alliance.
The nonprofit organization works to enhance the Metro North region in many ways, such as sponsoring free concerts and exhibiting works by Colorado artists.
“We do an art show every year and have purchased a public art collection that we hang in libraries and other public spaces,” says Vicky Marshall, alliance director.
“Our other major projects include a summer theater production and our concert series.”
The Premier Concert Series runs from September through April, featuring artists such as the Colorado Children’s Chorale and an Irish group, Colcannon.
In summer, the action moves to Westminster City Park, with musical guests that have included a popular jazz quartet, a cappella singers and the Beatles tribute band Fab Four.
“The summer series is lighthearted,” Marshall says.
“It’s definitely a family affair. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the park.”
Another popular event is the Missouli Children’s Theater, which runs for a week and spotlights young local thespians performing a multiact play with music and costumes.
The alliance works in partnership with a number of agencies, including the Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District, the city of Westminster, the Adams County School District, and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District – a foundation that distributes funds in seven metro Denver counties.
Private corporations and individual memberships also help foot the bill for the many cultural amenities the alliance sponsors.
“Denver is, of course, a center for the arts. There’s a lot of culture downtown, but that can be pretty pricey,” Marshall says. “Our mission is to provide opportunities in our area that are reasonable, so we rely on community support.”
Founded in 1983, the alliance has grown through the years to meet the needs and interests of the local community.
A time-tested favorite is the entertainment preceding Westminster’s annual Fourth of July celebration. As many as 10,000 spectators turn out each year for the show, which is followed by a fireworks display.
Story by Renee Elder
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